Over the last few years, serums have taken over the skincare world by storm and we won’t lie, we at Beauty Insider Malaysia are big serum aficionados! We’ve tried and tested hundreds of face serums in Malaysia and definitely have seen some good ones that have helped in brightening the skin, toning irregular skin tone, adding more texture, plumpness, and, yes, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

We decided to share our love for serums with you guys! So, below we present serums we think are worth their salt.

Contents

The Best Face Serums in Malaysia For Every Skin Type

Dry Skin

1. Hada Labo HA Supreme Vita Brightening Concentrate Serum Booster

Hada Labo HA Supreme Vita Brightening Concentrate Serum Booster features a concoction of hydrating and brightening properties like four types of hyaluronic acid, vitamin B12 and 5% niacinamide. This powerful blend of ingredients improves the overall complexion by minimising the appearance of imperfections, dark spots, and acne marks. With the ultra-lightweight texture, it absorbs deep into the skin about 1.5mm dermis layer, making it highly effective in reviving dullness. With the consistent application, you’ll notice that it leaves you with a supple and healthy-looking complexion. 

Why we love it:

  • Delivers intense hydration
  • Revives dullness 
  • Penetrates deep into the inner layers of the skin
  • Free from harmful ingredients

Cons:

  • The product cannot be exploded in direct sunlight

Price: RM95.00

Where to buy: Shopee

2. Jumiso Waterfull Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Vegan-certified and clinically tested, the Jumiso Waterfull Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a moisture booster for all-day hydration. Its key ingredients include panthenol, tocopherol, 3-complex hyaluronic acid and cerapresso. Offering a light serum texture, it absorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling hydrated and supple. Moreover, this serum has the ability to help restore the skin’s protective barrier and enhance the skin’s moisture balance for a calmer and plumper complexion. 

Why we love it:

  • EO & fragrance-free 
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Vegan formula

Cons:

  • Some reviewers reported that it has a thick consistency, but it absorbs easily 

Price: RM55.63

Where to buy: StyleKorean

3. Dermalogica Smart Response Serum

Serum that is firming, moisturising, brightening, and calming. This 2022 Beauty Insider’s Beauty Award winner is a next-generation smart serum that provides what your skin needs when and where it needs it, for a personalised reaction every time. SmartResponse technology responds to the demands of the skin to hydrate, firm, brighten, and soothe. It detects micro-changes in the skin, autonomously treating skin issues before they become obvious to the human eye and assisting in the prevention of future harm.

Why we love it:

  • Helps skin to maintain optimal hydration levels
  • Brightens and helps reduce the appearance of dark spots
  • Helps to soothe and reduce the appearance of redness

Cons:

  • At the high-end price range 

Price: RM 678.00

Where to buy: Dermalogica

4. Millefleur Fresh + Glow Intensive Hydrating Serum

Millefleur Fresh + Glow Intensive Hydrating Serum

If you want to skin that glows, looks plump and youthful, the Millefleur Fresh + Glow Intensive Hydrating Serum is for you! Its formula is vegan and is also gel-based with 3 key ingredients! It contains Aloe Vera, which has anti-inflammatory properties and Alpha Arbutin which helps brighten the skin. It also contains Sodium Hyaluronate that helps boosts a youthful-looking complexion!

Why we love it:

  • Hydrating and healing properties
  • Treats pigmentation
  • Evens out the skin tone
  • Natural ingredients rich in antioxidant and vitamins
  • Repairs cells for healthy-looking skin
  • Locks in moisture

Cons:

  • It needs to be massaged into the skin to ensure optimal absorption 

Price: RM118.00

Where to buy: Millefleur

5. Plant Origins Antioxidant Hydration Serum

Plant Origins Antioxidant Hydration Serum, which has our seal approval, was awarded the winner of Beauty Insider Malaysia’s Beauty and Wellness Awards 2024 for Best Facial Serum and Beauty Insiders’ Awards. This hydration-boosting serum features a lightweight texture that penetrates deeply into the skin to revive dry, parched skin and calm irritated skin for a supple-looking complexion. Infused with antioxidant-rich bioactive complexes and multi-hyaluronic acid, these ingredients fortify the protective barrier layer and hydrate the skin from the inside out. With its delightful floral and citrus notes, it evokes a sense of cheerful fragrance that stimulates you.

