For those who are true beauty junkies at heart, we were all once a neophyte in the community. Similar to any other aficionados, one of the first few things that we were taught is actually the basic three main steps of cleansing, toning and moisturising. As a basic principle of skincare routine, it is diversified into several other comprehensive routines with up to 20 steps. However, as much as we love simplicity by religiously slather sunscreen and call it a day,  it just won’t work. If you truly want to reap what you sow, focusing on a more comprehensive skincare routine might actually make a visible difference. In case you wonder, we meant incorporating more than just three products into your daily routine. Therefore, if you haven’t truly gotten the chance to pamper yourself with the goodness of facial serums and boosters, it is a celestial sign to splurge on one of these babes. Below, Beauty Insider has narrowed down the best facial serums and boosters in Malaysia that’ll magically transform your complexion. 

What’s the Difference between Facial Serums and Boosters?

Although the fine lines between facial serums and boosters are subtle, they are significantly different in terms of consistency, functions and benefits. A serum features a concentration of active ingredients that can target specific skin issues including acne, ageing and dryness. Aside from its ultra-lightweight texture, facial serums can penetrate deep into the layers of the skin. 

On the contrary, boosters are designed to bolster skin conditions with their super highly concentrated formulation. It often has a watery texture that features a high absorption rate. Just think of boosters as superheroes of facial serums. Unlike facial serums, this highly rated product contains a high level of active ingredients. What’s more, it allows other products to be absorbed easily, resulting in a more optimal outcome. 

Do Facial Serums Go Before Boosters? 

As the booster has more concentration of active ingredients and a lighter texture, it should be applied to the skin before facial serum. Regardless of the product that you’re using, a booster always comes first before any facial serums. 

The Best Facial Serums And Boosters In Malaysia

1. Dr.Wu Ageversal Multi-Peptides Youth Serum

Have you grown tired of the fine lines and dullness? With Dr.Wu Ageversal Multi-Peptides Youth Serum, you can have a youthful-looking complexion in just seven days. It is expertly formulated with a two-way non-invasive lifting technology to tighten the skin outwards while activating the elasticity inward. This cult favourite serum harnesses the power of rare botanical extracts, Alpsgentiana venusta extract, red algae and  PhytoCellTec™ nunatak® for their reparative and anti-ageing properties. With its youth-boosting benefits, it delivers eight primary anti-ageing benefits to the skin, leaving you with firmer and supple skin. 

Why we love it:

  • Reverse the signs of ageing
  • Increases skin resilience
  • Improves skin radiance
  • Firm up the skin from deep within

Price: RM299.00

Where to buy: Shopee, Lazada, selected Watsons and Sasa stores 

2.Rovectin Clean Line Forever Young Biome Ampoule

Don’t let its cute packaging fool you as the Rovectin Clean Line Forever Young Biome Ampoule is packed with skin-loving ingredients that your skin craves so much. This vegan ampoule is enriched with seven layers of dualbiotic complex to fortify the protective barrier and rejuvenate the skin, improving the overall complexion. Apart from retaining the moisture level, it boasts anti-ageing benefits to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Trust us the Rovectin Clean Line Forever Young Biome Ampoule is the closest thing you can get to the fountain of youth. 

Why we love it:

  • Ideal for all skin types
  • Features plant-based Probiotics
  • Vegan formulation 
  • Free from mineral oil, paraben steroid, artificial fragrance and carcinogen 

Price: RM149.00

Where to buy: Shopee and Lazada 

3.  NUViT MoistLoc Hydrating Crystal Serum

Lock in moisture with NUViT MoistLoc Hydrating Crystal Serum! It’s a lightweight and refreshing serum that can activate water circulation to provide total hydration to your skin, while intensely hydrating and smoothing your skin. This serum has an upgraded formula that contains Malachite Extract, which gives it its natural light pastel blue hue, a premium mineral that’s super-charged with antioxidants for anti-ageing benefits, and skin brightening properties. The NUViT MoistLoc Series features the Triple Action Hydration Complex by CeraHA+, a unique and proprietary blend of ingredients that includes ceramide to repair the skin barrier, Viola Tricolour Extract to activate moisture circulation, and Hyalusphere PF to retain optimal hydration levels in the skin. With the NUViT MoistLoc Hydrating Crystal Serum, you can finally have the glowy skin of your dreams.

Why we love it:

  • Provides hydration deep into the skin
  • Protects and repairs the skin barrier
  • Provides anti-ageing benefits

Price: RM67.10

Price: RM67.10

4. Y.O.U Beauty Biomecera Advanced Booster Serum

Y.O.U Beauty Biomecera Advanced Booster Serum has garnered cult-like fervour approval for its impeccable formulation which enhances skin health. It is expertly formulated with Biomecera technology which features a cocktail blend of ceramides, probiotics and tulsi to strengthen the skin barrier, balance the microbiome and rejuvenate the skin. Infused with SK-INFLUX®, this concentrated formula is composed of a multi-lamellar system that mimics the lipid barrier structure in the stratum corneum. It helps to boost the skin’s moisture level and strengthens the skin’s protective function. 

