When pimples begin to break through the skin, most of us decide to get into an instant fighting mode. Forget about allowing things to take ‘’their natural course’’. In this generation, it is all about moving quickly and unleashing heavy weaponry, and this includes finding the best acne spot treatments and gels we can find to banish the pimples in an instant. 

However, when it comes to acne gel, do note that the majority of them include variable quantities of active components Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide to cure pimples. And not every skin type will react the same way. So make sure that you are well educated about your skin types and concerns before blindly purchasing random skincare items. 

Beauty Insider helps break down the best acne gels to combat pimples overnight, what ingredients to look into and most importantly, they won’t strip your skin in the process. 

Source: Free Images

What Really Causes Acne? 

Everyone deals with acne differently. So, the term ‘’acne’’ may vary for different people. However, the best way to detect if you’re facing hormonal acne—or mostly referred to as adult acne—is when you are going through a cycle of periods, pregnancy, or menopause. Basically a time where your hormones play a vital role in changing the state of your biology. For example, hormonal imbalances, your PMS and even environmental contamination can all lead to the ‘’construction’’ of these stubborn acne. 

Moreover, hormonal acne often comes along with a few other annoying nibs, which are irregular periods, weight gains and excessive oil production. Other causes that lead to the growth of acne would include, dirty pillowcases, dirt, pollutants, stress, and of course, dietary imbalance. 

What Ingredients To Look For?

Salicylic acid is an extremely effective chemical exfoliant. It removes some of the extracellular ‘’glue’’ that binds skin cells together after it has infiltrated the skin. As a result, it’s excellent for healing pimples produced by blocked pores, such as blackheads, whiteheads, and others. 

Benzoyl peroxide, on the other hand, inhibits the germs that create pimples in the first place, making it an excellent agent for treating inflammatory acne blemishes. To prevent the terrible dry-out, the finest acne gel solutions usually combine zit-zapping operations (Benzoyl) with skin-healing components (Salicylic).

Best Acne Gels in Malaysia

1. Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%

Facts in a Flash
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%
Type(s): Suitable for acne-prone skin
Main Function: It helps to minimise the appearance of acne
Star Ingredients: Adapalene 0.1% (retinoid)
texture: Lightweight gel-serum

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%, which contains sodium hydroxide that can help to dismiss the appearance of acne, even the most stubborn one! When it comes to texture-wise, this Differin Gel Adapalene Gel 0.1% feels super lightweight, non-greasy or sticky—which is really a good point. This gel is in clear-coloured, kind of transparent in look. It glides smoothly on every perimeter of your skin.

Price: RM108.00

Where to buy: Threebs

Final Verdict

4.5

Insider Ratings

price:
ingredients:
performance:

PROS:

  • Acne Cleansing Gel with 0.1% ADA, Prevents breakouts and blemishes, Can restores skin tone by clearing acne

Cons:

  • Quite pricey

2. Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment

Facts in a Flash
Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment
Type(s): Suitable for all skin types
Main Function: It is clinically proven to treat even the most stubborn acne or cyst problems
Star Ingredients: benzoyl peroxide 2.5%
texture: Gel-like texture

Another must-have Benzoyl Peroxide product. This Neutrogena On-The-Spot treatment contains 2.5% powerful force that is clinically proven to treat even the most stubborn acne or cyst problems. Make sure to apply this before you go to bed, you will wake up the next morning with a clearer skin. 

Price: Starts from RM 45.00

Where to buy: Shopee

Final Verdict

4.5

Insider Ratings

price:
ingredients:
performance:

PROS:

  • Removes dirt, oil and dead skin cells, Provides long-lasting oil control to improve the look and feel of skin, Oil-free, dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic.

Cons:

  • It might be unsuitable for those with very sensitive skin type

3. NUViT Acne Purifying Gel

Facts in a Flash
NUViT Acne Purifying Gel
Type(s): Suitable for all skin types
Main Function: It provides instant relief from acne, accelerates wound healing, and prevents scarring
Star Ingredients: AC. Net, salicylic acid, witch hazel extract, meadowsweet extract, tea tree oil, aloe vera, and vitamin C
texture: Gel

Are inflamed acne bumps causing you frustration? Discover the hidden secret to clearer, flawless skin with NUViT Acne Purifying Gel. This remarkable gel provides instant relief from acne, accelerates wound healing, and prevents scarring. Its powerful formula combines AC. Net, salicylic acid, witch hazel extract, meadowsweet extract, tea tree oil, aloe vera, and vitamin C. These high-performance ingredients work together to prevent acne recurrence and minimise the appearance of enlarged pores, resulting in a smoother complexion. With its exclusive AC-Pure™ technology, it effectively addresses oily skin concerns, reducing the likelihood of acne, scarring, and comedones. Simply apply it to targeted inflamed acne, and witness visible improvements in no time.

Price: RM 35.40

Where to buy: Watsons and NUViT Partnered Pharmacies

Final Verdict

4.5

Insider Ratings

price:
ingredients:
performance:

PROS:

  • Alleviates acne inflammation instantly, Minimises acne scars, Promotes wound healing

Cons:

  • It only comes in one-size packaging

4. SkinSupp Co. Intensive Acne Relief Serum

Facts in a Flash
SkinSupp Co. Intensive Acne Relief Serum
Type(s): Suitable for all skin types, especially acne-prone skin
Main Function: A multi-layered 3-in-1 system that addresses acne, fades scars and at the same time strengthens the skin barrier
Star Ingredients: DermaResQ™, New Zealand manuka oil, prebiotics, Australian tea tree oil, niacinamide, bakuchiol, and salicylic acid
texture: Lightweight gel-serum

The Intensive Acne Relief Serum by SkinSupp Co. is the best-kept secret to achieving a flawless complexion without the inflamed, angry bumps of acne. Unlike conventional acne products that use irritating ingredients like alcohol and benzoyl peroxide, this high-performance formulation harnesses the power of botanical extracts and the signature DermaResQ™, offering multifaceted benefits that target the underlying factors of acne on multiple levels.

