There was a time when I traveled to Singapore at least twice a year—the joys of having a sibling living in the Lion City! However, I have returned this time after three whole years, thanks to COVID and other matters.
And the first stop on my itinerary? The Singapore pharmacy circuit, which rivals the French ones for its spectacular collection of beauty products. From local favorites to international bestsellers, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re a skincare fanatic, a makeup lover, or just need some practical essentials, here’s a guide to what you should pick up on your next visit to a Singapore pharmacy.
1. Facial Masks Galore!
Asian pharmacies are renowned for their incredible variety of facial masks. Whether you’re looking to hydrate, brighten, soothe, or detoxify your skin, you’ll find an array of options to suit every skin type and concern.
Let’s explore some must-try ones at a Singapore pharmacy that you should add to your beauty stash!
JM Solutions Active Bird’s Nest Moisture Mask
Bird’s nest, a prized ingredient unique to Southeast Asia and particularly significant in Singapore, is renowned for its rich glycoproteins and amino acids that deeply hydrate and rejuvenate the skin.
The JM Solution Active Bird’s Nest Moisture Mask offers deep hydration and revitalization, harnessing the power of premium bird’s nest extract. This luxurious sheet mask infuses the skin with essential nutrients and moisture, promoting a smooth, supple, and radiant complexion.
The mask helps to enhance skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and impart a natural glow, making it an ideal addition to any skincare routine for those seeking to nourish and revitalize their skin.
Lululun Face Masks
Lululun Face Masks are a staple in Japanese skincare routines due to their high-quality ingredients, snug fit, and innovative formulations that provide visible results.
Whether you need deep hydration, brightening, or anti-aging benefits, there’s a Lululun mask for you. Each pack contains 30+ sheets, making them a great choice for daily use.
Mediheal N.M.F Aquaring Ampoule Mask
This powerhouse contains Natural Moisturizing Factors (N.M.F.), which are essential for hydrating and plumping the skin, leaving it dewy and radiant.
The ampoule-type essence ensures that your skin receives an intensive dose of hydration, making it an excellent choice for rejuvenating tired, dull skin.
It’s perfect for those with dry or dehydrated skin or anyone looking to boost their skin’s moisture levels.
Saborino Morning Face Mask
Perfect for busy mornings, this 3-in-1 mask cleanses, tones, and primes your skin for makeup, all in just 60 seconds. It’s packed with brightening ingredients like vitamin C and fruit extracts, which help to refresh and energize your skin.
The cooling sensation wakes you up, and the mask leaves your skin feeling fresh, hydrated, and ready for the day.
Keana Nadeshiko Rice Mask
Keana’s cult-favorite mask is formulated with rice-derived ingredients that help to purify and refine pores while providing gentle exfoliation. It’s perfect for those with enlarged pores or rough skin texture.
Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
A powerful clay mask that contains volcanic clusters, which help to draw out impurities and control oil, making it ideal for those with oily or combination skin.
It also has a cooling effect that helps to calm the skin and reduce the appearance of pores. Use it regularly for clearer, smoother skin.
Etude House 0.2mm Therapy Air Mask (Collagen)
This ultra-thin mask delivers collagen deep into the skin, helping to improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
It’s a perfect Singapore pharmacy pick for those looking to firm and plump their skin. The lightweight, breathable material ensures a comfortable fit!
2. Sunscreen Heroes
Nobody likes a heavy, greasy sunscreen that leaves a white cast. Luckily, Asian sunscreens are known for their lightweight, non-greasy textures that absorb quickly and sit beautifully under makeup.
Biore U.V. Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+
This sunscreen is a favorite for its ultra-light, water-based formula that feels like nothing on the skin. It absorbs quickly, leaving a matte finish that works well under makeup—perfect for those who want effective sun protection without the heavy feel of traditional sunscreens.
(P.S.: It’s my eternal sunscreen pick for wearing under makeup!)
