30 best moisturisers to get in 2023 that work well in Singapore’s weather
It is a common misconception that only dry skin needs to be moisturised: moisturisers are, in fact, a necessity in any skincare routine, no matter what your skin type.
They are important to fight dryness, sun damage, skin ageing, and weakened skin barriers, which are almost all problems that you could face, even if you have oily to combination skin.
Did you also know that moisturisers can be categorised by your skin type? There are more intensive ones if you already naturally have dry skin, and ones that are more lightweight for those who have problems with oil production.
Check out the best moisturisers to use for your skin type in Singapore!
Best moisturisers for all skin types
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa
Vichy’s moisturiser-cum-night-mask promises 24-hour hydration that is even better than a spa and, of course, this claim is backed by clinical results: upon application, water loss from the skin decreased by 13.5%, and hydration increased by 22.7%.
With a moisturiser as powerful as this, dewy skin is definitely attainable in no time
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa retails for S$48. at all major pharmacies. Click on the links below to see discounted prices.
Astalift Jelly Aquarysta
Ceramides are essential for replenishing your skin’s moisture and slowing down the visible effects of ageing, but general ceramides are often far too large in terms of molecular size to penetrate into the skin.
This is why Astalift uses Human-type Nano Ceramides, small ceramide molecules that penetrate deep into the layers of the skin to quench its thirst and rebalance its water and oil levels, just like our body’s own natural ceramides do.
The formula is further bolstered by Nano-Astaxanthin, an incredible antioxidant derived from microalgae that’s 6,000 times more potent than vitamin C, as well as Nano-Lycopene, an antioxidant from tomatoes that’s 1,000 times more effective than vitamin E.
It also contains three types of Functional Collagen, which plumps the skin and defies the effects of ageing. Its tri-functional benefits include protecting skin against moisture loss, replenishing depleted collagen, and promoting fresh collagen production within the skin.
Plus, it’s infused with the antioxidant Asenyaku Extract that bumps up your skin’s moisture levels and promotes ceramide production, leaving you with firmer, healthier, stronger skin over time.
The Astalift Jelly Aquarysta comes in two sizes, available at Astalift stores at NEX and Plaza Singapura, as well as Astalift’s website, Lazada, and Shopee. Retails for S$148 (40g) and S$222 (60g). Refills are available at S$141 (40g) and S$212 (60g).
Clinique Pep-Start HydroRush Moisturizer SPF 20
This daily moisturiser delivers not just hydration, but also UV protection. With its HydroRush moisture barrier technology, this product from Clinique helps your skin to resist external stressors and aggressors so that you can have a healthy-looking glow while being protected from harmful UV rays.
You can either wear it alone or under foundation as a prep for your makeup routine.
Clinique Pep-Start HydroRush Moisturizer SPF 20 retails for S$15 (15ml) and S$50 (50ml) at all Clinique counters.
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream
Infused with six rare African oils and plant ceramide complex, this is an antioxidant-rich moisturiser that offers long-lasting moisture while forming a protective layer on skin so it can function at its optimal level.
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream retails for S$86.
KUMI SKIN All-day Antioxidant Dewy Water Gel
Need a tall drink of water to quench your skin’s thirst? Try KUMI SKIN’s gel moisturiser, which is packed with Japanese Onsen Water from Yubara to drench your skin in minerals and nutrients.
The lightweight and non-greasy moisturiser is infused with three forms of hyaluronic acid, peptides, and niacinamide to soothe irritated skin and deliver deep hydration for lasting moisture. Probiotics in the formula also help to strengthen and balance your skin for a healthier barrier.
However, the star ingredient in all of KUMI SKIN’s products is plant-derived fullerene. This powerful antioxidant is clinically proven to firm the skin, smooth out wrinkles, and reduce acne. It’s also known to be 172 times more effective than vitamin C, which is seriously impressive!
Together, these antioxidant-rich ingredients work to combat pollution and the effects of stress for glowing skin.
