We’ve done a guide on Katong Shopping Centre, the very first air-conditioned mall in Singapore. In it lies a quaint toiletries and household items shop called Rey-Im Cosmetics House, and – having operated since 1975 – it looks almost frozen in time.
More importantly, it seems like the prices are also stuck in pre-inflation conditions, with branded products costing up to 55% less than supermarket or pharmacy prices. Here are some treasures you can find, and the attractive prices that will make it worth your while to journey to the East.
Note: Prices are accurate at the time of writing and may be subject to change.
Image credit: 茶柱タツ子 via Google Maps
Not only does Rey-Im Cosmetics House carry the run-of-the-mill brands which you’d find at any supermarket, they also stock international brands which are rarer in Singapore. And don’t worry, there aren’t exorbitant import surcharges which you’d expect to pay at certain international grocery stores here.
Image adapted from: 茶柱タツ子 via Google Maps
Some international offerings you’ll see here include UK brands like Original Source shower gels and Batiste dry shampoo, Old Spice and Speed Stick deodorants from the US, the cult favourite Lucas’ Papaw Ointment which visitors to Australia usually haul back as souvenirs, and Thailand’s popular herbal toothpaste, Dentiste Plus.
Image credit: 茶柱タツ子 via Google Maps
Besides toiletries and cosmetics, Rey-Im Cosmetics House also has a wide range of home remedies that you’d want to have handy. Think nasal inhalers, antacid solutions for indigestion and heart burn, burn treatments and scar reduction aids, throat lozenges, and medicated oils across a myriad of brands. In short, everything you need in your medicine cupboard.
Image credit: 茶柱タツ子 via Google Maps
Because the store is so well-stocked, it’s natural that the small space gets quite chock-a-block with their vast inventory. Be prepared to have to wade through cramped aisles and display shelves that may be a tad messy, but don’t worry; the bargains you’ll unearth will be well worth it.
Plus, online reviews frequently commend the friendly staff who have a wealth of knowledge and are eager to help. So if you’re scouring for a specific item or need recommendations, just hit them up and they’ll be able to zone in quick.
Image adapted from: Lazada, Shopee, GrabMart
You also have the option to shop Rey-Im Cosmetics House’s selection from the comfort of your own home, as they operate online via Lazada, Shopee, and GrabMart. Pick your go-to retailer, add your desired items to cart, and await your loot to be sent right to your doorstep.
One special perk you can get at Rey-Im Cosmetics House is the ability to purchase sample packs at 5 for $1. Think products like lotions and creams which come in little sachets. For the adventurous and fickle shoppers, this works a treat as you’ll get to try out a bunch of different items before committing to a full-sized bottle.
Image credit: 茶柱タツ子 via Google Maps
Speaking of trying a bunch for cheap, you can get nail polishes here at $3.80 per bottle. The quality may not be on par with those which cost double digits, but at least you’ll get to pick from a wide range of colours.
Look out for Rey-Im Cosmetics House’s frequent markdowns, too. For instance, we spotted a bottle of QV Moisturising Cream which was originally priced $28.50, but got slashed to $14.80.
Don’t worry, quality checks are conducted to ensure that nothing expired will be sold. But do your due diligence to have a quick check; some marked-down items may have cosmetic defects like dented packaging, but nothing that would affect the integrity of the product.
Image adapted from: 茶柱タツ子 via Google Maps
Here are some other popular items you can find, and how much cheaper they are as compared to other major retailers:
| Product | Price at Rey-Im Cosmetics House | Price at other retailers |
| Sukin Body Wash, Shampoo & Conditioner | $21.50, 3 for $59.90 | $26 at Watsons |
| Mustela Cleansing Gel | $18.90, 2 for $33.90 | $24.50 at Watsons |
| Glade Air Fresheners | $2.40 each, 2 for $4.50 | $4.30 at FairPrice |
| Glade Hang It Fresheners | $0.90 | $2 at FairPrice |
| Lucas’ Papaw Ointment | $7.60 | $12.30 at Watsons |
| Klorane Shampoo | $15 each, 2 for $28.80 | $16.70 at Guardian |
If you check out the online reviews for this quaint and hidden store, you’ll find residents sharing how they’ve patronised Rey-Im Cosmetics House for over a decade. Some even say that despite having moved out of the East, they still trek down just to stock up on toiletries because this is their go-to for affordable household essentials.
So the next time you’re looking to stock up on toiletries yourself, make a trip down to Katong Shopping Centre. Rey-Im Cosmetics House is a treasure trove of affordably priced products across a huge range of brands. Not only will you be able to bag your faves, you might very well be able to find some new and exciting international offerings to try.
If hidden places are your jam, check out these guides:
Cover image adapted from: 茶柱タツ子 via Google Maps
You can also shop for their products on Shopee, Lazada, and GrabMart.
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