Gokujyun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Emulsion
Gokujyun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Emulsion
Product Description
Hada Labo's most advanced hydrator: a lightweight Japanese emulsion that layers eight forms of hyaluronic acid with brightening tranexamic acid and stabilized Vitamin C. It seals in serum-level moisture, helps fade dark spots, and leaves dry-to-combination skin plump, smooth and dewy โ all without fragrance, drying alcohol or a greasy finish.
โจ Texture & Feel
8 Types of Hyaluronic Acid
Multiple molecular weights โ from surface-filming 3D HA to nano and fermented HA โ hydrate every layer and lock moisture in for hours.
Brightening Duo
Tranexamic acid plus stabilized Vitamin C (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid) work to fade dark spots, even out tone and calm visible redness.
Barrier Support
Squalane, petrolatum and Vitamin E reinforce the moisture barrier and help reduce transepidermal water loss for lasting comfort.
Lightweight Feel
Despite deep hydration, the emulsion sinks in without grease โ comfortable even for combination and oilier skin.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
No retinoids, BHA or hydroquinone. It does contain topical tranexamic acid and Vitamin C โ generally low-risk, but data is limited, so check with your doctor.
Not fungal-acne safe. Contains fatty alcohols and esters (glyceryl stearate, behenyl alcohol, PEG-20 sorbitan isostearate) that can feed Malassezia.
Fragrance-, colorant- and alcohol-free with a mildly acidic pH close to healthy skin. Patch test first if your skin is highly reactive.
Plays well with most actives. Apply after watery toners and serums, then seal with a heavier cream or sunscreen if needed.
The Vitamin C derivative is stable and gentle, so it's fine morning or night. In the AM, always follow with SPF for best results.
Uses sodium paraben as a preservative โ effective and well-studied, but worth noting if you specifically avoid parabens.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ Tranexamic Acid โ2โ3%* Proven
A brightening amino-acid derivative that interrupts excess melanin production. Popular across Japanese and Korean skincare for fading dark spots, post-acne marks and melasma, and for calming redness.
- Source: Reviews of topical tranexamic acid report visible reductions in melasma pigmentation with consistent use.
- Source: It works by dampening the plasminogen pathway that drives melanocyte over-activity.
๐ง Hyaluronic Acid Complex Multi-weight Proven
Eight forms of hyaluronic acid โ including hydrolyzed (nano), 3D crosslinked and fermented HA โ hydrate from the surface down and hold water in the skin for lasting plumpness.
- Source: A 2016 human-skin study found crosslinked HA raised epidermal water content by about 7.6% and cut water loss by about 27.8%.
- Source: Low-molecular-weight HA penetrates deeper for longer-lasting hydration than standard HA used alone.
๐ 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid โ1โ2%* Promising
A stable, water-soluble Vitamin C derivative that converts to pure ascorbic acid in the skin. It brightens, supports collagen and adds antioxidant protection without the sting of straight Vitamin C.
- Source: 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is shown to be far more stable and oxidation-resistant than L-ascorbic acid.
- Source: Vitamin C derivatives are studied for reducing hyperpigmentation and supporting collagen synthesis.
๐ก๏ธ Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Antioxidant Proven
A lipid-soluble antioxidant that protects the skin barrier from free-radical damage and works synergistically with Vitamin C to boost photoprotection and formula stability.
- Source: Used together, Vitamin E and Vitamin C provide stronger antioxidant defense than either ingredient on its own.
31 ingredients
Tranexamic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Diglycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Sorbitol, Pentylene Glycol, PPG-17 Butyl Ether, Polyglyceryl-10 Eicosanedioate/Tetradecanedioate, Butylene Glycol, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Polyglyceryl-2 Hydroxypropyl Ethylhexyl Ether, Squalane, C4-18 Alkyl Methacrylate/Methacryloyloxyethyl Phosphorylcholine Copolymer, Petrolatum, Heptanol, Behenyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Acrylic Acid/C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate Copolymer, Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer, PEG-20 Sorbitan Isostearate, Glyceryl Stearate, EDTA, Tea-PCA, Sodium Sulfite, Phenoxyethanol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Sodium Paraben.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
An emulsion sits between your watery layers and your richest cream. On its own it's enough moisture for normal-to-combination skin; layer a cream on top for very dry skin or cold weather.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse & prep
After cleansing, apply your hyaluronic lotion or toner so skin is still slightly damp.
Dispense
Warm one to two pumps (about a coin-sized amount) between clean palms.
Press in
Gently press over the whole face, then sweep outward. Don't rub โ let it absorb for about 30 seconds.
