Let’s face it, living in the forever-summer tropics means constantly seeking out the most air-conditioned route on our commute. Being a busy mum makes it worse, to be sure, because the business of lifting well-fed infants and running after healthy children is no breezy walk in the park. In an ode to the loving toil of sweaty mums who could do with more self-care, we’ve compiled a list of cooling beauty products that will hopefully help you stay cool and collected in this sweltering heat — from head to toe.
Free from nasties like silicones, phthalates, parabens, synthetic fragrance, mineral oil, petrolatum, formaldehyde and animal ingredients, this purifying shampoo is 97 per cent naturally derived. A gentle and clarifying formula designed to energise and invigorate, its natural peppermint extracts stimulates hair follicles at the roots while leaving a minty tingling sensation. Rosemary helps protect against environmental damage while white vinegar effectively purifies.
Suitable for all hair types, this shampoo is refreshing and relaxing while also helping to improve focus. It has a pleasing scent and is the perfect cooling perk-me-up a busy mum needs in Singapore’s humid weather. Recommended to follow with Aveda Rosemary Mint Weightless Condition.
Infused with cucumber, which is famed for its refreshing properties, as well as organic thyme which is rich in zinc for reducing blemishes, this daily facial cleanser from L’occitane foams up gently when mixed with water. Effective for removing excess sebum, impurities and even makeup, this gel-to-foam cleanser will leave your skin feeling soft, clean and reenergised after a long hot day at work or out with the kids. Ideal for all skin types, even sensitive skin (tolerance tested under dermatological and ophthalmological supervision), and non-comedogenic, which means that it will not clog pores.
UK-owned and made, Q+A’s Peppermint Daily Cleanser is a 98.2% naturally formulated vegan-friendly wash packed with natural actives for a gentle, cool cleanse that supports the natural oil balance of your skin. Derived from three key ingredients: water, coco-sulfate and peppermint leaf oil, this emulsifying face cleanser is proudly SLS-free, oil-free, cruelty-free, alcohol-free and fragrance-free.
Perfect for mummies who prefer natural coconut alternatives to sodium lauryl sulfate, the peppermint oil in this cleanser also boasts natural cleansing and anti-bacterial properties that mean it’s a great aid against irritation and blemishes. Recommended for calming, cleansing, firming and hydrating oily, stressed, dry, normal and combination skin types.
Widely available at Guardian, Watsons and FairPrice, beloved Australian skincare brand Sukin’s soap-free Eucalyptus & Tea Tree Body Wash will revitalise your skin and senses while leaving your skin healthy, clean and fresh. With a beautiful scent of mandarin, tangerine, vanillin and lavender, this gorgeous body wash guarantees to leave you feeling revived after a long hard day.
Tea tree oil and eucalyptus have rich cleansing and cooling properties; Borage, evening primrose and grape seed oils purify, hydrate and soften the skin; while Aloe Vera calms, leaving your skin and nerves soothed and calm. All Sukin products are natural, Australian-made, cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, carbon-neutral and contain no synthetic fragrances, animal derivatives, artificial colours, harsh detergents, and other nasties, which makes Sukin products pregnancy safe too!
This popular brand needs no introduction, but Burt’s Bees Advanced Relief lip balm with cooling eucalyptus must be expounded. Containing twice the waxes and butters of the Ultra Conditioning lip balm, this unscented balm is an absolute restorative must for very dry lips. Infused with Turmeric for its rich anti-oxidant quality, and cooling eucalyptus for soothing moisturising relief, this 100% natural beeswax formula will nourish, smooth and deeply hydrate, leaving you with soft, supple, kissable lips! Particularly great for busy working moms who spend most of their days in air-conditioned offices.
Formulated by the National Skin Centre of Singapore, this proudly local brand may be well-known for their kid’s range among mummies whose children suffer from eczema. The Suu Balm Dual Cooling And Moisturising Cream Body Wash might be a mouthful, but your skin will surely thank you—particularly if you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
Free of sulphates, fragrances, parabens and preservatives, this cream body wash is gentle and suitable for all skin types. Its menthol formula offers cooling, soothing relief for dry or itchy skin, while richly moisturising with shea butter and sodium hyaluronate. It also promises a fantastic cooling-effect shower experience in perennially hot Singapore even if you have normal skin.
Another pregnancy and nursing-safe product great for active mummies, French-made Caudalie’s Vinofresh Natural Stick Deodorant delivers a 98% natural deodorant that promises to be good to your delicate underarm skin. Formulated with organic grape water for its moisturising, soothing, antioxidant and naturally prebiotic properties, and organic eucalyptus for long-lasting bacteria control and its fresh rejuvenating scent, this natural deodorant is free of aluminium, baking soda, alcohols, synthetic fragrances, parabens, phenoxyethanol, phthalates, sodium laureth sulfate, mineral oils and animal ingredients.
On top of odour control, it also hydrates and soothes, and does not clog pores or stain clothes. It is dermatologically tested and non-phototoxic, safe for sensitive skin, and suitable for shaved, depilated or even laser-hair-removal-treated skin.
A perfect follow-up to deodorant, this lesser known brand and product is something more mummies probably wish they knew about. If you’ve ever wished your underarms were lighter, or had trouble with breakouts or ingrown hair from years of shaving, epilating and antiperspirant use, this is probably a scrub you will want to try.
100% natural with high-quality peppermint extract, aloe vera and walnut Shell powder to exfoliate, deodorise, moisturise, nourish, smoothen, tighten, renew and repair your delicate underarm skin without any harmful chemicals, this scrub has rave reviews from users saying that their pits smell better, feel fresher and look fairer after using 1-3 times a week. Hypoallergenic and free of GMO, sulphates, aluminum, phthalates, cruelty and mineral oils, it can also be used on other body parts.
Another should-have in tropical humidity when you suffer from the common condition known as sweatiness, Gold Bond Ultimate Comfort Body Powder will help you feel fresh and comfortable all day. This talc-free body powder is gently moisturising with aloe and vitamins A, C, E, soothingly cool with chamomile, and highly effective at limiting odours and moisture. It also contains lavender and rosemary extracts for a clean, fresh scent. Can be applied liberally to your body or undergarments, or sprinkled between sheets to freshen and help you sleep more comfortably.
This article was originally published in Singapore Women’s Weekly.