Stop the Clock with the Best Retinol Serums in Malaysia

Everyone dreams of staying forever young but unfortunately, the fountain of youth either doesn’t exist or remains elusive to this day. Therefore, retinol is as close as it gets to achieving said dream, at least without a scalpel involved. This powerhouse ingredient is the gold standard of skincare, clinically proven to smooth wrinkles, fade dark spots, and restore that lit-from-within glow. Think of it as the skincare world’s version of a facelift, only bottled and far less terrifying. Whether you’re looking to rewind the clock or keep time at bay, these best retinol serums in Malaysia are must-haves in the fight against ageing.

The Best Retinol Serums in Malaysia

1. Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum

Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum has a mid-strength formula featuring 0.1% stabilised retinol, supported by antioxidants and plant-based extracts to target signs of ageing. This serum is designed to address wrinkles, firmness, uneven tone, and red marks, delivering retinol in a silky fluid that replenishes and hydrates the skin. Its convenient packaging ensures the stability and effectiveness of key ingredients, leaving the skin radiant, smoother, and visibly refined.

Price: RM235.00

Where to buy: Sephora

2. The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative for a retinol serum with squalane, we recommend The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane. This water-free, oil formula tackles fine lines, wrinkles, and photodamage while smoothing skin texture for a refreshed and youthful look. The squalane base, which deeply hydrates and cushions the skin, helps to balance retinol’s effects and keeps your complexion comfortable and glowing. Be aware that this serum contains 0.5% pure retinol, which can be intense for new users.

Price: RM50.00

Where to buy: Sephora

3. First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum

First Aid Beauty’s 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum is perfect for sensitive skin as it delivers the anti-ageing benefits of retinol with minimal irritation. This gentle serum blends Retinol and Retinyl Propionate in a carefully optimised dosage, ensuring effective results while providing 24-hour hydration thanks to its peptide content. The formula deeply penetrates the skin to boost cell turnover, reducing lines and wrinkles without the dreaded side effects we usually expect from harsh retinol products.

Price: RM280.00

Where to buy: Sephora

4. Kiehl’s Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides and Peptide

Kiehl’s Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides and Peptides delivers a daily-strength micro-dose of Pure Retinol that works to encourage skin surface turnover. This fast-absorbing and lightweight cream minimises visible redness, dryness, and peeling which makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and first-time retinol users. We also love its recyclable packaging, making this a serum that enhances skin health while aligning with important eco-conscious values.

Why we love it:

• Lightweight cream texture
• Available in two size variants
• Comes in recyclable packaging

Cons:

• Higher price point

Price: RM398.00

Where to buy: Kiehl’s

5. The Inkey List Retinol Serum

Thanks to its slow-release and less irritating form of retinol, The INKEY List’s Retinol Serum is the ideal choice for beginners to this powerful ingredient. This fast-absorbing serum combines two types of retinol to effectively tackle ageing concerns (including hyperpigmentation) with minimal irritation. With a lightweight lotion formula, it promotes skin renewal, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness while its Squalane content ensures lasting hydration, resulting in enhanced natural radiance and firmness within the skin.

Why we love it:

• Contains two types of retinol
• Helps with hyperpigmentation
• Lotion formula

Cons:

• Recommended for use only at night

Price: RM93.00

Where to buy: Worthee Cosmetics

6. La Roche Posay Retinol B3 Serum

La Roche-Posay’s Retinol B3 Serum is expertly designed for the face and neck, blending concentrated pure retinol with vitamin B3 to diminish lines, wrinkles, and signs of sun damage while remaining gentle for sensitive skin. Its gradual release formula promotes cell turnover without irritation, while the lightweight and hydrating texture enhances skin luminosity. Infused with soothing niacinamide, deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid, and moisture-attracting glycerin, this serum transforms the complexion into a youthful glow that feels as good as it looks.

Why we love it:

• Made for the face and neck
• Helps with sun damage
• Contains soothing ingredients

Cons:

• Contains fragrance

Price: RM189.90

Where to buy: Guardian

7. Laneige Perfect Renew 3X Serum

Laneige’s Perfect Renew 3X Serum is an innovative three-in-one product that contains three anti-ageing serums in one bottle. This powerful trio includes a Wrinkle Serum (oil formula) packed with 2.5 million retinol capsules and ceramide, a Firming Serum (emulsion) with 21.5% collagen peptide complex, and a Radiance Serum (water-gel) infused with RE.D flavonoid and ferulic acid. Together, they deliver a 1.51 times stronger anti-ageing effect, effectively reducing wrinkles, enhancing firmness, and boosting radiance.

Why we love it:

• Contains three serums in one bottle
• Targets each skin layer
• Provides a stronger anti-ageing effect

Cons:

• High price point

Price: RM315.00

Where to buy: Shopee

8. Neutrogena Visible Repair Serum

Neutrogena’s Visible Repair Serum targets seven types of lines and wrinkles while refining pores, resulting in skin that feels and looks firmer, smoother, and more elastic in just seven days. Its uniquely stabilised retinol formulation delivers pure retinol slowly into the skin to minimise irritation. Enhanced with carnosine to boost skin firmness and elasticity along with a Comfort Complex to soothe and reduce discomfort, this serum will have your skin looking and feeling amazing within a week.

Why we love it:

• Results in seven days
• Delivers retinol into the skin slowly
• Comes in recyclable packaging

Cons:

• Contains fragrance

Price: RM87.92

Where to buy: Guardian

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