I Thought Having Oily Skin Meant I Should Avoid Hydrating Products But I Was Proven Wrong

By Rachel Yohannan on 25 Jan 2021

Senior Digital Editor

Crazy cat lady who loves afternoon tea, kawaii Japanese fashion, and all things Sanrio.

One thing that’s plagued me since the onset of puberty - and still hasn’t gone away - is overly oily skin. No matter how much I cleanse and blot, the sebum just keeps coming, and Singapore’s climate doesn’t help. Fed up with this unwelcome greasiness, I once even stayed away from hydrating products, thinking that was the way to go. Unfortunately, the problem persisted, and in fact became worse.

Turns out, oily skin does in fact still need to be moisturised - you just need to seek out the most suitable products. After trying out Japanese brand Hada Labo’s best-selling Hydrating Lotion with a new and improved formula, I can confidently say that hydration is an essential part of any face care routine, no matter your skin type.

Having been around in Singapore for over 10 years now, Hada Labo prides themselves on being one of the leading brands for hydrating skincare products, with the Hydrating Lotion as one of their most popular picks. Fun fact: Over 100 million bottles have been sold in Japan alone!

Read on for our review on Hada Labo’s Hydrating Lotion in Singapore and find out how to win a bottle for yourself!

Photo from GirlStyle SG

Many people with oily yet dehydrated skin like myself tend to shy away from hydrating skincare products, but the reality is, a lack of moisture will actually cause your oil glands to overcompensate with an overproduction of sebum, resulting in an even greasier face.

While it is true that some serums and moisturisers can be too rich for oily skin - thus causing breakouts and clogged pores - the right ones should help rebalance the skin’s texture and give it a smoother appearance.

After much trial and error, I’ve found that Hada Labo’s Hydrating Lotion fits the bill for me. Because its texture is lightweight and watery, it absorbs into my skin almost instantly without leaving an unappealing film. This is probably because of how it comprises 4 different types of Hyaluronic Acid of different molecular sizes, which allows it to be evenly infused into the different skin layers.

Photo from GirlStyle SG

At the same time, the Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion forms a moisture-retaining barrier to strengthen dehydrated skin, protecting it from pollution and other harsh environmental factors - thanks to the newly-added ingredients of ceramide and amino acids. This allows the skin to maintain its elasticity despite a lack of natural moisture, and have a more radiant appearance overall.

As someone who is quite conscious about the ingredients that go into my skincare products, it’s pleasing to know that Hada Labo’s Hydrating Lotion is free from 8 major allergens, namely:

Parabens
Fragrance
Colorant
Preservatives
Silicon
Alcohol
Mineral oil
Fluorescent agent

Photo from GirlStyle SG

Thanks to this simple, clean formula, my sensitive skin that often flares up easily doesn’t run into any problems when using this lotion, be it rawness, redness, or pimples.

Patting the lotion onto my face makes it feel instantly refreshed, especially on tired mornings where I haven’t had enough sleep the night before. Use it like how you would any regular lotion - after cleansing and toning, before serum. Alternatively, you can apply it before masking to enhance its absorption rate.

Here’s a tip: Store it in the fridge for a greater perk-me-up, and don’t forget to apply it on your neck too.

Photo from GirlStyle SG

There’s also a Light version if you prefer something with an airier feel. I personally prefer using the Hada Labo Light Hydrating Lotion during the day, and the regular one at night just before heading to bed, as my skin seems to absorb products better overnight.

The result is hydrated, bouncy skin that stays balanced throughout the day with lesser blotting required. Expect any rough, dry patches on your face to smoothen up as well!

Photo from GirlStyle SG

With hydration being a key to healthy, glowing skin that maintains its elasticity, Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion is indeed a gift that will enhance any skincare routine - and the best part is that it’s suitable for all skin types, from dry to oily and sensitive!

Get it here from Guardian Singapore.

- GIVEAWAY: Win a bottle of Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion! -

Photo from GirlStyle SG

We are giving away 10 bottles of Hada Labo’s best-selling Hydrating Lotion to 10 lucky winners (1 bottle per winner). Giveaway open till 14 February 2021. Join here.