Why we love it: 

  • Suitable for all skin types 
  • Intensely hydrate the skin 
  • Floral and citrus notes

Cons:

  • It needs to be stored in a cool, dry place

Price: RM220 (RM89.90 for member price) 

Where to buy: Signature Market 

6. Clinz Moisture Boost Serum

Guess which product was crowned as the winner of Beauty Insider Malaysia’s Beauty and Wellness Awards 2024 for Best Serum and Best Newcomer 2024? That honour goes to Clinz Moisture Boost Serum! Concentrated to revive even the dullest skin, this serum is formulated with H2O-Max Complex to help boost hydration to up to 500% and lock in moisture. No more dull, dehydrated, and flaky skin! Free from all the baddies in skincare and instead enriched with botanical extracts like Organic Aloe Vera, this serum also strengthens the skin barrier to protect against pollution. The packaging is even recyclable!

Why we love it:

  • Boosts hydration levels up to 500% and locks in moisture
  • Revives dull, dehydrated, and flaky skin while strengthening the skin barrier
  • Enriched with botanical extracts and comes in recyclable packaging

Cons:

  • Contains 20ml of product

Price: RM75.90      

Where to buy: Watsons

7. Uriage Bariederm Cica-Daily Serum

Formulated with Thermal-Biotic Complex, Uriage Bariederm Cica-Daily Serum features all the essential blend of Inulin, prebiotic and Uriage Thermal Water. This combination helps to fortify the skin’s barrier and soothe the skin. Enhanced with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, panthenol and Centella asiatica, this face serum plumps the skin. If your skin is damaged due to face mask and pollution, the Uriage Bariederm Cica-Daily Serum is a must-have product!

Why we love it:

  • Reverse the signs of aging
  • Delivers intense hydration
  • Promotes skin repair

Cons:

  • Slightly pricey

Price: RM154.90

Where to buy: Guardian

8. The Potions Camellia Seed Oil Serum

The Potions Camellia Seed Oil Serum is known to do wonders for people with dry and parched skin. It is enriched with 100% of Camellia seed oil to intensely hydrate the skin and lock in the moisture. Besides, this essence oil serum helps to nourish and replenish the skin with its nutrients. Simply pour a few drops into your palm and gently apply it to your skin.

Why we love it:

  • Formulated with Camellia seed oil
  • Protects against UV rays
  • Helps to retain the moisture

Cons:

  • It needs to be massaged to ensure optimal absorption

Price: RM59.90

Where to buy: Shopee

9. NUXE Creme Fraiche de Beaute 48Hr Moisture Skin-Quenching Serum

NUXE Creme Fraiche de Beaute 48Hr Moisture Skin-Quenching Serum is a holy grail of face serum as it delivers 48 hours of hydration, leaving you with a healthy and supple looking complexion. It is formulated with 96.4% of natural origin ingredients. Besides, wheat and wood sugar extract help to strengthen the skin’s barrier and retain the moisture level.

Why we love it:

  • Intense hydration
  • Contains natural origin hyaluronic acid
  • Suitable for all skin types

Cons:

  • It is difficult to find it online for purchase

Price: RM258.00

Where to buy: Ubuy

10. Skinned Lock & Stay Rice Serum

If you have been searching the best face serum for sensitive skin, look no further because the Skinned Lock & Stay Rice Serum is the one for you. Packed with super hydrators like sodium hyaluronate, ceramides, and d-panthenol, this fragrance-free face serum delivers intense hydration to your skin without leaving any residues. On top of that, it is infused with a powerful blend of nourishing ingredients to ensure that your skin is radiant and hydrated throughout the day.

