What is Reddit's opinion of
Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam, 160ml?
From 3.5 billion Reddit comments
ProductGPT
Try the custom AI to help you find products that Reddit loves.
By popularity on Reddit, this product is:
59 reviews of this product found across Reddit:
After researching a ton on /r/asianbeauty, I started using Hada Labo Cleansing Foam. People call it the holy grail of facial cleansers, and having used it for the past 4 years, I'd have to agree. I won't let any other soap or cleansers touch my face.
The Make P:rem is Korean and the Hada Labo is Japanese. Import brands can definitely be a pain to find. I ordered mine from YesStyle, though it looks like US Amazon now also carries both. Canadian Amazon has the Hada Labo.
Hada Labo is my holy grail and it's also one of the most popular and recommended ones on both r/skincareaddiction and r/asianbeauty.
You can get it at Asian stores like Ocean's or T&T or order online for cheaper. It's foaming but it has a low pH so it won't strip your face. The foam is so soft like bathing in clouds. Highly recommend and it doesn't hurt that it's cheaper than Sephora brands.
Check out Hada Labo cleanser. The one with a pump. It is foamy but it foams due to a special pump action rather than SLS. It has mild surfactants, no fragrance and it is very affordable. One bottle lasts me 4 months. I measured Ph myself and it is 5.5 so it should be good for any skin. https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM
Also La Roche Posay Toleraine cleanser is very nice. It might come across as too mild (as if your skin is not clean enough after it) though due to the fact that it is not foaming at all. But it's an illusion. It cleans nicely! Their Effaclar H cleanser is good too.
I accidentally bought the old version of Hada Labo Gokujyn cleansing foam instead of the new version. Is the new one the preferred one or is it okay for me to still use the older version in terms of getting results?
Check out Hada Labo foam cleanser if you like foam! CeraVe makes a few bubbles but the Hada Labo gives you a little pile of foam. The pH is 5.5 too and it's gentle. I really like it.
Have you tried this one? It's a Japanese cleanser, and I have super oily skin, but what made it nice for me was that while it still foamed, it didn't give me that "stripped" skin feeling, but still cleaned my face very well. I break out with a lot of stuff too, I just recently got rid of my cystic acne (unless I use something that breaks me out), but that's another story lol.
I have oily/acne prone skin too and I love the Hada Labo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Foaming Cleanser. It cleanses skin without that tight feeling and is hydrating because of the hyaluronic acid. Also, it's only ~$10!
You don't have to use many products at all! Most people do on there, but a lot of other people, especially newcomers, don't. It's recommended just to start with a cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen, which most people should be able to overcome :) I'm not interested in a huge routine either so I just use the amount of products I want.
It's the SLS in Cetaphil I'm wary of. It's generally not recommended to use SLS on your face, especially not with one as sensitive as yours. If you're still in Japan, try to see if you can find this cleanser - it's low pH and free of SLS and fragrance :)
If you're scared to use the speedy oil cleanser, try only using it on your cheek for a week or two. If your cheek reacts badly to it, you'll know not to use it on the rest of your face. If your cheek is fine, you can try using it on the rest of your face. I'm actually kind of jealous, I've been eyeing that oil cleanser! It's got very clean ingredients so it's a good choice for your skin :)
Jojoba oil can be bought at drug stores or herbal shops, but if you're in Japan, safest bet is probably getting some from Amazon. But be careful with any oil you put undiluted on your face - patch test it like with the oil cleanser until you're sure it won't break you out horribly. Stay away from coconut oil, it's super comodogenic.
I'm talking about this one. Double checked last night. No scent as far as I can tell.
I just heard that they reformulated this awesome low pH cleanser (https://www.amazon.ca/Rohto-Hadalabo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459444508&sr=8-1&keywords=hadalabo+foam) into a high pH one and I am absolutely freaking out because I love this. I plan to stock up on it and wanted to ask if this refill was for this low pH foam pump cleanser or for the high pH tube cleanser? Also, since I plan to stock up, I need to know how long they could last for? Will they ever expire? Because I don't see any expiration dates. I heard something about it being okay for 3 years after manufacture date or after being opened. Please let me know!! Thanks!
