You have been sweating buckets this past month, as have most of us on this part of the world. But all that sweat dripping off your face, back and pretty much everywhere else isn’t an indication that your skin is well moisturised. 

Yes, sweating has moisturising benefits, in addition to killing off harmful bacteria on the surface of the skin. It’s when those sweat glands get clogged that the adverse effects outweigh the benefits. You’re losing water, oil and dead skin through your pores, so keeping that balance right after a heavy bout of sweating from gym time or walking out for lunch is necessary. 

Cleansing, moisturising and sun-protecting—the holy trinity of a good skincare routine—have become increasingly essential with global warming. While cleansing and adding sun protection are pretty straightforward, finding the right moisturiser can be a doozy. They can sometimes be too thick or rich for a tropical climate, or comedogenic (pore-blocking) for blemish-prone skin. 

Like your favourite scent, the right moisturiser is also personal depending on your skin type and needs. The five that we have curated aren’t flawless guarantees to well-moisturised skin, but they are easy-to-adopt selections that promise to retain that moisture, all day (and night) long. 

WATER BANK BLUE HYALURONIC GEL CREAM, LANEIGE

LANEIGE’s Water Bank line has been sought after for its moisturising capabilities since its launch in 2002. An impressive 17 million units have been sold to date, and the line has gone through multiple reformulations to cater to the changing skincare needs owing to evolving environmental stressors. Its latest is fortified with Blue Hyaluronic Acid. 

Water Bank is already known for its quick absorption. Blue Hyaluronic Acid amplifies it further for deep, long-lasting hydration. Regular hyaluronic acid goes through a double fermentation process with fucoidan—a moisturising agent extracted from brown algae. It then undergoes a 10-step microfiltration refining process resulting in Blue Hyaluronic Acid. 

Designed for combination and oily skin, the Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Cream is the most lightweight formulation out of the trio in the new series. The gel formulation helps with the oil-moisture balance of the skin (thanks to mint leaf extract) while introducing a refreshing hydration feel. The hydration effect is instant with embedded skin-cooling capsules that cool the skin by around 16 per cent, making this perfect for those with sensitive miens. 

PROTINI POLYPEPTIDE CREAM, DRUNK ELEPHANT 

We are not saying that the Protini Polypeptide Cream by Drunk Elephant will shave years off of your face. However, the potent combination of ingredients promises to revitalise the state of your skin, at the very least. It’s a protein moisturiser consisting of signal peptides, growth factors, supportive amino acids as well as pygmy waterlily stem cell extract (a source of antioxidants and nutrients to replenish the skin to its youthful state). This proprietary formula works almost instantly. Lines, wrinkles and signs of sun damage will appear reduced, and most importantly, the skin will feel strengthened and moisturised.

The Protini Polypeptide Cream is also completely vegan (not all of Drunk Elephant’s products are) and contains no essential oil, silicone or fragrance, making this a good option for anyone prone to skin sensitivity. The brand recommends that the cream be used day and night for optimum effects. As with most moisturisers, concentrate on the nighttime portion if your mornings are typically rather rushed. 

BIO-GOLD 24K GOLD SKIN ELIXIR, BIO-ESSENCE 

Bio-essence’s Bio-Energy Complex is an energy booster for skin cells, designed specifically to change their state from inactive to energised so that they are better able to take in vital bio-ingredients. This complex powers every single product in the brand’s arsenal, including its latest Bio-Gold 24K Gold Skin Elixir. 

The name might be a mouthful but the product does live up to its promises. Infused with Moroccan argan oil, the formula maintains the balance of the skin’s moisture for up to 24 hours. It’s also clinically proven to instantly increase skin moisture by 140 per cent just from one application. There is a strengthening aspect to the elixir too, with strong antioxidant protection against the harmful effects of UV rays. And if you’re intent on getting rid of stubborn spots, the elixir also minimises pigmentation. 

BONG2 BOUNCE CREAM, THEN I MET YOU

Don’t discount the product because of its cute moniker. The Bong2 Bounce Cream by Then I Met You is a new lightweight moisturiser that’s suited for all skin types. If you didn’t know, the brand was founded by Charlotte Cho who has been credited for introducing Korean skincare into the US. 

The Bong2 Bounce Cream’s hero ingredient is the vitamin C-rich Hallabong tangerines that are grown only on Jeju Island. Hallabong extract used in the cream works to hydrate the skin and can help to improve its elasticity and firmness. The formulation is fortified with plant-based squalane, and ceramides—both aiding in maintaining and retaining moisture as well as strengthening the skin’s lipid barrier. 

Then I Met You considers this lightweight moisturiser—it’s a cream with a gel-like consistency—as the antithesis of thick creams while offering the same (if not better) level of protection and moisture-retaining capabilities. It’s also free of artificial colouring and synthetic fragrance so there is little need to worry about irritating dry skin. 

THE MOISTURIZING FRESH CREAM, LA MER

For oily skin, La Mer’s latest The Moisturizing Fresh Cream is your best bet at keeping skin plump and moisturised. Its signature Miracle Broth ferment is enriched with a new 3D technology that transforms the gel consistency into a cream upon application. This creates a moisture cushion that boosts the radiance of the skin and infuses it with healing moisture. The result is a visible reduction in the appearance of lines and wrinkles, while keeping skin moisturised and hydrated throughout the day. 

How impressive is The Moisturizing Fresh Cream? Clinical testing (on 132 Asian women who used the product twice daily for four weeks) resulted in all subjects displaying visible volume improvement in their skin in just two weeks. Aside from its hydrating properties, the cream also calms the look of redness for a more even skin tone.