This guide compares Hada Labo Gokujyun, Premium, Shirojyun, and Aging Care lines to help you choose the best Hada Labo series for your skin type and concerns.

If you're new to the brand, you can start with our complete Hada Labo skincare guide, which explains the brand philosophy and how the different product lines fit into a full routine.

Why Hada Labo Series Look Similar but Work Differently

The moment you start comparing Hada Labo Gokujyun vs Shirojyun Premium, it quickly becomes clear that the product range can look confusing before you really understand what each line is designed for.
At a glance, many of the bottles look similar. Most of them mention hydration. And nearly all of them contain hyaluronic acid.

But here’s what makes the difference, Hada Labo separates its skincare into lines based on skin concern first, not just texture or trend ingredients.

Every series is built on hydration as the foundation, but each one is designed to solve a different problem. The key is choosing based on your primary goal, then adjusting texture based on your skin type.

Let’s break it down clearly.

 

Quick Guide: Which Hada Labo Series Should You Choose?

• Choose Gokujyun if you want simple everyday hydration for any skin type.
• Choose Gokujyun Premium if your skin feels very dry or dehydrated and needs deeper moisture.
• Choose Shirojyun if you want hydration with brightening and tone-evening support.
• Choose Shirojyun Premium if you want stronger treatment for dark spots and pigmentation.
• Choose Aging Care if you want hydration with firmness and anti-aging support.

According to the official Hada Labo concept, the brand philosophy centers around “Perfect and Simple.” Instead of overwhelming the skin with unnecessary additives, each line focuses on essential ingredients that support long-term skin health.

 

 

Hada Labo Product Lines Explained: Key Differences Between Each Series

How Hada Labo Organizes Skincare by Skin Concern

Hydration sits at the core of every series. Most products contain multiple types of hyaluronic acid to help bind and retain moisture. But each line adds a second focus besides hydration:
Some people care more about keeping moisture in. Others support brightening and tone-evening. And one line specifically addresses firmness and visible signs of aging.

Understanding that structure makes choosing much easier. Rather than asking which product is “best,” it’s more helpful to ask, “What is my main skin concern right now?”.

 

Hada Labo Gokujyun: Best for Everyday Hydration

The Hada Labo Gokujyun line is the foundation of the entire brand. It focuses purely on hydration using multi-weight hyaluronic acid, designed to hydrate different layers of the skin. If you want a deeper understanding of how this ingredient works across Japanese formulations, you can read our full guide on Hyaluronic Acid in Japanese Skincare.

This is the safest and most universal option in the Hada Labo range. It does not contain strong actives aimed at brightening or anti-aging. Instead, it strengthens moisture retention and supports the skin barrier.

If your skin feels tight after cleansing, looks oily but feels dry underneath, or reacts easily to strong ingredients, Gokujyun is often the best starting point. It works on almost all skin types, and it works even better in humid climates where heavier formulas might not feel good.

This line is a great starting point for beginners who want to build a simple routine before adding other treatments that are more specific.

 

Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium: Best for Deep Hydration

Gokujyun Premium is basically a stronger version of the regular hydration line. It has more hyaluronic acid and feels noticeably thicker. If you’re unsure how lotion, emulsion, and cream differ in Japanese skincare, our detailed guide on Lotion vs Emulsion vs Cream explains how the texture of Japanese skincare products affects how well they hydrate and how to layer them.
This version is better suited for very dry, dehydrated, or compromised skin. If your skin absorbs product quickly but still feels dry afterward, or if you live in a cold climate where moisture evaporates easily, Premium may provide longer-lasting hydration.

But it might not be the best choice for very oily or acne-prone skin in tropical weather because it feels thicker. Sometimes it can feel heavy when it's humid.

If you want deep, long-lasting hydration instead of brightness or anti-aging, Gokujyun Premium is the better choice.

 

Hada Labo Shirojyun: Best for Brightening and Uneven Skin Tone

Shirojyun shifts the focus from pure hydration to tone-evening and brightness support. While hydration is still central, this line includes brightening ingredients such as vitamin C derivatives to help improve dullness and uneven skin tone. If you want a closer look at the different textures and ingredient variations within the line, our complete Shirojyun product reviews break down each version in detail.

It’s important to clarify that “whitening” in Japanese skincare typically refers to brightening and clarity, not bleaching. The goal is to support a more even, radiant complexion over time.
Although Shirojyun emphasizes brightness, hydration remains the foundation of the formula. To better understand why moisture is always paired with brightening in Japanese skincare, you can explore our in-depth Hyaluronic Acid article, which explains how layered hydration supports overall skin health.

Shirojyun is suitable for people experiencing mild pigmentation, post-acne marks, or skin that appears flat and tired. The texture is generally lighter compared to Premium lines, making it comfortable for daily use, even in warmer climates.