Is there a specific brand you'd recommend or would any mineral oil do?
I'm currently using Hada Labo's foaming cleanser (http://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM) Yes I do wash my face twice a day but no moisturizer as everything I put on my face seems to make me itch haha
I'm in Colorado too! Oh, the dryness. I have combo/oily face but the rest of my whole body is always PARCHED.
I'm waiting for my cleansing oil to get here so I can start double cleansing for real (I'm using Cetaphil lotion cleanser to take off my makeup, then foaming cleanser). I will tell you that the Hado Labo hyaluronic acid foaming cleanser doesn't dry me out at all like other foaming cleansers have. I found it due to many good reviews and blog posts and I LOVE it.
I got it on Amazon prime at http://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM/ref=sr_1_1?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1454439012&sr=8-1&keywords=hada+labo+foam&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011
ETA: it is low ph, and hyaluronic acid helps with moisture.
Oh thanks so much! That beginner's guide is exactly what I needed hahaha
The amazon link lists the hado labo cleanser as having Hyaluronic acid, which I haven't researched too much... but I'm super interested in swapping out my cleansers right now and am sort of leaning towards the innisfree ones as well
For cleansers, I have tried the little less drying Cerave's Baby Wash and Neutrogena's Ultra Gentle Cleanser, Creamy Formula that seem to give me just as good results as the CeraVe Foaming cleanser. Trader Joe's Nourish All-In-One Facial Cleanser is another excellent choice if you have a Trader Joe's near you. This was my "go-to" cleanser before I started using Cerave Foaming.
/r/AsianBeauty usually recommends Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam, too.
For moisturizer, I am still having the same struggle as you as I have used Dr. Lin's as well and found my face quite dry, especially during winter. I am currently enjoying and would repurchase Innisfree's Green Tea Balancing Lotion, but I am interested in trying First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Oil-Free Mattifying Gel or Acure's Marula Oil because they don't contain any fragrance. I hope that helps!
I've had this same issue.. Had a REALLY hard time finding a cleanser that didn't dry my skin out or make me break out. I picked this up a while ago (took about 3 weeks to ship.. It's from Japan) and have been using it for 2+ weeks. I LOVE it. It's foaming but not drying. My skin feels clean but not tight. Hasn't broken me out at all either!
Yay! I got this Hada Labo cleansing foam. Has a pH of 5.5, cosdna rating of 1, no fragrances, no alcohols. Cross your fingers, sounds like a dream! I also picked up their Hyaluronic Lotion Moist.
You can get the cleanser on Amazon and quite a few other places. Try this: http://www.amazon.ca/Rohto-Hadalabo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM
Edit: of course in that link they misspelled gokujyun, lol. I searched for Hada Labo, by the way.
I skipped SCA and went straight to /r/asianbeauty - my skin has never looked better. I started off by switching to double cleansing (using an emulsifying oil cleanser [Skinfood makes good ones] and then following up with a foaming cleanser ). The good news is that a lot of products are now available on Amazon Prime, so shipping isn't an issue. I also started paying attention to the science-y stuff like pH levels.
I was at work and I didn't have time to post a link: http://www.amazon.com/Rohto-Hadalabo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM
Ingredients: Water, PEG-8, Butylene Glycol, polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, TEA-Cocoyl Alaninate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Glycerin, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Starch Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Succinic Acid
I think I'm using my konjac sponge wrong. I don't get much foam, and when I do it's really watery and I'm left holding my foam with one hand and scooping it out with the sponge with my other. Could I be doing something wrong? Is it my sponge? (There's a large spot that never puffed up with the rest and it kind of looks/feels like burnt plastic.) Maybe I just have unrealistic expectations when it comes to foaminess.
For reference, I'm using Hada Labo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam.
It's one of the original holy grail low pH cleansers on r/skincareaddiction and have been using it for a few years now. I just buy it from large asian stores like T&T or Ocean's (Toronto area), but sometimes amazon is cheaper. I stocked up on a few bottles when I was in Japan because it's only like $4 there or something ��
Their hyaluronic liquid is also amazing if you have dry/dehydrated skin! You just pat a small amount over your face before applying moisturizer and your face just sucks up all the moisture.