Missha All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+
This broad-spectrum SPF50+ sunscreen has a silky, matte finish, making it perfect for those with oily or combination skin as it helps control shine throughout the day.
The lightweight formula absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a white cast, making it an excellent base for makeup. It’s also water-resistant, providing long-lasting protection even in humid conditions.
Anessa Perfect U.V. Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF 50+
This Japanese sunscreen offers powerful water-resistant protection against U.V. rays, pollution, and even blue light. Its lightweight, milky formula absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy residue, making it suitable for all skin types.
3. Cleansing Wonders
Asian pharmacies are renowned for their innovative and effective cleansing products, offering a variety of options to cater to different skin types and needs.
Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm
This sherbet-like balm transforms into a silky oil upon application, melting away makeup and impurities. It’s available in different formulations to cater to specific skin concerns, such as hydration, nourishment, and revitalization.
Shiseido Perfect Whip Foam Cleanser
Known for its rich, creamy lather, this deeply cleanses while maintaining your skin’s natural moisture balance.
It provides a luxurious cleansing experience, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated, making it perfect for those who love a thorough cleanse without the drying effects of other foaming cleansers.
Cure Natural Aqua Gel
Cure Natural Aqua Gel is an incredibly gentle yet effective water-based exfoliator that uses activated hydrogen water to catch dead skin cells and remove them effortlessly.
It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a gentle exfoliation that doesn’t irritate the skin.
Son & Park Beauty Water
More than just a cleanser, this multitasking beauty water acts as a toner and gentle exfoliator. Formulated with natural plant extracts, it hydrates, brightens, and smooths your skin.
This versatile Singapore pharmacy product is perfect for prepping your skin for makeup or as a refreshing mid-day pick-me-up.
4. Essence Magic
Essences are the heart of Asian skincare routines, often referred to as the secret weapon for achieving that coveted dewy glass skin—and there is no better place to pick one up than at a Singapore pharmacy!
These lightweight, hydrating liquids are designed to be applied after cleansing and toning. They’re packed with active ingredients that target various skin concerns, from hydration and brightening to anti-aging and soothing.
Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion
This essence is a cult favorite for a reason. It’s packed with multiple types of hyaluronic acid that penetrate different layers of the skin, leaving it plump and bouncy.
It’s perfect for all skin types, providing long-lasting moisture without greasiness.
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Infused with 96% snail mucin, this essence not only hydrates but also helps repair and soothe the skin. It improves skin texture and elasticity while soothing irritated skin and promoting skin regeneration.
The lightweight, non-sticky formula absorbs quickly, making it a perfect addition to any skincare routine.
Missha Time Revolution: The First Treatment Essence
This is often compared to the far more SK-II Pitera essence for its brightening and hydrating effects. It contains fermented yeast extract, niacinamide, and adenosine to brighten, hydrate, and smooth the skin.
This essence helps to improve skin texture and even the skin tone, making it a must-have for those looking to achieve a radiant complexion.
Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner
Made with Job’s tears (hatomugi) extract, this essence is known for its calming and hydrating properties. It’s ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin, helping to soothe and moisturize without causing irritation.
It’s perfect for use as a toner or as a hydrating mask when soaked into cotton pads and applied to the face.
Bio-essence Bio Water
Local brand Bio-essence has earned a reputation for effective and affordable skincare, and their Bio Water is a standout.
This refreshing mist is infused with minerals and antioxidants to hydrate, soothe, and protect your skin. It’s perfect for a midday pick-me-up, setting makeup, or calming irritated skin.
5. Serums and Moisturizers
Singapore’s pharmacies are stocked with a fantastic array of moisturizers and facial treatments that cater to all skin types and concerns.
Here are some of the best products from renowned Asian brands at a Singapore pharmacy to add to your skincare routine for hydrated, healthy, and glowing skin.
Medicube Deep Erasing Cream
Medicube Deep Erasing Cream is designed to provide intensive brightening and anti-aging benefits. It contains a blend of niacinamide, adenosine, and plant extracts that work together to improve skin tone, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and smooth fine lines.
