Say Bye-Bye To Breakouts With The Best Acne Serums In Malaysia

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Acne is a stressful and frustrating skin concern to deal with, however, it is the most common skin condition all around the world and nobody is safe from it. At least all of us have or had to deal with it in our lives. With that, if you are currently suffering from breakouts, good acne serums are what you need!

There is no need to be ashamed of suffering from acne. It’s completely normal and can be treated. Acne can happen to anybody no matter the age but tends to affect mostly adolescents and young adults. To be precise, acne affects 90% of the global population at some point in life.

With that, there are so many acne treatment products within the beauty industry to the point that its market value sits at a whopping USD 5.46 billion. It’s high in demand thus, there are multiple treatment products such as serums to choose from. Beauty Insider decided to make it easier for you and listed down the best acne serums in Malaysia.

What Are Serums?

Serums, we see them everywhere. Everyone seems to say it’s good and many brands offer this particular product. So, you get any rando one off the shelf and add it to your skincare hoping for the best without actually understanding what you’re putting on your skin. It’s a fact, many don’t understand what serums really are and that’s okay because we were all there at the start of our skincare journey.

Serums are products used in skincare that are formulated with high concentrations of powerful active ingredients used to target specific skin needs. The power liquids are normally used after cleansing and toning but before any moisturiser. They tend to be in a water/gel-based consistency which makes it able to penetrate deeper into the skin, increasing its effectiveness.

There are many benefits to gain from using serums such as:

• Hydrating the skin
• Targeting and treating skin concerns
• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Protects the skin

What Ingredients Are Good To Reduce Acne?

Salicylic Acid

This ingredient is better known as Beta-Hydroxy acid (BHA) which is a highly effective chemical exfoliant. It will burrow deep into the skin and clear out bores that when congested can lead to acne and breakouts.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide sounds scary but that’s only when you’re dealing with a high percentage of it. Within skincare products, you will find its strength ranging from 2.5% to 10%. It is incredibly effective as it is known for not only treating acne but also preventing it due to its antibacterial properties.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA)

Similar to BHAs, Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA) is a well-known chemical exfoliator. It removes the outermost layer of the skin that includes excess oil, dead skin cells and grime to reveal healthy, smooth skin. Common AHAs you’ll see in skincare are Glycolic and Lactic Acids.

Niacinamide

This incredibly popular ingredient seems to be popping everywhere for very good reasons. Niacinamide is known for balancing oil production and its soothing properties to reduce inflammation. It also promotes skin regeneration that will help to unveil clear, healthy skin.

These Are The Best Acne Serums In Malaysia

1. Ruruberry 10% Niacinamide + HA

To start our list of great acne serums in Malaysia, our first pick is from a local brand! Ruruberry is renowned for this highly effective serum that contains Niacinamide which is an excellent acne-fighting ingredient. Also, it is formulated with Hyaluronic Acid to provide hydration towards the skin, giving you supple, soft skin. It is lightweight and will help reduce enlarged pores and inflammation while protecting the skin from free radicals.

Price: RM 39.00

Where to buy: Ruruberry

2. ZarZou Repairing and Soothing Facial Serum

On top of the list is ZarZou’s Repairing and Soothing Facial Serum (RSS). A treatment made to target weak and damaged skin barrier which mainly leads to acne, breakouts, and irritation. This serum, which contains ultra soothing Centella Asiatica, Niacinamide, and Rosehip Seed Oil, can help eradicate acne, breakouts and blemishes, thus furthering in  strengthening the skin barrier for a smoother and well-balanced skin. 

The product is suitable for all skin types, however it is best to use on acne-prone skin.

Price: RM 59.00

Where to buy: ZarZou Official

3. Neostrata Mandelic Mattifying Serum

This serum features Mandelic Acid, another type of AHA that is easily absorbed by oily-skin. Over time, it effectively reduces oiliness which in return will lessen clogged pores. It also has anti-ageing properties that refines, lifts, and evens the skin texture for clearer and smoother skin.

