Relieve dry skin with the best moisturizers in Malaysia 2021! Dewy skin gives you a more youthful appearance! And feels more comfortable too!
Depending on what your skin needs, you might find a drugstore moisturizer that is adequate! Or one that is water based!
Whichever the case, here are some hydrating moisturizers that are popular among dry, oily, combination skin types and more!
How Does Skin Moisturizer Work?
Firstly, a good skin moisturizer will lock in moisture on your skin. Like a lip balm but for your skin, not your lips!
Their other function is to bring out moisture from inside your skin to the top layer. And there are skin moisturizers with exfoliants too. Or sun protection!
How To Choose The Right Face Moisturizer
Moisturizer should definitely be a part of any basic skin routine! (e.g. last step in your night time skincare routine order!)
Along with the best facial cleanser and sunscreen!
Especially if you:
- Work in an air-con environment
- Go swimming a lot
- Are above 30 years old
- Have naturally dry skin
Step 1: Identify Your Skin Type
This is so important! If you get a moisturizer that is too rich for your skin, it could lead to a breakout!
Your skin may be any of the following:
- Oily Skin – Naturally well moisturized; skin looks shiny and pores are often visible
- Dry Skin – Appearance of scaly or flaking skin; Can be itchy
- Combination Skin – Oily T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) and dry cheeks
- Sensitive Skin – Gets irritated (e.g. itchy, red, flaky, etc) easily with most products or other external factors (e.g. food or environment allergens)
- Acne Prone Skin – Breakouts and angry pimples are common.
And if your skin doesn’t seem to fall under any of these, then you’ve got normal skin! Which seldom has any problems! We’re jealous!
You are safe with just a light moisturizer that is non-greasy!
Recommendations according to skin types:
| Skin Type | Good Ingredients | Bad Ingredients | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oily | Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid | Essential Oils, Mineral Oils, Petroleum Jelly, Cocoa Butter, Silicones (E.G. Dimethicone), Coconut Oil, Lanolin | Avoid comedogenic ingredients; oil-free lotions with sebum control are best. |
| Dry | Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Coconut Oil, Lanolin, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Dimethicone | Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Caffeine, Retinoids, Alcohol | Heavier lotions and creams work best; if you can, avoid fragrances too. |
| Combination | N/A | N/A | Use a light moisturizer that is oil-free. And/ or a heavy moisturizer only on the dry parts of your face. |
| Sensitive | Aloe Vera, Cucumber, Chamomile, Shea Butter, Calendula Extract, Oatmeal | Any Fragrance, Alcohol, Parabens, Exfoliants, Sodium Lauryl Sulfates, Chemical Sunscreens, Essential Oils, Citric Acid | Natural and minimal ingredients; go for unscented and hypoallergenic moisturizers with soothing ingredients. |
| Acne-Prone | Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), Witch Hazel, Tea Tree Oil, Salicylic Acid | Essential Oils, Mineral Oils, Silicones, Coconut Oil, Lanolin | Same rules as for oily skin but it’s good to have anti-inflammatory ingredients too. |
Step 2: Check The Ingredients
It’s not uncommon to see the same ingredients in toners, whitening creams and eye creams!
And you do not be overwhelmed by the ingredient label! The first 5 ingredients are what you should pay the most attention to!
Here are some common ones (besides water):
For sealing in moisture:
- Petrolatum
- Dimethicones (silicones) – there are also reasons to avoid silicones in skincare (Source)
- Lanolin
- Mineral Oils
For providing hydration:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Glycerin
- Propylene Glycol
For exfoliation:
- AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) – something that the best acne creams in Malaysia use
For anti-aging:
- Retinol
- Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
- Linoleic acid
- Peptides
And here’s an ingredient that you don’t see too often:
Ceramides
Your skin’s barrier is made up of 50% ceramides (or lipids). This barrier is what keeps your skin moisturized.
And as protection against external elements. Like dust and pollution.
When you don’t have the right balance of ceramides, your skin will feel dry (“tight”). And in worse cases, there may be flaking, itching and redness.
Speaking of that tight feeling:
Switching to a cleansing oil may be better if you have dry skin!
Step 3: Types Of Moisturizer
Moisturizer can be in 3 forms of varying thickness. Knowing which to go for depends on your skin type!
If you decide to buy a different moisturizer for the day and another for night use, the latter is usually richer!