The rich, creamy texture provides deep hydration, nourishing and revitalizing the skin. No wonder Medicube is the favorite of cult beauty icons like Hailey Bieber!
Innisfree Green Tea Seed Cream
This Singapore pharmacy classic is enriched with antioxidant-rich green tea extract from Jeju Island, which provides deep hydration and nourishment.
It helps balance hydration levels and protect the skin from environmental damage, especially for those looking for a lightweight yet effective moisturizer.
Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream
Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream is infused with super collagen water, which helps to firm and hydrate the skin.
This cream provides long-lasting moisture and improves skin elasticity, making it perfect for those looking to target early signs of aging. Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly, leaving the skin soft and supple.
Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
The lightweight gel cream delivers an explosion of hydration to the skin thanks to its unique formula enriched with lady’s mantle extract. It helps refine skin texture and minimize pores, leaving the skin feeling smooth and hydrated.
Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream
This nourishing moisturizer provides deep hydration and soothes irritated skin. Formulated with shea butter, ceramides, and lipidure, it helps to strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture.
This cream is perfect for sensitive skin, offering long-lasting hydration and relief from dryness and redness.
The Face Shop Yehwadam Revitalizing Serum
This iconic serum is enriched with traditional Korean herbs, including ginseng, goji berry, and safflower, to revitalize and rejuvenate the skin.
It reduces the appearance of fine lines and improves skin elasticity. It’s perfect for those looking to combat signs of aging and achieve a youthful glow.
Amorepacific Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Serum
Amorepacific Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Serum is formulated with bamboo sap, which helps to provide cellular rejuvenation and long-lasting hydration.
This serum improves skin elasticity, smoothness, and radiance. It’s perfect for those seeking a youthful, revitalized complexion and optimal hydration levels.
Mamonde Rose Water Gel Cream
Mamonde Rose Water Gel Cream is a soothing, hydrating moisturizer infused with Damask rose water.
This gel-cream provides intense hydration and a cooling effect, making it perfect to calm and nourish sensitive or irritated skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and hydrated.
6. Makeup Must-Haves
Singapore’s pharmacies are a goldmine for makeup enthusiasts. From essential basics to fun pops of color, here’s what you should add to your makeup bag on your next pharmacy run.
SilkyGirl Magic B.B. Cream
For those days when you want a natural, effortless look, SilkyGirl’s Magic B.B. Cream is a must-have. This B.B. cream offers a lightweight formula that provides decent coverage, evens out skin tone, and contains SPF to protect your skin from the sun.
It’s perfect for humid weather (like Singapore), as it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy.
Florasis Floral Dewy In-Porcelain Lipstick
This luxurious lipstick combines the elegance of traditional Chinese porcelain with the beauty of modern floral-infused formulas, making it perfect for those who appreciate beauty and craftsmanship.
Each piece is meticulously crafted with intricate traditional patterns, making it a stunning piece of art in your makeup collection.
And that’s not all: Infused with nourishing floral extracts, it provides a silky, dewy finish that keeps your lips hydrated and smooth. The rich pigmentation ensures long-lasting color, while the lightweight formula feels comfortable all day.
Z.A. Cosmetics Perfect Action Mascara
For long, luscious lashes that last all day, look no further than this mascara, which adds volume and length and holds a curl without smudging, even in the humid Singapore weather.
The unique brush design coats each lash evenly, ensuring clump-free application. Whether you’re going for a natural look or dramatic lashes, this mascara has got you covered.
Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eyeliner
For an ultra-precise eyeliner that stays put all day, this Japanese eyeliner has a super fine tip that allows you to easily draw thin or thick lines.
The waterproof formula ensures your eyeliner won’t budge, even in the heat and humidity. It’s perfect for creating sharp, defined lines or intricate designs.
