A face serum is a concentrate of active ingredients that penetrates deep into your skin layers. These small molecules target skin issues like acne, wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. In the long run, the best face serum makes your skin take on a supple and firm appearance that looks smooth and radiant. This tells you that serums are a potent source of nourishment and nutrition for your facial, neck, and chest skin.
Face serums are an extremely important addition to your beauty regime, especially if you’re looking to have a flawless complexion. Serums should be applied gently with your fingertips after cleansing and toning, followed by moisturizer. Use about 1-2 drops and if you’re using more than one serum, start with the lightest one
Top 17 Face Serums in Malaysia That Work Wonders
We’ve put together a list of serums that dermatologists recommend for people to incorporate into their regular skincare mix. The products on our list contain active ingredients like niacinamide, retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid that address different skin concerns.
To make it easier for you to choose the best face serum, we’ve included a list of pros and cons. Keep reading to check them out and take your pick.
1. Bio-essence Bio-Gold Golden Ratio Double Serum 36g
The Bio-essence Bio-Gold Golden Ratio Double Serum containing gold flakes is rich in antioxidants that help improve your skin resilience against harmful radicals and protect the skin barrier. This serum is guaranteed to help your skin to produce more collagen and elastin to maintain its firmness.
Pros
- Packed with antioxidants
- Helps to retain moisture
- Nourishes your face to exude a radiant glow
- Repairs cells for healthy-looking skin
- Has a hygienic pump dispenser
Cons
- Can take a while before effects are noticeable.
2. Swisse Skincare Blood Orange Brightening Facial Serum
The Swisse Skincare Blood Orange Brightening Facial Serum is consciously formulated with skin-loving ingredients like active botanicals, antioxidants, and vitamins that instantly nourish your skin so that it naturally radiates. You will notice that your complexion takes on a brighter glow and your blemishes look less obvious.
Pros
- Promotes skin repair
- Paraben and sulfate-free
- Brightens the facial appearance
- Suitable for every skin type
- Has a hygienic pump dispenser
- Hard to see how much product is left
Cons
- Can have drying effects
- Dark tint makes it hard to see how much product is left
3. Cosmedica Skincare Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Skin
The Cosmedica Skincare Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Skin formulation specializes in providing deep hydration for your skin and combating aging effects. Many users have seen a significant reduction in wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots shortly after starting usage because this product is well thought out and balanced.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Locks in moisture
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Suitable for all skin types
- Dermatologically tested and approved
Cons
- Expensive
- May cause skin purging
4. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Purify dull and congested skin with The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% that also shrinks pores, and diminishes hyperpigmentation. If you’re having issues with dark spots and blemishes, this not-so-ordinary serum Malaysia will help regulate sebum production for a visibly clearer and refined complexion.
Pros
- Affordable
- Powerfully hydrating
- Your skin becomes less oily
- Has a dropper for easy application
- Brightens the look of your skin complexion
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) minimizes the look of discoloration
Cons
- You may experience a stinging sensation
5. Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum
The Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum is formulated to replenish moisture and nutrients for your skin. If your skin type tends to be dry, this lightweight yet nourishing green tea seed serum will be highly suitable for you.
Pros
- Absorbs well
- Delivers intense hydration
- Doesn’t make the skin look oily
- Has a hygienic pump dispenser
- Has a refreshing scent that feels calming to the senses
Cons
- Hard to see how much product is left
- Feels sticky upon application ( sensation fades eventually)
6. Bio-essence Bio-Water Vitamin B5 Gel
The Bio-essence Bio-Water Vitamin B5 Gel helps restore the skin’s natural hydration balance, keeping it soft, smooth, moisturized, and healthy. This gel also has an anti-inflammatory effect that helps treat irritated skin.
Pros
- No sticky residue
- The skin looks smoother
- Hydrating and healing properties
- Suitable for especially dry and dehydrated skin
Cons
- Not for sensitive skin
7. LOreal Paris Revitalift Anti Aging Laser X3 Serum
LOreal Paris Revitalift Anti Aging Laser X3 Serum fights all the signs of aging and your skin texture becomes dramatically refined. Day after day, wrinkles and fine lines become less visible allowing the skin to regain elasticity and become more plumpy.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Has a hygienic pump dispenser
- Offers anti-aging benefits i.e. firms the skin
- Complexion becomes brighter and more unified
- Retinol stimulates cell renewal to thicken the epidermis
Cons
- Quite pricey
- Hard to see how much product is left
8. Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Serum
The Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Serum has a hydra-firming complex that helps to visibly reduce lines and wrinkles. If you often feel that your complexion looks dull and tired, you need to get your hands on this serum by Olay to give your skin an effective treatment to reveal its inner radiance and energy.
Pros
- Refines texture
- Hydrates for firmer skin
- Fast absorbing lightweight serum
- There’s no greasy aftermath
- Has a hygienic pump dispenser
Cons
- Expensive
- Hard to see how much product is left
9. BIOAQUA 24K Gold Hyaluronic Essence Serum
The powerful BIOAQUA 24K Gold Hyaluronic Essence Serum infuses your skin with pure 24K gold causing it to release ions that promote blood flow. Improved circulation boosts absorption and ultimately restores youthful firmness to the skin. BIOAQUA 24k gold hyaluronic essence serum will surely restore the glow in your skin for you.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Spreads evenly
- Significantly minimizes wrinkles depth
- Prevents the reappearance of deep wrinkles
- 24K revitalizing ability promotes metabolism
Cons
- May trigger acne if you have sensitive skin
10. ROREC White Rice Skin Beauty Essence
The ROREC White Rice Skin Beauty Essence is a unique and innovative formulation that gives you a radiant healthy glow without you having to put any makeup on. This beauty essence helps fortify your skin with nutrients and also encourages rejuvenation of your skin cells to help repair acne scars.
Pros
- Very affordable
- No sticky residue
- Dermatologically tested
- Gives you a dewy healthy glow
Cons
- May cause redness
- Takes 1-3 months to see results
11. BREYLEE Acne Treatment Serum
The BREYLEE Acne Treatment Serum is suitable for sensitive breakout-prone skin and is too good to be true. It helps the skin maintain its elasticity and also functions as an anti-wrinkle, anti-inflammation, and astringing agent.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Soothes acne prone skin
- A lightweight serum that’s easily absorbed
- The skin gets a glow from using it
- Has a good moisture-holding capacity
Cons
- Not as moisturizing as other serums
- Skin can quickly build a tolerance to this anti-aging treatment serum
12. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence PITERA Facial Serum
The SK-II Facial Treatment Essence PITERA Facial Serum is also referred to as “miracle water”. This hydrating and oil control is a top essence and one of the best serums in Malaysia that is worth every single buck of its price tag. It helps rejuvenate the skin and combats aging effects making your skin look and feel firmer.
Pros
- Fades dark spots
- Easy to apply and absorb
- Can be layered under makeup
- Has a nice texture, not too thick or too watery
Cons
- The organic acids may irritate sensitive skin
13. Lancome Hydra Zen Beauty Facial Essence
Lancome Hydra Zen Beauty Facial Essence provides intense hydration for the skin to feel silky and soothed. It also helps reduce acne and fades acne scars for a clearer complexion. Additionally, it also provides a soothing effect if you have sensitive skin and are prone to red patches.
Pros
- One bottle can last a long time
- Has a hygienic pump dispenser
- Skin feels comfortable, looks refined, and mattified
- Skin’s moisture levels increase significantly
- Insulates the skin from emotional and environmental stress
Cons
- Expensive
- You use just 1 pump each time so that the bottle lasts long
14. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex – Face Serum
When you use the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex – Face Serum, your skin looks radiant and plumped with hydration. This high-performance face serum reduces the look of multiple signs of aging caused by environmental assaults of modern life.
Pros
- Skin feels firmer
- Pores look diminished
- Dark bottle protects the light-sensitive ingredients
- Free of parabens, sulfates, and sulfites
Cons
- Very expensive
- It’s a night skincare product
15. VIBRANT GLAMOUR Vitamin C Face Serum
The VIBRANT GLAMOUR Vitamin C Face Serum contains high activity small-molecule vitamin C with antioxidant protection. This product can also prevent melanin formation so it may be used as a whitening and brightening agent.
Pros
- Affordable
- Non-greasy
- Removes blemishes
- Promotes skin metabolism
- Has a hygienic pump dispenser
- Smells really good to some people
- Activates damaged skin cells to restore elasticity
Cons
- Hard to see how much product is left
- Bad storage and time can cause the vitamin C to go bad
16. Wardah Lightening Facial Serum
The Wardah Lightening Facial Serum releases a lightening formula that penetrates your skin, lightening it from within for longer effectiveness and resilience. It contains high concentrations of vitamin B3 for optimal brightening results. Get a flawless and bright complexion today and people will start asking what your secret is.
