Moisturizing & Anti-Aging Day Creams with SPF

Whereas skincare with an SPF is largely used and loved in Europe and the US, this type of product seems to be harder to find in Asia. In South East Asia, a combination of stronger sun and a deep-rooted fear of sun tan drives local ladies to use a dedicated sun block with a minimum of SPF50 as a part of their daily face care routine, that generally comprises a time-consuming amount of steps anyway. For those who prefer time-saving solutions and/or dislike sun blocks, luckily some non-whitening face care with SPF is available to protect our skin from Singapore's blistering hot sun.

The main reason that Western expats in the tropics refrain from using a sun block in addition to their daily skincare like a moisturizer or anti-aging cream seems to be the prejudice that sun blocks are sticky (read my blog post on non-sticky sun blocks here!). In addition, we tend to prefer multi-purpose face care products and time-saving solutions over locally preferred exhaustive, multi-step processes comprising cleansing, exfoliating, priming, toning, treating, intensely moisturizing and applying plenty of SPF during the day.

Although the offer is limited in Singapore, luckily there are some products available for those of us who cannot live without a moisturizer with SPF. As they can be hard to find, I’ll provide you with a list incl. price and availability below. Do note that although every little bit helps, the advertised SPF in moisturizers and makeup (foundation, powder etc.) does not provide sufficient coverage when you spent time in the full sun. According to dermatologist Leslie Baumann, MD, you need seven times the normal amount of foundation or moisturizer and 14 times the normal amount of powder to get the sun protection factor on the label. No one does this.

A moisturizer of foundation with SPF should be adequate when you spend most of your day inside and only face the sun for everyday activities like travelling to and from work, running errands, picking up the kids from school etc. Do however pay attention to the fact that UV radiation is incredibly strong in the tropics (here in Singapore, I often get a mild sunburn on my shoulders from an 'everyday activity' like just walking to the Supermarket which is only a 10 min. walk) and that quality of SPF in skincare and makeup doesn’t always offer broad spectrum protection (UVA/UVB – read more about the difference here). So, for everyday activities YES it's better than nothing, yet for Singapore it's wise to use skincare with an SPF30 or preferably SPF50; for a dedicated day in the sun definitely NO.

Non-Whitening Moisturizing, Hydrating & Anti-Aging Day Creams with SPF

To clarify, the difference between "hydrating" and "moisturizing" can be explained as follows:

Hydrating makes skin plump and supple. The upper layers on the epidermis needs a supply of water to make sure they are kept plump and smooth. Hence, hydrating facial products are designed for this purpose to increase the water content of the skin.
Moisturizing makes skin soft and smooth. Moisturizing aims to form a barrier film on the skin’s surface to prevent moisture loss. This makes the skin feel softer and smoother.

Hada Labo - UV Perfect Gel (SPF 50)

Hydrating, Moisturizing. Japanese brand Hada Labo is incredibly popular amongst Asian Beauty fans from allover the world, and for a good reason. Despite the high SPF, the finish and feel of this product on the skin is outstanding - seriously amazing product.

Broad Spectrum: Yes

UVA Filter: PA ++++ / UVB Filter: SPF 50

Price: SGD 35,90 (80g)
Available at a.o. Guardian, Watsons (find stores at end of post)

ALPHA-H - Daily Essential Moisturiser (SPF 50)

Hydrating, Moisturizing. Opinions on this moisurizer are strongly mixed; reviewers seem to either love it or hate it.  Pro's: hydrates really well and eliminates any suggestion of dry skin without making skin greasy. Con's: Pump system is sensitive to breaking.

Broad Spectrum: Yes

UVA Filter: Unknown / UVB Filter: SPF 50

Price: SGD 49,- (50ml)
Available at Sephora (find stores at end of post)

Bioderma - Hydrabio Perfecteur (SPF 30)

Hydrating, Moisturizing, Perfecting. Enriched with soft-focus and light reflecting agents, it smoothes skin texture and enhances natural radiance immediately. Paraben-free, non-comedogenic.

Broad Spectrum: Yes

UVA Filter: PA+++ / UVB Filter: SPF 30

Price: SGD 49,90 (40ml)
Available at a.o. Watsons, Guardian (find stores at end of post)

Neutrogena - Hydro Boost™ Gel (SPF 30)

Hydrating, Moisturizing. Long-lasting hydration for soft and supple skin and a healthy glow. The blue coloured gel (becomes colourless) provides an instant cooling effect on skin upon application.

Broad Spectrum: Yes

UVA Filter: PA++ / UVB Filter: SPF 30

Price: SGD 25,90 (40ml)

Available at a.o.Watsons (find stores at end of post)

Elizabeth Arden - Prevage® Anti-Aging Moisture Lotion Broad Spectrum Sunscreen (SPF 30)

Anti-Aging, Moisturizing, Hydrating. Overpriced (especially in Asia), but great product. Also available as a cream for dry skin. Immediately hydrates and improves the appearance of dryness to create a more radiant look.