Why we love it:

  • Fragrance-free
  • Easily absorbs into the skin
  • Lightweight
  • Packed with antioxidants

Cons:

  • Quite pricey

Price: RM136.00

Where to buy: Shopee

11. Georganic Galactomyces Intensive Oil Serum

Infused with Galactomyces Fermented Filtrate and five different types of natural vegetable oils, Georganic Galactomyces Intensive Oil Serum helps to nourish and moisturize the skin. It has a lightweight consistency that quickly sinks into the skin when applied. Plus, it ensures that your skin is protected against environmental aggressors by forming a layer over the skin.

Why we love it:

  • Helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier
  • Free from harmful ingredients
  • Soothing and hydrating properties

Cons:

  • At the high-end price spectrum 

Price: RM200.00

Where to buy: Modern Essentials

12. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

This serum is a saviour for those with sensitive and acne-prone skin as it can gently reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion. It has a high 10% concentration of Niacinamide vitamin which is also supported by zinc salt to balance visible aspects of sebum activity. Best to apply this serum in the morning as it serves as a great acne treatment that can help you tackle your day worry-free!

Why we love it:

  • Contains 10% of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) 
  • Reduce the look of blemishes 
  • Brightens the skin tone

Cons:

  • Some reviewers said that it takes time to see visible results

Price: RM60.00

Where to buy: Threebs Co

13. Cosrx, Pure Fit, Cica Serum

Last but not least in our best serums in Malaysia guide is the Cosrx, Pure Fit, Cica Serum. This plant-based serum consists of seven types of cica ingredients that can help calm sensitive skin. Gentle and light, the serum can penetrate deep inside your skin and strengthen and protect your skin. Thanks to its powerful blend of skin-soothing properties this serum can keep your skin soft and supple.

Why we love it:

  • Plant-based formula
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Reduces redness and irritation

Cons:

  • It might takes time to see significant changes

Price: RM102.70

Where to buy: iHerb Malaysia

Normal or All Skin Types

1. L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Instant Glowing Face Serum

L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Instant Glowing Face Serum is clinically proven to reduce dark spots by a staggering 57% in just four weeks. This power-packed bottle harnesses the power of 1% glycolic acid, a brightening-boosting ingredient that can combat dullness by gently dissolving the ties between dead skin cells, unveiling a youthful flow. Its high performance formula includes a combination of niacinamide, salicylic acid, and sodium hyaluronate. These powerhouse ingredients work harmoniously to replenish skin’s moisture level, while nourishing it with anti-ageing benefits. Simply pour a few drops of L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Instant Glowing Face Serum and apply it all over your face before moisturiser. 

Why we love it:

  • Minimises the appearance of dark spots
  • Instantly brighten the skin tone
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Hydrating and lightweight 

Cons:

  • You need to use sunscreen after application 

Price: RM86.50

Where to buy: Shopee

2. Elemental Pick Radiance | Brightening Serum with Aloe Vera

Get the skin of your dreams with the cult favourite Elemental Pick Radiance | Brightening Serum with Aloe Vera. It harnesses the power of antioxidants from botanical extracts, delivering nature’s goodness in one bottle. Apart from aloe vera extract sourced from the subtropical Yucatán Peninsula, it features a potent cocktail of juniper berries, white mulberry root, plant-based niacinamide, pomegranate, and blueberry extracts. This brightening serum is clinically proven to improve the skin’s overall complexion, boost hydration level, and minimise the appearance of dark spots for a youthful glow. 

Why we love it:

  • Fortifies the skin’s protective barrier 
  • Brightens dull complexions 
  • Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin

Cons:

  • Slightly expensive

Price: RM179.00

Where to buy: Elemental Pick Official Website 

3. ZarZou Triple Action Serum

Why spend your valuable time and money on multiple products when you can use just one? Meet the ZarZou Triple Action Serum, exquisitely formulated with repairing, brightening, and hydrating properties, offering multi-action efficacy. This power-packed bottle features a medley of six brightening powerhouses that consist of 3% tranexamic acid, 5% niacinamide, 2% alpha arbutin 2% pure vitamin C, licorice root extract, and glutathione, potent ingredients that target uneven skin tone, melasma and stubborn acne scars.  

