Finding the best moisturizer for combination skin in Malaysia 2021 can be a tricky feat. Too oily and your T-zone lights up! Too light and dry patches remain!
To make matters worse, there are so many products to choose from!
Not to worry though! With this broad selection of moisturizers, there’s definitely one that will stand out to you as a potential HG product!
1. COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Cream
A good moisturizer for all skin types in Malaysia:
COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Cream has many reasons to back itscult following and rave reviews! All of its ingredients (like allantoin for soothing) are low risk!
With the main ingredients being black bee propolis complex (a potent source of antioxidants), glycerin and caprylic – an emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin!
PS: If you have the means to splurge, just get this one!
What We Like:
- Many great benefits aside from hydration (e.g. anti-inflammatory, anti bacterial, etc)
- Gel-like cream texture that is light on the skin and absorbs quick
- Light scent from the propolis complex (not unlike honey)
- You can apply more for a sleeping mask
- No artificial fragrances
- pH compatible with the skin (between the range, 4.0-6.0)
- Free from parabens, sulfates, alcohol, mineral oil, etc
What We Don’t Like:
- Jar type packaging (not hygienic or air tight)
- Expensive
Price: ~RM120 |Size: 65g
2. Neutrogena® Combination Skin Moist
With volatile silicones (i.e. Cyclomethicone) present in the formula:
It’s no wonder that the Neutrogena® Combination Skin Moist spreads fast on the skin, without any tacky residue! And without suffocating the skin!
Note: Volatile silicones evaporate off the skin. Non volatile ones (like dimenthicones don’t)
What We Like:
- Affordable
- Convenient pump dispenser
- Really lightweight
- Fragrance free
- Layering under makeup is fine
- Almost-matte finish
- Has vitamin E (antioxidant)
What We Don’t Like:
- Not dependable for oil control
- Gets sticky as you wear it out in hot weather
- Too light to resolve dry patches
Price: ~RM35 |Size: 118ml
3. Clinique Moisture Surge™ 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
In terms of hydration, The Clinique Moisture Surge™ 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator delivers (thanks to butylene glycol and glycerin):
But it certainly doesn’t last for 72 hours! Which is not such a big deal in humid Malaysian weather.
Furthermore, skin does appear more matte after applying this! So we would recommend this gel cream moisturizer for combination skin that’s prone to be oily.
What We Like:
- Free from oil, parabens, fragrance and phthalates
- Feels soothing on the skin
- Applies on fast with no sticky film leftover
- Does not affect makeup application
- Contains anti-oxidants (e.g. green tea, caffeine, vitamin E, vitamin C, etc) and hyaluronic acid
What We Don’t Like:
- Anti-aging effects are not obvious
- Silicones are one of the main ingredients
- In a jar which it is not as hygienic as a pump
- Pricey
Price: ~RM180 |Size: 50ml
4. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Another product by Clinique:
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel switches out aloe vera for cucumber extract – both are calming ingredients for the skin.
And green tea extract for polygonum cuspidatum root extract as its main antioxidant! Otherwise this lightweight product too, relies primarily on silicones to give skin a smooth appearance!
What We Like:
- With hyaluronic acid
- Developed by dermatologists
- Fast-absorbing
- Doesn’t make skin greasy or shiny
- Pump dispenser
What We Don’t Like:
- Comedogenic ingredients present (laureth 23 and laureth4)
- Not moisturizing enough for dry skin
- Has fragrance (may irritate sensitive skin)
Price: ~RM150 |Size: 125ml
Keep your lips moisturized too with the best lip balm in Malaysia!
5. Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream
Sufficiently hydrating for combination skin, lightweight and at a reasonable price point:
Nature Republic’s Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream uses sea water, glycerin and a combination of volatile and non-volatile silicones as its main ingredients!
Note: For drier patches of skin, you may need to reply again throughout the day.
What We Like:
- Smells nice
- With hyaluronic acid (great for repairing your skin’s natural moisture barrier)
- No sticky residue
- Free from alcohol, parabens and sulfates
- Has licorice root extract for brightening skin and treating acne
What We Don’t Like:
- Not in a pump and has an impractical lid (i.e. not flat)
- Has fragrance (may irritate sensitive skin)
Price: ~RM40 |Size: 80ml
6. CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
This lightweight moisturizer by CeraVe has a significant amount of chemical sunscreen agents. On top of ceramides and sodium hyaluronate.
Providing hydration and sun protection (broad spectrum SPF 30)!
What We Like:
- Oil-free
- Does not feel greasy
- Contains niacinamide (skin brightening)
- Pump dispenser
- Good consistency – neither too thin or thick
- No white cast or smell
- Smooth application
What We Don’t Like:
- Finish is not fully matte
- Expensive
Price: ~RM135 |Size: 50ml
7. Origins GinZing™ Oil-Free Energy Boosting Gel Moisturizer
Best for combination skin that gets oily easily:
Origins GinZing™ Oil-Free Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer has caffeine and ginseng to combat a dull complexion!
Besides a healthy glow, skin also feels fresh and softer!
What We Like:
- Free from paraben, alcohol, SLS
- Applies light on the skin
- Invigorating citrus smell that is not overwhelming
- 1 jar lasts a long time
- Absorbs quickly
- Has highly moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, panthenol, etc
- Treats acne with salicylic acid
What We Don’t Like:
- Tendency to flake under makeup (especially foundation) or pile under sunscreen
- Contains ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin (e.g. Lemon peel oil, salicylic acid, etc)
- Not cheap
- Not intensely hydrating (unsuitable for dry skin types)
- Contains shea butter (comedogenic ingredient)
Price: ~RM125 |Size: 50ml
See more moisturizers for oily skin in Malaysia!
8. Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream goes on really smoothly. Even with just a small dab of it! And it is not sticky!
The lightweight watery cream will keep your skin soft and supple with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, hyaluronate acid, etc!
What We Like:
- Anti aging benefits with vitamin C
- Low risk ingredients (free from silicone, alcohol, parabens, sulfates)
- No scent
- Literally melts into the skin!
- Does not clog pores or irritate skin
- Cooling sensation
What We Don’t Like:
- Quite pricey
- Comes in a jar with a spatula (pump is still more hygienic)
- Not hydrating enough for dry skin types
Price: ~RM80 |Size: 80ml
9. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Especially great for dry skin:
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is an oil-free moisturizer that mainly uses emollients from coconut oil (e.g. caprylic, cetyl alcohol) to smoothen your skin texture!
You do need some patience for it to absorb into your skin!
What We Like:
- Free from alcohol (the drying kind anyways) and silicones
- Cruelty-free
- No strong smell
- Lightweight feel on the skin
- Contains hyaluronic acid (effective barrier against moisture loss)
What We Don’t Like:
- Has some comedogenic ingredients
- Not that affordable
- There is some citric acid in the formula (not advisable for sensitive skin)
- No other significant benefits other than moisturization
- Not hydrating enough for very dry skin
Price: ~RM40 |Size: 30ml
Final Verdict
The overall winner for the best moisturizer for combination skin in Malaysia 2021 would have to be the pricey COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Cream!
For the budget-conscious, Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream. And if you want a moisturizer with sunscreen, CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30.
Lastly, try Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream if you have sensitive skin but don’t need intensive hydration!