Broad Spectrum: Yes
UVA Filter: Unknown / UVB Filter: SPF 30

Price: SGD 262,- (50ml)
Available at BHG Bugis, Metro, Robinson's, Takashimaya
(find stores at end of post)

Sulwhasoo Renodigm EX Dual Care Cream (SPF 30) 

Anti-aging. Korea's No.1 luxury holistic skincare brand, using natural herbal ingredients. "A revolutionary anti-aging day cream with Thermal Protection Factor (TPF) to protect the skin from heat-induced damage caused by external heat or stress." So ladies, "keep calm and use Sulwhasoo" :)

Broad Spectrum: Yes

UVA Filter: PA ++ / UVB Filter: SPF 30

Price: SGD 180,- (50ml)
Available at a.o. Tangs, Takashimaya (find stores at end of post)

Avene - Hydrance Optimale UV Light (SPF 20)

Hydrating, Moisturizing, Soothing. Rich in Avene Spring water, this hydrating cream sooths and wraps your skin in a veil of softness. Sebo-absorbing capsules absorb sebum and have a mattifying effect.

Broad Spectrum: No

UVA Filter: No / UVB Filter: SPF 20

Price: SGD 40,90 (40ml)
Available at a.o. Guardian, Watsons (find stores at end of post)

La Prairie Advanced Marine Biology Day Cream, SPF 20

Moisturizing, Anti-Aging. Continuous hydration and nourishment with antioxidant protection. Poetic copywriter LaPrairies Marketing Department: "Rich in antioxidants, it protects while it bathes your skin in the moisture it craves."

Broad Spectrum: Yes
UVA Filter: Unknown / UVB Filter: SPF 20

Price: SGD 220,- (50ml)
Available at a.o. Tangs, Takashimaya (find stores at end of post)

DCS - Aquaderm Day Cream (SPF 20)

Hydrating, Moisturizing. Korean day cream for dry skin; supplies rich moisture and nutrition througout the day. Agave cactus extract and sea water from Jeju island enhance the skin's defensive power.

Broad Spectrum: Yes

UVA Filter: PA + / UVB Filter: SPF 20

Price: SGD 41,- (50ml)
Available at Watsons (find stores at end of post)

Olay - Total Effects Day Cream (SPF15)

Anti-Aging, Hydrating, Moisturizing. Satisfactory and affordable allround day cream; provides the total anti-aging power of hydration fused with vitamins & antioxidants for visibly younger-looking skin.

Broad Spectrum: Yes
UVA Filter: Unknown / UVB Filter: SPF 15

Price: SGD 26,90 (50g)
Available at a.o. Watsons, Guardian (find stores at end of post)

Clinique - Smart Custom Repair Moisturizer (SPF 15)

Anti-aging, Moisturizing. The oil-free formula improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, for a fresh, firm and radiant complexion. Three different skin-typed formulas available.

Broad Spectrum: Yes

UVA Filter: PA++ / UVB Filter: SPF 15

Price: SGD 104,- (50ml)
Available at a.o. Tang's, Takashimaya, Sephora (find stores at end of post)

Estee Lauder - Advanced Time Zone (SPF 15)

Anti-Aging, Moisturizing. Actively helps skin boost its natural support structure to reduce the look of lines and wrinkles. Profoundly perfumed, slightly too much in my opinion. Available for Normal/Combination and Dry skin.

Broad Spectrum: Yes

UVA Filter: Unknown / UVB Filter: SPF 15

Price: SGD 142,- (50ml)
Available at a.o. Metro, Takashimaya, Tangs, Robinsons, Sephora (find stores at end of post)

Shiseido - Benefiance  Wrinkle Resist 24 (SPF 15)

Anti-Aging, Moisturizing. Shideido has several other skincare products with higher SPF's, but these all include whitening ingredients. Benefiance is very moisturizing but not too heavy for summer, feels smooth and leaves a nice matte finish. Somewhat heavily scented though.

Broad Spectrum: Yes

UVA Filter: Unknown / UVB Filter: SPF 15

Price: 86,- SGD (50ml)
Available at a.o. Metro, Takashimaya, Tangs, Robinsons, Sephora
(find stores at end of post)

Lancome Renergie Multi-Lift Day (SPF 15)

Anti-Aging, Moisturizing. Works lifting, firming and tightening; skin is left feeling deeply hydrated and looking denser and smoother. However, as often with firming and/or lifting creams, the texture is quite heavy. Fragrance classifies as overpowering.

Broad Spectrum: No

UVA Filter: No / UVB Filter: SPF 15

Price: SGD 155 (50ml)
Available at a.o. Metro, Takashimaya, Tangs, Robinsons, Sephora (find stores at end of post)

Store Locations

BHG Bugis: find store here
Guardian: find stores here
Metro: find stores here
Robinsons: find stores here
Sephora: find stores here
Takashimaya: find store here
Watsons: find stores here