The Best Skincare Products For Acne & Acne Scars In Malaysia

Struggling with acne scars at any age is an ongoing struggle, and finding the best acne-prone skincare may make the slope feel even harder. There are several types of acnes — mainly cystic, fungal acne, hormonal breakouts, blackheads, closed comedones, and whiteheads, each with its own set of causes. That is why it is critical to use skincare that can target the source of your acne and provide treatments to clear it up, including the scars.

Once you’ve determined the sort of acne you’re dealing with, you’ll discover that there are several product choices available in the market that target specifically to that problem. Following that, you’ll want to figure out what sorts of chemicals and acne solutions will work best to clean up scars, breakouts, and block new pimples from forming.

Below, Beauty Insider breaks down some of the best products for acne and acne scars in Malaysia to add to your new regimen, from cleansers, serums, pimple patches, and more. However, if you find it hard to treat those acne scars away, we suggest you book an appointment with a dermatologist, as they can help to aid in critical skin conditions.

Contents

What To Look For in Skincare
The Best Skincare For Acne and Acne Scars in Malaysia
Best Skincare For Acne Scars

What To Look For in Skincare

Cleanser

When seeking acne-fighting ingredients, look for salicylic acid, beta-hydroxy acid, and benzoyl peroxide, an antimicrobial compound that acts to destroy germs. Other beneficial elements include vitamin C, an enzyme that gradually lightens post-acne discolouration and scars. Niacinamide also helps to balance out skin texture and colour. Peptides and ceramides are excellent for preserving the skin barrier to prevent acne and irritation, while soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, panthenol, and green tea help relieve redness and irritation.

Exfoliator

Exfoliants can help remove acne scars by increasing cell renewal, which clears the pores of dirt and reveals cleaner, brighter skin. However, as you all already know, exfoliate or scrubbing should be done only once or twice a week. Excessive exfoliate and scrubbing can scrap out your skin layer and its natural oils, which leads to even more acne.

Exfoliants can be classified into two types — physical and chemical. Physical exfoliants exfoliate the skin with materials such as jojoba beads, sugar, or coffee. This may not be the best solution if you have sensitive skin, as harsh exfoliants can literally create micro tears in the skin (remember the great St Ives Apricot Scrub gate?) Chemical exfoliants on the other hand, such as glycolic, lactic, and citric acids are light superficial acids that can enzymatically exfoliate your skin.

Serum & Gel

Spot treatments and acne scar gels have the largest amounts of active compounds, making them an important aspect to tackle pimples and acne scars. Spot treatments contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulphur, and are better for stray pimples rather than treating a whole area of acne. Meanwhile, serums include larger concentrations of active substances and may be tailored to your unique skincare requirements. Vitamin C serums can also prevent melanin synthesis, making them useful for treating discolouration and levelling out skin tone.

The Best Skincare For Acne and Acne Scars in Malaysia

1. Mentholatum Acnes Whitening Mild Cleanser

The Whitening Light Cleanser, as the name implies, is a mild and gentle cleanser that contains Amino Acid as its main component. It features a soap-free formulation with a pH level comparable to that of the natural skin.

The ingredient list includes salicylic acid, a powerful acne-fighting agent capable of unclogging your pores, and is designed to prevent acne and reduce oil production of the skin. Furthermore, the ingredient list contains more than 95% pure Centella Asiatica Extract, which helps to improve your skin from blemishes and pimples while easing any discomfort.

Why we love it:

Contains Amino Acid, Salicylic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract & Vitamin C
Free from Soap, SLS, SLES, Fragrance, Alcohol, Paraben, Colourants & Silicone
Suitable for daily use

Cons:

Only contains 90ml of product

Price: RM10.45

Where to buy: Shopee

2. Huda Beauty Wishful Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub

We know exfoliants get a bad rep, but the Wishful Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub truly deserves the hype. It’s made with Papaya & Pineapple Fruit Enzymes to unclog the pores and exfoliate from deep within, which results in clearer skin that’s free from acne and acne scars with consistent use. This cleanser has a unique gel-to-peel consistency, and it works in three ways; as a physical, chemical, and enzymatic exfoliant. If you have clogged pores, then you need to try this.

Why we love it:

Contains Papaya & Pineapple Fruit Enzymes to smooth and improve skin clarity
Vegan-friendly, sulphate-free, paraben-free
Exfoliates dead skin and promotes even skin texture

Cons:

Higher price point

Price: RM200

Where to buy: Sepho ra

3. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Does anybody else feel like a chemist or a wizard concocting potions when they use products by the Ordinary? The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% face serum is one of the most highly-rated items from the Ordinary. This product is amazing, and targeted for acne-prone skin, red patches, or uneven skin tone. It efficiently shrinks enlarged pores and reduces greasy skin, which is the main reason for clogged pores that lead to acne and acne scars. Before using any thick moisturiser, apply this serum both morning and night.

Why we love it:

Non-sticky, and non-greasy
Suitable for oily or acne-prone skin
Sulphates and paraben-free

Cons:

Unsuitable for skincare beginners

Price: RM 35.00

Where to buy: Zalora

4. Benzac Ac Gel 5%

This trusted Benzoyl Peroxide is a well-known ingredient for fighting acne. This ingredient comes in different concentrations to treat any kind of breakout from mild to moderate. It can effectively fight off bacteria and dead skin cells that clog your pores. This Benzoyl Peroxide works particularly well for inflammatory acne, including pustules, papules, cysts, and nodules. If you’re new to benzoyl peroxide, however, it’s best to start slow to build tolerance to it.

