15 Best Moisturizers to Combat Humidity, Pollution, and More
Top 15 Best Moisturizers for Singaporean Skin
| Moisturizer | Price (S$) | Best For | Texture |
| Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Barrier Cream | 68 | Dry to normal skin | Cream |
| Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic 2.0 Water Gel | 29 | Dry skin, dehydration | Gel |
| Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator | 75 | Dull, dehydrated skin | Gel-cream |
| Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer | 60 | Combination to dry skin | Gel |
| SK-II SKINPOWER Essence-in-Cream | 330 | Anti-aging, dry skin | Cream |
| Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream | 99 | Oily but dehydrated skin | Whipped cream |
| Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream (Cooling Formula) | 42 | Oily and combination skin | Gel-cream |
| La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+M) | 45 | Acne-prone and oily skin | Gel-cream |
| The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan | 22 | Oily or sensitized skin | Cream-gel |
| CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (AM/PM SPF Variant) | 48 | Sensitive, dry skin | Cream |
| Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream with Prebiotic Complex | 33 | Sensitive skin, barrier repair | Cream |
| Tatcha The Water Cream | 98 | Sensitive or combination skin | Water-gel |
| L’Oréal Revitalift Laser X3 Pure Retinol Night Cream | 55 | Mature, aging skin | Cream |
| Paula’s Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer | 62 | Brightening and firming | Gel-lotion |
| Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Soft Cream | 95 | Anti-aging and brightening | Light cream |
Some days, I genuinely appreciate Singapore’s sunny and humid weather, especially when I think about the extreme weather some of our friends experience overseas.
But with the weather comes an array of skin issues that we Singaporeans might have to address. Moisturisers, sunscreen, serums and many other skincare products are a need rather than a want when you live in our climate.
While some might think, “Oh, it’s so humid, so I don’t need moisturiser,’’ I beg to differ!
Did you know moisturisers improve skin hydration by directly providing water, reducing trans-epidermal water loss, and providing a soothing protective film to protect the skin from friction?
Moisturisers are equally essential, although our climate is not dry.
Why? Essentially, it’s like feeding your skin a big glass of water. Moisturisers help keep your skin supple and plump, even with oily skin!
When I picked a moisturiser for myself, I did a lot of research, especially as someone with a combination skin.
Although I was looking for the best moisturiser for combination skin, I came across the best moisturiser for dry skin and the best moisturiser for oily skin.
I’m not gatekeeping this and want to provide a comprehensive guide to the best moisturizers for Singaporean skin. I’ll let you skip hours of research and get straight to it!
Understanding Singaporean Skin
While we might be blessed with abundant Vitamin D, our climate poses its own problems. First, we deal with the extreme humidity, which makes us constantly sweat. We also have to consider the ever-present pollution in our air and, last but not least, our scorching sun!
Considering all these, finding the best moisturisers suitable for your skin type—oily, dry, or combination—can be challenging.
For those with oily skin, constant heat can cause your skin to pump out excessive oils, leading to clogged pores and, eventually, breakouts.
On the other hand, if your skin is dry, despite the humidity, it can still drive it to cause flakiness, irritation, and fine lines.
If you have combination skin like me, it’s all about finding the right balance between both and addressing any other skin sensitivity.
Choosing the Right Moisturizer for You
There are a few considerations to make when you are choosing the best moisturisers for your skin :
- Skin Type: The first factor is to consider your skin type – do you have an oily, dry, or combination skin type. Not all moisturizers are created equal, so knowing your skin type can help you narrow down the best moisturizer for your skin type.
- Skin Concerns: Next is to see if you have specific skin concerns like sensitivity, pigmentation, or acne. This step goes hand-in-hand with your skin type to find the best moisturizer.
- Key Ingredients: Knowing your skin type and concerns, you can now look at key ingredients that will be suitable and address your concerns. For example, look for hyaluronic acid if you have dry skin and need hydration.
Considering the factors above, some of the best moisturizer ingredients will become central.
For example, ceramides can repair your skin’s barrier; on the other hand, ingredients like hyaluronic acid can provide more hydration, while niacinamide can benefit your overall skin health.
