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Goku-Jyun Clear Lotion

Goku-Jyun Clear Lotion

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Japan J-BEAUTY

A lightweight, fast-absorbing Japanese hydrating lotion (toner) featuring 4 types of hyaluronic acid to instantly plump and deeply moisturize skin. The #1 facial lotion in Japan with a bottle sold every 4 seconds. This paraben-free, fragrance-free formula serves as the perfect foundation for your skincare routine.

4 Types of Hyaluronic Acid Fragrance-Free Alcohol-Free Paraben-Free Oil-Free Colorant-Free pH Balanced Non-Comedogenic
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Caution
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
170ml / 5.7 fl oz
Type
Hydrating Lotion
pH Level
~5.0 (Mildly Acidic)
Concerns
Dehydration, Dullness
Brand
Rohto Mentholatum
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Multi-Weight Hyaluronic Acid

Contains 4 types of HA at different molecular weights to hydrate multiple skin layers from surface to deeper levels.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Watery-Viscous
Scent
Fragrance-Free
Absorption
15-30 seconds
Finish
Dewy, Plump

Multi-Weight Hyaluronic Acid

Contains 4 types of HA at different molecular weights to hydrate multiple skin layers from surface to deeper levels.

Fermented HA Technology

Features Lactococcus/Hyaluronic Acid Ferment Filtrate for enhanced bioavailability and absorption.

Barrier-Friendly Formula

No harsh alcohols, fragrances, or oils. pH-balanced to match healthy skin at approximately 5.0.

Skin Prepping Action

Preps skin for better absorption of subsequent skincare products in your routine.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy and nursing.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) - Use Caution

Contains Lactococcus Ferment which is a fermented ingredient. Those with active fungal acne may want to patch test or choose the Light version instead.

Low Comedogenic Rating (1/5)

Oil-free formula with no known pore-clogging ingredients. Butylene Glycol has a comedogenic rating of 1, making this suitable for acne-prone skin.

Sensitive Skin Approved

Free from fragrance, alcohol, mineral oil, and colorants. Patch tested with cooperation of those with sensitive skin.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Sodium HyaluronateProven

The salt form of hyaluronic acid that can hold up to 1000x its weight in water. High molecular weight version that sits on skin's surface to prevent moisture loss and provide instant plumping.

  • Function: Humectant, skin-identical ingredient
  • Benefits: Draws water into skin, improves hydration, reduces fine lines appearance
  • Research: Extensively studied for skin hydration with proven efficacy

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Nano HAProven

A low molecular weight, chemically chopped version of HA that penetrates deeper into skin layers. Provides hydration from within and helps improve skin elasticity.

  • Function: Deep-penetrating humectant
  • Molecular Weight: Low MW for better absorption
  • Benefits: Plumps from within, reduces wrinkle depth, improves elasticity

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate Super HAProven

Modified HA with acetyl groups that act as tiny anchors to better adhere to skin. Known as "Super Hyaluronic Acid" for its superior moisture retention abilities.

  • Function: Long-lasting humectant
  • Benefits: 2x water retention vs regular HA, longer-lasting hydration
  • Texture: Less sticky, more cosmetically elegant than regular HA

Lactococcus/Hyaluronic Acid Ferment FiltratePromising

Innovative fermented hyaluronic acid created through probiotic fermentation process. May have enhanced bioavailability and skin benefits.

  • Function: Fermented humectant
  • Technology: Created through Lactococcus bacteria fermentation
  • Benefits: Potentially improved absorption and skin compatibility
Note: Fermented ingredients may not be suitable for those with fungal acne (malassezia).

DiglycerinProven

The "big brother" of glycerin - a natural moisturizing factor that penetrates slower but provides longer-lasting hydration with a better, less sticky skin feel.

  • Function: Skin-identical humectant
  • Benefits: Long-lasting moisture, reduces water evaporation
  • Advantage: Better texture than glycerin with extended hydration

15 ingredients

Water, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Lactococcus/Hyaluronic Acid Ferment Filtrate, Dipropylene Glycol, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Diglycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Disodium Succinate, Succinic Acid, Phenoxyethanol

FREE FROM: Parabens, Fragrance, Alcohol (Ethanol), Mineral Oil, Colorants, Silicones, Sulfates, Essential Oils
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
This Lotion
3
Essence/Serum
4
Moisturizer
5
Sunscreen (AM)

Apply immediately after cleansing while skin is still slightly damp for best absorption. Can layer multiple times for extra hydration (7-skin method).

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse First

After removing makeup and washing face, leave skin slightly damp. Do not fully dry your face.

2

Dispense Product

Pour a nickel-sized amount (about 3-4 drops) into your palm. Rub hands together to warm.

3

Pat Into Skin

Using the Hada Labo patting technique, gently press and pat onto face and neck until fully absorbed. Avoid rubbing.

4

Layer If Needed

For extra hydration, apply 2-4 layers. Wait until each layer feels slightly tacky before adding the next.

5

Follow With Moisturizer

Once fully absorbed, continue with your serum, moisturizer, or other skincare products to seal in hydration.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have dehydrated skin that needs a moisture boost
  • You want a lightweight, non-greasy hydrating step
  • You're using actives like retinol or AHAs that dry out skin
  • You prefer fragrance-free, minimal ingredient products
  • You want an affordable yet effective J-beauty staple
  • You enjoy layering skincare (7-skin method)

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have active fungal acne and are strict about FA-safe products
  • You prefer richer, creamier textures over watery formulas
  • You want anti-aging actives in your toner (this is hydration-focused only)
  • You need a standalone moisturizer (this should be followed by cream)
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Oil-free, lightweight formula absorbs instantly without adding shine or greasiness. Perfect for humid climates.

Dry Skin
Good

Provides excellent hydration but may need multiple layers plus a heavier moisturizer on top. Consider the "Moist" or "Premium" versions for very dry skin.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances well across all face zones. Hydrates dry areas without making oily zones greasy.

Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, minimal ingredient formula. Patch tested with sensitive skin. Very gentle and soothing.

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

Non-comedogenic, oil-free formula. Low comedogenic rating of 1/5. Contains fermented ingredient - patch test if you have fungal acne.

08

Results timeline

ONGOING
Immediate

Instant Hydration & Plumping

Skin feels immediately hydrated, bouncy, and plump. Surface appears dewy and refreshed. The "mochi skin" effect is visible right away.

95% noticed instant hydration
1-2 Weeks

Improved Skin Texture

Dry patches and surface flakiness diminish. Skin maintains hydration throughout the day. Makeup applies more smoothly.

80% saw texture improvement
4-6 Weeks

Sustained Moisture Balance

Skin's moisture barrier strengthens. Less reactive to environmental stressors. Fine dehydration lines appear reduced.

70% reported long-term benefits
Ongoing

Healthy, Balanced Skin

With consistent use, skin maintains optimal hydration levels. Works synergistically with other skincare products in your routine.

85% would repurchase
09

Ratings by platform

15K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.5
Rating
8,500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Slightly sticky feeling before moisturizer; some received expired products from third-party sellers
YesStyle
4.7
Rating
2,800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Can feel insufficient for very dry skin in winter; bottle runs out quickly with heavy use
Stylevana
4.8
Rating
1,200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Multiple versions can be confusing (Clear vs Moist vs Premium)
iHerb
4.6
Rating
3,400+
Reviews
Main complaint: Not moisturizing enough as standalone product; needs to be sealed with cream
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Exceptional value - large 170ml bottle at affordable price
  • 4 types of hyaluronic acid for multi-layer hydration
  • Fragrance-free, minimal ingredients, sensitive skin friendly
  • Lightweight, non-sticky finish once absorbed
  • Perfect for layering (7-skin method)
  • Works beautifully under makeup
  • Suitable for all skin types including oily
  • Paraben-free, alcohol-free, colorant-free

Criticized

  • Contains fermented ingredient (not ideal for fungal acne)
  • May feel slightly tacky before adding moisturizer
  • Not moisturizing enough alone for very dry skin
  • Multiple versions can be confusing for new buyers
  • Plain packaging - not "Instagram worthy"
  • May need to source from Asian beauty retailers
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum
$9.90
Budget Pick

Simpler formula with multiple HA weights plus vitamin B5. Smaller 30ml bottle but very affordable. More serum-like texture vs watery lotion. Widely available at drugstores.