Lotion:
Lotions are lightweight due to their high water content. They are suited to oily skin types.
Cream:
Creams are thicker than lotions. Offering more hydration. And are thus, suitable for normal or combination skin!
Ointment:
Sensitive or dry skin types may need the extra help of an ointment to lock in that precious moisture!
Need more moisture without having to reapply your moisturizer? Try a face mist spray!
15 Best Moisturizers Malaysia 2021
- Best For Normal Skin – THE INKEY LIST Bakuchiol Moisturizer
- Best For Dry Skin – CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- Best For Combination Skin – Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly
- Best For Oily Skin & Acne Prone Skin – IUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream or Origins Original Skin™ Matte Moisturizer With Willowherb
- Best For Sensitive Skin – REMDII Intensive Moisturizing Cream
Best Moisturizer For Normal Skin
1. THE INKEY LIST Bakuchiol Moisturizer
This gentle moisturizer from the UK has a star ingredient – bakuchiol! A natural alternative to retinol. To encourage collagen and elastin production!
One user compared this moisturizer to the Biossance Phyto-Retinol Serum, but cheaper! It is not exceptionally hydrating, but it will not irritate or make your skin oilier or drier either!
Lovely as a gentle moisturizer for normal, combination and oily skin types that are also sensitive. However the anti-aging effects are slow going and may not be noticeable for some users!
- Size: 30ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Key Ingredients: Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil (Sacha Inchi Oil), Bakuchiol, Vitamin E, Phytic Acid
- Price: ~RM75
Pros:
- Alcohol-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, silicone free, and fragrance free
- Light lotion texture (runny consistency)
- With glycerin, omega-3-packed sacha inchi oil, squalane and vitamin E to hydrate your skin
- Ingredient safety score of 95% (SkinCarisma)
- Does not have a strong smell (smells herb-like, similar to the Bobbi Brown moisturizer)
- Gradually improves skintone
- Hydrating enough for combination skin
- Not greasy
Cons:
- Not hydrating enough for dry skin
- Doesn’t soothe or heal acne prone skin
- Tube packaging is not easy to use
2. Mamonde Rose Water Gel Cream
From South Korea, Mamonde’s Rose Water Gel Cream does not miss out on hydrating ingredients like butylene glycol, glycerin or sodium hyaluronate! Beware, it has a strong fragrance of roses!
Light with a watery gel texture and great absorption, users like how hydrating it is! The smell is well received by most users, but others find it too strong!
An otherwise wonderful moisturizer for normal, combination, and even oily skin types. The only major con is the addition of artificial rose fragrance!
- Size: 80ml
- Suitable For: Normal To Dry Skin
- Key Ingredients: Sodium Hyaluronate, Rose Extract
- Price: RM99
Pros:
- Alcohol-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free
- Don’t need to use a lot
- Skin does not feel or look sticky or oily
- Can double as a primer
- Watery-gel consistency
- 91% ingredient safety (SkinCarisma)
Cons:
- Has stearic acid (comedogenic) and silicones
- Can be sticky for the first 10 minutes after application
- Strong fragrance does fade
Best Moisturizer For Dry Skin Malaysia
Exfoliation is another way to get rid of dead skin from your face, but a thicker moisturizer can do wonders too! (Source)
Have dry patches of skin on other areas of your body? Try the best body scrub in Malaysia!
3. The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA
From Canadian brand, The Ordinary:
Comes their Natural Moisturising Factors + HA moisturizer with generally low-risk ingredients. Like ceramides and other skin-equivalent ingredients (glycerin, linoleic acid, hyaluronic acid)!
Users remark that the hydration it provides is lasting! And if it’s right for your skin, it absorbs rather quickly!
Don’t use this if you have oily or acne prone skin. For moderately dry skin types, it’s adequately moisturizing without feeling heavy!
Pros:
- Alcohol-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and fragrance free
- Makes a smooth base for make up
- Thick and creamy with pure vitamin E (tocopherol)
- Ingredient safety score of 96% on SkinCarisma
- Does not pill under makeup or sunscreen
- Not greasy
Cons:
- Contains citric acid (not suitable for sensitive skin)
- Not for oily skin (has comedogenic ingredients – cetyl alcohol)
- Not easy to get the last of the product out
4. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30
As the name implies:
This face moisturizer by CeraVe contains SPF (Zinc oxide which is also anti-inflammatory)! Your skin will get moisture from glycerin and hyaluronic acid. With ceramides to retain it!
