Japanese Skincare Cult Classic: Rohto Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion

I realize it's the middle of a hot and humid summer, but for whatever reason, my skin's been getting a lot drier lately - which I guess means I'm now closer to a combination/normal skin type. I am very prone to surface dehydration, and I'd been looking for ways to amp up the water levels in my skin without overhauling my entire skincare routine. Enter Rohto Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion Moist ($11- 20 for 5.7 fl. oz/ 170ml on Amazon and drugstore.com), a cult Japanese hydration booster that's somewhere between a toner and a serum.
I ordered mine on Amazon from a US-based seller, and it was delivered within days. The entire packaging label is in Japanese, including the ingredients' list, but Hada Labo has its own American website, so here it is:

Ingredients : Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Disodium Succinate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxyethycellulose, Methylparaben, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Succinic Acid
 
In a nutshell, it's a very simple essence with glycerin and three types of hyaluronic acid, a moisture-retaining, barrier-repairing, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient. Sodium Hyaluronate, which is often used in skincare products, has lower molecular weight than regular hyaluronic acid, making it easier for the skin to asborb - which is also why Hada Labo also uses Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid (non-engineered HA has bigger molecules which don't penetrate the skin as well as hydrolyzed HA) and Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate (better absorption and water holding capacity).
Hada Labo advises that the Lotion may be used twice a day, alone as a moisturizer or in combination with their other moisturizing skincare (the serum, lotion and cream). I've been using it in place of my hydrating spray toner, or in addition to the toner; so that the order of my basic routine is as follows: cleanser + acid toner/ exfoliating pads + (spray toner) + Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion + serum + moisturizer/ spf. You'd think that's a lot of layers, and that's right; but I feel that this routine allows me to create something akin to a 'moisture sandwich', without adding in extra bulk via something like a heavy moisturizer - that's especially important in the daytime, when I don't need a greasy film over my face.
The Gokyjyun Lotion is a clear, scent-free liquid that's a little more viscous than water. The bottle has an easy flip top and a small opening that lets you pour exactly the right amount without wasting anything. The amount in the photo is how much I need for my entire face and neck: I pour some into my palm, spread it over two hands and press/pat into the skin. It absorbs quickly, although it doesn't feel like it has disappeared into thin air: there's definitely a layer of moisture left. However, what I like the most about this product is that it seems to make subsequent layers of skincare sink in much better into my skin; it really does feel like it's binding everything together.

Since I started using the Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion, my skin is not only more hydrated, but also calmer, more even and my fine lines seem a bit plumped up. I think this is the best 'bang for your buck' hydrating products I've ever tried, and it seems that a bottle should last me ages judging from current usage. If you've never tried this lotion, I urge you to give it a try - it's fantastic. Do you use a lotion or essence step in your skincare routine? What is your favorite product with hyaluronic acid?