It largely depends on where you live and how quickly you need the items. As a general rule, if you're willing to wait a bit, you can find items much cheaper from non-Prime sellers on Amazon and overseas sellers on eBay. Also, if you're just purchasing a few things and they are heavy items, I find it's usually cheaper to stay away from sites with high shipping charges by weight, like Testerkorea and RoseRoseShop.
I usually do a lot of research when I make a new product purchase to find the lowest price from a reputable seller that I can. Partly because I just like shopping online for AB stuff and partly because I make it into a sort of game to see how cheap I can find something. It's like a hobby for me.
I recommend the Honey browser extension for Amazon. If you're looking for something it will tell you if there's a cheaper price available from another seller. It also goes through available coupon codes on many other online sites to see if there's one in the database that works for your order.
Anyway, I'm not sure where you live, but I did a bit of looking (I'm in the U.S.), and this is what I came up with. I can't guarantee these are the best prices out there -- just what I found from a bit of quick looking at a few different places.
Hado Labo foam for $9.40 with free shipping on Amazon (not Prime) here
The Face Shop Cleansing Oil - $9.58 with free shipping from Jolse here or $10.20 on Amazon Prime here.
Shiseido Aging Care Sunscreen on Amazon for $8.20 with free shipping (non-Prime) here.
Rosette Aqua Ceramide Gel - $12.45 with free shipping (non-Prime) on Amazon here.
Yes I highly recommend DBT!
Haha with the skincare stuff, I personally recommend checking out r/asianbeauty and r/SkincareAddiction! My routine/philosophy is a mixture of inspiration from both subs. I tend to focus less on make-up in my day to day and care more about building a great healthy base.
For some background, my skin is prone to dehydration/dryness and is sensitive. Also, disclaimer, certain products may work for some people while they may not work for others. Creating a skincare routine that works for you takes time and patience! My routine is quite long, and I find joy and calmness in doing the routine, but I know that not everyone wants to use lots of products.
But if you're curious here you go!
AM:
- Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam
- Melano CC (Vitamin C Serum)
- Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist (moisturizing toner, not really a "lotion")
- Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion (I get it at local store)
- BIORE UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50
PM:
- Momonde Petal Spa Oil to Foam Cleanser
- Hada Labo Foam Cleanser (as mentioned above)
- COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
- Hada Labo Hyaluronic Lotion Moist (as mentioned above)
- The Saem Sheet Mask (couple times a week)
- Cerave PM, extra layer below eyes
- Trader Joe's Jojoba oil on eyebrows and eyelashes
- Thick layer of Vaseline on lips before bed
I also recently ordered tretinoin through Apostrophe, so once I get started with that my routine will be minimized for awhile while my skin acclimates.
But yeah that's my routine! I def recommend those two subs I linked in the beginning for lots more info and guidance. <3 If you want some before/after pics btw you can DM me!
Assuming that he'll want something fairly inexpensive, and not too complicated, I'd recommend the Hada Labo Foaming Cleanser. It's a good pH for skin, doesn't smell like much, and pretty easy to find (I've linked you to an Amazon listing, but you can find it on ebay, and, depending on where you live, in Japan/Koreantown stores, 99 Ranch, etc.).
For the irritation, I'd recommend something with snail, the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Power Essence is inexpensive, unscented, etc.
Let me know if you'd like another recommendations! Hope this helps. :) Edit: also it just occurred to me that I assumed you live in the United States, and if not, these might be harder (or easier) to find.
You could try to switch to the cleanser I mentioned, which I purchase on amazon here for a gentle foaming cleanser. Is there a specific reason you oil cleanse? I've tried myself and found double cleansing to be drying and then found an oil cleanser that washes away with just water, this one , and found it cleanses nicely without drying, but didn't do much for my skin otherwise so I didn't purchase it again.
