Liquid Cream
Liquid Cream
Product Description
A lightweight liquid-textured moisturizer formulated with 1% Zinc PCA and Squalane to regulate sebum, prevent breakouts, and deliver 12-hour moisture balance for oily and acne-prone skin without heaviness or greasiness.
โจ Texture & Feel
12-Hour Sebum Control
Zinc PCA at 1% clinically regulates oil and sebum production throughout the day, keeping skin shine-free without over-drying.
Anti-Acne Antibacterial
Zinc PCA provides strong antibacterial activity against P. acnes bacteria, helping prevent breakouts and reduce inflammation.
Lightweight Hydration
Squalane and Glycerin deliver non-greasy moisture that balances oily skin without clogging pores or feeling heavy.
Botanical Antioxidants
Green Tea, Centella Asiatica, Coffee Seed, and Pine Leaf extracts provide a rich antioxidant shield to calm and protect skin.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, a natural source of salicin related to salicylic acid. Concentration is very low and likely safe, but consult your doctor as a precaution.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Palmitate, and Cetearyl Alcohol which are fatty acid esters and alcohols that can feed Malassezia yeast.
Very low risk of clogging pores. Formula is specifically designed for acne-prone skin and is marketed as non-comedogenic.
Free from added fragrance, parabens, sulfates, and harsh alcohols. Contains soothing Allantoin and Centella Asiatica. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Safe to layer with Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid serums. Use with caution when combining with strong retinols or AHA/BHA exfoliants (apply at different times).
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) is used as a preservative/antioxidant at a very low concentration. Generally considered safe in cosmetics, though some users prefer to avoid it.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
โก Zinc PCA 1% Proven
A synergistic combination of Zinc and L-Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid (PCA). Zinc regulates sebum production and fights acne-causing bacteria, while PCA is a natural moisturizing factor (NMF) that enhances hydration and zinc bioavailability.
- Sebum Control: In-vivo testing at 1% concentration showed statistically significant reduction in sebum production after 28 days of use.
- Antibacterial: In-vitro studies demonstrate strong antimicrobial activity against P. acnes at 0.1โ0.25% concentration.
- Anti-Aging Potential: A 2011 research paper suggests Zinc PCA may help stimulate collagen production based on in-vitro findings.
๐ง Squalane <1% Proven
A lightweight hydrocarbon that mimics the skin's natural sebum. Provides non-greasy hydration, strengthens the moisture barrier, and is one of the few emollients suitable for oily skin without adding shine.
- Skin-Identical: Chemically similar to human squalene, making it highly biocompatible and non-irritating.
- Non-Comedogenic: Despite being an emollient, squalane has a comedogenic rating of 0, meaning it does not clog pores.
- Barrier Support: Helps prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while maintaining a lightweight feel.
๐ฟ Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract <1% Proven
A powerhouse botanical from Southeast Asia rich in madecassic acid, asiaticoside, and other triterpenes. Known for soothing inflammation, boosting collagen synthesis, and strengthening the skin barrier.
- Collagen Boost: Research shows Centella increases Type I collagen production by stimulating fibroblast activity.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Active compounds calm redness and irritation, making it ideal for acne-damaged skin.
- Hydration: Encourages natural hyaluronic acid production within the skin for deeper hydration.
๐ต Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract <1% Proven
Rich in polyphenols (especially EGCG), green tea extract delivers potent antioxidant protection, reduces sebum production, and calms inflammation. Contains natural vitamins B, zinc, and magnesium.
- Antioxidant: EGCG is one of the most potent plant-based antioxidants, protecting skin from free radical and UV damage.
- Sebum Reduction: Studies show topical green tea extract may help reduce oil production on skin.
- Elasticity: Research demonstrates improved skin elasticity and hydration with regular use of tea extract.
๐ฉน Allantoin <1% Proven
A gentle, soothing compound that promotes cell regeneration, calms irritation, and softens the skin. Widely used in sensitive skin formulations for its excellent tolerability.
- Wound Healing: Accelerates skin cell turnover and promotes healing of acne marks and post-inflammatory damage.
- Anti-Irritant: Soothes and protects irritated skin, making it safe for compromised or post-procedure skin.
๐ Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract <1% Promising
A marine extract derived from Okinawan brown seaweed (Mozuku), rich in fucoidan. Known for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-soothing properties. An innovative ingredient less commonly found in skincare.
- Fucoidan Content: This polysaccharide has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in multiple studies.
- Skin Soothing: Helps reduce redness and calm reactive skin, complementing the formula's anti-acne actives.
26 ingredients
Aqua, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11, Zinc PCA, Phenoxyethanol, C15-19 Alkane, Ceteareth-20, BHT, Ceteareth-12, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Palmitate, Allantoin, Diphenyl Dimethicone, Squalane, Triethylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Decyl Glucoside, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Leaf Extract, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply after toner or serum on the face and neck, morning and night. For oily skin, this can be your final step before sunscreen. Dry skin types may layer a heavier cream on top at night.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse & Prep
Start with a clean face. Apply your toner and/or serum and let them absorb fully before proceeding.
Dispense
Press the pump 2โ3 times to dispense an appropriate amount. A little goes a long way with this formula.
Apply & Spread
Gently spread the liquid cream across your face and neck using upward motions. The milky liquid texture blends easily and absorbs quickly.
Follow Up (AM)
In the morning, wait 30โ60 seconds for full absorption, then layer your sunscreen on top. The formula plays well under SPF without pilling.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin that gets shiny throughout the day
- You struggle with acne breakouts and want sebum-regulating ingredients
- You want a lightweight moisturizer that layers well under sunscreen and makeup
- You prefer fragrance-free, no-frills formulas backed by research
- You live in a hot, humid climate and need a non-greasy moisturizer
- You want an affordable, large-size (100ml) product that lasts months
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) โ this formula contains triggers
- You have very dry skin and need a rich, occlusive moisturizer
- You want a product with high-concentration actives like Niacinamide or Ceramides
- You prefer a completely matte finish โ this leans slightly dewy
- You need travel-friendly packaging โ the glass bottle is heavy and fragile
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Specifically designed for oily skin. Zinc PCA controls sebum for up to 12 hours. Lightweight liquid texture absorbs fast without adding greasiness.
Balances hydration across oily T-zone and drier cheeks effectively. Light enough for oily areas, moisturizing enough for normal zones.
Non-comedogenic formula with antibacterial Zinc PCA and soothing botanicals. Helps prevent breakouts while healing existing blemishes.
Fragrance-free with soothing Allantoin and Centella Asiatica. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin as some users report mild warmth on compromised skin.
May not provide enough moisture on its own for dry skin types. Works best when layered under a richer cream or used as a lightweight daytime option.
๐ Results Timeline
Immediate Hydration & Comfort
Skin feels moisturized and balanced without greasiness. The lightweight texture is immediately comfortable under sunscreen and makeup with no pilling.
85% noticed improved comfortReduced Oiliness & Fewer Breakouts
Sebum production begins to normalize as Zinc PCA regulates oil levels. Fewer new breakouts appear and existing blemishes start calming down.
70% noticed less shineClinically Significant Sebum Reduction
In-vivo testing confirms statistically significant reduction in sebum production at 1% Zinc PCA after 28 days. Skin texture appears smoother and more refined.
75% reported clearer skinVisible Skin Improvement
With consistent use, skin appears healthier, more balanced, and more radiant. Pore appearance may be minimized and overall skin texture is noticeably smoother.
80% saw improved textureโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Lightweight liquid texture that absorbs fast without heaviness
- No pilling when layered under sunscreen and makeup
- Excellent value โ 100ml bottle lasts up to 6 months
- Fragrance-free and gentle enough for sensitive skin
- Clinically backed Zinc PCA at effective 1% concentration
- Elegant glass pump packaging feels premium
- Hydrating without adding shine or greasiness
- Good balance of hydration and skin barrier support
โ Criticized
- Oil control may not be strong enough for extremely oily skin
- Glass bottle is heavy, fragile, and not travel-friendly
- Finish leans dewy โ not ideal for those wanting a matte look
- May feel slightly too occlusive in very hot, humid weather
- Not suitable for fungal acne sufferers
- Limited international availability (primarily sold in Indonesia)
- Some users report mild warmth when applied to irritated skin
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Also features Zinc PCA as the star ingredient with added Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid. Heavier texture with sunflower seed oil โ richer formula but may be too heavy for very oily skin. UK brand.