Aside from five types of ceramides to fortify the protective barrier and retain moisture levels, it contains the revolutionary MultiEx BSASM®, a patented complex of seven botanical extracts designed to heal and soothe the skin. These ingredients work together to bring a multitude of targeted benefits, including brightening the skin, repairing damaged skin barriers, and keeping the skin hydrated. Thanks to its watery texture, it boasts a fast-absorbing formula that penetrates the skin easily.

Why we love it:

  • Features a multi-action formula
  • Fast absorbing formula
  • Soothes irritated and inflamed skin

Cons:

  • It has to be massaged into the skin to ensure absorption

Price: RM54.00

Where to buy: ZarZou’s official website and TikTok shop

4. Mia Jane Hydro Glow Serum

This lightweight serum by Mia Jane is made up of macromolecular structure that sinks smoothly into your skin. It supplies your skin with all the hydration it needs without being sticky or heavy. Plus, it can also help smoothen out your skin and minimise the likelihood of future breakouts. Thanks to its blend of skin-loving ingredients, this serum can help relieve irritation and brighten up the skin to give it a healthy glow.

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Keeps the skin hydrated all day long
  • Increases skin’s moisture level

Cons:

  • The packaging is slightly large, which makes it not travel-friendly

Price: RM129.00

Where to buy: Mia Jane Malaysia

5. DR.WU Ageversal Multi-Peptides Youth Serum

This No.1 Taiwan Clinical Skincare Anti-aging treatment recommended by dermatologists is DR.WU’s newest product with an amazing new formula. It features an all-new multi-peptides formula that accurately works on the deep layers of your skin in 7 days. In addition, it also highlights a two-way non-invasive lifting technology that tightens your outer skin, while stimulating elasticity on the inside. The youth serum comes in a lotion consistency and is formulated with 3 rare plant extracts which help with firming the skin. In a mere 24 hours, you can look and feel younger as the serum provides major anti-ageing benefits like visibly removing fine lines, improving elasticity, strengthening the skin barrier, and more. 

Why we love it:

  • Effectively increases collagen
  • Restores tightness and firmness from deep within
  • Removes wrinkles and fine lines
  • Signs of fatigue and dullness are removed quickly
  • Anti-blue light

Cons:

  • At the top of the price range

Price: RM299.00

Where to buy: Shopee & Lazada

6. Sothys Noctuelle™ Renovative Micro Capsules – Serum With Pure Vitamin C

Radiate your skin from within with the Sothys Noctuelle™ Renovative Micro Capsules – Serum With Pure Vitamin C. This best-seller packs a punch with its high concentration of vitamin C at 20% to minimise the signs of ageing such as dark spots, wrinkles, and loss of firmness, tighten pores, and even out the skin tone while enhancing the skin’s radiance for a youthful glow. Featuring unique biodegradable plant micro-capsules, its technology ensures its high-performance formulation stays in optimal condition to prevent vitamin C from oxidation and provide the precise amount to the skin for optimal results. After just two weeks of using this serum, we noticed visible improvement in our overall complexion, with a brighter visage and reduced pigmentation. This product has also won the Beauty Insider Malaysia’s Beauty and Wellness Awards 2024 for Best Night Serum and Best Innovative Awards 2024.

Why we love it: 

  • High potency of vitamin C
  • Fragrance free
  • Fast-absorbing formula

Cons:

  • It is in the high-end price range, but it can last for up to four months. 

Price: RM800.00

Where to buy: Sothys’ official website 

7. Mioree Serum with Silk Cocoon Extract

Your skin needs some pampering and this serum by Mioree will do just that! With a unique ingredient, Silk Cocoon Extract, added to its formulation alongside other natural ingredients, this serum promises to brighten, smoothen, and plump up your skin. It’s highly concentrated star ingredient also helps to restore your skin’s natural moisture barrier. This will overall help maintain beautiful and glowing skin.