You could opt to the normal hydrating cerave cleanser (by itself), get a more gentle foaming cleanser (like the one i linked you), or try a new cleansing oil (like the second one i linked) that doesn't require double cleansing. Your moisturizer should be fine objectively speaking but if it isn't hydrating enough to you, you can try this one from Paula's Choice which is a more emollient, yet slightly more expensive, option. Paula's Choice in general has really great products for all skin types, and for the quality it's expensive in comparison to pretty much everything except CeraVe...
I have 2 recs! Both are super chill (almost boring) and I've had no problem using it alongside my tret cream (curology). My top fave is Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam. it's a foam but not stripping at all. and 2nd is CosRx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. If I can only pick one, I'd pick the Hada Labo.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036MDUEM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016NRXO06/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It can be very overwhelming but I think I’ve found that keeping it simple is best for me. I’m not sure what your skin type is but I am oily
Cleansing balm: Banila Clean it Zero. This is simple and gets the job done. All I really need is for the balm to remove sunscreen and makeup. It doesn’t burn my eyes and doesn’t leave a sticky film. It’s emulsifying so you apply it to dry skin, massage it in and then rinse it off before continuing with washing your skin.
Cleanser: Hada labo foaming cleanser. I was a bit hesitant to try this out because my skin hates their hyaluronic toners, but my skin loves this and it does not break me out.
Toner: Klairs unscented supple preparation toner. I see people with other skin types rave about this, but it turns out my oily skin loves it. There are two versions-scented and unscented. The unscented is the most commonly recommended version and I have sensitive skin so I figured it would be the most appropriate. It absorbs into my skin really well and doesn’t leave a sticky residue.
Moisturizer: Cosrx AIO 92 advanced snail mucin. Lightweight, not sticky and absorbs well.
/r/Asian beauty can be a great resource although it can still be overwhelming when you see people using 10 products in one routine
if I have
- 1. Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam
- 2. Kikumasamune Sake Skin Lotion High Moisture
- 3. KOSE SOFTYMO Speedy Cleansing Oil
Is the PM process to do #1, wash off, #2, wait dry, then #3? thanks
Help! Did I buy a knockoff/discontinued Hado Labo product on Amazon?
Combo skin, only break out when stressed or wrong product, living in a temperate moist "forest" biome (I live in a city, but that's what the surrounding region is like)
Routine:
AM
Water rinse or Hado Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hylauronic Acid Cleansing Foam, one pump Mizon all-in-one moisturizer
PM Hado Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hylauronic Acid Cleansing Foam, one pump Mizon all-in-one moisturizer
*Currently patch testing the Biore Sarasara Rich Watery Essence SPF50, Heimish All Clean due to be patch tested in a week. Other things that have been on my face in the a last two weeks due to shower accidents and the Zit That Just Won't Quit on my chin: Cosrx pimple patches (three straight days, that was a mistake), LUSH Let the Good Times Roll Face& Body Cleanser, Nature Republic Aqua sleeping pack
SO
I ordered the Hado Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam (160ml) on Amazon from seller Samurai Japan (massive space in between is what's on Amazon) in September 2017. I used this link and the packaging does look like this.
In the last two months of use my combo skin has started feeling tight, dry, and kinda like it stings. I went on Hado Labo's website to check ingredients and I noticed that the packaging & product name were different. The ingredients and product use instructions were the same as the ones that Amazon page, but idk if that's because they are in fact the same or if somebody just copy-pasted it off Hado Labo's site.
Does anybody know if they redesigned the packaging, reformulated the cleanser, or if this is a knockoff? Thanks!
(EDIT: just realized that when I bought the cleanser I was still using CeraVe's PM moisturizer with no problems. Winter where I live was pretty off the wall this year and has gone back and forth between cold-dry and cold-damp, so I thought it was that. Switched to the Mizon in January and like the texture of my skin much more, but yeah, still dry/tight/burning and it feels like it's getting increasingly worse.)
If you want something foaming and gentle I'd recommend the Hada Labo's foaming cleanser, it's not too expensive and looks like it'll suit your needs!
It's this one : Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam
this one?
Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam - 160ml (japan import) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0036MDUEM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_62UAzbDY7TQSX
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0036MDUEM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 this is the one I have ordered! Is that the correct low-ph one? :)
is packaging the only thing different between these two products?
Two cleanser suggestions that I have personally had good luck with are the Hada Labo foaming cleanser: https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM
and also the Paula's Choice Earth Sourced cleansing gel: https://www.amazon.com/Paulas-Choice-Perfectly-Cleansing-Sensitive/dp/B00L5O4696/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1476663900&sr=1-1&keywords=earth+sourced
I think some people just have issues with Cerave products. Maybe try doing a search for cleanser suggestions? I think there was a thread about Holy Grail Cleansers recently as well
Hi Everyone, I have a weird question.
What the heck is the difference between these two products? Is it just a case of the brand changing the name?
This one says bubble cleanser I am honestly the most confused little potato.
Yes yes! sorry I was on my phone I was lazy to type the whole thing out It's this one https://www.amazon.com/Hada-Labo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM
Also, I've seen a gentle Hada Labo Foaming Cleanser mentioned a few times, is this the right product? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rohto-Hadalabo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM
A low ph cleanser did wonders for me. I switch between hada labo gokujyn cleansing foam, and CeraVe Foaming after oil cleansing at night. In the morning I use micellar water because washing again is too much. For hydrating toner, I like kohaku hada. My serum is Shark Sauce, sometimes mixed with CosRx Galactomyces Essense, though I wish they wouldn't call it "White Power Essence"! For moisturizer, I'm currently using up some CeraVe PM, but I find CosRx Honey Ceramide Cream to be far more effective for my insanely dry skin. During the day, I use a mineral only sunscreen like EltaMD UV Physical or SkinCeuticals UV Matte. At night, I'll use a thin layer of occlusive like Aquaphor or CeraVe. Keep in mind that I have incredibly dry skin year-round, so these products might be waaaaay too heavy if you're combo or oily. And with all things skincare, ymmv. :)
Is this the one you're talking about?
What is the different between these two products other than packaging?? Je suis confused. http://www.amazon.ca/Rohto-Hadalabo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM
I was looking for Hada Labo Gokujyun Foaming Wash on Amazon and I saw that there were multiple versions with slightly different names. Can anyone point me at the most reputable seller/product? Here were the two I thought looked the best.
Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam, 160ml
Hadalabo Japan goku jyun Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Bubble Foaming Cleanser 160ml
I'm a big fan of the Hada Labo Goku-jyun Foaming Face Wash. It is PH balanced and never dries me out. It isn't great at taking off really tough, waterproof makeup. I use it to double cleanse. They have the ingredient list on their website
Here's a good option if you enjoy the foaming aspect of cleansing: Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam (no fragrances or alcohol)
If you want something super gentle, you could use a micellar water.
Here's another option, Banila Co. Clean It Zero Purity - which will be much more moisturizing than a foaming cleanser.
What are you using as a cleanser? A decent cleanser will bring your skin into the right pH range for your BHA to be effective. I'm not super familiar with Western cleansers, so I can only vouch for Hadalabo Gokujyun cleanser, but using a similar cleanser in the evening, at least, will give your BHA some help.
Can confirm that vitamin C helps enormously with scarring. I personally use OST C21.5, because it has slightly fewer ingredients than the original OST C20 (that's not to say that C20 isn't effective, though!). Vit C needs to be applied to bare skin - I apply it after cleansing but before acids - and it needs a 15-20 minute waiting period to do its thing before you move on to the next step. It's a danged miracle worker, though.
You could also investigate an at-home chemical peel. I'm currently using one from SR Skincare (purely because I'm based in the Netherlands), and I've seen a lot of improvement in my skin, but I'm not a super-expert. MUAC is a popular brand of peels in the US. I'm under the impression that glycolic is the right acid for acne scarring - but I'm far from an expert, so you'd be best off emailing the company for advice.
Good luck!
I just ordered the following from Amazon...should I be concerned at all about fakes? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036MDUEM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
I'm really amped to try double cleansing!
Have you tried the Hada Labo HA self-foaming one? It's like 11.85 on Amazon Prime right now.
I have combination skin with an oily t-zone and dry/normal cheeks, and I also have hormonal acne and starting to wrinkle around the eyes. Since starting Korean-style skincare, I've only had a few pimples. My skin was dehydrated, but I realized I really stripped it using Western methods. Once I started moisturizing it more, it behaved a lot better.
This is what I use. Can't guarantee it will work for you, but it might be a start.
AM:
Hado Labo Gokujyun Foaming Cleanser - just a dab, rinse with water
Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Witch Hazel Toner - a lot of people like Etude House Wonder Pore Toner, but Thayers is cheap where I live
Stridex Red Box - Also tried Paula's Choice 2% BHA which worked well, and heard good things about COSrx Blackhead Power Liquid. Stridex is so cheap though, so I put $$ elsewhere.
Innisfree Green Tea Essence - Love this stuff! I want to get more from this line. The serum or cream would work well here, too. I wanted something lighter for daytime.
Hado Labo Gokujyun Milk - Just added this since I was experiencing daytime skin dryness. Like it so far. I also have the moist toner/lotion, and it works well, but it wasn't quite enough moisture. I replaced it with this.
Biore Aqua Rich Waterly Essence SPF 50+/PA++++ - Love the texture, and works well, but may be what's drying out my skin a bit
PM:
Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Oil - Love the way it works, but the scent is very strong fake flowery. You massage it in dry, wet your hands and massage until it foams a bit, then rinse. I want the Innisfree Apple Cleansing Oil next.
Hado Labo Gokujyun Foaming Cleanser - I use a full pump at night. This with the oil cleanser is the two step cleansing process. I only do it at night, and I was totally skeptical at first, but it really has helped. I tried dropping it a few days and immediately started breaking out.
OST C Serum C20 - I'd advise the C21.5 as it doesn't have alcohol. I plan to switch. Still, it's really made a huge difference in the clarity and texture of my skin
Innisfree Green Tea Essence
CeraVe Moisturizing Facial Lotion PM - I'm looking for a Korean alternative to this, but I've had reactions to several things I've tried so far, including all the snail creams. I know a lot of people like Mizon's Returning Starfish Cream and Benton's Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream.
TonyMoly Banana Sleeping Pack - 2/3 nights per week. Like the way it smells, and it does a good job keeping moisture in, but not sure it's the best option
Some nights I put Vaseline under my eyes on the wrinkles. Someone suggested this on reddit, and it does seem to help. It goes over all the treatments. I also use sheet masks 2-3 times a week. I'm not sure they make a huge difference, but they feel luxurious. My favorites are the Aritaum cucumber masks.
I listed some links, but you can find most of these in a variety of places.
If you prefer a foaming cleanser but want something less stripping, you could try the Hado Labo Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam. I haven't personally tried it myself, but have heard good things, plus since it has hyaluronic acid it should be less stripping. If you're looking to add another layer of moisture, their hyaluronic acid toner is also something you could look into.
edit: *their
The Hada Labo cleanser is not at the correct pH (too alkaline) and also it's a cleanser, any exfoliating capabilities it has ( which it doesn't, have because of pH) will be washed down the drain. For more information about why pH matters please read here and here
Drastic climate/diet changes (from Canada to Singapore) does a number on the body, your skin breaking out is most likely a reaction to it. Sometimes it will take a while for your body to adapt.
With your current routine, you made the right choice about cutting back. If you didn't patch-test, you will need to go back and and reintroduce products one at a time for 7-10 days.
Things I would cut first is the Innisfree Jeju bija anti-trouble facial foam and toner because the facial foam is too high of a pH (it's essentially stripping your skin with a ph of 9.5) and the toner has alcohol. The cleansing gel is at the opposite scale of the pH spectrum with a pH of 3-4 so your skin is probably not liking you for all the stress you are putting it under during the cleansing step. I might also cut that too.
If your skin likes Hada Labo, I would say keep using it but you could also try Hada Labo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam. Be sure to get the one linked in the pump and not in the tube. You should be able to find this easily in Singapore.
As to your anecdotes, you probably have sun damage because your 1)cleansers are too harsh, 2) You haven't been wearing sunscreen in a climate like Singapore. Besides investing in a sunscreen, using a gentle cleanser like I recommended and a light-weight moisturizer could at least help alleviate some of your concerns. It sounds like your skin works best when it's pretty much left alone. Good luck!
Here are a few possible options you can look into. Hada Labo & Innisfree Minimum are usually good for sensitive skin.
These are all popular. I'm not sure if they're SLS free. You'll have to check the ingredients list or see if you can google and find them. You can always just use the Oil Cleansing Method and use pure oil by itself. However, for convenience, it is nice to have a cleanser that is more traditional.
But some you might want to check out:
Innisfree Minimum Hada Labo Japanese packaging
Hada Labo Tokyo non Japanese packaging This is the western version of the above.
DHC cleansing oil Very popular Japanese brand
Banila Co Clean It Zero A sherbert cream cleanser
Banila Co Clean It Zero Purity Slightly different formula from above
Sum37 Miracle Rose This one is supposedly gentle. Very popular on this sub.
I get pretty obsessive with things so I'm not sure if you really want my routine since you want something simple to travel. Taking out the actives, aha/bha, essence, serums, and eyecream that I'm using, you can basically strip it down to a cleanser, toner, moisturizer.
If you want a cleanser, everyone here is really into the hada labo gokujyun foaming cleanser (http://www.amazon.com/Rohto-Hadalabo-Gokujyn-Hyaluronic-Cleansing/dp/B0036MDUEM). It has a ph of 5.5 so it's a solid cleanser that won't raise the ph of your skin. Follow that up with a toner. I'm currently using the Mizon AHA/BHA toner. Ph is too high for the bha to exfoliate and too high for the aha to exfoliate (they each exfoliate differently, though) so it's really just a useful toner to get your skin ph at a good point. Then the moisturizer. Like I said, I'm using the Mizon all in one cream and it's really awesome. It feels like I didn't put anything on afterwards but my skin is really hydrated and soft. Depending on how dry your skin gets, though, you might also need the recovery gel to use right after, which basically adds a little more hydration and seals it in.
If you decide to add an essence, that would go right after the toner. You said that you were using some of your girlfriend's sk-ii products--were you using the essence? It's kind of expensive (at least out of my budget as a student) so I'm using the Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence.
If you do decide to use any actives, specifically aha, make sure to use sunscreen because your skin gets a lot more vulnerable to uv rays and then everything is counterproductive since you're damaging your skin. Paula's Choice AHA and BHA are really popular, but so are the CosRX AHA and BHA and those are apparently gentler on your skin. If you're really sensitive to chemical sunscreens, go for a physical sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). Keep in mind, though, that most physical sunscreens leave a whitecast, but there are some that don't. Some pretty popular sunscreens on here are the hado labo UV creamy gel sunscreen, but apparently it doesn't dry very quickly. I'm not really trying to make my face shiny and I'm already getting the moisture from the mizon AIO, so I'm using the biore watery essence sunscreen-dries quickly and doesn't smell like sunscreen. If you do add the aha, meaning you add the sunscreen, you're going to want to add an oil cleanser.
Double cleansing is when you use an oil cleanser and then use a facial cleanser afterwards. The regular foaming or face cleanser doesn't take out makeup (or sunscreen) very well, so to make sure you get all that out at the end of the day, so that you don't start breaking out, use an oil cleanser at night before using your regular foaming or facial cleanser (I'm using the DHC oil cleanser since most people are in love with it).
At night, like twice a week, I just add either a sheet mask (my beauty diary ones are a pretty popular choice but the face shop also has good ones) or a sleeping pack(I'm using the laneige sleeping pack_ex).
If you decide you want to add any vitamin c or any aha or bha, let me know and I can give you more info on where to include that in your routine/some stuff to consider (like waiting twenty minutes after vitamin c).
There are lots of sites to buy from but I'm a big fan of beautynetkorea
Within the same post is a link to the old list, which isn't complete but does still have western products. You could check there, if you want to expand your list. If you're looking for something cheaper than $13 US, I'm not sure the other Asian foaming cleansers will be cheaper (for example, for less product, the Missha Super Aqua ...Cleanser is more expensive)
Popular alternatives to Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hya...
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser with Pump Dispenser - 8 fl oz - Formulated Without Common Irritants for Those with Sensitive Skin