15 Best Moisturizers for Singaporean Skin
1. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Barrier Cream
| Price | S$68.00 |
| Key Ingredients | Squalane, Glacial Glycoprotein, Beta-Glucan |
| What It’s Best For | – Strengthens skin barrier and prevents moisture loss
– Hydrates dry, tight skin in humid climates |
Having personally used this upgraded version, I can say it’s the Kiehl’s product that finally understands Singapore weather. It delivers intense hydration without the stickiness. The new Beta-Glucan addition helps soothe redness, and Squalane locks in moisture even in air-conditioned offices. Your skin feels plump and calm — not greasy — from day to night.
2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic 2.0 Water Gel
| Price | S$29.00 |
| Key Ingredients | Triple Hyaluronic Complex, Amino Acids, Probiotic Blend |
| What It’s Best For | – 5X hydration boost with upgraded HA blend
– Strengthens skin barrier with probiotics |
The 2025 Hydro Boost is lighter, cleaner, and somehow even cooler. One swipe feels like an icy splash on your face — perfect after a hot commute. The probiotic blend helps balance your skin microbiome, and the gel absorbs fast without residue. It’s my top pick for humid afternoons or layering under sunscreen.
3. Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
| Price | S$75.00 |
| Key Ingredients | Aloe Bio-Ferment, Hyaluronic Acid, Activated Aloe Water |
| What It’s Best For | – Locks in hydration for 100 hours
– Instantly plumps dull, tired skin |
Clinique’s pink jar remains iconic, and the new 100H version earns its title. It’s featherlight yet surprisingly long-lasting — even after a day in air-con. The aloe bio-ferment helps skin stay fresh and bouncy. If your makeup tends to cake by midday, this hydrator fixes that problem beautifully.
4. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer
| Price | S$60.00 |
| Key Ingredients | Watermelon Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide |
| What It’s Best For | – Brightens and refines skin texture
– Lightweight glow-giving hydration |
If you love that dewy, “glass-skin” look, this one’s a no-brainer. It smells like summer and feels like silk. Despite the fruity vibe, it’s loaded with real skin actives — niacinamide for tone correction and HA for glow. It layers perfectly under sunscreen or foundation, and a little goes a long way.
5. SK-II SKINPOWER Essence-in-Cream
| Price | S$330.00 |
| Key Ingredients | Pitera™, White Peony Root Extract, Kinren Extract |
| What It’s Best For | – Firms and smooths fine lines
– Strengthens skin barrier with light texture |
This reformulation of SK-II’s hero cream brings back luxury with a lighter feel. It targets dullness and early fine lines without overwhelming the skin. I love how it absorbs quickly — ideal for our sticky climate. Yes, it’s pricey, but the glow payoff makes it worth every drop.
6. Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream (Plant Ceramide Complex)
| Price | S$99.00 |
| Key Ingredients | Six African Oils, Plant Ceramides, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer |
| What It’s Best For | – Deep hydration without greasiness
– Restores skin’s acid mantle and elasticity |
This rich-looking cream might scare oily-skin folks, but don’t judge by texture. Once it melts into your skin, it feels like velvet — no shine, no stickiness. It’s loaded with plant ceramides that strengthen your barrier, making your skin feel plump and balanced. Ideal for post-retinol or after a long day in the sun.
7. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream (Cooling Formula)
| Price | S$42.00 |
| Key Ingredients | Glacial Glycoprotein, Micronized Amino Acids, Caffeine |
| What It’s Best For | – Instantly cools and controls shine
– 24-hour hydration for oily/combination skin |
This is my go-to on those “sweat-as-soon-as-you-step-outside” days. The cooling gel absorbs in seconds, leaving your skin matte yet hydrated. It’s free of parabens and fragrances, making it safe for sensitive oily types. Think of it as an oil-free drink for your skin — refreshing, clean, and reliable.
8. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+M)
| Price | S$45.00 |
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Lipo-Hydroxy Acid, Zinc PCA |
| What It’s Best For | – Mattifies skin and minimizes pores
– Helps clear acne and post-blemish marks |
The upgraded Duo (+M) version is every oily-skin girl’s savior. It calms breakouts, smooths texture, and controls sebum — all in one tube. The niacinamide and zinc combo helps reduce redness without drying you out. Perfect as a day moisturizer or primer before makeup.
9. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan
| Price | S$22.00 |
| Key Ingredients | Amino Acids, Beta Glucan, Ceramides |
| What It’s Best For | – Soothes irritated, over-exfoliated skin
– Restores hydration barrier after actives |
It’s a minimalist, no-frills moisturizer we love, but now Beta Glucan adds extra calm for sensitized skin. It’s perfect after exfoliants or acids — no sting, just smooth comfort. Affordable and dermatologist-approved for barrier recovery.
10. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (AM/PM SPF Variant)
| Price | S$48.00 |
| Key Ingredients | 3 Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide |
| What It’s Best For | – Repairs skin barrier and prevents dryness
– AM version includes SPF 30 |
Still the gold standard for sensitive skin — but better. The AM/PM duo now makes it easier to maintain protection throughout the day. The ceramides rebuild your skin’s barrier while niacinamide calms redness. If your skin is reactive, this is your “safe zone” moisturizer that never fails.
11. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream with Prebiotic Complex
| Price | S$33.00 |
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Pro-Vitamin B5, Prebiotic Glycerin Blend |
| What It’s Best For | – Calms and strengthens sensitive skin barrier
– Provides lasting 48-hour hydration |
This is the gentle giant of moisturizers. The new prebiotic complex version helps balance your skin’s microbiome — especially if you’re prone to redness or irritation. It’s non-greasy, fragrance-free, and feels like a soft cushion on your face. After a week, your skin looks calmer and more even.
12. Tatcha The Water Cream
| Price | S$98.00 |
| Key Ingredients | Japanese Wild Rose, Green Tea, Rice Ferment |
| What It’s Best For | – Refines pores and smooths texture
– Oil-free hydration for humid climates |
If luxury met lightness, it would be this. Tatcha’s cult-favourite Water Cream feels like a cool drink for the skin. The texture is weightless, the finish is satin-smooth, and the scent — delicate and spa-like. Perfect for Singapore’s humidity and those who want pampering without heaviness.
13. L’Oréal Revitalift Laser X3 Pure Retinol Night Cream
| Price | S$55.00 |
| Key Ingredients | Pure Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C |
| What It’s Best For | – Targets fine lines and wrinkles overnight
– Restores firmness and boosts glow |
Finally, a retinol cream that works in our tropical climate! This one’s potent yet surprisingly gentle. It smooths rough texture and revives dull skin overnight. I recommend starting twice a week and working your way up — you’ll wake to brighter, firmer skin by Christmas season.
14. Paula’s Choice C5 Super Boost Moisturizer
| Price | S$62.00 |
| Key Ingredients | 5% Vitamin C, Peptides, Squalane |
| What It’s Best For | – Brightens and evens skin tone
– Strengthens barrier and adds radiance |
The texture feels like liquid silk — part lotion, part serum. This brightening hero delivers a natural glow without greasiness. The peptides boost firmness while Vitamin C fades dullness and light pigmentation. A great pick if you want both glow and bounce without layering multiple products.
15. Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Soft Cream
| Price | S$95.00 |
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, PhytoMimetic Vitamin A, Chaga Mushroom |
| What It’s Best For | – Smooths fine lines and firms skin
– Boosts brightness and hydration |
Replacing the old Clearly Corrective range, this 2024 formula is a winner for anyone seeking glow + anti-ageing in one jar. It’s soft, melts instantly, and leaves skin supple with a healthy sheen. Perfect for 30-plus skin that needs a multitasking upgrade.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Healthy Skin in Singapore
No SPF, No Talk!
Our sun rays are why we have many skin concerns, especially hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and so on. Ensure you add sunscreen to your skincare kit, regardless of which moisturiser or serum you use.
Don’t forget to cleanse, but don’t overdo it.
Of course, you should cleanse your skin at the start and once at the end. This will help remove impurities, sweat and other irritants, but don’t overdo it by scrubbing vigorously or constantly cleansing. This is because you can strip away your skin’s natural oils essential for clear skin.
Hydrate your skin and body
While you rely on topical moisturisers and serums, remember that our skin often reflects our health. Our humid weather definitely requires plenty of hydration, so keep drinking your water throughout the day.
Most important tip: See a professional
If you have concerns that seem tougher to solve, see a dermatologist. They will assess your skin and customise a skincare routine that you would need to combat your problems.
Conclusion
There really isn’t one-size-fits-all when it comes to skincare. While products like moisturisers are a basic skincare need, choosing them may be a little overwhelming, given that the options are almost endless.
I also believe that choosing your moisturizer by knowing your skin type or biggest skin concerns is critical.
Therefore, before you go through the options above, I hope you have already figured that out. If not, try to have them assessed by a professional.