You don’t always have to spend a bomb on skincare products. Sometimes, a drugstore product can work just as well, if not better than their luxurious, “branded” counterparts. If you’re like us and have no idea where to start, here’s a recommended list of drugstore skincare products that are highly-raved about in the community:
Our Recommendations
Let’s start off with the basics – facial cleansers:
1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
If you have sensitive skin, you might want to give the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser a go.
Promising review: “I love the packaging. It has a pump that shuts and opens. I love that it doesn’t cause acne. It’s pretty safe when it comes to pH as well and is not too drying. – Jessicacg”
2. Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser
The Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser is the best 2-in-1 make-up remover and cleanser in the market. On top of cleansing, this cleanser even claims to add back moisture, making it less drying than many other cleansers out there.
Promising review: “The best. I’ve been through maybe 7 bottles of this! I do need maybe 2 full pumps to remove all my makeup but it gets the job done. My face feels a bit dry right after I wash it but I moisturise very well so it’s not much of a big deal to me. I’ve tried different cleansers before and none can compare to this.- adrianasbelle”
3. Senka Perfect Whip
The Senka Perfect Whip has been the No. 1 Facial Cleanser in Japan for 8 consecutive years, and for good reason too! It is not only enhanced with Shiseido’s unique moisture-boosting Aqua-in-Pool ingredient but also Senka’s signature Japanese Naturally Derived Silk Essence and White Cocoons for that extra boost of hydration.
Promising review: “ Repeat buyer of this brand. Helps to smooth and brighten the skin. – s*****a”
4. Hada labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Face Wash
Give your face an extra boost of hydration with the Hada labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Face Wash which contains an advanced skin hydrating ingredient that provides twice the amount of moisture retention capacity, allowing your skin to stay soft, hydrated, and supple.
Promising review: “best deal on this I can find, love this face wash for my skin. – h*****e”
5. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Purifying Gel
Save your oily skin with the cult favourite La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Purifying Gel that gently cleanses dirt and oil which maintains your skin’s pH balance.
Promising review: “In my early 20’s I started to develop very painful cystic acne around my jawline. After trying a billion different products, going to the dermatologist, and using prescription medications, I was recommended La Roche-Posay’s products. I kid you not, within a month, (in combination with Effaclar Duo), my skin was FLAWLESS! I recommend this product to anyone struggling with acne. My skin is soft, bright, and acne-free. – Erin”
6. Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser
We’ll recommend using the Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser to clean deep down into your pores, thoroughly removing dirt, oil, and makeup. The cleanser even claims to keep your skin shine-free for up to 8 hours!
Promising review: “It has worked so well for my oily skin and is the only cleanser that really cleans my skin without stripping it of all its components. At first, I wasn’t a fan of the creaminess, but that was only because I hadn’t used a cream cleanser before. There is also this minty feeling this cleanser leaves when you wash it off. I would recommend this to anyone who craves a deep clean. – liliana226”
7. Garnier Sakura White Foam
If you’re looking for something that is basic and light, you should try the Garnier Sakura White Foam that is essentially a light foam that leaves your skin feeling refreshed and hydrated. It even claims to leave a rosy radiance after each wash, just like the sakura petals!
Promising review: “Fast delivery! Looks authentic! Great buy! Will buy again when finished. – c*****a”
8. Garnier Men TurboLight Oil Control Foam
Gentlemen, you’re not forgotten. Get the Garnier Men TurboLight Oil Control Foam if you’re looking for the ultimate solution to purified and brighter skin. Formulated with the unique “Dirt-Magnet” effect, the cleanser promises to help attract all dirt and impurities, leaving your skin purified, to the max. P.S. We’ve read various reviews and it seems like even girls are using this foam!
