Moisturisers, as the name suggests, are used to hydrate the skin. But not all moisturisers are created equally. Which is why shopping for the best face moisturiser for your skin type can be quite a challenge. However, there’s no need to sweat it! Simply follow our guide to find the most suitable moisturiser for your skin!
Our Recommendations
Cream moisturisers for dry or mature skin
If you suffer from dry and flaky skin, you need an intense moisturiser that can penetrate deeper into your skin and hydrate from within. Lightweight moisturisers will only sit on the surface of your skin. Choose cream moisturisers that are thicker in texture and have a higher oil to water ratio. Such rich consistency is also beneficial for mature skin which tends to produce lesser oil naturally.
1. Hiisees Brighten Skin Whitening Cream
The online beauty community has been raving about the Hiisees Brighten Skin Whitening Cream (available on Image Beauty Salon), and for good reasons! This is one of the best face moisturisers for mature skin with pigmentations. Scientifically formulated with Chinese herbal extracts, vitamin E and ascorbic acid, this water-like cream effectively fights against melanin — the main culprit behind dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Not only so, this moisturiser also boost the luminance of your complexion and enhances hydration for youthful-looking skin.
2. Origins Ginzing Energy Boosting Moisturiser
We understand how unbearable it can be when your skin is parched and feels tight all around. Which is why the Origins Ginzing Energy Boosting Moisturiser (available on SHICARA) is the best face moisturiser to help plump your skin! This ultra-rich cream moisturiser contains caffeine and ginseng to revitalise your skin. Moreover, it’s designed with the Hydra Hug Technology that helps to bind the skin cells closer together to prevent excessive moisture loss. Plus, it comes without the addition of sulfates and parabens, so you can use this moisturiser with peace of mind!
3. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Sagging skin, wrinkles and fine lines are inevitable as your skin ages. However, those with dry skin may find that their skin ages faster due to the low production of oil that’s essential in keeping the skin smooth and supple. Nonetheless, using the right moisturiser such as the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream (available on Olay Official Store) can help to slow down premature ageing.
This is one of the best face moisturisers for dry and mature skin. It boasts a high concentration of Amino-peptide Complex that helps to renew the skin’s surface to reveal a more refined complexion. Additionally, it contains olive oil extracts to promote deeper penetration into the skin, allowing hydration from within. The results? Firmer skin with less prominent fine lines!
4. Mamonde Vital Vitamin Cream
Do you often hear your friends commenting that you look tired, or do you feel that your skin looks dehydrated and rough? It is very common to have dry and fatigued skin, especially with the humid weather in Singapore. The Mamonde Vital Vitamin Cream (available on younfamily.sg) aims to recharge your dull skin and bring back that glow! One of the key ingredient in the formula is the bitter orange flower, which are known to be effective in delivering hydrating moisture to the skin.
On top of that, the cream also contains a 7-Vitamin Complex and Vitamin Capsule for antioxidation, providing your skin all the vitamins it needs to look energized and less dark. If you are worried about the sticky feeling some other moisturisers leaves on your skin, you don’t need to worry about the Mamonde Vital Vitamin Cream. It has a water-gel like texture that is easily absorbed into the skin, and your skin will feel smooth and supple in no time at all!
5. Dermalogica Super Rich Repair
The Dermalogica Super Rich Repair (available on Cosmede Official Store) moisturiser is famous for its super creamy and thick texture, which helps to even out dryness and keep the skin looking soft and supple. Although it is is heavier on the skin, it does not clog the pores or cause breakouts.
However, due to its rich consistency, it is not suitable to be used under makeup. We suggest using it as a night moisturiser for mature skin types instead. Containing Shea Butter and Allantoin, these ingredients help to provide moisture and anti-aging benefits to the skin. On top of that, it is also fragrance free, which minimises irritation to the skin and leaves it feeling plump and smooth throughout the day.
6. La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream
Having matured and oily skin can be a headache as most matured skin products can be too heavy and rich. Using overly rich skincare can cause clogged pores and wreak havoc on your complexion.