SilkyGirl Expert Brow Slim Liner
Achieve perfect brows with SilkyGirl’s Expert Brow Slim Liner. This ultra-slim pencil allows for precise application, making filling in sparse areas and defining your brows easy.
The spoolie brush on the other end helps to blend the product for a natural finish.
7. Hair Care Hits
When it comes to hair care, the Singapore pharmacy is a treasure trove filled with innovative and effective products designed to address a wide range of hair concerns.
Whether you’re battling dryness, frizz, or hair loss, there’s a solution waiting for you on the shelves.
Shiseido Tsubaki Shampoo and Conditioner
Infused with camellia oil, this duo deeply nourishes and hydrates your hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and manageable. It’s particularly great for dry or damaged hair.
Ryo Hair Loss Care Shampoo
This herbal shampoo is formulated with ginseng and other traditional Korean herbs to strengthen hair and reduce hair loss. It invigorates the scalp and promotes healthier, stronger hair.
Kracie Ichikami Hair Treatment
Enriched with rice bran oil and other botanical extracts to deeply nourish and repair damaged hair, this hair mask leaves your hair feeling silky, smooth and revitalized.
Mise en Scene Perfect Repair Hair Serum
This highly popular hair serum contains seven types of oils, including argan, camellia, and olive, to deeply nourish and repair damaged hair. It’s lightweight yet incredibly effective, leaving your strands soft and shiny.
Yanagiya Hair Tonic
This scalp tonic is formulated with natural ingredients like ginseng and camphor to stimulate the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. It’s refreshing and helps to keep your scalp clean and balanced.
Lucido-L Argan Oil
Lucido-L’s Argan Oil is lightweight and won’t leave your hair feeling greasy. It’s perfect for smoothing out flyaways, adding a touch of shine, and keeping your hair looking healthy.
Simply apply a small amount to the ends of your hair, or use it as a finishing touch after styling.
8. Body Bliss
Your body deserves just as much pampering and care as your face, and Singapore’s pharmacies are a haven for amazingbody care products that can help you achieve soft, smooth, and glowing skin.
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
This multi-purpose skincare oil is excellent for addressing various skin concerns. It helps to improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone.
The lightweight oil absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth.
Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream
This cream is perfect for dry, sensitive skin. It contains ceramides, which help strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture, providing long-lasting hydration and relief from dryness.
Shiseido Senka Perfect Whip for Body
Known for its rich, creamy foam, this Singapore pharmacy body wash gently cleanses while maintaining your skin’s natural moisture balance. It’s great for all skin types and leaves your skin feeling soft and refreshed.
9. Bonus Finds
Singapore’s pharmacies are full of hidden gems that can enhance your beauty and self-care routine. These bonus finds are practical, versatile, and essential for maintaining your daily beauty regimen.
MegRhythm Steam Eye Mask
These unique eye masks offer a soothing and comforting heat therapy that relaxes and rejuvenates tired eyes.
Each mask gently heats up to a comfortable temperature upon application, providing 10-20 minutes of warm steam to relieve eye strain, reduce puffiness, and promote relaxation.
Infused with calming scents like lavender, chamomile, and unscented options, this eye mask is an essential self-care item for anyone looking to unwind and pamper themselves.
Tiger Balm
A Singapore pharmacy classic, Tiger Balm is a multi-purpose ointment that’s a must-have in every household. While it’s best known for soothing muscle aches and pains, it’s also great for relieving headaches, insect bites, and nasal congestion.
For beauty purposes, you can use it to soothe minor skin irritations or as a chest rub during colds to help you breathe easier.
Siang Pure Oil
This traditional herbal remedy is formulated with a blend of natural ingredients, including menthol, camphor, and various essential oils, making it effective for relieving muscle aches, headaches, insect bites, and nasal congestion.
Its invigorating scent and fast-absorbing formula provide instant relief and a cooling sensation. Compact and easy to carry, Siang Pure Oil is a must-have for quick, on-the-go relief and overall wellness.
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