Pros
- Affordable
- Layers well under makeup
- Skin feels softer and supple
Cons
· May trigger allergies
· No obvious results other than lightening
17. OEDO Shrink Pores Hyaluronic Acid liquid Moisturizing Face Serum
The OEDO Shrink Pores Hyaluronic Acid liquid Moisturizing Face Serum guarantees whitening efficiency with its innovative whitening technology. It contains a variety of skin nutrients that enable it to provide sufficient moisture and nutrients to the skin.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Helps shrink pores
- Restores the elasticity of the skin
- Ideal for every skin type
Cons
- Not everyone finds the smell pleasant
- Needs to be stored away from direct sunlight
Guide On How To Choose The Right Serum
You would be surprised at the number of serum options available in the market today. Finding the best face serum for you is almost the same as looking for a partner to get married to. You know that there’s someone perfect for you out there, but you’re not sure how to find him/her.
The most confusing thing for shoppers is that all these products promise wonderful results. The best way to pick the right serum is to take several factors into consideration:
1. Your Skincare Goals
What skincare goals are you trying to achieve and what skin problem are you trying to address? The answer to this question should guide you to find a serum that does just what you need it to.
For example, if you’re looking to:
- Hydrate your skin – find serums with hydrating ingredients that attract moisture from the air and lock it into your skin like hyaluronic acid
- Calm irritation – find serums with ingredients that reduce inflammation and soothe the skin like aloe vera, glycerin, zinc, and shea butter.
- Prevent breakouts – find serums with ingredients that inhibit sebum production to prevent future breakouts like salicylic acid and tea tree oil
- Minimize pores – find serums with ingredients that shrink large visible pores inhibiting the formation of whiteheads and blackheads like vitamin C
- Reduce hyperpigmentation – find serums with ingredients that fight hyperpigmentation and lighten the skin like niacinamide, mandolin acid, and azelaic acid.
- Fight signs of aging – find serums with ingredients that correct dull-looking skin like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, retinol, and resveratrol.
2. Your Skin Type
Like with any other skincare product, always consider your skin type before buying a face serum. A product that’s meant for oily skin will not work well on dry skin and vice versa. Here are suggestions of the type of serum and ingredients that fix skin concerns for specific skin types:
- If you have oily/breakout-prone skin, look for serums with salicylic acid and retinol, vitamin E, and rosehip seed oil.
- If you have dry/sensitive skin, look for hydrating and moisturizing serums with hyaluronic acid aloe vera, and a hint of shimmer.
- If you have hyperpigmented skin, look for serums with vitamin C and tyrosinase that prevent melanin production around the hair follicles.
- If you have normal skin, look for serums with glycolic acid.
3. Serum Ingredients
Serum ingredients play a huge role in how effective the product is. High-quality ingredients mean that the product is safe to use and gives the best results. Ingredients used in serums range from ordinary to exotic depending on what exactly you’re looking for.
Here are the most common serum ingredients:
- Vitamin C
This is a common ingredient for anti-aging that not only helps build collagen but also boosts skin immunity.
- Hyaluronic acid
This is great for treating dehydrated skin. It ensures that the skin doesn’t lose any moisture and remains replenished.
Ceramides and amino acids have the same effect.
- Antioxidants
These protect the skin from stress and environmental damage. They include beta-carotene and green tea extracts.
- Retinols
These are ideal for acne prone skin and also address fine lines and wrinkles
- Plant-based active ingredients
These are natural brightening ingredients that deal with patchy and scarred skin. They include licorice as well as pomegranate and grape seed extracts.
- Anti-inflammatory
These prevent redness, breakouts, and inflammation in people who have sensitive skin. The ingredients include zinc, arnica, and aloe vera.
Conclusion
Many people don’t know this but if there’s one step you shouldn’t skip out on is serum. Keep in mind that these essential skincare products can cost you a pretty penny because they’re formulated with such powerful active ingredients.
If the price tag isn’t an issue for you, we recommend the Cosmedica Skincare Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Skin. Not only is it lightweight and easy to wear but it’s also so potent. This super-concentrated skin savior delivers active ingredients to deep layers of the skin.
A more affordable alternative would be the BREYLEE Acne Treatment Serum. It works magic whether you’re trying to fade hyperpigmentation, heal scarring, shrink large pores, or look younger.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does serum help our skin?
Face serums contain powerful active ingredients that weed out many skin problems at the root. They are extremely hydrating skincare products that make the skin look nourished by minimizing inflammation, reducing pore sizes, and helping to reduce blemishes. They also work by giving the collagen a boost, helping to keep our skin firm, and fighting the signs of aging.
2. Does serum need to be used daily?
Yes. You need to use the serum daily and in the right way if you want to get the most bang for your back. It’s recommended that you apply the serum on your face and neck twice daily – in the morning and evening.
3. What are the types of serums?
The different types of serums available are:
- Anti-aging serums for wrinkles, fine lines, and saggy skin
- Anti-acne serums for fighting breakouts
- Hydrating serums for dry/dehydrated skin
- Brightening serums for dull-looking skin
- Exfoliating serums to keep clogged pores at bay
