Her World Beauty Awards 2024: 22 skincare products that are a must for dry, sensitive skin

#1 Best hydrating cleanser: Bobbi Brown Lathering Tube Soap, $65

1/22

What It Is A gentle daily cleanser that lathers easily into a rich, pillow-y foam to gently whisk away dirt and impurities. At its heart is a moisture-charged cleansing technology alongside plant-derived amino acids and glycerin that keeps skin feeling soft and hydrated. 

“I absolutely love this product. It lathers easily when mixed with water, creating a rich and creamy foam. It effectively cleanses the skin, removing dirt, oil and impurities without stripping away natural moisture.” — Melvin Tseng, beauty content creator

#2 Best hydrating cleanser (K-beauty): Luvum Natural Blanc Hyaluronic Gel Cleanser, $25

2/22

What It Is Infused with eight different types of hyaluronic acid, this gentle gel-to-foam cleanser not only effectively removes impurities, but also deeply hydrates the skin at the same time too. 

“I love that it is a gel-to-foam cleanser. The texture is great; cleanses the skin well while leaving it well-hydrated, fresh and not dry or tight. The scent was very nice too.” — Dr Lee Hwee Chyen, consultant dermatologist and medical director, Epi Dermatology & Laser Specialist Clinic

#3 Best hydrating toner: Aesop Immaculate Facial Tonic, $70

3/22

What It Is A vitamin-rich, hydrating toner that keeps skin soft and smooth thanks to its gentle chemical exfoliation properties. It also contains a blend of vitamins like niacinamide (vitamin B3) and skin-supporting actives such as rose petal and mucor miehei extracts to keep skin supple.  

“It not only hydrates, but also exfoliates very gently, leaving skin calm and clean.” — Leanne Ho, beauty content creator 

What It Is A toner that does it all. It’s rich in phytonutrients to gently refine skin’s texture, witch hazel to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, chamomile extract to soothe, hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated and plantain to promote skin regeneration. 

“Very lightweight, making it perfect for day use. It left my skin feeling refreshed and also seemed to have an added effect of minimising the appearance of my pores. Plus, the lovely scent makes it a pleasure to apply too.” — Lee Kyll Synn, contributing sub-editor, Her World Singapore 

#5 Best hydrating essence: Shiseido Eudermine Activating Essence, $145

5/22

What It Is A water-light essence that works hard to activate skin’s self-restoring power to get skin healthy once more. It contains bio-hyaluronic acid and bio-compatible amino acid and uses an ActiveRED Technology to boost its renewal cycle whilst addressing skin concerns like enlarged pores, blemishes and dullness. 

“Light floral scent with a watery texture that spreads easily. Skin feels cool and revitalised immediately and looks clearer, hydrated and more vibrant.” — Dr Lynn Chiam, consultant dermatologist, Children & Adult Skin Hair Laser Clinic 

#6 Best hydrating toner (wallet-friendly): Beyond Angel Aqua Moisture Toner, $22

6/22

What It Is A light hydrating toner that contains ulleungdo jeonho extract to soothe the skin – paired with two types of hyaluronic acid and panthenol – to deliver moisture deep within the skin. 

“Feels very fresh and makes it easy to apply my serum after without tugging at the skin,” — Sha Shamsi, makeup artist 

#7 Best hydrating serum: esmi Skin Minerals Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum, $61

7/22

What It Is Like a tall glass of water for your thirsty skin, this serum promises to increase skin’s hydration levels by 25 per cent within two hours. This is thanks to its hardworking formula (triple-action hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and allantoin) that boosts skin’s moisture levels and supercharges skin’s recovery process.