There’s a 4.5/5 score on Amazon from over 30,000 ratings! It does not feel like your usual sunscreen even though it smells like one! Users that are always in a rush appreciate the dual functionality!
Morning moisturizer with SPF that suits dry and sensitive skin. For very dry skin, you may need reapplication every 2 hours.
- Size: 88ml
- Suitable For: Normal To Dry Skin
- Key Ingredients: Ceramide 1, Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide 3, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Zinc Oxide
- Price: RM105
Pros:
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Allergy tested
- Fragrance-free
- Niacinamide for brightening
- Dries matte
- Layers well under make up
Cons:
- Not reef safe (contains ortocrylene and homosalate)
- Takes a while to absorb
- If not fully absorbed, there is piling and some white cast
- Feels greasy on oily skin types
5. Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Lotion
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Lotion has anti-aging properties through ingredients like beta-carotene, vitamin A (retynyl palmitate) and E (tocopheryl acetate)!
Users say this gives them a smooth base for makeup! It’s creamy but doesn’t feel heavy. The resulting finish is not fully matte. But rather, it gives a dewy glow to the skin.
Skincare and primer in one! It’s rich enough to be a night cream if you have combination skin. Despite the label and product description (which includes oily skin), we think this would do better on dry skin!
- Size: 50ml
- Suitable For: Normal, Combination, and Dry Skin
- Key Ingredients: Shea Butter With Vitamins B, C And E
- Price: RM248
Pros:
- Phthalate-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, and alcohol free
- Vegan
- Smells good (citrus)
- While butylene glycol, squalane, sodium hyaluronate and shea butter to moisturize your skin!
- Easy application
- Don’t need to use a lot
- Does not feel sticky or heavy on the skin
- Beautiful packaging
- Doubles as base for powder foundation
Cons:
- Has comedogenic ingredients (e.g. shea butter)
6. Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream
If you love the smell of roses:
The Rose Damascena flower oil in this lightweight moisturizer works as an anti-oxidant too! And the hydrating formula has cucumber, glycerin, butylene glycol, and sodium hyaluronate!
More than just feeling nice on the skin, users also find that their skin feels soft and plump the next day! The rating on Sephora for this product is 4.5 from 600+ reviews!
Its thick texture is favorable for a night time cream for normal and combination skin. Or as a go-to moisturizer for dry skin types!
- Size: 50ml
- Suitable For: Normal To Dry Skin
- Key Ingredients: Rosewater, Rose Flower Oil, Angelica Leaf Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Cucumber Fruit Extract And Vitamin E
- Price: ~RM200
Pros:
- Alcohol-free, paraben-free and sulfate-free
- Has other anti-aging ingredients (e.g. angelica keiskei extract, tocopheryl acetate)
- 86% Ingredient Safety rating on SkinCarisma
- Absorbs well
- Flaky skin becomes dewy
- Smells like roses
- Thick creamy texture that is neither sticky or oily
- One jar lasts ~3 months
- Sits good under makeup
Cons:
- Contains fragrance
- Has comedogenic ingredients (e.g. isostearyl isostearate)
We have even more suggestions for dry skin types under the sensitive skin section! Be sure to check that out!
Best Moisturizer For Combination Skin
Sponsored Product:
7. SK-II R.N.A.POWER Airy Milky Lotion
Truly milky and light in consistency, the SK II R.N.A.Power Airy Milky Lotion is not greasy either!
Which makes it a very comfortable daytime moisturizer for both combination and oily skin types!
Skin generally looks smoother too. And feels softer with daily use!
- Size: 50g, 80g
- Suitable For: All skin types
- Key Ingredients: RNArchitect Complex, Chlorella Extract, Water, Glycerin, PITERA™, Niacinamide, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
- Price: ~RM420 (50g), ~RM630 (80g)
Pros:
- Doubles as a primer under makeup
- Pleasant fragrance
- Not sticky after application
- Absorbs well
- Plumps up skin from within
- Contains powerful hydrating ingredients
Cons:
- Not fragrance or coloring-free
8. Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly
4 ingredients in the Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly are great for hydration! Cucumber, butylene glycol, hyaluronic acid and glycerin! With caffeine as an anti-oxidant!
