Want to skip moisturizer? Here are six fantastic alternatives

Whether you have dry skin or oily skin, applying moisturizer is an essential step of any skincare routine. However, this can be tricky to do in a humid country, as many formulas can feel too heavy and sticky, especially when it’s hot. Gel formulas are a great alternative to the traditional cream formula, but did you know that there’s an even more lightweight option?

For the past few months, I have actually been skipping moisturizer in my routine! Instead, I’ve focused on layering essences, lotions, and toners to give my skin the moisture boost it needs without the heavy feel. These watery formulas are actually designed to be humectants, with ingredients that help to attract and retain hydration in my skin. 

Toners

Toners used to be almost synonymous with astringent, with some expectation that it should make skin feel tight and maybe even sting. Sure, there are toners like that, but hydrating toners are the modern version you should consider adding to your routine. Human Heart Nature’s Hydrating Face Toner (P109.75 for 100mL and P194.75 for 200mL, from humanheartnature.com) is one of our favorites because of its quick absorbing formula that feels just like water but makes skin feel plump and hydrated. 

A popular drugstore option is Celeteque’s Hydration Alcohol-Free Toner (P84.75 for 65mL, from Watsons), which also contains witch hazel extract and is fragrance-free. 

If you’re feeling more adventurous, consider CosRx’s Light Fit Real Water Toner to Cream (P1,100 from theskincarecurator) which dispenses as a cream but melts into a moisturizing, watery formula once applied to the skin!

Essence

An essence is basically this is the first step of the moisturizing part of your routine. Its main purpose is to prep the skin to accept skincare, so it has a liquid consistency that is ever so slightly thicker than a toner. Essences can also contain actives, though in a lower percentage compared to serums. I love the Estee Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion (P5,800 from Lazada) because it makes my skin so soft, supple, and hydrated. 

Of course, our favorite is the In Her Element Petal Skin Rose Toning Essence (P875 from inherelement.ph) because it also contains niacinamide to make skin look bright and glowy while feeling plump and bouncy. 

Lotions

Instead of essence or toner, the Japanese refer to watery skincare products as “lotions”. The term has been picked up by other Asian Beauty products as well, with one of the more famous ones being Hada Labo’s Hydrating Lotion (P685 from Watsons). This formula features different types and sizes of hyaluronic acid, which allows the skin to be hydrated in all its layers.

Western brands have also been following this naming trend. One of my favorites is the Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega Mushroon Skin Relief Soothing Treatment Lotion (P2,100 for 200mL, from Origins) because even one layer is enough to moderately hydrate my dry skin. It also has soothing ingredients that help to soothe redness and promote skin healing.

What should you look for to know if a product will help moisturize your skin? 

A general rule of thumb for choosing a toner is to avoid bad alcohols that can dry your skin. Glycols, although are also alcohol, are great for retaining the skin’s moisture so that is okay if you see it on the list. 

Identify what and where the moisturizing ingredients are on the ingredients list. Glycerin is one of the most commonly used, and should sit near the top to be at an effective concentration. If there are special extracts, they should be listed in the top five.

Lastly, check the consistency. Some of these products can be super watery like the HHN Hydrating Toner, Celeteque Hydration Toner, and the Origins Soothing Treatment Lotion. Once you apply it to your face though, you should be able to notice a (positive) difference in how your skin feels. 

If you want to rely solely on these products for your skin’s hydration, start by applying about three layers on the first day you’ll try these as substitutes. Pay attention to how your skin reacts, then work your way up or down, depending on how much hydration your skin needs.

Have you tried using toners, essences, or lotions as moisturizer substitutes? How did you like it?