Price: RM 151.00

4. Georganic Propolis Acne Care Serum

Formulated with a blend of Propolis, Centella Asiatica, and Aloe, this serum will help sooth and heal stressed, acne-prone skin. If you’re prone to getting blackheads or whiteheads, using this serum will help reduce it as well. As it rids the skin of dead skin cells, it also purifies the pores and protects the skin from further damage caused by UV exposure, irritants, and pollution.

Price: RM 215.00

5. Face Republic Calming Blemish Madecassoside Serum

Containing Madecassoside and Tea Tree Leaf Extract, these two powerhouse ingredients together will calm and clear troubled and angry skin caused by wearing masks and/or humid, hot weather. It also helps restore the skin’s natural PH to keep the skin balanced and healthy.

Price: RM 69.90

6. Garden of EDEN ROSA T Acne Serum

A triple-action serum formulated with Australian Tea Tree Oil that effectively gets rid of bacteria that causes acne and reduces excess oil and sebum production. Combined with Vitamin E, it also helps repair scars left behind by past breakouts to even out the skin tone.

Price: RM 41.50

7. iUNIK Tea Tree Relief Serum

We asked our writers if they’ve got one acne serum they swear by and this one from iUNIK was highly regarded. It is formulated with 67% Tea Tree Leaf Water and 19.5% Centella Asiatica Leaf Water. These ingredients are exceptionally known for their soothing powers and antibacterial agents. It brings relief towards active acne that is often seen as red and angry, sticking out like a sore thumb against our skin. This serum is intensely hydrating and an ingredient list to stan over.

Why we love it:

• It is lightweight
• It has antioxidant properties as well

Price: RM 75.00

Where to buy: Shopee

8. The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid

With over 300+ reviews on Sephora, this acne serum from The Inkey List is next on our list. Although it is known as an exfoliator, it is also an effective serum. This serum will help unclog your pores while combating acne-causing bacteria from reappearing. It is suitable for all skin types even sensitive as it is paraben and fragrance-free.

Why we love it:

• Balances oil production
• Reduces the appearance of large pores

Price: RM 60.00

Where to buy: Sephora

9. Beauty Aid Beauty Elixir (Repair & Replenish Face Serum)

New on the scene is Beauty Aid. Suitable for all skin types including acne-prone and sensitive skin, this serum will help repair and replenish your face. Just take a peek at their ingredient list and you’ll find it includes some powerful ingredients! Salicylic Acid helps exfoliate and reduce inflammation, while Niacinamide protects from environmental stresses. Moreover, it has the benefits to help hydrate your skin and achieve a healthy glow.

Price: RM 109.00

Where to buy: Shopee

10. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Let’s talk cult-favourites and it would be absolutely criminal of us to not mention the iconic: The Ordinary. This serum boomed within the skincare community due to its high-performance while being at such an affordable price. Additionally, it has been known to reduce the appearance of blemishes and balances sebum production too. Moreover, it has also been proven to brighten one’s complexion and lightening dark spots.

Why we love it:

• pH balancer
• Reduces congestion

Price: RM 28.00

Where to buy: Shopee

11. Paula’s Choice Resist Ultra-light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum With Hyaluronic Acid

If you’re a fan of high-end products or just relatively want a boujee recommendation, Paula’s Choice is the one for you. This unique formula is designed to not only reduce acne with its high antioxidant properties but also hydrates the skin as it is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid. In addition, this serum contains anti-ageing properties as it has been proven to visibly firm the skin.

Price: RM 185.00

Where to buy: Paula’s Choice

12. Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Serum

Lastly, on our list of amazing serums to combat acne that you can get in Malaysia, we recommend this one by Dr.Jart+. This potent and fast-acting serum will give instant relief by soothing irritated skin. To add, this is due to the main ingredient being enriched within this serum which is a Dr.Jart+ iconic ingredient, Centella Asiatica.

Moreover, this serum will help hydrate your skin and absorbs immediately because of its lightweight watery consistency.

Price: RM 195.00

Where to buy: Sephora

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