The moisturizer scores 93% for ingredient safety on SkinCarisma. Users generally recommend it for a daytime use as it is comfortable to wear in humid environments!
Suitable for combination and oily skin types if you don’t have underlying skin problems.
- Size: 125ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Key Ingredients: Sunflower Seed Cake, Barley Extract And Cucumber Fruit Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Caffeine
- Price: ~RM149
Pros:
- Oil free, alcohol free, fragrance free, and silicone free
- No parabens
- No phthalates (phthalates are linked to endocrine disruption)
- No essential oils
- Layers well under foundation
- One bottle lasts for months
- Doesn’t smell of anything
- Lightweight with a gel-like texture
Cons:
- Contains citric acid (unsuitable for sensitive skin)
- Not very moisturizing
- A little bit tacky upon application (disappears later)
9. Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer
Simple’s Hydrating Light Moisturizer has UV protection from titanium dioxide and 2 key anti-aging ingredients, vitamin E and lactic acid. Said lactic acid can be irritating to sensitive skin though.
This moisturizer stays true to its name from what we gather from the mostly positive (4.3 rating) 100+ reviews on shespeaks.com! Light, sufficiently hydrating, and not greasy!
Compatible with combination skin types as a day moisturizer with SPF. Since it moisturizes without making the skin shiny! It’s disappointing that it contains parabens and silicones!
- Size: 125ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types (Even For Sensitive Skin)
- Key Ingredients: Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin E, Glycerin, Borage Seed Oil, Allantoin, Lactic Acid
- Price: RM21.8
Pros:
- No artificial perfume or colors
- Alcohol-Free
- Safe moisturizing ingredients (Panthenol and Glycerin)
- Allantoin to soothe skin
- No sticky feel
- With brightening agent, alpha-bisabolol
- Doesn’t leave a white cast
- Can be layered under makeup
- Light texture
- Has no scent
Cons:
- Has parabens and silicones
- Not hydrating enough for dry skin
10. Origins Dr. Andrew Weil For Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment Lotion
Natural antioxidants are present in this moisturizer. Including ginger, turmeric, centella, vitamin E, etc. And Reishi mushrooms to fight skin irritation and to act as antioxidants!
According to multiple reviews on Sephora, it hydrates skin without causing any irritation or making it oiler. Instead, it does appear to calm the skin and reduce redness!
Fine for combination skin (e.g. butylene glycol, sodium hyaluronate and glycerin)! If you have sensitive skin, be wary of the citrus components and lavender oil in this moisturizer.
Pros:
- Alcohol-free, silicone free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free
- Reduces redness
- Pleasant herbal scent
- No greasy or oily after feel
- Doesn’t make acne worse
- Absorbs quickly into the skin
Cons:
- Not fragrance-free
- Hit and miss product for dry and oily skin types
Best Moisturizer For Oily Skin/ Acne-Prone Skin
11. Origins Original Skin™ Matte Moisturizer With Willowherb
With eucalyptus leaf oil, salicylic acid, scutellaria baicalensis root extract and lemon peel oil to treat acne:
Comfortably light enough for day wear, combination and oily skin users also like that it makes your skin look (and stay) matte!
Origins Original Skin™ Matte Moisturizer with Willowherb is a light moisturizer that is perfect for combination and oily skin types with acne.
Pros:
- Sulfate-free and paraben-free
- Some UV protection from titanium dioxide
- With anti-oxidants (e.g. rosa damascena flower oil, caffeine, vitamin E)
- Smells pleasant
- Mattifies face
- Lightweight
- Easy to apply
- Don’t need to use a lot
- Controls oil for up to 3-6 hours
- Not sticky or greasy
- Doubles as a primer
Cons:
- Contains alcohol (denatured), silicones, and fragrance (Not suitable for sensitive skin!)
- Herbal scent does not appeal to everyone
- Pricey
12. iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream
iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream from South Korea has a combination of soothing, hydrating and healing natural ingredients! Like licorice root, centella asiatic leaf water, and tea tree leaf water!
Oily skin users that are prone to acne usually only have good things to say about this moisturizer! It helps to calm breakouts and provide hydration at the same time!
Worth a shot if you have combination or oily skin that is prone to acne!