You can also slather it on and use it as a daily mask to protect your skin. And here’s a tip: keep your tub of moisturiser in the fridge for a cooling burst of moisture! This will really help to soothe irritated and inflamed skin.
KUMI SKIN All-day Antioxidant Dewy Water Gel retails for S$66. Sign up to receive 10% off your first order!
5 To 5 Skincare Barrier Defender
Made by a homegrown skincare label, 5 To 5 Skincare’s Barrier Defender is loaded with skin-identical lipids (a.k.a. fats) and natural plant oils to repair and strengthen your skin’s barrier. The blend of ceramide NP, cholesterol, and fatty acids play a crucial role in keeping your skin healthy. In fact, studies show that these three lipids must be present to effectively repair the skin barrier.
Our humid weather calls for some lightweight hydration, and that’s what you’ll get with this moisturiser. But don’t be fooled by its weightless texture, because this formula sure packs a moisturising punch.
The Barrier Defender contains jojoba oil, which is structurally and chemically similar to sebum to moisturise and aid with barrier repair. It is also infused with rosehip oil, which is rich in linoleic acid to maintain and restore the skin’s barrier. This ultralight plant oil boasts antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties too, so your skin will feel soothed, nourished, and a whole lot more resilient.
It’s great for all skin types, and it’s particularly ideal for those who went a little overboard with actives or exfoliants and are looking to repair their compromised skin barrier.
5 To 5 Skincare Barrier Defender retails for S$25 (30ml) at 5 To 5 Skincare’s website and Shopee.
Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
Clinically proven to provide a 70% increase in the skin’s hydration levels, this moisturiser from Belif is actually formulated to burst when applied so that it releases moisture into your skin.
It is an ultra-lightweight, oil-free gel-cream that’s definitely suitable for all skin types, even the oiliest of them all.
Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb retails for a recommended price of S$57. Click on the links below to compare prices.
SK-II R.N.A Power Airy Milky Lotion
When it comes to finding the best moisturisers in the market, the SK-II R.N.A Power Airy Milky Lotion definitely comes to mind. This award-winning moisturiser may be lightweight in texture, but is certainly a heavy-weight in the anti-ageing department.
Formulated with PITERA (the star ingredient found in SK-II’s iconic Facial Treatment Essence) and RNArchitect Complex, the Airy Milky Lotion helps to lock in moisture while providing skin with deep nourishment.
The result? Beautiful skin that’s supple and elastic. And just like the rest of the SK-II R.N.A Power line of products , it helps you achieve that desired youthful radiance.
Most users love how fluffy it feels and how its even, non-sticky texture makes it an amazing makeup base too. You’ll also be pleased to know that its soft texture sits very well on skin and feels comfortable even in our hot and humid climate.
The SK-II R.N.A Power Airy Milky Lotion retails for S$149 (50g) and S$228 (80g) at all SK-II counters islandwide, as well as Sephora and Tangs.com.
Check out our SK-II R.N.A Airy Milky Lotion review!
Suggested article: The lowdown on the best anti-ageing cream
Best moisturisers for oily skin
b.glen QuSome Moisture Gel Cream
Finding a moisturiser that’s great for oily, acne-prone yet sensitive skin can be tricky, but thankfully there’s the newly reformulated, clinically proven b.glen QuSome Moisture Gel Cream to quell your worries.
Luxuriously soft and lightweight, the refreshing gel boasts amino acid complexes as well as QuSome® Hydration Complex to drench the skin in oil-free hydration. The formula deeply penetrates the skin’s layers, delivering a shot of moisture where it needs it the most.
It’s powered by five superior ingredients: Ceramera HG, Azeclair
, Niacinamide, Allantoin, and Royal Biosite – all of which work together to encourage your skin to produce its own moisture and regulate its hydration levels, so your skin will feel lightly hydrated and balanced round the clock.
Apply one to two pumps of b.glen QuSome Moisture Gel Cream on five points around the face: forehead, chin, both cheeks, and nose. Massage the gel cream from the inside of your face near the nose out towards the cheeks and eyes.