“The formulation is direct and purposeful – hydrating well without heaviness. Its watery texture applies light and I’ve already gone through two bottles of it. It also has healing niacinamide in it.” — Larry Yeo, makeup artist 

#8 Best hydrating serum-moisturiser hybrid: MAC Cosmetics Hyper Real Serumizer Skin Balancing Hydration Serum, $96

8/22

What It Is A serum-moisturiser hybrid that hydrates the skin, strengthens its barrier and also reduces the appearance of dark spots and enlarged pores. The key lies in the use of a resilient and rare Japanese peony extract,  niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and ceramides to reveal a smooth complexion with a lit-from-within glow. 

“This serum is seriously hydrating! I had a dry patch on my nose that was peeling but this really helped to soothe it and make my skin smoother. It also gave a nice glow. 10/10 would recommend.” — Lee Kyll Synn, contributing sub-editor, Her World Singapore 

#9 Best hydrating serum (wallet-friendly): The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, $35

9/22

What It Is On top of five different types of hyaluronic acid and pro-vitamin B5, this reformulated version also contains a ceramide blend to plump the skin for a softer, smoother and healthy-looking complexion. 

“Love how my skin feels after use. I actually see visible changes as it leaves my skin well-hydrated.” — Windy Aulia, creative director, Her World Singapore 

#10 Best hydrating booster: Neal’s Yard Remedies Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Booster, $32

10/22

What It Is When skin needs an extra moisture boost, this is it. Packed with hyaluronic acid and hibiscus extract, it injects an instant and intense dose of hydration to plump the skin from within.

“Lightweight, quick dry and good slip. Layered well with the rest of my skin routine. Skin felt moisturised.” — Dr Rachel Ho, aesthetic doctor, La Clinic

#11 Best lightweight moisturiser (tied): Then I Met You Bong2 Bounce Cream, $74

11/22

What It Is A lightweight moisturiser that gives skin a juicy, bouncy suppleness thanks to the use of a rich Jeju hallabong extract. Skin feels soft and looks revitalised.  

“Gel-like texture applies nicely on the skin and absorbs well. Skin looked glowy the next day. Also doubles up as a skin prep for makeup.” — Mary Victor, beauty content creator 

#12 Best lightweight moisturiser (tied): For Beloved One Water Pay Glowing Hydro Cream, $75

12/22

What It Is It’s all about hydration with this light cream. Infused with natural moisturising factor, ceramide III, niacinamide and poppyderm, it delivers intense hydration while locking in moisture and shielding the skin against free radical damage. 

“While the texture is quite thick, skin still feels comfortably hydrated upon application. Skin looks supple and is softer almost instantly.” — Chelsia Tan, associate editor, Her World Singapore 

#13 Best lightweight moisturiser (luxury): La Mer The Moisturizing Fresh Cream, $650

13/22

What It Is A new take on the iconic La Mer moisturiser. This iteration features a fresher, lighter texture that’s ideal for those with oily skin. It’s still packed with the brand’s Miracle Broth, moisture matrix technology and lime tea to not only keep skin well-hydrated but also protects the skin against external environmental stressors and reduces signs of ageing as well. 

“The light and fresh texture feels almost weightless on the skin, and doesn’t leave a tacky finish. Skin was well-hydrated and makeup stayed in place all day.” — Lasalle Lee, makeup artist 

#14 Best rich moisturiser: SK-II SkinPower Advanced Cream, $192

14/22

What It Is A velvety cream that combines SK-II’s signature pitera together with kinren and peony extracts to revitalise the skin and shield it from daily stressors. Skin is soft, supple and firmer too. 

“Was pleasantly surprised by this cream. My skin felt so soft and supple. Additionally, I also noticed that my pores looked less visible after using this for just a week.” — Letty Seah, beauty editor, Her World Singapore 

#15 Best hydrating mask: Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Mask EX, $75 (box of five sheets)

15/22

What It Is Infused with not one, but three weeks’ worth of First Care Activating Serum VI, this soothing sheet mask infuses skin with moisture while also enhancing skin’s radiance for a healthy and luminous complexion. Also, it instantly cools flushed skin, making it perfect for hot days. 