Promising review: “Original facewash at an excellent price and I’ve always got it retail until now – great service by Shopee and expedient delivery – well packed too. – matrices21”
Next up, moisturisers:
9. Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light Cream
With a renewed formula, the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light Cream melts right into your skin when applied, leaving your skin dewy fresh for 48 hours! The active ingredients in the product also help stop water loss, enhancing the natural moisture, making it perfect for Singapore’s hot climate!
Promising review: “Smells absolutely amazing, and I love putting this all over my face. It is not only refreshing, but leaves my face feeling hydrated which is great for the summer, when you face is getting a lot of UV exposure. Plus, with the heat, this light cream keeps you feeling hydrated, and not bogged down. It is worth the price for the quality that you get, I will continue to buy this line.- faithroy”
10. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Light Moisturiser
If you’re suffering from sensitive skin, you might want to give the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Light Moisturiser a go. Like many other La Roche-Posay products, this moisturiser is formulated for sensitive skin and promises to provide immediate and long-lasting comfort. P.S. You can even double this moisturiser as a primer and base for your makeup!
Promising review: “This moisturiser is all I need for my sensitive skin! It helps soothe my redness! I love the texture as well, it is lightweight and absorbs quickly. I am at my second bottle now and I love it! – Vicki T”
11. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Moisturising Cream
If the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Light Moisturiser is a tad too light for you, you can give the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Moisturising Cream a go. Even though it is heavier, it is not too greasy. It even claims to effectively penetrate the top layer of the skin’s physical barrier, giving you the ultimate hydration you need!
Promising review: “This is surprisingly a very hydrating and gentle cream! I have been using it for a few weeks now at night and I find I don’t need to slather a second layer of another moisturser on, something I have needed to do with just about everything else I’ve used on my super-dry face. It’s a no-frills, plain jane cream with no scent that feels nice when applied but not greasy. – notjustgingerly”
12. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Concentrate Sleeping Pack
Sleeping packs are the rage now and if you’re hunting for the perfect one, you can try out the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Concentrate Sleeping Pack that is actually clinically proven to help you achieve hydrated, luminous, and bouncy skin.
Promising review: “It has no oils and is super soft to the touch. It is also very light and does not feel greasy on the skin when applied. It contains olive extract which helps to strengthen and moisturise the skin, is rich in nutrients, and helps the skin’s natural barrier does not lose moisture. – Yareli”
Of course, not forgetting facial masks too:
13. L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Mask
The cult favourite, highly raved about L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Mask in all three variations (Anti-Pores, Detoxify, and Illuminating) definitely deserves a spot on this list. Try out multi-masking and slab on the clay for just 10 minutes to cleanse your skin every day to reveal soft and radiant skin.
Promising review: “Fast delivery and receive in good condition. – s*****r”
14. Garnier Hydra Bomb Serum Sheet Masks
Pamper and hydrate your skin with Garnier Hydra Bomb Serum Sheet Masks that have nine variations in a bundle of 15 – that are both perfect to revive your dull skin after a long and tiring day at work.
Promising review: “Delivery wise.. Its was fast… Mask well packed in box.. Love this mask alot it always sold out at ntuc… I managed to order here n will keep ordering back again as i been using this to prevent wrinkles n it works if u constantly used it. – a*****y”
15. Vichy Mineral 89 Fortifying Mask
If you’ve only got 10 minutes to spare, that’s where the Vichy Mineral 89 Fortifying Mask will come in handy. Simply put on the mask and it is guaranteed to repair efficacy in 10 Minutes. This mask is formulated with duo Hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump skin!
Promising review: “Rlly good item and I have always enjoyed using it!!! Will purchase it again! – a*****o”
Don’t forget to Apply Sunscreen Too
Of course, other than basic cleansing and moisturising, applying sunscreen is also an important part of any skincare routine! Check out our Singapore girl’s guide to the best sunscreen in Singapore to get the best picks.
Are we missing out on an absolute cult favourite drugstore skincare product? Let us know in the comments below!
This article was updated on 4 Nov 2021. Additional research done by Jamantha Lim.
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