Then, gently press the gel on your skin for better absorption. You can also slather this on your neck. After using it consistently for a week, you’ll see clearer, happier, more balanced skin.
b.glen QuSome Moisture Gel Cream retails for S$93. Pssst! DV readers get to enjoy 15% off b.glen products with the code ‘DVbglen15’! Click on the link below to shop.
snowperk Balancing Moisturizer Gel-Cream
A personalised skincare prescription based on your snowperk iD (which can be obtained through an online assessment), snowperk Balancing Moisturizer Gel-Cream is selected based on your individual skin type and allows for a fresher combination of concentrated actives that actually targets your skin concerns. When paired with any snowperk boosters, it purportedly delivers guaranteed skin-improving results in two weeks.
Made with 98% naturally derived plant ingredients, the moisturiser itself is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that has scored over 92% satisfaction rate* from consumers for its ability to provide round-the-clock skin-fortifying hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
Powered by a synergistic blend of purified sugar beet root, vegetable glycerin, and corn-based propanediol, it is clinically proven to offer 24-hour hydration to effectively help balance the skin’s moisture levels, strengthen skin barrier, and lock in moisture for smooth, supple skin.
If you’re also struggling with pore concerns, you can incorporate the gel-cream and snowperk’s No. 2 Pore Minimizing Booster (S$13.20 for 3ml; S$26.40 for 10ml) in your daily routine to target enlarged pores and skin oiliness. Like the gel-cream, the booster contains natural, highly concentrated actives to deliver clinically proven results.
For a more accurate and personalised skincare prescription, consider taking the snowperk iD online test which consists of 12 simple questions that need only two minutes to answer.
In fact, the brand is so confident with its line of products that it offers a money back guarantee when you purchase any of the starter kits (S$48), which consists of a moisturiser and two boosters, upon completion of the online assessment.
snowperk Balancing Moisturizer Gel-Cream retails for S10.98 (5g) and S$42.70 (30g). You can also consider any of the full-sized trio sets (priced from S$95.50) which gets you one 30g moisturiser and two 10ml boosters.
*Based on usage combination of both snowperk No.1 Skin Brightening Booster & Balancing Moisturizer Gel-Cream.
Laneige Water Bank Hydro Cream EX
Winner of Best Cream Moisturiser (Readers’ Choice) at the Daily Vanity Beauty Awards 2020, Laneige Water Bank Hydro Cream EX is a hydrating, skin-smoothing gel-cream that’s formulated with Green Mineral Water to provide dry or irritated skin a burst of hydration.
Designed to reduce skin redness, control excess sebum and prevent the clogging of pores, its gentle formula promises to give you a shine-free glow throughout the day.
Laneige Water Bank Hydro Cream EX retails for a recommended price of S$52 (50ml) at the following stores. Click on the links to compare prices.
Kenzoki Moisturizing Jelly To Mattify
Winner of the “Best Splurge-Worthy Day Moisturiser” at the Daily Vanity Beauty Awards 2018, this moisturiser has a hydrating jelly texture that is quickly absorbed to quench thirsty skin.
But what makes it such a great moisturiser for those with oily skin is because of how it mattifies like “blotting paper” to keep excess sebum at bay while maintaining the hydration level in your skin.
Kenzoki Moisturizing Jelly To Mattify retails for S$73.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
Formulated with Imperata Cylindrica (Desert Plant) Root Extract and Antarcticine to help skin retain moisture, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream is quickly absorbed by the skin, and even produces an instant cooling effect upon application to help you feel refreshed.
Suitable for use in both day and night, it promises a 24-hour hydration and shine control so that you can look your best all day.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream retails for S$54 (50ml) at all Kiehl’s stores
CNP Laboratory A-Clean Anti-Blemish Calming Cream
Oily skin is a major culprit that causes acne, so CNP Laboratory’s oil-free moisture cream not only hydrates your skin but also improves sensitive skin and reduces redness and inflammation.
This all-in-one cream regulates oil and moisture balance in your skin while reducing excess oil-shine and lightening post-acne blemishes.
