Review: Hada Labo Gokujyun Hydrating Makeup Remover

The Hada Labo Gokujyun Hydrating Makeup Remover is quite a steal at $17.90 from Watsons. I have been using cleansing oils from Fancl and Shu Uemura, so I thought it was time for something more economical. I went by Watsons and picked this Hada Labo make up remover. I chose this over the Aqualabel cleansing oil as the Hada Labo one had more raves on the taiwanese website urcosme.tw, where people review and rate products.

This Hada Labo Gokujyun Hydrating Makeup Remover is not a cleansing oil. It has a gel texture, which made me worried that it might not cleanse well since I have been using cleansing oils for so long.  I was pleasantly surprised that it cleansed my makeup well and there was no tight feeling after washing, so it does have some hydrating properties.

The first time I used it, I used it like a cleansing oil, 3 pumps and massage then add a little water to "emulsify". Although it;s not needed, it has become a habit. BUT I discovered that by adding a bit of water and massaging away the makeup again there is a slight warming sensation! I thought I was imagining it but I get that slight 1-2sec warm sensation every time I use it. This feeling makes me feel like the warmth can serve to clean better, although it is probably some chemical reaction with water?

The downside is that it stings the eyes, so try not to open your eyes when you use this. I would recommend using a separate eye makeup remover to remove any eyeliner or mascara.

All in all, it is quite a good product for the price I paid. It is a very simple and normal makeup remover, which does its job. If it was more expensive, I would not re-purchase. But I will consider if I am tight on my budget.