If you're a frequent nail polish user and chronic hand-washer like me, you'll probably have similar experiences regarding 'nail nightmares' - very dry skin, rough cuticles, fragile nails, etc. This is the part where hand cream comes in really handy (pardon the pun), especially if you're often exposed to air-conditioned areas which are typically very drying to skin.


I recently received two brand new products from Hada Labo to try out, which is their hand cream with natural essential oil. These hand creams are said to be free from alcohol, colorants, fragrance and mineral oil, making it suitable even for sensitive skin.

Front

I like the simple, minimalist design of the hand cream tubes. The tube is matte white with a glossy pink/purple label, depending on the variant.

Back

More information about the hand cream (ingredients, functions) are printed in Chinese on the back. There is an English label but it's attached to the outer plastic packaging of the tube.

The only flaw with the packaging of the hand cream is the cap. These Hada Labo Hand Creams come with a screw on cap, which isn't really a good idea. I would prefer a flip cap for them, considering that it's a hand cream - imagine trying to screw the cap back on with slippery hands.

Comparing both hand creams

After blending out both hand creams

Besides the scent, both hand creams are quite similar at first glance. However, I find that they both have slightly different textures when applied. The lavender hand cream has a smoother, slightly more watery consistency and is easily spread. The rose hand cream has a slightly thicker consistency and a satin-like texture when applied.

Hada Labo+ Lavender Whitening Hand Cream

Lavender Whitening Hand Cream
It is fortified with super hyaluronic acid, arbutin and lavender essential oil to help to maintain the skin's fairness and restore smoothness. The scent of lavender is also great for calming and relaxing, while vitamin E and B5 helps to repair dry skin.

My Verdict
The lavender variant has a very distinct lavender scent, which most lavender-lovers will like. It has a slightly more watery texture compared to the rose, which makes it easy to spread onto your hands. However, it doesn't seem to be as easily absorbed as the rose, and leaves skin with a dewy finish even after several minutes. If you have normal-toned skin and are looking for a hand cream that whitens and moisturizes, this would be the product for you! :)

Hada Labo+ Rose Deep Moisturizing Hand Cream

Rose Deep Moisturizing Hand Cream
It contains hyaluronic acid, super hyaluronic acid, and oat β-glucose that penetrates into the deep layers of skin for optimum moisturization. Bulgarian rose and 3 other kinds of rose essential oils help to soothe and calm the skin, prevent irritation and gives the hand cream a wonderful relaxing fragrance. Vitamin E and macadamia seed oil are also added to provide extra moisture.

My Verdict
Ah, I cannot emphasize enough on my love for roses and rosy scents! The rose variant has a very strong rose scent (actually it's so strong that it smells kind of artificial ^^;;) and has a denser texture compared to the lavender. This one is perfect for me, not only because of the rose scent, but also because it deeply moisturizes dry hands. It is not as easily spread as the lavender, but it leaves a satin-like feeling before being absorbed. ♥


The Hada Labo Lavender Whitening and Rose Deep Moisturizing Hand Creams (50g) retail at RM 19.90 each, and is available exclusively at Watsons.

Giveaway Time!

Winter Blossoms' Hada Labo Hand Cream giveaway

I am giving away a tube of Hada Labo Lavender Whitening Hand Cream to one of my awesome readers, so just fill in the Rafflecopter form below, follow the steps given and cross your fingers for the winner announcement! :D

Giveaway Rules: 
● Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter the giveaway.
● This giveaway is open to Malaysian residents (those with a valid Malaysian mailing address) only.
● Giveaway period is from 4 September 2013 - 18 September 2013.
● Winner will be announced and notified after the giveaway ends.
● A new winner will be chosen if original winner does not reply within 48 hours.
a Rafflecopter giveaway