In addition to regulating sebum production, the serum reduces acne lesions and the severity of the condition for optimal results. A medley of New Zealand Mānuka Oil and Australian Tea Tree Oil provides antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Meanwhile, prebiotics work wonders to balance the skin, prevent acne breakouts, and improve overall skin health.

Other key ingredients include niacinamide, bakuchiol, and salicylic acid, which collectively minimise enlarged pores, fade scars, and address acne. This serum offers a 360-degree approach by providing acne relief, preventing its recurrence, soothing inflammation, prebiotics fortifying the protective barrier, and minimising scarring for a healthy, radiant complexion. What’s not to love? Simply apply the appropriate amount of serum to the targeted area and leave it overnight when you’re experiencing acne breakouts. Use it two to three times a day, adjusting the application based on your skin condition.

Why we love it:

  • Soothes inflammation and redness
  • Strengthens the skin’s protective barrier
  • Minimises the appearance of scars

Cons:

  • It has a strong earthy scent from the Mānuka oil

Price: RM75.00

Where to buy: SkinSupp Co.’s official website

5. Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion 

Facts in a Flash
Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion
Type(s): Suitable for combination, and oily skin type
Main Function: It targets large, under-the-surface bumps
Star Ingredients: Allantoin and niacinamide
texture: Watery

Lightweight, quick-absorbing and non sticky. This lotion is specifically designed to target large, under-the-surface bumps. Suitable for acne prone skin, this buffering lotion from Mario Badescu works overnight to help reduce the appearance of existing troubled skin. Contain soothing ingredients like Allantoin and Niacinamide to help rebalance your skin. 

Why we love it: 

  • Specifically designed to treat cystic acne
  • Contains Vitamin B and Amino Acid
  • Best to help in reduce irritation and redness

Cons:

  • The texture is quite watery, which makes the application a bit messy

Price: RM115.00

Where To Buy: Sephora

6. Benzac Ac Gel 5%

Facts in a Flash
Benzac Ac Gel 5%
Type(s): Suitable for combination, and oily skin type
Main Function: It treats any kind of breakout from mild to moderate
Star Ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide 5%
texture: Water base gel

This trustee 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 helps to get rid of bacteria and dead skin cells that clog your pores. This Benzoyl Peroxide works particularly well for inflammatory acne, including pustules, papules, cysts, and nodules.

Why we love it: 

  • Has anti-inflammatory properties
  • Reduce the production of sebum
  • Kills 94% of acne bacteria in 7 days

Cons:

  • Those with sensitive skin types should start using the Benzac AC acne treatment gel 2.5%

Price: RM16.10

Where to buy: Guardian

7. OXY 10 Lotion

Facts in a Flash
OXY 10 Lotion
Type(s): Suitable for acne-prone skin
Main Function: It treats treat the most stubborn breakouts and acne
Star Ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide 10%
texture: Gel-like texture

OXY 10 is a trustee acne medication containing 10% Benzoyl Peroxide to treat the most stubborn breakouts and acne that do not respond to mild acne treatments. This product also works wonders to prevent bacteria from within that causes pimples. 

Why we love it: 

  • Contains Benzoyl Peroxide
  • Oil free products
  • Prevent new pimples from forming

Cons:

  • Its formulation has maximum strength, which might be unsuitable for some

Price: RM 26.00

Where to buy: Guardian

8. HIRUSCAR Anti-Acne Spot Gel

Facts in a Flash
HIRUSCAR Anti-Acne Spot Gel
Type(s): Suitable for acne-prone skin
Main Function: It helps to minimise acne scars and prevent blemishes from recurring
Star Ingredients: Salicylic acid, aloe vera and Mucopolysaccharides (MPS)
texture: Transparent gel

A new acne gel has joined the group! Hiruscar Anti-Acne range is lightweight, allowing for rapid absorption into the skin. It is mild and does not irritate the skin. This gel immediately dissolve pimple appearance and minimises black markings. You’ll notice a difference in your skin.

Why we love it: 

  • Cleanses without drying the skin
  • Removes excessive dirt and sebum
  • Balances the skin’s moisture

Cons:

  • It only comes in one-size packaging

Price: RM32.00

Where to buy: Watsons

9. Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel

Facts in a Flash
Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel
Type(s): Suitable for all skin types
Main Function: It helps to prevent the formation of acne
Star Ingredients: Salicylic acid, witch hazel
texture: Transparent gel

Acne clearance results comparable to a popular topical prescription. Upon use, Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel daily treatment gel begins to remove blemishes. It aids in preventing the appearance of new ones. After cleaning, apply a thin layer to the entire face twice a day.

Why we love it: 

  • Helps prevent new pimples from forming
  • Works on every skin types including sensitive skin
  • Suitable for everyday use

Cons:

  • Quite pricey 

Price: RM118.00

Where to buy: Clinique

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