Ask people why they skip moisturiser and you’ll hear the same answer again and again: it feels heavy. In a country where humidity is high for much of the year, thick creams that leave a film on skin, stain clothes and take minutes to absorb are quietly falling out of daily routines.

The good news is that a lighter texture doesn’t have to mean less nourishment. Skin needs two things from a moisturiser: something to draw water in, such as hyaluronic acid, and something to stop that water escaping, such as petroleum jelly. Formulators can now combine both in water-based, serum-like lotions that absorb in seconds.

That’s driven the rise of the ‘serum-in-lotion’ format. Vaseline’s Gluta-Hya range is one example. Its Dewy Radiance lotion uses a water-burst texture that absorbs in 3 seconds and is clinically proven to increase skin hydration 1.5x. It also includes glutathione and niacinamide for glow.

When choosing a lightweight moisturiser, look past the word ‘light’ on the label. Check for a humectant and a moisture-locking ingredient, look for clinically tested hydration results, and pick a texture you’ll actually enjoy using twice a day. The best moisturiser is the one you use consistently.