Relieve dry skin with the best moisturizers in Malaysia 2020! 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 beauty routine! 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
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!
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
- dimethicone
- lanolin
- mineral oils
For providing hydration:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Glycerin
- propylene glycol
For exfoliation:
- AHA (alpha hydroxy acid)
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!
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 the 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!
21 Best Moisturizers Malaysia 2020
Best Moisturizer For Normal Skin
1. Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly
There are 4 ingredients in the Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly that are great for dry skin! Cucumber, butylene glycol, hyaluronic acid and glycerin!
And in case you’re wondering, the caffeine is there as an anti-oxidant!
- 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
- No parabens
- No phthalates (phthalates are linked to endocrine disruption)
- No fragrance
- Lightweight with a matte texture
Cons:
- Contains citric acid (unsuitable for sensitive skin)
2. Himalaya Herbals Intensive Moisturizing Cream
You can walk into any Watsons branch to pick up a tub of this absorbent cream with no greasy after feel.
It does have some ingredients that can potentially clog up pores (e.g. wheat germ oil and almond oil). So oily skin types would do well to choose another product!
- Size: 50ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, Almond Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Grape Seed Oil
- Price: RM19.77
Pros:
- Works as a makeup primer
- Alcohol-Free
- Sulfate-Free
- No fragrance
- Lightweight with a matte texture
Cons:
- Contains fragrance
- Almond smell is very strong
3. Bio-essence Bio-Water Moist-in Water Gel
Bio-essence Bio-Water Moist-in Water Gel has some powerful hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, butylenes glycol and glycerin!
The formula includes allantoin too. Which acts as a skin protector! And soothes acne-prone skin!
- Size: 50g
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Key Ingredients: Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Allantoin
- Price: RM46.32
Pros:
- Alcohol-Free
- Sulfate-Free
- Paraben-Free
Cons:
- Contains fragrance
Other options:
- Bio-Essence Bio-Treasure Jeju Water Hydrating All Day Moisturising Gel – Check Price
- Bio-essence Bio-Bounce Collagen Essence Cream – Check Price
4. THE INKEY LIST Bakuchiol Moisturizer
This gentle moisturizer from the UK, has glycerin, omega-3-packed sacha inchi oil, squalane and vitamin E to hydrate your skin.
But the star ingredient that the moisturizer is named for, is bakuchiol. This is a natural alternative to retinol. To encourage collagen and elastin production!
- Size: 30ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Key Ingredients: Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil (Sacha Inchi Oil), Bakuchiol, Vitamin E, Phytic Acid
- Price: RM50
Pros:
- Alcohol-Free
- Sulfate-Free
- Paraben-Free
- Fragrance free
- Light texture (runny consistency)
Cons:
- Not hydrating enough for dry
- Doesn’t soothe or heal acne prone skin
5. 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!
- Size: 80ml
- Suitable For: Normal To Dry Skin
- Key Ingredients: Sodium Hyaluronate, Rose Extract
- Price: RM99
Pros:
- Alcohol-Free
- Sulfate-Free
- Paraben-Free
- Watery-gel consistency
Cons:
- Has stearic acid (comedogenic)
Best Moisturizer For Dry Skin Malaysia
Have dry patches that won’t go away even if you use moisturizer regularly? Try the best body scrub in Malaysia!
6. The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA
From Canadian brand, The Ordinary comes their Natural Moisturising Factors + HA moisturizer with generally low-risk ingredients.
It’s thick and creamy with pure vitamin E (tocopherol)! With ceramides and other skin-equivalent ingredients (e.g. glycerin, linoleic acid, and hyaluronic acid) to keep the moisture in!
Pros:
- Alcohol-Free
- Sulfate-Free
- Paraben-Free
- Smooth make up base
Cons:
- Contains citric acid (not suitable for sensitive skin)
- Not for oily skin (has comedogenic ingredients)
- Feels heavy
7. 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)!
While butylene glycol, squalane, sodium hyaluronate and shea butter to moisturize your skin!
- Size: 50ml
- Suitable For: Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily, Sensitive
- Key Ingredients: Shea Butter With Vitamins B, C And E
- Price: RM248
Pros:
- Phthalate-Free
- Sulfate-Free
- Paraben-Free
- Gluten-Free
- Vegan
- Smells good
- Doubles as base for powder foundation
Cons:
- Has comedogenic ingredients (e.g. shea butter)
- Gets sticky in hot weather
8. 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!
The hydrating formula has cucumber, glycerin, butylene glycol, and sodium hyaluronate!
- 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: RM204
Pros:
- Alcohol-Free
- Paraben-Free
- Has other anti-aging ingredients (e.g. angelica keiskei extract, tocopheryl acetate)
Cons:
- Contains fragrance
- Has comedogenic ingredients
9. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
All about moisture, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel has glycerin, hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate!
The dimethicone is present to form a moisture barrier. And to fill in fine lines and wrinkles (temporarily!).
- Size: 50g
- Suitable For: Dry To
- Combination Skin Types
Key Ingredients: Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin - Price: RM66.9
Pros:
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-greasy
Cons:
- Contains fragrance
- Can feel heavy
10. 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. And be able to retain that moisture with the added ceramides!
- 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
Cons:
- Not reef safe (contains ortocrylene and homosalate)
11. Ceradan Hydra Ceramide-Rich Hydrating Moisturizer
Touting skin-compatible ingredients like glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, butylene glycol, vitamin E, linoleic acid:
Ceradan Hydra Ceramide-Rich Hydrating Moisturizer still manages to be lightweight. And there’re ceramides to fortify your natural skin barrier!