CNP Laboratory A-Clean Anti-Blemish Calming Cream retails for a recommended price of S$68. Click on the links below to compare prices.
Hada Labo Shirojyun Arbutin Whitening Cream
This has a host of ingredients, including naturally derived arbutin, that are designed to offer skin brightening effects to skin. Great for those with dull complexion, pigmentation, and sallow-looking skin, this moisturiser also leaves skin feeling refreshed and hydrated.
You’d probably also be happy to know that it’s the winner of “Best Budget-Friendly Gel Moisturiser” at the Daily Vanity Beauty Awards 2018!
Hada Labo Shirojyun Arbutin Whitening Cream retails retails for S$28.90. Click on the link below to see discounted price.
Origins Original Skin Matte Moisturizer with Willowherb
This oil-free moisturiser boosts hydration and radiance, all while delivering a matte glow.
A great moisturiser for oily skin, this helps minimise the appearance of pores while improving skin’s texture. You’ll also love how its blend of essential oils give it a therapeutic, calming scent.
Origins Original Skin Matte Moisturizer with Willowherb retails for S$40.
Best moisturisers for dry skin
b.glen QuSome Moisture Rich Cream
Environmental aggressors and stressors are a major cause of dry, ageing skin. To counter their effects, reach for the newly reformulated and clinically proven b.glen QuSome Moisture Rich Cream.
The nourishing cream is packed with plant-based amino acids and hydrolysed collagen, which visibly smooth the appearance of fine lines and sagging skin. While its texture is creamy, it blends out smoothly on the skin and sinks in fast, so it doesn’t leave a sticky residue.
It uses QuSome® Technology to allow AgeCap Smooth, Pita Peptide B7, and Polyamine to reach deeper layers of your skin to target your most pressing complexion woes. This way, it’s able to moisturise the skin and prevent oxidative stress, restoring its vitality and increasing elasticity.
Simply apply the cream as the last step in your skincare routine by massaging one to two pumps of it on all points of your face: forehead, chin, cheeks, and nose. Massage the cream from the inside of your face near the nose out towards the cheeks and eyes.
And finally, press the cream into your skin for optimal absorption. Of course, you won’t want to forget your neck too! You’ll see more hydrated, firmer, and elastic skin after one week of consistent use.
b.glen QuSome Moisture Rich Cream retails for S$111. Pssst! DV readers get to enjoy 15% off b.glen products with the code ‘DVbglen15’! Click on the link below to shop.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
If you’re worried about moisturising creams being too oily for your skin, fret not: Neutrogena’s unique water gel formula absorbs quickly, but has the long-lasting, intense moisturizing power of a cream.
It is formulated with hyaluronic acid, which acts as a sponge and absorbs up to 1,000 times its weight in water molecules before delivering them to dehydrated skin cells so that you can enjoy smoother skin.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel retails for a recommended price of S$22.90 (50g). Click on the links below to compare prices.
Related read: We test out Neutrogena Essence Lotion and Moisturiser on dry and dehydrated skin
Bioderma Hydrabio Gel-Crème
This moisturiser from Bioderma contains a patented biological complex Aquagenium that generates immediate hydration that lasts the whole day.
What’s more, it’s also multi-functional: besides providing hydration, Bioderma’s Hydrabio Gel-Crème protects the skin against oxidative stress with Vitamin E, as well as eliminates dead skin cells for a healthier skin inside-out.
Bioderma Hydrabio Gel-Crème retails for a recommended price of S$41.90 (40ml) at all major pharmacies such as Guardian and Watsons. Check the links below to compare prices.
Tatcha The Silk Cream
Indulge your skin in this luxurious moisturiser that’s enriched with a blend of liquid silk protein, minerals and superfoods to help support skin’s natural collagen production and nourish skin cells. You’ll love the cream’s weightless texture that glides easily onto the skin, leaving you with a golden glow.