No Zinc PCA so lacks the sebum-regulating benefit. Uses hyaluronic acid and amino acids for hydration. Thicker cream texture. Widely available globally. Good basic moisturizer but no oil control.
Lighter gel-cream texture with Centella and oat extract for soothing. No zinc PCA so no direct oil control. Fungal acne safe. K-beauty brand, great for sensitive oily skin seeking calming hydration.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
FSS Liquid Cream (This Product)
~$9.50Q+A Zinc PCA Daily Moisturiser
~$11.00CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
~$17.00Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Moisturizer
~$15.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep at room temperature (below 30ยฐC). No refrigeration needed.
Opaque glass bottle with pump dispenser. Premium feel, hygienic pump prevents contamination. Heavy-duty glass protects formula from light degradation.
Yes, 100ml is under the TSA liquid limit. However, the glass bottle is heavy and fragile โ consider decanting into a travel container for trips.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Use with caution. The formula contains Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, a natural source of salicin which is chemically related to salicylic acid. While the concentration is very low and unlikely to cause issues, dermatologists generally recommend caution with salicylate-related ingredients during pregnancy. There are no retinoids, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens in this formula. Consult your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
No, this product is not considered fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients known to feed Malassezia yeast, including Glyceryl Stearate (a fatty acid ester), Cetyl Palmitate (an ester), and Cetearyl Alcohol (a fatty alcohol). If you have diagnosed Malassezia folliculitis, consider alternatives like Purito Oat-in Calming Gel Cream or Malezia Moisturizer which are formulated to be fungal acne safe.
Yes, with some precautions. This moisturizer pairs well with Vitamin C serums, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid โ you can layer them in the same routine. For retinol, AHA, or BHA actives, apply them before this moisturizer (the cream will help buffer and soothe). If using strong chemical exfoliants, some users report mild warmth or stinging when applying this cream directly after peeling products โ in that case, alternate between AM and PM use or wait a few minutes between steps.
This moisturizer is specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. It performs excellently on combination skin as well. Sensitive skin types generally tolerate it well thanks to the fragrance-free formula and soothing ingredients. Dry skin types may find it too lightweight on its own and should layer a richer cream on top, especially during colder months.
Hydration and comfort improvements are immediate from the first use. Reduced oiliness and fewer breakouts typically become noticeable within 2โ3 weeks. For clinically significant sebum reduction, manufacturer in-vivo testing shows results after 28 days of consistent use at the 1% Zinc PCA concentration in this formula. Full skin texture improvement usually takes 2โ3 months of regular use.
Apply after your toner and serum, before sunscreen (AM) or as a final step (PM). The routine order is: Cleanser โ Toner โ Serum/Essence โ FSS Liquid Cream โ Sunscreen (morning). For oily skin, 2 pumps is usually sufficient. The liquid texture layers nicely without pilling under sunscreen or makeup.
The FSS Liquid Cream has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, meaning it has a very low risk of clogging pores. The formula is designed and marketed as non-comedogenic for acne-prone skin. The majority of users report no pore-clogging issues. However, as with any skincare product, individual responses can vary โ if you have extremely reactive or congestion-prone skin, patch testing is always recommended.
The recommended Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. With the 100ml bottle size and typical usage of 2 pumps twice daily, most users report the product lasting approximately 5โ6 months. The glass bottle with pump dispenser helps maintain product integrity by minimizing air exposure and contamination. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for best results.
Verdict: The FSS Liquid Cream is an excellent, science-backed moisturizer for oily and acne-prone skin at an outstanding price point. The 1% Zinc PCA is a clinically validated concentration for sebum control and anti-acne activity, while Squalane and botanical extracts like Centella Asiatica provide soothing hydration without heaviness. The 100ml size offers exceptional value, often lasting up to 6 months. However, it's not suitable for fungal acne sufferers, and the glass bottle packaging limits portability. If you have oily or combination skin and want a lightweight, fragrance-free, research-driven Indonesian moisturizer that actually controls oil โ this is one of the best options in its price range.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 0 |
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11
Emulsion Stabilising, Skin Conditioning
|
|

