Many call it the most important part of any routine. What’s without doubt: Well-quenched skin can tackle practically every type of complexion woe.
For the inaugural edition of our moisturiser special, resident beauty pro Moh Shuying singles out 20 of the best that intensively hydrate, treat and condition.
Astalift Jelly Aquarysta, $148
With a bouncy, jelly-like texture that’s ultra pleasant to the touch, this nutrient-rich gel has two types of ceramides that penetrate deeply and quickly to replenish and lock in moisture, while promising to strengthen skin’s protective barrier. In addition, antioxidants fight free radical damage and reportedly prevent premature ageing.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, $51
Created to withstand extremely cold, dry and harsh conditions – it was used by explorers when climbing Greenland’s ice-covered glaciers – it contains an Antarctic-sourced protein that provides continuous hydration for up to 24 hours, while keeping skin optimally balanced.
Kenzoki Belle de Jour For A Face In Heaven, $205
White lotus extract soothes and relaxes. This in turn supposedly stimulates the production of beta endorphins (akahappy molecules that promote a senseof well-being) to leave skin feeling rejuvenated, soft and glowing.
La Mer Creme de la Mer, $490
Infused with the brand’s signature Miracle Broth, this is suitable for even the most sensitive skin, and works to hydrate, calm irritation, soothe inflammation and soften skin.
Cle de Peau Beaute La Creme, $875
Besides tea-derived amino acids that reportedly erase skin’s past damage,it has extract of Thai golden silk and Japanese white silk to brighten and protect against UV damage. The result: a luminous, even-toned complexion.
Dior Prestige La Creme Texture Legere, $505
Excess humidity can block skin’s respiration, while heat dehydrates, enlarges pores and causes an over-production of sebum. With a light, air-whipped texture that forms a breathable “mesh” over skin, this regulates the complexion’s humidity levels, prevents moisture loss, and absorbs excess oil.
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant Nighttime Miracle Moisturizer, $57
This lavender-scented gel cream helps you wind down and relax to promote a good night’s rest. Its blend of petrolatum, shea butter and salicylic acid softens and exfoliates skin for a smoother complexion the morning after.
SK-II R.N.A. Power, $127
This supposedly preserves skin’s RNA messengers (proteins that affect the makeup and synthesis of stem cells) to boost skin firmness and elasticity.
Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Transformative Energy Creme, $740
One of the most pampering of the lot, this rich cream has black diamond truffle, 24K gold and south sea pearls, and feels lush on application. What it promises to do on the inside: boost radiance and cell regeneration, and calm irritation.
Cosme Decorte AQ Meliority Intensive Cream, $1,749
Double peptides, black soya bean and golden chamomile extract work together to intensely hydrate and revive tired skin, while reportedly boosting cell multiplication and resilience, for a softer, smoother appearance.
L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Cream, $183
Infused with immortelle essential oil and extracts, it targets all signs of ageing: fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, uneven skin tone and texture, pigmentation, sagging, and lack of moisture. Bonus: It’s said to boost microcirculation for a more robust complexion.
The History of Whoo Gongjinhyang Qi & Jin Cream, $190
Created based on the premise that healthy skin needs to have the perfect balance of yin and yang, this uses a cocktail of six oriental herbs – including deer antler, angelica root and cornelian cherries – that is said to strengthen skin’s resilience and boost its energy levels.
Sisley Supremya Baume, $880
This night-time moisturiser’s soft balm texture is one of the most velvety we’ve come across, and it leaves skin feeling soft and silky. A blend of hazelnut oil, kokum butter and glycerine hydrates even the most dehydrated of complexions.
CNP Laboratory Dual-Balance Waterlock Moist Cream, $68.40
Perfect for humid climates, this has an ultra refreshing gel-cream texture that instantly melts upon contact with skin without leaving any sticky residue. Besides boasting an anti-irritant complex to soothe inflammation, olive oil extract to reinforce skin’s moisture barrier and vitamin E to boost repair, it also helps balance oily T-zones.
Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream, $52
How this supposedly works: It has olive squalane oil to reinforce skin’s protective barrier, which keeps water locked in; quinoa extract to heal damage caused by dryness; ionized minerals to revive skin’s dormant moisturising genes; and tillandsia plant extract to boost the production of hyaluronic acid.
Hada Labo Hydrating 3-in-1 Perfect Gel Moisturizer, $35.90
Chock-full of hyaluronic acids, collagen and ceramides, it acts as both a serum and moisturiser that nourishes for a more radiant, bouncy complexion. When your skin is feeling tired, it can be used as a sleeping mask – simply apply a thicker layer at night.
Shiseido Vital-Perfection Sculpting Lift Cream, $310
Its blend of pine, cinnamon and rubus leaf extracts is said to remove excess water, fats and waste to prevent skin looseness, and sagging around the jawline and cheeks.
Lancome Absolue Precious Cells Revitalizing Care Silky Cream, $395
Aimed at preventing “inflammageing” (premature ageing caused by inflammation), it has rose extract to reportedly reduce the production of inflammatory messengers, fight inflammation-causing free radicals, and boost skin healing.
La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream, $680
Caviar extract and the brand’s exclusive Cellular Complex work together to supposedly boost cell vitality, stimulate collagen production, and boost elasticity to tighten skin for smoother skin on the face and neck.
Lancome Absolue Precious Cells Revitalizing Care Silky Cream, $395
Aimed at preventing “inflammageing” (premature ageing caused by inflammation), it has rose extract to reportedly reduce the production of inflammatory messengers, fight inflammation-causing free radicals, and boost skin healing.
Like this? Check out our top 20 makeup products of 2016, the best haircare products for healthy, shiny locks and beauty editor Moh Shuying’s insane 25-step skincare routine.