Tatcha The Silk Cream retails for S$165 (50ml).
su:m37 Water-Full Radiant Hydrating Glow Cream
Looking for something that delivers instant freshness to your skin? Look no further than this refreshing and lightweight moisturiser. The gel-type cream doesn’t just hydrate skin deeply, but also helps improve the look of dull and tired-looking skin that’s damaged by UV rays and dry environments.
This is also the winner of “Best Splurge-Worthy Gel Moisturiser” at the Daily Vanity Beauty Awards 2018.
su:m37 Water-full Radiant Hydrating Glow Cream retails from S$173. Check the links below to compare prices.
Innisfree Green Tea Seed Cream
Part of the brand’s top bestsellers, the Innisfree Green Tea Seed Cream aids skin hydration and moisturisation with green tea, an ingredient well-known for being beneficial to the body and skin because of its high antioxidant content.
Innisfree Green Tea Seed Cream retails for S$34. Click on links below to compare prices.
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream EX
One of the bestselling products by Korean luxury brand Sulwhasoo, this moisturiser has a long history in the brand’s product line because of the huge following it has.
Formulated with ginseng roots and flowers, this product has been improved over the years and is now even more concentrated than before to help skin restore its natural regeneration and defence ability.
The product has a rich cream texture that delivers anti-ageing benefits as well as soothe dry skin. It is also the winner of “Best Splurge-Worthy Cream Moisturiser” at the Daily Vanity Beauty Awards 2018.
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream EX retails at S$298 and is available at all Sulwhasoo boutiques and counters.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
If you are looking for a moisturiser that is suitable for eczema-prone skin, First Aid Beauty may be the answer you’re looking for.
It not only promises to deliver “intense hydration for dry parched skin”, this moisturiser also claims to exfoliate the skin and reduce fine lines, so that you can have dewy and smooth skin even after getting stuck in air conditioning all day.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream retails between S$20 and S$64 for different sizes. Check the links below to compare prices.
Origins Make A Difference Plus+ Skin Rejuvenating Moisturizer
Formulated with Rose of Jericho, this moisturiser from Origins also contains lychee and watermelon.
Besides sounding and smelling delicious, these fruity ingredients are also high in moisture and help to repair the moisture deficiency in your dehydrated skin.
Origins Make A Difference Plus+ Skin Rejuvenating Moisturizer retails for S$82 (50ml). Check the links below to compare prices.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
This light-textured daily hydrator is regarded by many beauty enthusiasts as their holy grail and we are not surprised why.
The winner of “Best Budget-Friendly Cream Moisturiser” at the Daily Vanity Beauty Awards 2018, this moisturiser is said to work even in very cold, dry or extreme conditions and has a host of ingredients that help reduce moisture loss. On top of that, it even draws and absorbs moisture from the air – how amazing is that!
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream retails for S$52.
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream
Fresh’s lightweight formula uses time-release technology to balance hydration levels by attracting and sealing in moisture, so that you can have a soft, healthy-looking complexion that lasts up to 24 hours.
Users have highly recommended this cream, especially those who are facing the problem of flaking skin.
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream retails for S$70 (50ml).
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer
This lightweight moisturiser is formulated with vitamin-rich watermelon extract, hyaluronic acid, and botanicals to, not just hydrate, but also boost radiance.
The oil-free moisturiser also preps skin for makeup, which is why makeup goes on top of it without problem. You’ll also love its bouncy texture that delivers a cooling sensation.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer retails for S$60.
IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Transforming Moisturizing Super Cream
This may look like a rich cream, but it’s quick-absorbing formula will surprise you.
Developed with plastic surgeons, this helps plump wrinkles and fine lines, enhance firmness, and even reduce the look of pores and discolouration over time.
IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Transforming Moisturizing Super Cream retails for S$72.
Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
This oil-free gel-cream moisturiser is seen as a holy grail by many. Formulated with bio-ferment and hyaluronic acid, the lightweight product is able to penetrate deeply into skin and promises to keep it hydrated for 100 hours, perfect for those with super dry skin or exposed to dry environments.
The result? Plump, health-looking skin that glows.
Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator retails for S$77 (50ml).
Featured image from Clinique Singapore Facebook.