Japanese skincare line Hada Labo is a favorite for Huffpost editors and readers alike, with the brand’s overnight treatment cream being a top seller. So when we spotted their fragrance-free, plumping gel cream with a 25% off coupon that drops it to the lowest price of the year, we certainly wanted to ensure we spilled the beans as soon as possible.
A dreamy serum/moisturizer hybrid, it’s a super hydrating gel cream that promises 24 hours of plumping moisture. Deemed “magic in a jar” and a “new holy grail,” users are opting for Hada Labo over luxury options, saying the stuff works — and fast.
“I have a mature skin type that was looking really dull and dry over the past few weeks and this fixed everything right up,” one wrote. “I noticed changes from the very first time I tried it and it just keeps getting better.”
You can thank the plumping gel’s smart ingredients mix for that reportedly quick efficacy that allows a little bit to go a long way.
Made with three types of hyaluronic acid, the cream keeps your face bouncy and supple while smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. It’s water-based and lightweight on the skin, feeling silky, but not greasy and giving superior hydration without clogging pores. The mix of collagen, ceramides and green tea extract helps restore your protective barrier, reduces the appearance of lines and keeps your skin radiant.
“Goes on light, absorbs quickly, is extremely hydrating and gentle, no scent, no weird skin reactions, it just feels so pure and effective,” one review said. “You don’t need a lot to make your whole face feel amazing and dewy and it gives a nice little glow as well.”
The brand says the product is gentle enough to be used morning and night and should be massaged into your face and neck. Additionally, many reviewers say they’ve had the best results applying this cream to wet skin, then following it with a moisturizer. Several happy campers also noted they first learned about the hidden gem product (and the best application techniques) from Dr. Andrea Suarez (known online as Dr. Dray) board-certified dermatologist and content creator.
Check out Dr. Dray’s informative overview of the Hada Lobo plumping gel below.
What stuck out to one reviewer is Dr. Dray’s explanation of how the gel “turn[s] your skin ‘into a sponge’, so that it helps keep the moisture in place.”
“When you apply this to your wet face your skin will be able to absorb your moisturizer better,” they continued. “And you are taking a step to avoid transepidermal water loss.”
In addition to plumping and hydrating, users have used the cream to clear up fungal acne, soothe rosacea and keep extra dry skin from flaking and peeling. Some even mention the gel helping when taking Accutane or other drying acne medications.
Looking to keep your skin feeling nourished and soft? The Hada Labo plumping gel may be your next favorite purchase, especially while it’s on sale.
Wondering if the Hada Labo Tokyo plumping gel cream is the best next addition to your mature skincare routine? Check out more 5-star reviews below.
“The best moisturizer I’ve ever used. I have seborrheic dermatitis especially around my eyelids/nose/mouth that flares up with literally anything other than this. It’s made with non irritating ingredients (as well as the gentle cleanser) and my skin has never felt better. I’ve had one flare up since using it and it’s bc I switched to another moisturize for two days while I was waiting for my new container of this moisturizer to come in. It is extremely hydrating and non greasy. It is a gel so it’s nice and cool on your skin even without storing it in a cosmetic fridge/cooler. It keeps my skin hydrated all day long. My only wish is that they offered a larger size container!” — Amazon customer
“Like someone else said - this is my new holy grail moisturizer. Goes on light, absorbs quickly, is extremely hydrating and gentle, no scent, no weird skin reactions, it just feels so pure and effective. You don’t need a lot to make your whole face feel amazing and dewy and it gives a nice little glow as well. I have a mature skin type that was looking really dull and dry over the past few weeks and this fixed everything right up, I noticed changes from the very first time I tried it and it just keeps getting better. highly recommend!!” — Ruby Lees
“I read the reviews on Amazon and I had to try this product, now I have spent hundreds of dollars on facial products so when this came in I couldn’t wait to try it. The FIRST time I used this I was so excited it goes on SO smoothly and it doesn’t take much-be sure and put this on your damp skin, let it dry and apply a sealer on top I use a vitamin C serum. The next morning I COULD NOT believe what I was seeing- after only one application the skin under my eyes was hydrated and ‘plump’ I am 67 years old and I will NEVER use anything else (anybody want to buy my old products) seriously get this you owe it to yourself if you want to pamper yourself this is the product. I hope you have the same results I have - tell your friends and coworkers they will thank you believe me❤️” — Rhonda Fuller
“I adore this stuff! I have incredibly sensitive skin that reacts to nearly everything I put on it- yes even Cerave moisturizer! That being said, I also have combination/dry skin. It sounds crazy but I was getting break outs UNDERNEATH dry, patchy and flaky areas of my face! I tried everything! I spent TONS of money on products that didn’t do anything, or made my skin worse. Fast forward to me scouring the internet to find out what’s wrong...(I saw some videos a dermatologist put up, Dr.Dray) She talked about the skin barrier and how this amazing miracle in a jar is helping to turn your skin ‘into a sponge’, so that it helps keep the moisture in place. When you apply this to your wet face your skin will be able to absorb your moisturizer better, and you are taking a step to avoid transepidermal water loss. After I wash my face I use the Hada Labo Plumping Gel Cream, then I use something called Vanicream Lite Lotion on my face, and follow it up with a couple of dabs of my adapaline. My face feels so much better, and I’m really seeing results with this cream! I highly recommend this to anyone who has sensitive skin, and love that it’s fragrance free!” — sleepingbeauty
“This is the BEST anti aging products I have ever used! I am so glad I tried this. It plumps your skin within a minute or two and it really does keep your skin hydrated for 24 hours! I leave a tiny bit of water on my face after washing it and put this on immediately and it pushes all the water into your pores. I haven’t fully tested the 24 hours, but I work double shifts sometimes, so I’ve at least made it about 20-22 hours, and you can still feel it! This does have a mild scent (like a barely there fragrance), but I have very sensitive skin and this does not bother it one bit. Usually a fragrant product will make my face turn bright red and it will hurt almost like sunburn, this has the complete opposite effect. It is cool, hydrating and nourishing all while plumping and filling in wrinkles. If I could only use one skin care product for the rest of my life this would be it! This is leagues ahead of other anti aging creams and gels and it is definitely my holy grail anti aging product. Shipping was very quick too.” — Devon Shatto
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