This past year saw skincare take on a multitude of forms—notably, the TikTok viral beef tallow moisturiser popularised by the likes of Nara Smith. Or, the guava girl beauty that had us in a summer-long chokehold. The skincare junkies can definitively attest to the high-tech gizmo fixation, and rightfully so—because we all need a little red light therapy every now and again. As innovation continues to up the ante, this then begs the question—how much of the virality factor comes into play? Interestingly enough, amid the novelty of it all, we are bearing witness to a growing pull towards ingredients that have stood the test of time. Enter: traditional powders. Long revered for their ritualistic nature and ease of use, the milled minerals offer a fresh counterpoint to skincare’s obsession with the new.
Powders, of course, steer clear of unfamiliar territory. If anything, they remain trusty fixtures in our make-up regimes. In all to do with skin and hair, however, the zeitgeist has long tended towards creams, serums and sprays to do the trick. As routines grow more considered and ingredient literacy sharpens, powders have begun re-entering the skincare conversation. The fine-textured grains offer a plethora of benefits, abundant in nutrients and minerals that support skin and hair vitality.
Take, for instance, pearl powder, a prized collagen stimulant which traces back to ancient East Asia. Traditionally consumed or blended into topical treatments, modern-day applications see it stirred into your everyday matcha, or coffee—as per your preference. Sidr powder, meanwhile, is a linchpin in Middle Eastern households, valued for its gentle cleansing properties for both skin and hair. Its vibrant green hue can be attributed to the pigments within the Ziziphus tree leaves that it derives from. Upon blending with water, the fusion forms a rich, earthy mask that promises nourished strands when worked into the scalp.
Of course, pearl and sidr are part of a much wider lineage. Below, peruse Vogue Singapore’s curation for the finest traditional powders for your every skin and haircare need.
1 / 4
Pearl powder
As affirmed by Jackie Kennedy herself, pearls are always appropriate. It’s no secret that the lustrous gem makes for an exquisite adornment—a beautification symbol, if you must. In the same vein, powdered pearls work wonders in boosting the body’s natural collagen levels while serving as an effective reminder to eat—or in this case, drink—your skincare. A superstar blend of amino acids, magnesium and proteins work in tandem to improve long-lasting hydration and elasticity, something your skin is sure to thank you for.
Consider opting for Maris Pearl’s The Pearl Powder or Par Olive’s Pearl Marine Collagen Superpowder for a fuss-free approach to edible skincare. A simple stir of the finely milled powder into your drink of choice is more than enough to reap the benefits.
2 / 4
Rice powder
Rice powder bears holy-grail status across Asia—and for good reason at that. The grain, aside from its role as a pantry staple, also doubles as a gentle exfoliant. Japanese geishas famously attributed their smooth complexions to rice bran, otherwise referred to as komenuka, which boasts a natural concentration of niacinimide and squalene–both familiar favourites across modern skincare.
Reach for Tatcha’s The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder for a rice-based exfoliant that leaves the guesswork behind. Alternatively, Anua’s Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder offers a foam-loaded cleanse that promises a brighter complexion. Whatever the inclination, lather a blend of water-activated powder onto the skin for an impurity-free finish.
3 / 4
Sidr powder
Rich in peptides and antioxidants, sidr powder works to gently support skin and scalp health by clearing buildup and balancing sebum production—essentially offering a much-needed reset. The powder gets its earthy hue from dried plant leaves, which retains its conditioning properties, even when finely milled. The benefits are truly abundant with sidr, proving equally at home on the skin as it is worked through the hair as a mask.
Glean’s Qasil Tumeric Face Mask: Like Hoyo offers a thoughtfully blended take on sidr, swirling it with turmeric, chickpeas and other powerhouse ingredients for an impeccable glow.
4 / 4
Nila powder
Bold blues are predicted to be one of 2026’s biggest mainstays in make-up. Why confine the vibrant hue to an après-ready look when it proves equally stunning results as a nourishing face mask? Nila powder, a centuries-old beauty essential boasting natural antioxidants, has long been used by Moroccan women to counter sun damage from the Sahara. Whilst our tropical climate might not rival, consistent sun exposure remains a vital part of the equation. Nila has long been praised for its brightening and detoxifying abilities, which support a healthy skin barrier.
Consider Your saha’s your nila blue powder for clarified skin and smoother texture, ensuring that the powder is blended with a yoghurt base for best results. Asila’s Saharan Indigo & White Ghassoul Clay Mask offers a water-compatible alternative that works to diminish dark spots and unveil a radiant complexion.