Why we love it:

  • Contains highly concentrated Silk Cocoon Extract
  • Proven to plump and smoothen skin
  • Provides anti ageing benefits by boosting skin’s natural collagen

Cons:

  • Not vegan

Price: RM 189.00

Where to buy: Mioree

8. Origins Ginzing Into The Glow Brightening Serum

One of the best-selling face serums in Malaysia, the Origins Ginzing Into The Glow Brightening Serum can instantly brighten up your skin. It gives your skin a natural exfoliation revealing a smoother and retextured feel. Suitable for all skin types, you can use this serum day and night as it can boost radiance and reduce the look of pores.

Why we love it:

  • Come in a recyclable glass bottle with an organic spray
  • Support skin retexturizing
  • Brightens dull skin in just one use

Cons:

  • Quite pricey

Price: RM223.00

Where to buy: Sephora Malaysia

9. Diorsnow Essence Of Light Serum

The luxurious skin serum is powered by the disruptive D-NA Light Reboot Technology that boosts your skin’s natural luminosity. Packed with natural origin ingredients, this light serum can whiten, soothe, and even our your skin tone. The milky iridescent texture just melts on the skin and in just days your uneven and dark spots will look minimised. With regular use in just two months, your skin will have a natural glow!

Why we love it:

  • Altering skin unevenness
  • Produce fast visible results
  • Protects skin against external aggressions

Cons:

  • Expensive 

Price: RM650.00

Where to buy: Dior

10. The Face Shop Yehwadam Revitalizing Serum 

Despite being one of the most expensive face serums in Malaysia, The Face Shop Yehwadam Revitalizing Serum is worth every penny. Formulated with extracts of seeds, roots, flowers and fruits, this serum provides the finishing touch for a healthy, vibrant look. It can also keep your skin looking young and glowy. To add to that, it can firmly adhere to all your skin concerns and provides a healthy and vibrant skin finish.

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Helps to make skin look younger 
  • Gives your skin a glowing effect after several uses

Cons:

  • Difficult to find online for purchase

Price: RM150.69

Where to buy: Shopee

11. Holika Holika Gold Kiwi Vita C+ Brightening Serum

Holika Holika Gold Kiwi Vita C + Serum is expertly formulated with 97.5% of Gold Kiwi extract which helps to brighten the skin tone and revive dull skin. It is packed with antioxidant properties to replenish and boost the skin’s elasticity. Infused with PHA and AHA, this serum gently eliminates dead skin cells, leaving you with a smoother and radiant looking complexion. Unlike other serums, it features a low level of acidic content, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin. This fan favourite serum penetrates deeply into the skin to help minimize the appearance of blemish and pigmentation. 

Why we love it:

  • Formulated with Gold Kiwi which contains two times more vitamin C than orange
  • Helps to brighten the skin tone
  • Increase skin’s vitality
  • Slough off dead skin cells
  • Minimizes skin imperfections and blemishes

Cons:

  • Slightly pricey

Price: RM129.90

Where to buy: Holika Holika official store

Oily or Acne-prone Skin

1. Face Republic Vita Capsule Luminous Serum

Another winner of Beauty Insider’s 2022 Beauty Award, Face Republic Vita Capsule Luminous Serum is A vegan-certified rejuvenating serum that enhances dull skin and helps balance oil and nutrition with encapsulating jojoba seed oil and vitamin E. Lemon extract and vitamin tree water elements maintain the face clean, giving it a healthy, luminous visage and a dewy finish. A must have for oily to dull skin. 

Why we love it:

  • Revitalising serum that brightens dull skin
  • Cruelty-Free, Paraben-Free, Sulphate-Free
  • Leaving your skin with a healthy radiant

Cons:

  • It has a watery texture, but it ensures that it absorbs instantly

Price: RM 79.90

Where to buy: Shopee

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

New on the scene is Beauty Aid. This homegrown brand aims to become your “beauty aid”. Providing products that are vegan and clean, they are suitable for all skin types including acne-prone and sensitive skin. This serum will help repair and replenish your face by providing hydration. Salicylic Acid helps exfoliate and reduce inflammation, while Niacinamide protects from environmental stresses. Moreover, it has the benefits to help your skin achieve a healthy glow!

