Comparison of Two Hyaluronic Acid Toners: HadaLabo and JUJU Aquamoist

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Have you ever used a hyaluronic acid toner? I have been using JUJU Aquamoist H.A. Toner Lotion for about nine months now and recently ordered the famed HadaLabo Gokujyun Lotion to compare. After a month, I have a clear preference.

To be clear, even though one is called a toner and the other a lotion they perform the same purpose. Actually, I think neither toner or lotion (to Americans, anyhow) accurately describes what these liquids are. They are watery fluids, slippery to the feel. Unlike other toners out there, they do not aim to further cleanse the skin or tighten pores, but rather aid in retaining moisture and are "team players" by enhancing the benefits of other creams and moisturizers.

JUJU on the left, HadaLabo on the right. Pretty much identical in appearance.

I actually prefer the cheaper JUJU Aquamoist to the famous and much lauded HadaLabo. The HadaLabo leaves my skin quite sticky, due to the glycerin. It's supposed to be patted into the skin with a light slapping motion but long after it is applied, it feels like I have a wet adhesive on my skin that never really dries completely. When moisturizers and foundations are applied on top, it makes them feel sticky too. The JUJU doesn't retain moisture quite as as well (but only by a small margin) but doesn't have the sticky feeling. I apply that one the same way, by patting a small amount into my damp skin with my finger tips but it can also be applied with a cotton pad (though I feel like that wastes more product).

One thing that the HadaLabo is fantastic is restoring moisture to the lips and plumping them. I use a Q-tip to apply it to my lips and immediately apply balm on top. In this case, the glycerin's stickiness isn't really noticeable because of the balm, but my lips immediately plump up and feel really soft.

Ingredients of the Rohto HadaLabo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion (taken from MakeupAlley, since I cannot read Japanese) are:

Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Disodium Succinate, Methlyparaben, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Succinic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

I can't find a list of the ingredients in JUJU Aquamoist Hyaluronic Acid Toner Lotion, so if anyone has a list- please let me know!

JUJU Aquamoist Lotion is around $12 for 180ml and the HadaLabo is around $22 for 140ml.

Both of these products actually have a Light version, and I might try the Light HadaLabo in the hopes that is not as sticky.

I really do like this type of product, when applied to wet skin (wet being pretty key, without a little water it can actually feel drying) it provides light moisture. The most important thing to remember is that these toners make other products work better. Much like a supporting actress, it helps enhance the performance of serums, creams and oils.

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