Best beauty products of 2025: Editor-tested skincare and haircare must-haves

Best for Sensitive Skin Winner: Suu Balm Ceramide Moisturiser Rapid Itch Relief, Now at $42.40 (20% off, usual price $53)

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1/10

Struggling with contact dermatitis or eczema? The Suu Balm Ceramide Moisturiser Rapid Itch Relief is your skin’s new saviour. Developed by the National Skin Centre Singapore, this dermatologist-approved formula combines five types of skin-identical ceramides with cooling menthol to instantly soothe itching and calm sensitive, irritated skin—from head to toe. Its lightweight, non-tacky texture also makes it perfect for Singapore’s warm and humid weather. As Shazrina Shamsudin, Her World’s senior digital writer, shared, “I usually get a heat rash around my chest area and my arms feel really dry. So applying this after heading to the beach provided me some relief”—a testament to how effective the balm is at easing skin irritation and dryness in hot climates.

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2/10

Once your skin is soothed, elevate your routine with the Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Perfecting Serum. Packed with GentleBright Technology—featuring sea daffodil, niacinamide, antioxidant C, and peptides—this powerhouse serum visibly reduces dark spots in just 14 days. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free, making it ideal even for the most sensitive skin.

Best Glow-Giving Skincare Winner: La-Roche Posay Mela B3 Serum, $88.90 (*Buy 3 for the price of 2)

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3/10

Battling stubborn hyperpigmentation? Meet your new skincare essential: La-Roche Posay Mela B3 Serum. Powered by Melasyl and 10% niacinamide, this brightening formula is clinically proven to tackle everything from sunspots and age spots to post-acne marks—delivering visible results in just one week. “After a week, my skin feels more refined and appears more even overall,” shared Syed Zulfadhli, Her World senior content producer.

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4/10

For an extra boost of radiance and anti-ageing support, layer with the Evans Dermalogical 15% Vitamin C Serum with 2% Ferulic Acid & Resveratrol (*Buy 3 for the price of 2) . This potent antioxidant-rich formula reduces hyperpigmentation, defends against free radical damage, and targets fine lines and dullness for a more even-toned, youthful glow.

Best Hydrating Skincare Winner: Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water Duo Kit, $30.50

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5/10

Experiencing redness, itching, or tightness? Soothe and refresh even the most sensitive skin with Avène Thermal Spring Water. Clinically proven to calm irritation, this gentle mist protects and hydrates — making it the perfect post-cleanse, post-sun, or post-shave essential. “This has been a staple in my routine even during major breakouts or eczema flare-ups. It’s perfect for midday touch-ups or adding a dewy sheen to the skin,” shared Letty Seah, Her World beauty editor. 

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6/10

Double down on hydration with the CeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion. Featuring MVE Technology, this lotion continuously releases ceramides and hyaluronic acid over 24 hours to keep skin soft, supple, and deeply moisturised—all without feeling sticky, even in humid weather.

Best Acne Skincare Winner: MediHeal Madecassoside Blemish Pad, $35.30 (*Buy 3 for the price of 2)

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7/10

Calm, clear, and confident skin starts with a swipe of the Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Pad — a fuss-free K-beauty essential for soothing irritation, refining texture and minimising blemishes. Each toner pad is infused with the signature CalmingTox™ complex, featuring madecassoside and centella asiatica.  Use it post-cleanse as a gentle toner, or place it on targeted areas like a mini mask for instant, on-the-spot relief.  “I appreciate that the gauze pads are generously soaked in the Madescassoside-infused formula. The textured surface provides gentle exfoliation, and I enjoy the light, herbal-medicinal scent of the product,” observed Syed Zulfadhli, Her World’s senior content producer.

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8/10

For those pesky pimples that just won’t quit, follow up with the Mentholatum Acnes Anti-Bacterial Acne Patch – 0.03cm Night. This ultra-thin hydrocolloid patch draws out oil and pus while preventing bacteria growth and speeding up the healing of spots. Added calendula oil also reduces redness, so you wake up to calmer, clearer skin.

Best Anti-Hair Loss Winner: Kundal Hair Loss Relief Shampoo – Cherry Blossom, $17.35 (*Buy 3 for the price of 2)

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9/10

Don’t let hair fall get you down. The Kundal Hair Loss Relief Shampoo – Cherry Blossom is formulated to strengthen and revitalise with a blend of panthenol, niacinamide, salicylic acid, and caffeine. This clinically proven combo boosts scalp health and elasticity, while 24 botanical extracts and gentle coconut-based cleansers refresh your scalp. Bonus: the cherry blossom scent is absolutely divine. “It lathers well and the cherry blossom scent is very pleasant and not too overpowering,” Letty Seah, Her World beauty editor noted — proof that it delivers both performance and sensorial pleasure. Kundal, a K-beauty sensation beloved for its pampering, nature-inspired formulas is available exclusively at Guardian. 

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10/10

Complete your anti-hair loss routine with ICM Growell 5% Scalp Lotion. Infused with Minoxidil—the gold standard in topical hair loss treatments—this lotion helps thicken strands, prolong the growth phase, and rejuvenate hair follicles for visibly healthier, fuller hair.