Why we love it:

  • Helps lighten scars
  • Reduces acne

Cons:

  • It’s quite difficult to find it online for purchase

Price: RM109.00

Where to buy: Shopee Malaysia

3.  Abbygail Ice Age Crystal Serum

ABBYGAIL Ice Age Crystal Serum | Shopee Malaysia

Richly formulated with plant complex and advanced peptides that simulates collagen and elastin regeneration, this Ice Age Crystal Serum from Abbygail promise to slow down the process of wrinkles formation, improves skin tone and overall smoothness. This serum also tend to delay photo-induced aging and repairs UV-damaged prone dermis. It contains self-regenerative technology to re-charge your skin overnight. Overall, this is a must have non-surgical skincare solutions for ageing skin!

Why we love it:

  • Formulated with plant complex and advanced peptides
  • Promote collagen & elastin production for skin
  • #1 product choice for beauty editors

Cons:

  • Expensive

Price: RM488.00

Where to buy: Shopee Malaysia

4. Mario Badescu Anti Acne Serum 

One of the most popular face serums in Malaysia, the Mario Badescu Anti Acne Serum is formulated with Salicylic Acid which can prevent and inhibit bacteria-causing acne. It can also calm inflammation and dries up existing breakouts. Super ideal for those with oily skin because the serum can control your sebum production. However, if you have dry skin make sure to load up your skin with moisturiser after applying the serum.

Why we love it:

  • Protect skin from bacteria that causes pimples
  • Has a lightweight, non-drying gel formula
  • Helps maintain a clear and smooth complexion

Cons:

  • Some reviewers said that it takes time to see visible results

Price: RM115.00

Where to buy: Sephora Malaysia

5. Garnier Light Complete Vitamin C Booster Serum 

Affordable and high in quality, the Garnier Light Complete Vitamin C Booster Serum is one you shouldn’t miss out on! Its ultra-light formula allows quick absorption and gives you a 12 hours shine-free look and a long-lasting oil-control effect. It can also lighten dark spots and acne marks. And with regular use, watch your skin become smoother, brighter, more translucent.

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for those with oily skin
  • Gives a 12 hours shine-free control
  • Formulated with Vitamin C & Japanese Yuzu Lemon

Cons:

  • Contains parfum 

Price: RM46.90

Where to buy: Caring

Combination Skin

1. Make P:rem Radiance Boosting C-Capsule Serum

Make P:rem Radiance Boosting C-Capsule Serum is packed with vitamin C which is known to effectively combat acne, freckles and dark spots. Plus, it also helps to minimize the signs of ageing and brighten the skin tone. This lightweight serum moisturizes your skin and it easily absorbs into the skin without leaving any stickiness.

Why we love it:

  • Vegan
  • Brightens the skin tone
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Fades dark spots

Cons:

  • You need to apply sunscreen after application

Price: RM104.39

Where to buy: Shopee

2. Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum

Green tea isn’t just beneficial for the body, it’s fantastic for your skin too! Harnessing the power of green tea seeds from Jeju island, this serum provides your skin with the moisture and hydration it needs. Furthermore, this serum can also protect your skin from external factors. Thanks to green tea’s naturally rich in amino acids properties, this serum can keep your skin feeling soft and supple all day.

Why we love it:

  • Hydrates the skin without being too heavy 
  • Suitable for those with combination skin
  • Prevents moisture loss

Cons:

  • It takes time to notice improvements

Price: RM108.00

Where to buy: Innisfree official store

3. PIXI Overnight Glow Serum

Did you know that our skin repairs itself every night while we go to sleep? The PIXI Overnight Glow Serum can keep your skin nourished overnight so when you wake up in the day your skin will be looking fresh and glowing. Packed with skin-loving ingredients and vitamins like cucumber and aloe vera extract, this serum can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and protect your skin against sun damage.

Why we love it:

  • Exfoliate and soothe skin while you are asleep
  • Fade sun spots over time
  • Infused with nourishing vitamins A, C and E

Cons:

  • Some reviewers reported that it has a sticky texture

Price: RM120.00

Where to buy: Sephora Malaysia

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