Derived from Bifidobacterium Lysate, Repair Complex CLR™PF is a biotechnological anti-ageing active that protects the skin from UV damage and signs of premature ageing. Tulsi or holy basil is a medicinal plant that is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which makes it highly effective to reactivate and stimulate tired skin. Consistent usage of the Y.O.U Beauty Biomecera Advanced Booster Serum, will improve the skin barrier in just four weeks and reveal a healthy-looking complexion.

Why we love it:

  • Dermatologist tested
  • Strengthen the skin barrier
  • Balance microbiome 
  • Reactivate and stimulate the skin 
  • Suitable for all skin types

Price: RM65.90

Where to buy: Lazada and Shopee

5. Dermtech Youth Serum

The Dermtech Youth Serum checks all of our boxes on the things we’re looking for in the best facial serums. It boasts a medley of anti-ageing ingredients like vitamin C, panax ginseng root extract, angelica root extract, hydrolysed swiftlet nest extract and ilex paraguariensis leaf extract. Aside from minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, it can penetrate deep into the skin to improve the skin texture while tightening sagging skin. Plus, it can also minimise enlarged pores, leaving you with a flawless and luminous complexion. This cult-favourite serum is awarded as the winner of Beauty Insider’s Beauty and Wellness Awards for Best Professional Skincare 2022, Best Anti-aging and Readers’ Choice.

Why we love it:

  • Minimises the signs of ageing
  • Ultra-lightweight
  • Increases skin elasticity 

Price: RM288.00

Where to buy: Shopee

6. Neostrata Skin Active Firming Collagen Booster

Neostrata Skin Active Firming Collagen Booster is specifically formulated to firm, tighten and smooth the overall complexion. It features a cocktail of gardenia cell culture, amino acids, MatrixylTM 3000 Peptides and NeoGlucosamine®. These ingredients work together to deliver comprehensive benefits including boosting collagen, minimising fine lines and delivering a lifted appearance. 

Why we love it:

  • Stimulates collagen production
  • Innovative formulation
  • Revitalise the skin

Price: RM173.25 (Original price RM231.00)

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7. Charlotte Skin Booster

Our next pick on the best facial serums and boosters is Charlotte Skin Booster which features a powerful blend of nourishing and hydrating ingredients. It has an ultra-lightweight texture that absorbs easily into the skin without leaving any greasy residues. With its impeccable formulation, this booster delivers intense hydration, tightens the skin and minimises the appearance of pores, revealing a flawless complexion. 

Why we love it:

  • Features anti-ageing benefits
  • Brightens dull skin tone
  • Shrinks the pores 

Price: RM68.00

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8. Face Republic Vita Capsule Luminous Serum

Banish the signs of dullness with the highly loved Face Republic Vita Capsule Luminous Serum. It features a concoction of niacinamide, lemon fruit extract, hippophae rhamnoides water and capsulized jojoba seed oil. With its revitalising properties, this serum helps to brighten the skin tone for a dewy finish. Gently pat it to your skin and neck after cleansing for better absorption. 

Why we love it:

  • Revives dullness
  • Free from paraben, sulphate, scent and silicone  
  • Hypoallergenic

Price: RM79.90

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9. Fresh Vitamin Nectar Glow Juice Antioxidant Face Serum

With a 4.3 star rating on Sephora, Fresh Vitamin Nectar Glow Juice Antioxidant Face Serum truly deserves a cult favourite stamp. Inspired by juice, it contains a special blend of fruits, vegetables, vitamins and minerals, delivering a daily boost for the skin. Thanks to vitamin C, vitamin E, coconut oil and beta-carotene, this antioxidant-rich serum provides intense hydration and recharges the skin instantly. 

Why we love it:

  • Delivers antioxidant protection
  • Instant hydration
  • Clean formulation

Price: RM130.00

Where to buy: Sephora 

10. La Mer The Revitalizing Hydrating Serum

For those who want to splurge a little bit, the La Mer The Revitalizing Hydrating Serum is a perfect option. It has a super light consistency that sinks easily into the skin without leaving any greasy veil. It harnesses the power of the sea to energise the complexion and retain the moisture level. With a consistent application, you will notice a visible radiant glow. 

Why we love it:

  • Free from paraben, phthalates and sulphate
  • High-quality formulation
  • Prevents dryness 

Price: RM995.00

Where to buy: Sephora 

11. Mamonde Rose Blemish Clearing Serum 

If you’re looking for the best drugstore facial serums and boosters, you can never go wrong with Mamonde Rose Blemish Clearing Serum. It is expertly formulated with a triple rose complex to deliver intense hydration and soothing effects. What’s more, it works wonders to prevent and treat acne in just seven days. 

Why we love it:

  • Prevent acne from recurring
  • Brightens the skin tone
  • Suitable for acne and sensitive skin

Price: RM125.00

Where to buy: Lazada

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