If your primary concern is dullness rather than dryness, Shirojyun is often the better choice over Gokujyun.

 

Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium: Best for Dark Spots and Pigmentation

Shirojyun Premium is made for pigmentation problems that are more obvious. It has stronger brightening ingredients than the regular Shirojyun line, but it still keeps hydration as its main focus. You can read our full Shirojyun Premium review for more information about the ingredients, texture, and how to use it.

This line is better for people who have had sun spots, darker acne scars, or uneven skin tone for a while. The formula is more targeted, so it might be better for people who have used skincare products before or for nighttime routines.

If you have sensitive skin, it's best to start using this line slowly and see how your skin reacts. We cover ingredient considerations and patch-testing tips in our Sensitive skin article to help minimize the risk of irritation.

The main difference between Shirojyun and Shirojyun Premium is how strong they are. Standard Shirojyun helps with overall brightness, while Premium is more focused on stubborn pigmentation.

 

Hada Labo Aging Care: Best for Firmness and Mature Skin

The Aging Care line is formulated for skin experiencing fine lines, reduced elasticity, or dryness associated with aging. While hydration remains essential, this line adds ingredients that support firmness and moisture retention over time. If you’d like a closer look at specific textures, ingredient details, and who this line suits best, our complete Aging Care product review breaks it down in depth.

Textures in this range are generally richer than the standard Gokujyun line, making them more suitable for mature or drier skin types. The products perform best when layered properly, especially when applied over a hydrating lotion. For a step-by-step guide on order and application techniques, see how to layer Hada Labo products correctly.

If your skin feels less bouncy, appears thinner, or shows early signs of fine lines, the Aging Care line may provide more targeted support than hydration-only options.

 

 

Hada Labo Series Comparison Table

Series	Primary Concern	Best For	Hydration Level	Texture
Gokujyun	Pure hydration	Oily, normal & sensitive skin	Moderate	Light–medium
Gokujyun Premium	Deep moisture retention	Dry & very dehydrated skin	High	Medium–thick
Shirojyun	Brightening + hydration	Uneven tone & dull skin	Moderate	Light
Shirojyun Premium	Pigmentation support	Dark spots & sun damage	Moderate–High	Medium
Aging Care	Firmness + moisture	Mature & elasticity concerns	High	Rich

 

 

How to Choose the Best Hada Labo Series for Your Skin

Gokujyun is usually the best place to start if your skin is oily but feels tight underneath. If your skin feels dry, rough, or always thirsty, Gokujyun Premium will help it stay moist.

Shirojyun is probably a better choice for you if you care more about having dull skin or an uneven tone than dryness. Shirojyun Premium is a better choice if you have dark spots or pigmentation that won't go away.

The Aging Care line is great for people who are worried about wrinkles or skin that isn't as flexible.

 

 

Final Thoughts: Which Hada Labo Series Is Best?

When choosing between Hada Labo series, always start with your primary concern, not texture and not trends.

Quick Guide to Choosing the Right Hada Labo Series

Hydration is the base of healthy skin, and that’s why many people begin with Gokujyun. Once your barrier is stable, you can introduce brightening or aging-focused products more comfortably.
Instead of asking which line is “best,” ask which line solves your current skin concern most effectively. That’s how you choose the right Hada Labo series for you.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Hada Labo Series

1. Which Hada Labo series is best for beginners?

The Gokujyun series is usually the best Hada Labo line for beginners because it focuses purely on hydration without strong active ingredients. It works well for most skin types and provides a simple introduction to Japanese hydration-focused skincare routines.

2. What is the difference between Hada Labo Gokujyun and Shirojyun?

The main difference between Hada Labo Gokujyun and Shirojyun is the skincare focus. Gokujyun prioritizes hydration and skin barrier support, while Shirojyun combines hydration with brightening ingredients to help improve uneven skin tone and dullness.

3. Is Hada Labo Premium better than regular Hada Labo?

Hada Labo Premium is not necessarily better than the regular versions, but it provides deeper hydration. Premium formulas are designed for dry or dehydrated skin, while standard Hada Labo products are usually lighter and better suited for normal or oily skin types.

4. Which Hada Labo series is best for dry skin?

Gokujyun Premium is typically the best Hada Labo series for dry or dehydrated skin because it contains richer hydrating formulas that help retain moisture for longer periods. It works especially well in dry climates or during colder seasons.

5. Which Hada Labo series is best for dark spots?

Shirojyun Premium is usually the best Hada Labo series for dark spots and pigmentation. It combines hydration with brightening ingredients that help support a more even skin tone while maintaining the brand’s hydration-focused approach.

6. Can you combine different Hada Labo series?

Yes, different Hada Labo series can be combined depending on your skin concerns. Many people use a hydrating product from the Gokujyun line together with brightening or aging-care products from other series to build a balanced routine.

 

 

Written by Amelia P.