- Size: 80g
- Suitable For: All Skin Types, Including Dry And Sensitive Skin
- Key Ingredients: Sodium Hyaluronate, Vitamin E, Jojoba Seed Oil, Ceramide, Linoleic Acid
- Price: RM64.9
Pros:
- Alcohol-Free
- Paraben-Free
Cons:
- Contains fragrance
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
12. 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. And there’s a brightening agent too, alpha-bisabolol.
- 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
Cons:
- Has parabens
13. Origins Dr. Andrew Weil For Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment Lotion
The citrus components and lavender oil in the formula of this lotion may make this unfavorable for sensitive skin.
However, it’s fine on normal, combination and dry skin (e.g. butylene glycol, sodium hyaluronate and glycerin)! And the Reishi mushrooms are there to fight skin irritation and as antioxidants!
Pros:
- Alcohol-Free
- Sulfate-Free
- Paraben-Free
- Reduces redness
- Herbal scent
Cons:
- Not fragrance-free
14. The Body Shop Vitamin E Gel Moisture Cream
From The Body Shop®’s best-selling Vitamin E range, comes the gel moisture cream!
The gel texture is light enough for normal and combination skin types! With a matte finish and some salicylic acid and calming aloe leaf powder to take on the oilier parts of your face!
- Size: 50ml
- Suitable For: Combination Or Normal Skin
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicylic Acid, Raspberry Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
- Price: RM70
Pros:
- Oil-free
- Paraben-Free
- Sulfate-Free
- There is titanium dioxide for UV protection
- Smells good (a bit strong)
Cons:
- Contains alcohol
- With fragrance
Best Moisturizer For Oily Skin/ Acne-Prone Skin
15. Origins Original Skin™ Matte Moisturizer With Willowherb
Origins Original Skin™ Matte Moisturizer with Willowherb is a light moisturizer that is perfect for oily skin types.
It has eucalyptus leaf oil, salicylic acid, scutellaria baicalensis root extract and lemon peel oil to treat acne-prone skin too.
Pros:
- Sulfate-Free
- Paraben-Free
- Some UV protection from titanium dioxide
- Anti-oxidants (e.g. Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Caffeine, vitamin E)
- Smells pleasant
- Mattifies face
Cons:
- Contains alcohol and fragrance
- Not suitable for sensitive skin!
16. iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream
iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream from South Korea has a combination of soothing, hydrating and healing natural ingredients!
Like glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract, centella asiatic leaf water and tea tree leaf water!
- 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
Cons:
- Not silicone free
- Not hydrating enough for dry skin
Best Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin
17. CLINIQUE Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
Clinique’s Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is a low-risk lightweight product that’s suitable for dry sensitive skin types!
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!
- 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
- Non-Acnegenic
- Oil-Free
- Alcohol-Free
- Sulfate-Free
- Paraben-Free
Cons:
- Can’t seem to heal persistent dry patches
18. Mediplus All-In-One Gel
Have sensitive skin but don’t want to miss out on anti-aging goodies like elastin and collagen?
Mediplus’ All-In-One Gel has glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) leaf extract for brightening. There are several hydrating ingredients in the formula – sodium hyaluronate, avocado oil, hyaluronic acid, etc.
And soothing ingredients like allantoin and aloe barbadensis leaf extract!
- 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
- Paraben-Free
- Ceramides to maintain your skin barrier
Cons:
- Contains fragrance
- Avocado oil is comedogenic (not for oily skin)
19. LaF Tea Tree BHA Med Secret Cream + Ceramide
Sensitive skin that is not that dry and has some scars to heal can benefit from the panthenol, centella asiatica extract, grape seed oil and sodium hyaluronate in this water-based moisturizer!
Test it on your inner wrist first as there are some known irritants in the formula!
- Size: 50g
- Suitable For: Dry & Sensitive Skin Types
- Key Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Centella Asiatica Extract, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Vitamin E, Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract
- Price: RM37.66
Pros:
- Alcohol-Free
- Paraben-Free
- Works as a makeup primer
- Thick texture spreads easily on face
Cons:
- Has lemon peel oil
- A handful of comedogenic ingredients (e.g. shea butter, coconut oil, corn starch, etc)
- Has fragrance
20. Sukin Sensitive Facial Moisturiser
Really unfriendly towards oily skin, but the Sukin Sensitive Facial Moisturiser’s formula suits dry and sensitive skin.
With a host of natural moisturizers (e.g. rosehip, sesame and jojoba oils) and cucumber fruit extract and chamomile extract for irritable skin!
- Size: 125ml
- Suitable For: Normal To Sensitive Skin Types
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, Cocoa, Shea Butters, Rosehip, Sesame, Avocado and Jojoba Oils, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Chamomile Extract
- Price: RM31.9
Pros:
- Without essential oils
- Paraben-Free
- Alcohol-Free
- Light creamy texture
- Relieves dry patches
Cons:
- Comedogenic ingredients
- Takes a while to absorb
21. REMDII Intensive Moisturizing Cream
UPM researchers (Professors & PhDs) came up with the patented technology behind REMDII Sensitive cream.
They have many products now but this was the original life-changing formula. Created for eczema sufferers, including babies!
- 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
Cons:
- Quite pricey
- Not easy to get the last remaining product
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!