- Size: 60ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Key Ingredients: Centella Asiatic Leaf Water, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, Water, Niacinamide, Phenyl Trimethicone, Sodium Hyaluronate, etc
- Price: RM42
Pros:
- Not sticky
- Reduces redness
- Fungal-acne safe
- Mild scent
- Gel texture
- Dries matte
- Can be used under makeup
- 91% ingredient safety score on SkinCarisma
- 96.8% customer satisfaction on YesStyle (~3.5K reviews)
- Absorbs easily
- Good oil control
Cons:
- Not silicone free
- Not hydrating enough for dry skin
Best Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin
13. CLINIQUE Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
The moisture factor comes from butylene glycol, glycerin and hyaluronic acid! And there are soothing ingredients like aloe leaf water and green tea leaf extract!
As far as hydration goes, users find this gel cream too little for very dry skin. However the level of moisture is great for combination skin! And does not irritate the more sensitive eye area!
Clinique’s Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is a low-risk lightweight product that’s suitable for combination to mildly dry sensitive skin types!
- Size: 50ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Key Ingredients: Caffeine, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Aloe Leaf Water, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Lady’s Thistle Extract, Birch Bark Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract
- Price: RM174
Pros:
- Allergy Tested
- 100% fragrance free, alcohol-free, sulfate-free, oil-free, and paraben-free
- Non-Acnegenic
- A little bit goes a long way
- Dewy finish
- Pleasant gel texture
- Smells nice
- Works as a make up base
- Absorbs well without residue
Cons:
- Can’t seem to heal persistent dry patches
- Not cheap
14. Mediplus All-In-One Gel
Mediplus’ All-In-One Gel has glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) leaf extract for brightening. Avocado oil and hyaluronic acid for hydration. And soothing ingredients like allantoin and aloe barbadensis leaf extract!
This moisturizer has a jelly-like texture. Users note that 1 pump is enough for the face and neck. It can feel a bit sticky. But that does not stop users from coming back for a second bottle!
Have sensitive skin but don’t want to miss out on anti-aging goodies like elastin and collagen? You can try this moisturizer! As long as you’re not prone to acne! Always test patch first.
- Size: 180g
- Suitable For: All Skin Types (Effective On Sensitive Skin)
- Key Ingredients: Licorice Leaf Extract, Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide, Collagen, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Avocado Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Horse Chestnut Extract
- Price: RM199
Pros:
- Alcohol-free, silicone free, sulfate free, and paraben-free
- Doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on the skin
- Clears breakouts
- Moisturizing
- Ceramides to maintain your skin barrier
- 83% ingredient safety score on SkinCarisma
Cons:
- Contains fragrance
- Avocado oil is comedogenic (not for oily skin)
- Slightly sticky
- Takes time to absorb
15. REMDII Intensive Moisturizing Cream
UPM researchers (Professors & PhDs) came up with the patented technology behind REMDII Sensitive cream. This is the original life-changing formula. Created for eczema sufferers, including babies!
I personally use this to keep my perioral dermatitis symptoms in check. Reapplication is necessary throughout the day. But relief is quick and moisture lasts longer than other moisturizers I’ve tried.
Highly recommended for sensitive skin with eczema-like problems. For night time, use the Ultra Sensitive version with a richer (and pricier) shea butter base instead of the mineral oil base.
- Size: 28ml, 50ml, 112ml, 250ml
- Suitable For: Sensitive (Not Good For Oily Skin)
- Key Ingredients: Full-Spectrum Tocotrienols, Tocopherols, Carotenoids And Vitamin C
- Price: RM30, RM50, RM85, RM147
Pros:
- No steroids
- No parabens
- No fragrances
- Has natural ingredients too (e.g. Vitamin E, Karotin)
- Hygienic packaging
- Reasonably priced
- 1 bottle can last a month with frequent use
- It has a subtle neutral scent that does not linger
- Feels light on the skin
- Relieves dry and itchy skin (tightness in skin goes away)
Cons:
- Not easy to get the last remaining product out
- May be too rich for oily skin types (mineral oil base)
Conclusion
To reflect the diversity of skin types, moisturizers are made differently. Thus, it’s important to find the best moisturizer in Malaysia for your particular skin type!
You don’t need as much moisture as dry skin types if you’re an oily skin type! And oily skin types can take stronger ingredients (e.g. skin brighteners and exfoliants)! As long as they are not comedogenic!
