What goes into the latest skincare that promises to quench our complexions with some much needed moisture? Here, our pick of the best, and what goes into them. Sofia Kim reports.
What goes into the latest skincare that promises to quench our complexions with some much needed moisture? Here, our pick of the best, and what goes into them. Sofia Kim reports.
Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence, $60 for 70ml
Star ingredient: What the brand dubs “Green Mineral Water”, essentially a brew containing extracts of kale, watercress and beetroot that are rich in moisture-balancing minerals such as potassium, sodium and calcium. Thanks to this, it’s said to leave skin feeling and looking hydrated, as well as smooth and plump.
What else you oughta know: The essence’s “Green Mineral Water” reportedly replenishes healthy moisture and repairs skin’s protective barrier. Its Water Zipper technology prevents moisture from evaporating, while antioxidant-rich garden cress helps boost clarity and radiance.
Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Bi-phase Serum, $98
Star ingredients: Extract from the Leaf of Life plant, which contains sponge-like molecules that can reportedly trap 95 per cent of water to maintain optimum hydration, as well as fatty acids (these are usually found on the leaves’ surface) that form a barrier to prevent water loss.
What else you oughta know: The fatty acids in this lightweight serum supposedly refine skin’s texture and control sebum production.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-gel Eye Patches, $98
Star ingredient: Hyaluronic acid of various molecular sizes to attract and retain up to 1,000 times their weight in water from the atmosphere, locking in hydration. What else you oughta know: Each of the 60 gel patches – to be used daily or whenever needed – has marshmallow root extract to soften the look of fine lines, caffeine to reduce the puffiness of eye bags, and arnica (a type of plant) to lighten dark circles.
Dior Hydra Life 2 In 1 Sorbet Water, $83
Star ingredients: Mallow, a pretty purple- pink flower cultivated in Dior’s own gardens in Anjou, France, that’s known to boost water circulation; and jasmine water, famous for its exceptional moisturising benefits. What else you oughta know: Infused with mineral powders, this sparklingly refreshing toner minimises imperfections like shine and enlarged pores. Meanwhile, fermented sugar – a prebiotic – helps rebalance skin.
Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Liquid Essence, $143
Star ingredients: The Alba Plena strain of camellia (yes, Coco Chanel’s favourite bloom), extracted via a process unique to Chanel, that helps restore and maintain moisture levels; the antioxidant blue ginger – extracted the same way – that stimulates skin’s natural hydration mechanisms; as well as glycerine and hyaluronic acid (read: even more hydration).
What else you oughta know: This alcohol- free essence is the first to contain fresh camellia cells (their membranes are said to have a similar composition as skin cells). Cold extracted into micro droplets, they reportedly energise, brighten and refine the texture of skin with a whole host of nutrients, from vitamins to amino acids.
La Mer The Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream, $290
Star ingredients: “Micro Oil Gel Cream Capsule” technology that’s said to combine a moisture droplet with creme emollients; millions of micro droplets of the brand’s signature, elixir-like Miracle Broth; and Miracle Broth Oils for a cooling and healing surge of moisture.
What else you oughta know: Great for combination or oilier complexions, it has antioxidant-rich lime tea concentrate that helps defend skin from environmental stressors like pollution.
Dr.Jart+ Water Fuse Hydro Dew Drop, $62
Star ingredient: A blend of what the brand calls “aqua minerals” – said to balance moisture levels by directing the flow of water in skin – all while improving water absorption, which in turn helps with firmness and elasticity. What else you oughta know: It’s made with hot spring water from Belgium that supposedly has antibacterial benefits and expels impurities from pores. Bonus marks for the gel-cream’s cooling effect and how it absorbs into skin sans stickiness.
Su:m37 Water-full Radiant Hydrating Glow Toner, $80
Star ingredient: Aqua Ferm, an ingredient unique to the Korean label and said to activate the moisture proteins found in cells. What else you oughta know: It’s equally effective in brightening and improving clarity, which is uncommon among hydrating products. This is all down to what the brand calls Aqua Light complex, which consists of truffle-derived yeast extract and Western medicinal herbs that supposedly suppress melanin production; and Poria Light that boosts radiance and firmness, so that skin is better able to reflect light for greater luminosity.
L’Occitane Aqua Reotier Ultra Thirst-quenching Gel, $55
Star ingredient: Hyaluronic acid and spring water from Reotier, France, which reportedly has 10 times more calcium than thermal water, and helps lock in moisture while strengthening the outermost layer of skin. What else you oughta know: This cooling gel features thousands of micro-bubbles that act like magnets to retain moisture and instantly quench skin to encourage a dewy complexion.
Photography Vee Chin
Art Direction Adeline Eng
