Finding the right moisturiser for your skin is like hunting for the perfect pair of pants. You have to try on a lot of pieces before you discover the one that truly fits. It can be an exciting beauty aisle adventure, but for those who have sensitive skin, the process can be challenging. It’s no fun when you get a rash every time you pick out the wrong moisturiser!
What to look for in a moisturiser for sensitive skin
When shopping for moisturisers for your sensitive skin, always looks for ceramides in the ingredients. Ceramides help replenish the skin barrier with lipids (natural fatty acids) that keep it healthy and strong. Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid can also help your skin recover faster if your sensitive skin is prone to or worsened by dryness.
You can also consider other benefits such as calming or soothing to help manage the symptoms of sensitive skin. Mild, hypoallergenic formulas without scents or artificial colouring are also your best friend.
To make your search for the one easier, we rounded up 12 of the best moisturisers made especially for sensitive skin that you can buy in Singapore.
1. PHYSIOGEL Calming Relief A.I. Cream
PHYSIOGEL Calming Relief A.I. Cream. (Photo from: watsons.com.sg)
The PHYSIOGEL Calming Relief A.I. Cream will bring immediate yet lasting relief to your dry, itchy skin. On top of that, it also has BioMimic Technology that helps strengthen the skin to guard itself against potential irritants.
Why it's great: It’s suitable for the face and body and is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.
It's priced at SGD30.50 per 50ML at Watsons.
2. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluide Protective Soothing Moisturiser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluide Protective Soothing Moisturiser. (Photo from: watsons.com.sg)
Prefer something lightweight over one with a rich texture? Go for La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Sensitive Fluide Protective Soothing Moisturiser. This soothing hydration fluid will instantly inject a dose of moisture to your skin and soothe any irritation.
Why it's great: It dries down to a matte finish so you don’t have to worry about having any greasy feel or oily look.
It's priced at SGD45.30 per 40ML at Watsons.
3. CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion
CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion. (Photo from: watsons.com.sg)
The CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion is perfect for daily use. This lightweight and oil-free moisturiser has the seal of approval of the National Eczema Association in the US. It has also gained popularity online in beauty forums because of its gentle and fragrance-free formula.
Why it's great: It contains three “essential” ceramides and hyaluronic acid which are proven to keep the skin hydrated and healthy.
It's priced at SGD44.90 per 473ML at Watsons.
4. Cetaphil Moisturising Cream
Cetaphil Moisturising Cream. (Photo from: watsons.com.sg)
The classic Cetaphil Moisturising Cream is a good option for those who are looking for a budget-friendly moisturiser for sensitive skin in Singapore. One 16oz tub contains 453g an extremely rich cream formula that provides intense, 48-hour hydration.
Why it's great: The key ingredients include niacinamide, panthenol and glycerin — a skin-nourishing cocktail that improves the skin’s resilience over time.
It's priced at SGD43.80 at Watsons.
5. Bioderma Hydrabio Gel Crème Moisturising Gel
Bioderma Hydrabio Gel Crème Moisturising Gel. (Photo from: watsons.com.sg)
If you’ve got sensitive skin, there’s a good chance that it’s also dehydrated because a compromised barrier can let moisture out easily. The good news is that there are moisturisers created to target this like Bioderma’s Hydrabio Gel Crème Moisturising Gel.
Why it's great: This product promises to “intensely moisturise” and “train” the skin to rehydrate by itself and restore its barrier.
It's priced at SGD44.90 per 40ML at Watsons.
6. Curel Kao Intensive Moisture Cream
Curel Moisture Facial Cream (Photo from: @curel_official_jp)
This moisturiser is your perfect companion if your skin is prone to external irritations. Its easily absorbed formulation helps improve the skin’s natural barrier function, leaving a moisturised and soothing feeling.
Why it's great: Its ceramide and eucalyptus extract ingredients deeply penetrate the skin, making it resistant to irritations.
It's priced at SGD40.60 per 40G at Watsons.
7. d Program Vital Act Emulsion
d Program Vital Act Emulsion. (Photo from: watsons.com.sg)
While all products under Shiseido Group’s bestselling d Program line are formulated for sensitive skin, the Vital Act Emulsion specifically addresses concerns for mature skin that’s becoming sensitised. It has dipotassium glycyrrhizate which has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties.
Why it's great: Aside from its soothing effects, this nourishing product also helps firm up the skin with the help of collagen-boosting starfruit leaf extract and Yoshino cherry leaf extract.
It's priced at SGD60 per 100ML at Watsons.
8. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream
Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream. (Photo from: sephora.sg)
Got a bad case of breakouts? The Dr Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream can help comfort your skin. It is formulated with Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract to calm down any irritation and soothe inflammation.
Why it's great: Meanwhile, Mineral Complex and Herb Complex work together to rejuvenate your skin and treat acne and redness.
It's priced at SGD69 per 50ML at Sephora.
9. Origins Dr Andrew Weil for Origins™ Relief & Resilience Soothing Cream
Origins Dr Andrew Weil for Origins™ Relief & Resilience Soothing Cream. (Photo from: sephora.sg)
Origins Dr Andrew Weil for Origins™ Relief & Resilience Soothing Cream utilises reishi, the “Mushroom of Immortality” in traditional Chinese medicine, to visibly reduce redness and promote skin health.
Why it's great: It also features cordyceps, fermented Chaga mushrooms, and sea buckthorn for extra nourishment and hydration.
It's priced at SGD126 per 50ML at Sephora.
10. Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream
Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream. (Photo from: guardian.com.sg)
If your skin is prone to atopic dermatitis and eczema, this rich and lipid-replenishing cream can help you manage its side effects like itching, redness, and irritation. It contains rehydrating ingredients in its I-Modulia and Cer-Omega complexes that help maintain the skin microbiome's health and strength.
Why it's great: It has an airless pump that keeps the cream free from recontamination.
It's priced at SGD50.90 per 200ML at Guardian's official Lazada store.
11. Drunk Elephant Lala Retro™ Whipped Cream
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro™ Whipped Cream. (Photo from: sephora.sg)
This rescue cream contains six rare African oils and plant ceramide complex that help to strengthen the skin microbiome and protect the skin against environmental aggressors. It also coats your skin in hydrating and anti-ageing goodness thanks to the sodium hyaluronate and green tea extract in its formula.
Why it's great: It's also packed with omega acids that build a protective layer on the skin's surface for added protection.
It's priced at SGD97 per 50ML at Sephora.
12. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 242
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 242. (Photo from: skinceuticals.sg)
If you have sensitive skin and want to start your anti-ageing skincare routine, this moisturiser will answer both of your skin concerns. It helps restore lipids to the skin surface that are responsible for maintaining a healthy skin barrier and a youthful appearance.
Why it's great: It has the maximised concentration of lipids of 2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids, while having a lightweight and quick-absorbing texture.
It's priced at SGD285 per 48ML on the brand's website.
This article was first published on 15 February 2022. Last updated: 13 June 2024.
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