Why we love it:

Unblocks pores and has anti-inflammatory properties
Reduces the production of sebum
Kills 94% of acne bacteria in 7 days

Cons:

Unsuitable for skincare beginners

Price: RM49.80

Where to buy: Guardian

5. Kahf Oil and Acne Control Cleanser Set

Kahf’s Oil and Acne Control Cleanser Set is the winner of Beauty Insider Malaysia’s Beauty and Wellness Awards 2024 for Best Skincare Set and the Editors’ Choice Award. A targeted solution for oily and acne-prone skin, the Oil and Acne Care Face Wash blends HydroBalance and Pure Cleanse technologies to deeply cleanse while preserving natural moisture levels. It features Mediterranean Sage to combat acne by preventing breakouts and reducing redness alongside French Cypress to regulate oil production for a matte, shine-free, and smooth complexion.

Kahf’s Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub utilises HydraSilica scrub particles to gently exfoliate without stripping the skin’s moisture barrier. Infused with Brazilian Coffee and Korean Ginseng extracts, it brightens the complexion, minimises enlarged pores, and diminishes black spots for a more even skin texture. This scrub is designed to reveal smoother, radiant skin, making it an ideal addition to skincare routines aimed at improving skin clarity and texture.

Why we love it

A two-in-one skincare set
Made for oily and acne-prone skin
Targets imperfections without stripping the skin of moisture

Cons:

It’s advisable not to use the scrub when active acne is present

Price: RM39.00

Where to buy: Shopee

6. OXY Acne Patch

OXY is a well-known and well-loved skincare brand that features quite a lot of blemish solutions. Besides their most famous OXY creams, the OXY Acne Patch 0.03cm is also considered the best-medicated acne patch. It is suitable for those with cystic acne as it contains antibacterial properties! Killing bacteria that cause acne and absorbing any excess oils.

Why we love it:

Sweat-proof
Retains moisture
Looks invisible on the skin

Cons:

Might not be suitable for those with extremely sensitive skin

Price: RM16.90

Where to buy: BIG Pharmacy

Best Skincare For Acne Scars

1. Bio-Oil Skincare Oil

This specialist skincare product helps reduce the risk of stretch marks from forming and reduces the appearance of existing stretch marks and scars. Clinically proven, Bio-Oil Skincare Oil contains 4 essential oils including Chamomile, Calendula, Lavender, and Rosemary as well as vitamins A & E, which effectively keep skin hydrated and supple, allowing the skin to stretch and recover beautifully. It’s incredibly lightweight, making it really easy to apply on top of your moisturiser to add another layer of moisture and protection.

Why we love it

Delivered deep into the skin to repair cells
Non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin
Suitable for everyday use

Cons:

Might take a while to notice a difference

Price: RM29.90

Where to buy: Watsons

2. MissOLUMES Botanic Bio Placenta Serum

MissOLUMES Botanic Bio Placenta Serum is a groundbreaking serum formulation to address and improve the look of scars and acne, minimise post-blemish scarring, and revive your complexion.

Formulated with Rye (a type of grass, from the Wheat family) Phyto-placenta which is extracted from the plant cells itself and then fermented with Mushroom extract, alongside Kalalit extract to combat scarring, diminish acne, boost cell regeneration, and prevent further skin damage. This is a must-have serum for those struggling with acne scars.

Why we love it:

Suitable for all skin types
Reduces acne and acne scars
Rejuvenates skin cells and boosts circulation

Cons:

Only contains 30ml of product

Price: RM49.90

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3. Some By Mi AHA.BHA.PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum Essence

If you have discolouration, dark spots, or uneven texture, then give the AHA.BHA.PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum Essence by Some By Mi a try. It works by effectively clearing out any existing acne, while simultaneously exfoliating the dead skin cells to reveal radiant skin underneath. Great for acne-prone skin, this serum is packed with natural tea tree leaf water, centella asiatica, and three types of chemical exfoliants. It also fades blemishes and brightens skin!

Why we love it:

Fades blemishes and dark spots
Reduces the appearance of textured skin
Reduces acne

Cons:

Only contains 50ml of product

Price: RM98.10

Where to buy: Watsons

4. Paula’s Choice Vitamin C15 Super Booster Serum

Suitable for all skin types, the Vitamin C15 Super Booster Serum by Paula’s Choice is a great product to fade acne scars and blemishes. Jam-packed with vitamin C, E and Ferulic Acid, these ingredients work amazing to brighten up the skin and lighten dark spots. It’s great to correct uneven skin tone, protect your skin against environmental stressors, and has tons of anti-ageing properties. You’ll be glowing in no time.

Why we love it:

Brightens dull skin
Promotes even skin tone
Protects the skin

Cons:

Unsuitable for beginners to Vitamin C
Higher price point

Price: RM269.00

Where to buy: Zalora

5. Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter Serum

Fade dark spots and acne scars in no time with the Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter Serum by Clinique! A serum that’s packed with skin-loving ingredients like salicylic acid, glucosamine, and yeast extract, this powerhouse has been clinically proven to visibly reduce dark spots by -39% after consistent use. Suitable for dry, oily, and combination skin, use this serum twice a day, and follow up with sunscreen when you use it during the day.

Why we love it:

Suitable for daily use
Reduces visible marks by -39%
Prevents future blemishes

Cons:

Higher price point

Price: From RM105.00

Where to buy: Clinique

6. Garnier Bright Complete Vitamin C Gel Wash

Looking for a cleanser that can get rid of the impurities while brightening the skin? The Garnier Bright Complete Vitamin C Gel Wash is gentle and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Made with real lemon extract, it’s dermatologically-tested and free from paraben and silicon. Affordable and effective, this is a winner.

Why we love it: