Summer Essentials: 20+ Skincare and Personal Care Recs for Soothing Care

As the mercury climbs in July, our worst enemies in summer emerge – sebum, sweat, unwanted tanning, and the damage intense sunlight can inflict on skin. Living in humid tropical climates, we all know that summer care is as indispensable as it is tricky. In addition to sun protection, choosing the right skin care and body care products is also crucial to keeping your skin healthy and comfortable.

Keep reading for your ultimate list of soothing essentials for this summer, featuring a head-to-toe coverage from skincare and sunscreen to shampoo and antiperspirants! Whether you have oily, dry or sensitive skin, look for the right formulas and you too can enjoy a fresh, breezy summer in this temperature.

Soothing Skincare Tip for Summer ① Lightweight Moisturisers

The idea of diligent moisturising during summer may not sound very appealing or even logical, but the point in our sebaceous glands doing their job is to lock in moisture within your skin. This is why moisturising in summer is just as important as any other season; the key, however, lies in using moisturisers with lightweight, non-sticky formulae.

Lightweight Moisturisers for Summer｜Abib Jericho Rose Mist Serum Glow Spray

This Abib moisturising glow spray is formulated in the perfect 1:9 oil to serum ratio for a light, non-greasy finish. Imbued with Rose of Jericho extract for deep hydration and nourishment, it leaves a hydrated, plump glow. Give your skin a spritz whenever you're feeling dry and don't worry about using it over makeup, because the ultra-fine, non-sticky mist layers very well without smudging.

Lightweight Moisturisers for Summer｜ANUA Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum

Azelaic acid in this lightweight hydrating serum from ANUA helps to moisturise and relieve redness, while its calming cocktail of aloe vera, centella asiatica and other herbal ingredients can help soothe irritation. Suitable for oily, sensitive skin.

Lightweight Moisturisers for Summer｜Arencia Holy Hyssop Serum 30

Making a whopping 1 billion Korean won’s worth of sales in just 3 hours, Arencia’s buzzed-about “cool tone” Holy Hyssop serum is more often out of stock than in stock at Olive Young stores for how fiercely coveted it is. Its main component being French Hyssop Extract, the cool tone serum is also rich in vitamins A, C and E and boasts pore-shrinking, spot-fading and brightening effects. It’s proven to improve dull yellow tones in just two weeks for a clarified, dewy and fair complexion.

Lightweight Moisturisers for Summer｜SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica First Ampoule

A booster ampoule used right after facewash. 90% of the ampoule’s watery non-sticky formula comprises Centella Asiatica and hyaluronic acid blended in an optimum ratio. Feel your skin soak up the moisturising additives like a sponge, instantly hydrated and relieved, and your natural barrier strengthened with each use.

Lightweight Moisturisers for Summer｜AXIS-Y Heartleaf My-Type Calming Cream

This calming cream from AXIS-Y features a nutritious cocktail of rich antioxidants, Heartleaf, Centella Asiatica and other skin soothers. Boasting antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, it promotes skin repair and cell regeneration to quickly relieve troubled skin and is suitable for normal to combination skin types.

Soothing Skincare Tip for Summer ② Cooling Care with Toner Pad / Sheet Mask

Exposure to UV rays can lead to TEWL and weaken your skin. A sheet mask doesn't only physically cool down your skin, but will also soothe and rehydrate skin in fragile conditions. Pro tip – keep it in a refrigerator before use for extra comfort!

Soothing Pads for Summer｜ISNTREE Ultra-Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Zinc Cooling Pad

Richly infused with 10 types of hyaluronic acid, the ultra-low molecular weight promising swift absorption and instant hydration, these toner pads moisturise deeply while nurturing the skin barrier. Soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica and allantoin also help to calm heated and irritated skin, with the skin surface temperature found to decrease by 5.4°C immediately after use. These toner pads are your go-to for post-sun skincare in summer.

Soothing Pads for Summer｜Aprilskin Carrotene IPMP Instant Calming Serum Pads

Exquisite three-layer pads steeped in moisturising essence to hydrate tired, uncomfortable skin from top to bottom! Repairs and quickly calms heated skin, immediately reducing redness by 6.7%. The light and fresh watery texture sinks in smoothly even on acne-prone and oily skin and helps to control oil secretion. Spare 3 minutes for these pads on busy mornings and enjoy smooth, bump-free makeup for the rest of the day!

Soothing Masks for Summer｜numbuzin No.4 Icy Soothing Sheet Mask

numbuzin's No.4 sheet mask comes in a unique jelly-like texture that refreshes with no stickiness. A hydrating, soothing, redness relieving and cooling powerhouse in one, it offers deep hydration while controlling excess sebum – an absolute summer godsend. Whether your skin is irritated by medical masks or compromised by capricious weather, this mask is here for you.

Soothing Masks for Summer｜Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Cica Teatree Soothing Mask

Nourishes and boosts collagen growth with a formula of highly concentrated collagen and 9 peptides, offering firming, lifting and wrinkle-reducing effects. Its calming blend of 6 types of 6 kinds of Centella Asiatica and Tea Tree soothing complex ingredients also help to soothe sensitive, troubled skin. The surface of the mask does not drip or leave residue, making it perfect for a use as a sleeping mask. Leaves your skin hydrated and glowing by morning!

Soothing Masks for Summer｜ANUA Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask

Featuring an intensively soothing formula of 77% Heartleaf extract, all ingredients in ANUA's Heartleaf Soothing Sheet Mask have achieved an EWG Green grade score for utmost safety and sustainability. The mask calms and soothes redness and sensitivity while moisturising and nourishing the skin barrier, strengthening the skin's defence against external stimuli. An improved barrier helps to purify breakouts and combat comedones, keeping acne at bay.

Soothing Skincare Tip for Summer ③ Sunscreen, Always!

Want to ward off sunburn and unwanted tanning this summer? The answer is always sunscreen. While sunscreens are a year-long skincare staple, in summer when the days are long and UV rays are stronger, prolonged exposure to sunlight heightens the risk of sunburn, skin aging, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. So don't forget to put on sunscreen, and bring it with you!

Refreshing Sunscreen for Summer｜Abib Sedum Hyaluron Sunscreen Watery Tube

This watery, skin-friendly sunscreen comes in a refreshing non-greasy texture that spreads smoothly and feels barely there. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol, it helps prevent UV-induced aging, hydrates sun-parched skin, and strengthens the natural barrier.

Refreshing Sunscreen for Summer｜Goodal Heartleaf Soothing Hyaluron Sun Serum

With an overwhelming moisture content of up to 85% and a calming formula of Heartleaf, this sun serum from Goodal effectively relieves sun-induced skin discomfort. Providing both UV defence and deep hydration in a light refreshing serum texture, this sunscreen is good for all skin types.

Refreshing Sunscreen for Summer｜Cell Fusion C Laser UV Sunscreen

Free from irritating chemicals, this powerful sunscreen nurtures even the most sensitive, fragile, post-aesthetics skin. Weightless on skin, it protects while nourishing with skincare ingredients like hydrolysed collagen, hexapeptide and antioxidant complex, delivering comprehensive care in one go.

Refreshing Sunscreen for Summer｜ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Fresh Sun Serum

Quench your skin with this deeply hydrating formula of 81% moisturising essence content and an ultra-lightweight, airy texture! It comes with decent sebum control properties to keep skin fresh and non-sticky, perfect whether for daily use or in the great outdoors.

Refreshing Sunscreen for Summer｜ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen

This TikTok favourite moisturises while soothing UV-irritated skin with a sustainable, reef safe formula that keeps you protected as you enjoy your time at sea.

Soothing Skincare Tip for Summer ④ Cooling Cleansers

Scalp oil and odour have got to be two of our worst bodily concerns in summer. Oil is the culprit of too many summer problems – limp and lifeless hair styles, hair odour, greasy hair, you name it. Using a cooling and refreshing shampoo or shower gel can help curb excess oil, keeping hair roots airy while eliminating sweat odours.

Refreshing Shampoos for Summer｜Dr.SEED Peppermint and Lemon Vegan Dandruff Cool Anti Hairloss Shampoo

Designed for dry and sensitive scalp, not only is this Korean shampoo certified vegan by the French Eve Vegan certification, but it's also awarded an EXCELLENT rating by German Dermatest. It conditions the scalp and strengthens hair roots with a botanical blend of natural ingredents and helps to reduce dandruff and alleviate itching, keeping your head fresh and clean all summer.

Refreshing Shampoos for Summer｜B Project Stay Fresh Cooling Shampoo

Just like its name, this shampoo aims to let you "stay fresh" for 24 hours straight. It's formulated with oil control ingredients derived from a variety of natural herbal extracts as well as salicylic acid to deeply cleanse sweat and grease that has accumulated near hair roots, leaving hair fresh and with bounce. The hypoallergenic formula ensures minimal irritation and is ideal for people with limp roots and excessive oil secretion.

Refreshing Shampoos for Summer｜KLORANE Detox Shampoo With Organic Mint

Concocted with 100% organic mint extract, this purifying shampoo gently removes waste and impurities and unclogs pores, so that you can feel your scalp breathe again. It works wonders on improving head odour and getting rid of age-old accumulated keratin.

Refreshing Shampoos for Summer｜KAO Success Shampoo Extra Cool

A bubbly shampoo that foams in 3 seconds and refreshes with natural eucalyptus extract. Helps improve grease and stickiness on the scalp area and reduce itching and dandruff, while also revitalising limp, thinning hair with a hair growth agent. Leaves your roots light and hair strengthened and bouncy, with traces of cooling menthol sensations to soothe your scalp. Perfect for showers after being in the sun all day.

Refreshing Body Wash for Summer｜Shiseido Sea Breeze Body Shampoo Cool & Deodorant

This deodorising shower gel cleanses gently with plant-based surfactants and mild botanicals and herbal extracts. Lathering into a rich, delicate foam, it removes sweat, sebum and waste and prevents BO with deodorant ingredients, leaving skin cool, refreshed and cleanly fragrant.

Soothing Skincare Tip for Summer ⑤ Go Sweat-free with Antiperspirant

Odours in summer don't only come from the scalp; the underarm area is also a main suspect. A quick spritz of antiperspirant on your underarms – and other areas prone to odour – before heading out can help keep your skin clean, fresh and subtly fragrant all day long.

Antiperspirants for Summer｜Shiseido AG DEO 24 Powder Spray

Deodorant powder sprays that suppresses sweat by eliminating odor-producing bacteria. Adheres to skin perfectly with just one spray and doesn't wear off even after you sweat. The non-sticky texture keeps your skin smooth and comfortable throughout the day, warding off worries about sweat and BO in the summer heat.

Antiperspirants for Summer｜Perspirex Extra-Effective Antiperspirant Roll-On

This long-lasting antiperspirant can last for 3-5 days with each application. The antiperspirant ingredients react with moisture in your sweat glands to produce keratin stoppers that block sweat secretion, tackling the problem of BO at its root. Designed for people bothered by heavy sweating, this antiperspirant is your secret weapon to enjoying a refreshing and comfortable summer.！

Antiperspirants for Summer｜KAO 8x4 Aroma Switch Fragrant Deodorant Spray

Utilising an innovative "fragrance reproducing" technology, the fragrances in these Japanese deodorants reactivate whenever you sweat. Imagine smelling better the more you sweat – that's exactly what this deodorant makes possible. Its antiperspirant, antibacterial and deodorant formula means you can move around all day and sweat with no fear of odours.

Antiperspirants for Summer｜Shiseido Sea Breeze Deo & Water

These Shiseido deodorants contain unique "sustained fragrance capsules" to maintain a long lasting clean scent and suppress unpleasant odors. Refreshes with menthol ingredients and chills with a comfortable icy touch the moment it lands on your skin. Mild and suitable for all skin types, it rejuvenates you in summer with vitality and protection.

Antiperspirants for Summer｜AXE Men's Fragrance Body Spray

Adding a subtle, lingering fragrance to your skin, a light spritz is all it takes to repel embarrassing sweat stains and inhibit bacterial growth to prevent odours. With the exquisite, perfumer-crafted fragrance keeping your body naturally refreshed, it's a must-have in the summer.