If you fall within the matured and oily skin category, the La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream (available on Cosmede Official Store) is the best face moisturiser for you. It boasts a new formulation that is much lighter than the original Crème De La Mer, and hence, will not clog the pores or cause breakouts. The moisturiser contains sea kelp-infused Miracle Broth, which helps to soothe redness and replenishes moisture, giving that instant glow in the skin. One of the other key ingredient inside is the Lime Tea Extract, which has anti-oxidant properties to neutralize free radicals, enabling the skin to focus on renewal and repair — perfect for mature skin.
For ladies that prefer scented skincare, you will be glad to know that the La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream has a nice floral, powdery scent. Application of the cream on your skin also leaves a luminous finish without looking greasy at all.
Gel moisturisers for oily skin
Think there’s no need for a moisturiser since you’ve got oily skin? Think again! Moisturisers are a must-have even for oily skin as external factors such as UV rays and pollutants can weaken your skin’s natural moisture barrier. This may cause your skin to produce even more oil than usual. Instead, use a lightweight gel moisturiser to avoid looking like a greasy hot mess. It’ll also help to balance your skin’s sebum production by keeping it hydrated all day!
7. AXIS-Y Cera-Heart My Type Duo Cream
While some of us may fall in the oily skin category, it doesn’t mean every part of our face is greasy throughout the year. There may be areas that are oilier or drier than the others. As such, the AXIS-Y Cera-Heart My Type Duo Cream (available on COCOMO Official Store) is created to address this gap in skincare.
As its name suggests, this cream comes with a duo formula. The gel moisturiser is designed for your T-zone (the oiliest areas of your face: forehead, nose and chin) to provide a refreshing water-like hydration boost that will not feel heavy or stuffy on your face. Meanwhile, the U-zone moisturiser has a creamier, milky consistency formulated to target drier areas such as cheeks, jawline and chin. These areas have fewer oil glands compared to your T-zone, and require a richer moisturiser for best results. In combination, the AXIS-Y moisturiser helps to balance out your skin for a healthier complexion.
8. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Hate the feeling of slapping thick and sticky moisturisers on your skin? So do we! Which is why we are absolutely in love with the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (available on Johnson & Johnson Official Store). This lightweight gel moisturiser feels amazingly refreshing on the skin. Also, it enhances your skin’s water retention capabilities to lock in moisture for a supple and plump complexion. Moreover, it has an oil-free, non-comedogenic formula which makes it the best face moisturiser for those with super oily or blemish-prone skin.
9. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream (available on NANA MALL) is a godsend for those with oily skin type. This oil-free formula works together with your skin’s natural lipids to reduce excess shine while regulating sebum production. It’s made from Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract which contains potassium that provides lasting hydration for oily skin. Additionally, it contains Glacial Glycoprotein which is known to boost water retention. Did we also mention that it’s non-comedogenic? That means you don’t have to worry about clogged pores and pimples! This best face moisturiser for oily skin will definitely keep your skin well hydrated even after wearing makeup for the whole day!
10. Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Cooling Gel
The Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Cooling Gel (available on BB Beauty Global Official Store) moisturiser is perfect for ladies with combination to oily skin. It is non-greasy or sticky, and glides on perfectly without leaving any tacky feeling. As the name suggests, application on the skin absorbs quickly and leaves a cooling sensation, making you feel refreshed and soothed especially in the humid Singapore climate.
Beside this, it also contains key ingredients like the leaf of life extract (also known as Kalanchoe Pinnata) which is known to help boost the skin’s natural hydration mechanisms. There’s also the beautyberry, which is used for its anti-inflammatory and veinotonic properties, providing your skin the natural radiance it needs. We love that it is very lightweight on the skin and perfect for use under makeup.
Liquid moisturisers for normal skin
Skipping your face moisturiser is not an option even if you’ve well-balanced, normal skin. That’s because your skin can get fatigued after being exposed to external irritants. Using the best face moisturiser for your skin type can help support your skin’s moisture barrier and beat skin fatigue. We suggest going for a liquid moisturiser if you’ve normal skin. Most liquid moisturisers contain a high percentage of hydrating ingredients and also have a lighter consistency than cream moisturisers.
