Moisturising FAQs

Why do moisturisers break me out? Are hyaluronic acid products the best at hydration?
Today we’re answering everything to do with moisturising.
Why do most moisturisers break me out?
These moisturisers contain oils/emollients unsuitable for you. These ingredients are often waxy or solid at room temperatures, giving a nice, smooth consistency. However, they can result in clogged pores for some people. Common examples are cetearyl alcohol, beeswax and shea butter.
Are thick moisturisers best for dry skins?
No. A thick product might be good at occluding (or blocking) the skin to reduce water loss. However, lasting moisturisation is about reducing water loss and increasing water content. The best moisturisers for dry skins have both emollients and humectants, which can be of any consistency, not just thick!
Do I need to moisturise if I have oily skin?
Yes! All skin types need water. Oily skins naturally produce a lot of natural oils. Thus they need moisturisers with plenty of humectants (that adds water), with minimal oils.
Is water a useless/filler ingredient in moisturisers?
Water is necessary for our skin to function optimally. Our skin gets water either from the atmosphere or products we use on it. Considering many of us are spend a lot of time in dehydrating environments (air-conditioning, heating), it’s essential that we get our water from topical products!
Water is also an important solvent for numerous water-soluble actives and humectants. These humectants further increase moisture content of the skin by holding on to the water from the product itself or the environment. So, water is definitely not useless in your moisturiser!
Are hyaluronic acid (HA) products best for hydration?
Not always. Compared to other humectants, HA is able to hold a lot more water relative to its weight. However, HA is usually added at no more than 1% due to formulary limitations – at high amounts, it can cause separation of many types of emulsions and forms an unpleasantly thick gel in water. A humble product with generous amounts of glycerin can easily outperform another with HA!
Is there a best time to apply moisturiser?
Yes – immediately after cleansing. This is when your skin is saturated with water, allowing your moisturiser to lock all that water in. Additionally, product absorbancy increases when our skin is damp. Therefore, your moisturiser will work the best for you if you apply it very soon after cleansing.
Do I need a serum before my moisturiser?
Compared to most moisturisers, serums generally contain a higher level of actives. However, it’s what in serums that make them potent, not the type of product they are. Therefore, if a moisturiser already contains all the actives your skin requires, then additional serums are unnecessary.