Seal & protect
Follow with a cream if your skin is very dry. In the morning, always finish with SPF, since Vitamin C boosts UV defense.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have dry, dehydrated or dull skin that needs lasting moisture
- You want to fade dark spots and even tone with tranexamic acid + Vitamin C
- You prefer a fragrance-free, lightweight Japanese hydrator
- You like generous value sizing and simple, layerable formulas
- You have combination skin wanting hydration without heaviness
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You're prone to fungal acne (malassezia) โ esters here can feed it
- You strictly avoid parabens in your routine
- You want a fully preservative- and additive-free "clean" formula
- You need a heavy occlusive balm for very cracked, compromised skin
- You're pregnant and prefer to skip all brightening actives (ask your doctor)
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Layers of hyaluronic acid plus squalane and petrolatum deliver deep, long-lasting moisture.
Lightweight and non-greasy in a thin layer, though a few richer emollients mean it isn't the most minimal option.
Balances hydration across an oilier T-zone and drier cheeks without feeling heavy.
Fragrance- and alcohol-free with calming tranexamic acid; patch test due to the Vitamin C and paraben.
Low comedogenic risk overall, but not fungal-acne safe โ use caution if breakouts are malassezia-driven.
๐ Results Timeline
Instant Hydration
Skin feels plumper, softer and more comfortable; tightness and flaking ease right away.
90% felt softer skinSmoother Texture
Dry patches calm down and makeup sits better as the barrier rehydrates.
78% noticed smoother skinBrighter, More Even Tone
Tranexamic acid and Vitamin C gradually soften dullness and uneven patches.
64% saw brighter toneVisible Spot Fading
With daily use and diligent SPF, post-acne marks and sun spots look noticeably lighter.
55% reported faded spotsโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Intense, long-lasting hydration from 8 forms of HA
- Brightening tranexamic acid + Vitamin C for tone and dark spots
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing and fragrance-free
- Excellent value at a large 140 ml size
- Gentle enough for most sensitive skin
โ Criticized
- Not fungal-acne (malassezia) safe
- Contains a paraben preservative
- 140 ml bottle exceeds carry-on liquid limits
- Brand doesn't disclose active percentages
- Mainly sold through import retailers
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Closest functional match: also a J-beauty emulsion with tranexamic acid and Vitamin E (and parabens). Fewer hyaluronic acid types and a simpler hydration profile.
A simple HA + B5 serum. Great cheap hydration, but no brightening actives, no occlusives and a much lighter, less cushioned finish.
A huge-value J-beauty adlay (Job's tears) hydrator. Lighter and more basic; lacks tranexamic acid, Vitamin C and the multi-HA complex.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Emulsion (Featured)
$22.00Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion
$18.00COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream
$23.00The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
$8.90๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and high heat. Close the cap tightly after each use.
140 ml plastic bottle with a flip-top cap, made with eco-conscious biomass material.
No โ 140 ml exceeds the 100 ml carry-on liquid limit; decant into a smaller bottle for flights.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
It contains no retinoids, BHA or hydroquinone. The brightening actives โ topical tranexamic acid and a Vitamin C derivative โ have minimal systemic absorption and are generally considered low-risk, but evidence during pregnancy is limited. Check with your doctor before adding it to your routine.
No. It contains fatty alcohols and esters such as glyceryl stearate, behenyl alcohol and PEG-20 sorbitan isostearate, which can feed Malassezia yeast. If you're prone to fungal acne, choose a simpler hyaluronic acid product instead.
Yes. It already includes a gentle Vitamin C derivative and layers well over or under most actives. Use exfoliating acids or retinol at a different step or time of day if your skin is sensitive, and always patch test new combinations.
Dry, dehydrated, dull and combination skin benefit most. Oily skin can use a thin layer โ it's lightweight, though it does contain a few richer emollients.
Hydration is immediate. Smoother texture usually appears within 1โ2 weeks, and brighter, more even tone from the tranexamic acid and Vitamin C typically shows after about 4โ8 weeks of daily use paired with SPF.
Apply it after watery toners/lotions and serums, and before (or instead of) a heavy cream. It can be used morning and/or night; in the morning, always finish with sunscreen.
It has a low comedogenic risk (about 2/5) and most users find it non-greasy. However, it isn't fungal-acne safe, so it may not suit malassezia-related breakouts.
Use it within about 12 months of opening. Store it cool and dry, away from direct sunlight, and seal the cap after every use to keep the formula fresh.
Verdict: The Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Emulsion earns its cult status. For less than the price of most Western moisturizers you get eight forms of hyaluronic acid plus brightening tranexamic acid and stabilized Vitamin C, all in a fragrance-free, lightweight emulsion that suits most skin types. It loses points only for not being fungal-acne safe and for using a paraben preservative. If you want serious, brightening hydration on a budget โ and malassezia isn't your concern โ this is one of the best-value J-beauty hydrators you can buy.
Product Overview
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
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 ยซpromisesยป 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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 3 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent, Skin Conditioning
|
Irritation
Dark Spots
|
|
| 0 |
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
|
Redness
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Tocopherol
Masking, Skin Conditioning, Antioxidant
|
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|