Although there are many different kinds of Japanese sunscreen that have a moisturizing feature to it, they may not be as moisturizing as some other products—the Hada Labo Gokujyun UV White Gel Beauty Review.

What’s popular about this product is not only because of its many moisturizing agents, but also its convenience and usability. This UV White Gel is a highly rated “All in One” product that can act as a makeup primer, sunscreen, moisturizer, pack (face pack), moisturizing cream, beauty essence, lotion—a lifesaver for people who are on the go!

I’m so excited to share with you guys my experience using this product because I’m always down for something that is going to have fewer steps to my skincare routine, especially when it’s before putting my makeup on and getting ready for the day.

About Hada Labo

Hada Labo, a brand owned and created by ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., is famous for its affordable skincare products loved by all ages. It’s also very famous for the main ingredient used in their skincare products, hyaluronic acid, which helps anybody with any skin type achieve the maximum capacity of moisture and hydration.

Quick Facts about The Hada Labo Gokujyun UV White Gel

The Gokujyun UV White Gel is a moisturizing and UV protective skincare product. It contains such ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C. There are very many different features for this product, as it has seven in total: lotion, beauty essence, milk emulsion lotion, cream, (face mask) pack, UV protection and primer.

Ingredients: Water, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, isononyl isononanoate, dimethicone, ethanol, BG, PEG-12 dimethicone, pentylene glycol, polysilicone-15, dimethacrylic acid glycol crosspolymer, bisethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, phosphorus Acid ascorbyl Mg (vitamin C derivative), hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, hexyl diethylaminohydroxybenzoyl benzoate, polysilicone-13, phenoxyethanol, carbomer, TEA, polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, hydroxyethylcellulose, EDTA-2Na, butylcarbamine Propynyl oxyiodide, (acrylates / alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymer, titanium oxide, acrylates copolymer ammonium, hydrous silica, aluminum hydroxide, Mud Gen dimethicone, methyl paraben

Skin type: For all types of skin, but recommended especially for those with dry/combination/normal skin

Texture: Smooth, thick but light-weight

Fragrance: None

Packaging: 90g

My Initial Impression

The product packaging is sleek—very nice looking as it has a simple design. But I noticed immediately that there was no spatula that came with it, which was something that I didn’t really like about because I think it is a little harder to use and somewhat unsanitary if you do not wash your hands well before using the product. I kinda wished that it came in a tube. 

The cream itself was very white colored. I took some with my finger onto my hand and spread the product out. It did not have a white cast which I was super happy about! In addition to that, I’ve noticed that it did have a little bit of a toning up effect, making my skin appear a little bit brighter and clearer.

Another thing that I wanted to mention was that there were some English translations for this product, mainly about what the product was. I found that to be very useful for many people who do not speak or know Japanese, but would still like to try out Japanese skincare!

Using the Product

There were different things that were mentioned about how to use the product on the packaging. The three things that it said were:

• In the morning, after you wash your face, take a reasonable amount of the product and spread it out on your face
• Recommended to use on the neck, arm and other parts of the body for UV protection
• You can use it with other skin care products

Since the product had sunscreen ingredients, it made sense to only use it in the morning. So I washed my face and used a reasonable amount, about two finger scoops worth of product that was enough for my face and neck. I applied some to my arms and legs as well, and I loved the fact that the product does not feel sticky at all, whatsoever. 

Using the Product with Makeup

Because I knew that this product can be used as a makeup primer, I tried putting some makeup on top of this UV White Gel.

When I applied some foundation on my face, it was looking nice at first, until I noticed that the UV White Gel was clumping up a bit. It came to the conclusion that it might be best to use the UV White Gel when you don’t need to apply foundation or so much makeup.

I think this product looks great for a “no-makeup (foundation) makeup look.” It gives you the natural-looking dewy effect that I personally really like. However, I would like to mention that it may look greasy for those who have oily skin.

The Effectiveness of the Product

I would say that there are two big things to look at when it comes to this product. How effective it is protecting the skin from the UV light, and how moisturizing it is.

I think that this product protects your skin from the UV rays very well. However, if the gel happens to pile/clump up a little bit—which it sometimes does especially when applying on foundation—it may not have as much protection. None of the less, I did not have noticeable tanning or any burns, so I would say that it’s great for UV protection overall.

For me, since I currently live in a drier area and I have very dry skin, I would say it doesn’t moisturize my skin as much as I want it to. Maybe it’s because the product contains alcohol. Like the packaging explained, I used the product with other skincare products. When using this product with another moisturizer, a normal cream moisturizer like Cerave followed by this UV White Gel, I had no problem when it came to the moisture/condition of my skin.

Reading some other people’s beauty reviews, using the product by itself seems to be great for those who have oily skin or live in more humid regions.

 

The Pros and Cons

Pros:

• SPF 50 / PA ++++
• Perform in many functions/five-in-one
• Lightweight and moisturizing
• Fragrance free
• Prevents the formation of dark spots
• Great formulation for those with dry/sensitive skin
• Easy to spread around on skin
• Slight brightening effect
• Does not sting eyes
• Does not leave white cast even with brightening effects
• Does not cover up pores (pores are breathable!)

Cons:

• May ball up/piling
• Some may experience difficulties putting on foundation
• May not be great for oily skin; may appear to look greasy
• Doesn’t come with a spatula
• Not waterproof 
• Contains alcohol

Final Thoughts

I think that this product was very great for simple, daily uses. For me, I think it’s a perfect product for when I stay indoors, especially when I have remote classes and work to do, since it’s important to keep your skin protected from the UV light even when you are inside.

Although I may use it indoors, I definitely thought this product is perfect for those of you who apply very minimal makeup, whether you are running errands, going to school or work. Also, it’s safe to use on sensitive and acne prone skin, so if you are looking for a gentle, all in one product, this one's for you!

By Kaitlyn C.