“Skin feels softer and looks more radiant instantly after. Even though the previous version was already very hydrating, this tops it, if that’s even possible. Definitely something I would include often in my masking routine.” — Letty Seah, beauty editor, Her World Singapore

#16 Best skin-soothing cleanser: Est.Lab ActivCalm Gentle Cleansing Mousse, $52

16/22

What It Is Its cocktail of skin-loving antioxidants paired with rose flower extracts makes this cleanser uber gentle on the skin. It effectively removes dirt, sebum and impurities without compromising skin’s pH or skin barrier, making it great for all skin types.
   
“Smells really fresh and the texture is nice and foamy. It was very gentle on my skin, leaving it feeling ultra soft after. The results are immediate because every time I used it, I could see my skin calming down.” — Munah Bagharib, actress and host

#17 Best skin soothing serum: MZ Skin The Calming Rescue Serum, $189

17/22

What It Is Packed with soothing, antioxidant-rich botanicals and skin-replenishing actives such as pro-vitamin D3, red sage root and centella asiatica, this nourishing serum quells ruddiness and strengthens the skin barrier.

“It was very hydrating and calming; perfect for my dry and sensitive skin. It did not cause any sensitivity, breakouts or irritation.” — Dr Lee Hwee Chyen, consultant dermatologist and medical director, Epi Dermatology & Laser Specialist Clinic

#18 Best skin soothing moisturiser: Augustinus Bader The Ultimate Soothing Cream, $445

18/22

What It Is An ultra-rich cream that’s infused with the brand’s exclusive TFC8 (a blend of amino acids, vitamins and synthesised molecules) that supports the skin’s recovery process. In addition, vitamin B3, black cumin, evening primrose oils, shea butter and pro-vitamin B5, work together to nourish and soothe skin sensitivity, delivering long-lasting relief while restoring your skin’s health. 

“My skin felt plumped and hydrated, but never oily. Definitely a keeper.” — Lim Xixi, actress and host 

#19 Best skin soothing mask: Luvum Real Calmingpair Cicadrogel Mask, $36 (box of five sheets)

19/22

What It Is A hydrogel sheet mask that’s infused with centella asiatica, madecassoside and a patented ceramide to quell irritation and soften skin.

“The cooling effect provided a calming feel, which could also reduce inflammation. My skin was softer and more moisturised after using this.” — Dr Rachel Ho, aesthetic doctor, La Clinic

#20 Best hydrating cleanser + Readers’ choice: Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser, from $17.25

20/22

What It Is This nourishing cream-to-foam face and body cleanser  deeply cleanses without stripping away skin’s natural moisture thanks to the use of aloe, glycerin, niacinamide and panthenol. Suitable for all skin types – even the most sensitive. 

“It was super gentle and my skin felt extra clear, but not dry. Awesome!” — Saffron Sharpe, YouTuber and content creator

#21 Best hydrating serum: Derma Lab Hydraceutic 5KDA Hyaluronic Intensifying Serum, $61

21/22

What It Is Give skin an instant moisture boost with this lightweight yet intensely hydrating serum. It boasts a combination of hyaluronic acid, glycerin and double natural moisturising factor (NMF) power. 

“Skin looks more hydrated and enriched, and felt more supple too. Its ultra-low molecular weight hyaluronic acid gives better penetration, which adds to its easy application and fast absorption.” — Dr Lynn Chiam, consultant dermatologist, Children & Adult Skin Hair Laser Clinic 

#22 Best skin soothing serum: Derma Lab Hydraceutic Pink Vitamin B12, $50.35

22/22

What It Is Healthy skin is strong and resilient. This serum strengthens the skin barrier with the use of vitamin B12 and ceramide to combat damage caused by environmental stressors. 

“My skin is pretty sensitive and I get red patches on my face when it’s too dry. But after using this, I noticed my skin wasn’t as inflamed as it used to be and it also made my skin more hydrated. Highly recommend.” — Shazrina Shamsudin, senior digital writer, Her World Singapore