11. MIZON Hyaluronic Acid 100
Hyaluronic acid is one of the most critical ingredients in any moisturiser to help deliver deep hydration straight into the skin. Did you know that one gram of Hyaluronic acid can hold up to six litres of water? Yes, you read that right! This is why the MIZON Hyaluronic Acid 100 (available on MIZON Studio) is the best all-in-one liquid face moisturiser for normal skin. It’s all you need to maintain your skin’s balance and enhance elasticity for a beautiful complexion. We suggest drenching your face in a moisturising face mist, such as the Avene Thermal Spring Water (available on Eau Thermale Avène) before applying Mizon’s Hyaluronic Acid for even better results.
12. The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
Squalane is a non-comedogenic component that can be found naturally in our skin. This makes it an excellent hydrator that helps prevent hydration loss and improve suppleness. The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane (available on Hush.sg) is a pure concentration of this potent ingredient to help enhance overall hydration for the skin. This best face moisturiser for normal skin type can also be applied on chapped lips and dry hair for glossier locks! It’s no wonder this moisturiser is highly raved among the online beauty community!
Fragrance-free moisturisers for sensitive skin
Picking the right moisturiser for sensitive skin can be tricky because there are so many harsh ingredients to avoid. Which is why we believe the best face moisturisers for sensitive skin should contain minimal ingredients that are as natural as possible.
Pro tip: If you have extremely sensitive skin, it’s advisable to do a patch test before you start using a new face moisturiser. Take a pea size amount of the product and apply it to a small area inside your elbow. Check for skin irritation or allergies after 24 hours. If there are none, proceed to do a patch test on the underside of your jaw. Wait another 24 hours to ensure there’s no reaction before using the product all over your face.
13. Make P:rem Relief Moisturising Cream 12
The Make P:rem Relief Moisturising Cream 12 (available on ?? plusQ shop) is created for those with hyper-sensitive skin in mind. Each of the 12 ingredients were tested to be safe, gentle, non-irritating and of low health risk. Despite its simple ingredients list, this best face moisturiser for sensitive skin provides gentle hydration and acts as a protective barrier for your skin against environmental stressors. And of course, it’s also paraben, sulfate and synthetic dye-free!
14. Avene Xeracalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream
Avène is one of the most highly trusted brands among those with sensitive skin. It has a whole range of skincare products that are fragrance-free and parabens-free. Of those, the Avene Xeracalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream (available on Eau Thermale Avène Official Store) is our top pick for sensitive skin types. Created with I-Modulia biotechnology, this face moisturiser helps to soothe redness and irritation. In addition, it also contains Cer-Omega to promote skin repair and strengthen the protective hydrolipidic film. Even those with dry, atopic-prone skin will fall in love with this gentle face and body moisturiser!
15. Clinique ID Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly
One of the common issues ladies face is trying to find a suitable moisturiser for their skin type, because everyone’s skin condition varies and there is never a one-type-fits-all kind of cream. However, with the customisation capability of the Clinique ID Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly (available on Beauty N The Fit Official Store.sg), you are one step closer towards finding that perfect fit for your skin type. The Clinique ID Hydrator series allows you to customise your moisturiser according to the main skin concerns you wish to target.
For a start, choose a base and then add your active cartridge concentration to target a specific skin concern. This gives you your very own customized formula! There are a total of five different types of cartridges which focuses on concerns like uneven skintone and pores, fatigue, lines and wrinkles and irritated skin. Furthermore, it is also free from parabens, phthalate and fragrance, and its lightweight texture makes it perfect as a day or night moisturiser.
Let these best face moisturiser shower your skin with TLC
Don’t stop with just a moisturiser, there’s more you can do to achieve a radiant complexion! Complete your skincare regime with our these daily skincare routine steps and try out some of these best clay masks to address different skin concerns. For more beauty deals, join Shopee Beautyholics and enjoy exclusive perks!
This article was updated on 23 August 2021. Additional research done by Iris Tan.