80% Match
Hatomugi Skin Conditioner
$11.99
Budget Pick

Huge 500ml bottle for extreme value. Contains Job's tears extract instead of multiple HA types. More watery texture, great for body use too. Even more affordable per ml.

75% Match
Dive-In Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Toner
$19.00
K-Beauty Pick

Korean alternative with 5 types of HA plus panthenol and allantoin. More soothing benefits. Fungal acne safe formula. Slightly higher price point but larger 300ml size.

70% Match
Hyaluronic Acid Toner
$18.00
K-Beauty Pick

Features 50% hyaluronic acid complex. More hydrating and viscous texture. Contains additional soothing botanical extracts. Great for very dry skin types.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Gokujyun Premium Lotion
Size 170ml
HA Types 7 Types + Urea
Fragrance None
FA Safe Yes
Best For Dry/dehydrated skin

Torriden Dive-In HA Toner

Size 300ml
HA Types 5 Types
Fragrance None
FA Safe Yes
Best For Sensitive, FA-prone skin
Pycnogenol 5%
Size 30ml
HA Types 3 Types + B5
Fragrance None
FA Safe Yes
Best For Budget-conscious, beginners
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening. Check for any changes in color, texture, or smell.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required but can be stored in fridge for cooling effect.

Packaging

Plastic bottle with flip-top cap. Some versions use partially recycled biomass materials for sustainability.

Travel Friendly

170ml exceeds carry-on limits. Decant into smaller container for travel or purchase travel-size version.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes, this product is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens - the main ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. The formula is primarily composed of hyaluronic acid variants and gentle humectants that are safe for expecting and nursing mothers.

Use with caution. This formula contains Lactococcus/Hyaluronic Acid Ferment Filtrate, which is a fermented ingredient. Fermented ingredients can potentially feed malassezia yeast. If you have active fungal acne, consider the Hada Labo Gokujyun Light version or the Premium version which are typically considered FA-safe, or patch test this product first.

Yes! This lotion is actually excellent to use alongside actives. Apply after cleansing and before your active treatments to hydrate and prep the skin. The hyaluronic acid helps buffer potential irritation from retinol or acids. Many users find their skin tolerates actives better when using this hydrating lotion first.

This lotion works well for all skin types but is especially beloved by those with oily, combination, and normal skin. Its lightweight, oil-free formula hydrates without adding greasiness. Those with very dry skin may prefer the "Moist" or "Premium" versions for more intense hydration, or layer this version multiple times.

You'll notice immediate plumping and hydration from the first use - skin feels bouncy and looks dewy right away. Improvements in overall skin texture and moisture retention typically become noticeable within 1-2 weeks of consistent use. Long-term benefits like reduced dehydration lines develop over 4-6 weeks.

Apply immediately after cleansing as the first step in your routine, while skin is still slightly damp. In Japanese skincare, this is called a "lotion" step (different from Western lotions which are moisturizers). Follow with essence, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). Can be used both morning and night.

This product has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5 and is unlikely to clog pores. It's oil-free, non-comedogenic, and contains no known pore-clogging ingredients. The only ingredient with any comedogenic potential is Butylene Glycol at a rating of 1, which is considered safe for acne-prone skin.

The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Most users finish the 170ml bottle within 2-4 months with regular twice-daily use. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Discard if you notice any changes in color, texture, or smell.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: The Hada Labo Goku-Jyun Clear Lotion is a cult-favorite J-beauty essential that delivers exceptional hydration at an unbeatable value. With 4 types of hyaluronic acid in a fragrance-free, minimal formula, it's become the #1 facial lotion in Japan for good reason. Perfect for all skin types seeking lightweight, effective hydration without irritation. The only considerations are the fermented ingredient for those with fungal acne and the fact that very dry skin may need the richer Premium version. For everyone else, this is a must-have skincare staple that transforms dehydrated, dull skin into plump, bouncy "mochi skin."

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Sodium Hyaluronate Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
2
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
57% 7% 35%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 14 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 A
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
Hydrating
1 A
Pentylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 A
Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning, Humectant
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
0 Unknown
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
anti-aging Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS