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9 Best Serums for Acne Scars in Malaysia 2024

Now you see it, now you don’t!

It can be troublesome when the acne scars on your skin won’t leave regardless of how many WikiHow “natural home remedies” or products you’ve tried. The most common and considerably “less severe” acne scar that typically occurs to the masses is a brown pigmented scar or red, flat scar. Usually, the more severe variant would be pitted scars which develop from deeply seated acnes.

Luckily, many of these scar types are often easily treated with the use of any Retinols or brightening agents such as L-Ascorbic Acid aka Vitamin C. On the flip side, it is highly suggested that you visit a dermatologist if you have deeper blemishes as they’ll help to treat them professionally.

Nonetheless, here’s a list of the best serums to help fade acne scars, brighten your complexion and improve your skin’s overall health.

Read also: Which Skincare Items Are Actually Worth Spending On?

Best serum for brightening and fading acne scars
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum
Drunk Elephant
From
RM345.00
Check Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum price below:
add_circle Fan-favourite; known for its effectiveness
add_circle Skin-healing benefits
add_circle Helps with brightening and skin-pigmentation issues
add_circle Absorbs fast
remove_circle Not cheap

The highly raved about Drunk Elephant is allegedly the world’s most-wanted skincare and the C-Firma Day Serum is one of the most outstanding products they’ve created.

Features:

This serum’s main ingredient is L-Ascorbic Acid aka Vitamin C, which is a popular brightening agent. It is also made up of 0.5% Ferulic Acid and 1% Vitamin E that helps to neutralise pollution and reduce the damaging effects of free radicals.

But what’s even more unique about this serum is that Pumpkin Ferment Extract and Pomegranate Enzyme was incorporated into its formulation. These work hand-in-hand to dissolve dead surface skin cells, replenish lipids (which also encourages the skin’s natural healing), and visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles.  

Testimonies:

You won't be disappointed when you pick up a bottle of it! Reviewers generally favour it for its effective brightening and that its texture is pretty comfortable to have on with no greasiness whatsoever. Perhaps, one of the best things about this serum is how it has increased the skin's texture and hydration overall.

Best serum for acne and hyperpigmentation
By Wishtrend Pure Vitamin C21.5 Advanced Serum
By Wishtrend
From
RM78.00
Check By Wishtrend Pure Vitamin C21.5 Advanced Serum price below:
add_circle Free of paraben, sulfate, alcohol and silicone
add_circle Fragrance-free
add_circle Non-sticky
add_circle Brightens skin well
remove_circle Unreliable packaging to protect the serum

Most Vitamin C serums will inevitably turn into a coppery brown colour when it’s exposed to sunlight, heat, and air due to oxidization. However, this change of colour is also a way to prove the pureness of your Vitamin C serum.

Features:

By Wishtrend’s Pure Vitamin C21.5 Advanced Serum contains 21.5% of Vitamin C, which is highly concentrated, thus it’s suggested to keep the serum refrigerated once opened. Aside from Vitamin C, this serum is also formulated with 10 essential ingredients such as Allantoin to moisture and soothe irritated skin as well as Hippophae Rhamnoids Water to calm the skin.

All of the 3 aforementioned main ingredients are what makes this serum such a popular Vitamin C product as it works to improve and fortify the skin rather than just fading scars. And even when your scars are gone, it's perfect to combat hyperpigmentation, discolouration and dull skin too.

Testimonies:

Compared to previous generations, By Wishtrend has improvised this formula to be non-sticky and more effective with its newly down-sized list of ingredients. This fact has probably contributed to it being calm on ageing and sensitive skin types across reviewers. The serum is also highly recommended by users of all skin types, time and time, to effectively fade acne scars

Best serum for acne and dark spots
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary
From
RM32.00
Check The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% price below:
add_circle Free of paraben, sulphate, alcohol, silicone, and oil
add_circle Reduces skin redness
add_circle Minimises pores
add_circle Absorbs instantly
add_circle Good for skin with acne
add_circle Suitable for all types of skin
remove_circle Sticky texture
remove_circle Not as moisturising as compared to other serums
remove_circle Some people may experience skin purging after using this

Those who are recommended to use Niacinamide to treat their acne may have come across this particular serum often for its simple yet effective formula.

Features:

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 and it’s a popular acne-treatment ingredient that helps to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion including acne scars, stubborn dark spots and uneven skin tone. Also, Niacinamide helps to reduce inflammation (redness caused by acne, eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions) and the appearance of enlarged pores.

To enhance the formulation, 1% Zinc content has been added into this serum for skin healing purposes as well as prevent acne by regulating your sebum activity.

On another note, if Vitamin C is part of your daily skincare routine, it’s important to not use these 2 potent vitamins at once because Niacinamide can affect the integrity of Vitamin C. Thus, segment it as such that, ideally, apply Niacinamide during the day and Vitamin C in the evening.

Testimonies:

There are many reviews that attest to this serum, with users claiming that their cystic acne situation has improved since using it.

Best serum for red acne scars, redness and back acne scars
Some By Mi AHA.BHA.PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum Essence
Some By Mi
From
RM65.77
Check Some By Mi AHA.BHA.PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum Essence price below:
add_circle Minimises the look of enlarged pores - smoother looking skin
add_circle Balances oil and moisture of skin
remove_circle Not suitable for sensitive skin

While we can never claim a quick treatment over serious acne issues especially when it has been a few years, you can give it a few weeks or even just a month to alleviate or even clear acne with Some By Mi's Miracle Serum.

Features:

The magical ingredient contained in this 'miracle' serum to help tone down all shades of redness is the skin-soothing ingredient, Centella Asiatic Extract. The Some By Mi Miracle Serum also contains Tea Tree Oil, BHA, AHA, and PHA that will prevent acne, unclog pores and gently exfoliate the skin for a brighter and blemish-free complexion!

Furthermore, the serum doesn't just clear acne but also offers anti-ageing, hydrating and healing properties for stronger skin. All in all, you can expect to see improved skin and finally ditch makeup to cover up that beautiful face of yours.

Testimonies:

That last statement of ours is made via the countless reviews we've seen users pointing out, how the serum managed to counter stubborn acne that resisted years of beauty treatments. And with the introduction of this serum, users finally gained more confidence as well as clearer, smooth skin!

Best acne-scar serum to use with a derma-roller - for micro-needling
Dr Wu Intensive Renewal Serum with Mandelic Acid 18%
Dr Wu
From
RM146.02
Check Dr Wu Intensive Renewal Serum with Mandelic Acid 18% price below:
add_circle Leaves the skin feeling soft
add_circle Evens out red skin well
add_circle Suitable for sensitive skin
remove_circle Effects vary

Derma-rolling and micro-needling are fundamentally the same kinds of skincare practice. Depending on the size of the spikes, they are used to treat different skin conditions.

However, most at-home derma-rollers come with needles in sizes (an average of 0.5mm) that’ll cause micro-injuries to boost your collagen production, which in turn helps to banish acne scars, dark circles and under-eye bags, sagging skin and many more! So, pairing your derma-roller with serum is crucial because it acts as a “buffer” between your skin and the tiny spikes, and even increases the absorption of the serum.

Features:

The Dr Wu Intensive Renewal Serum with Mandelic Acid 18% hits the sweet spot as it doesn’t contain abrasive and ‘reactive’ ingredients, unlike typical serum for acne scars, which could potentially damage the skin when used with needles. It has Mandelic Acid that is a milder version of an average AHA. Meanwhile, the Beta-Glucan content in this serum provides long-lasting soothing and hydrating effects.

Testimonies:

While its users claim to achieve softer and brighter skin especially against red acne, some do think its effects are just average. This is when using the serum with a derma roller might enhance its abilities on the skin. Otherwise, take note that one may not be able to fully reap this serum's benefits compared to others.

Best Vitamin E serum that's suitable for acne
Cosmoderm Vitamin E 30 000 I.U. with Rosehip Oil
Cosmoderm
Cosmoderm Vitamin E 30 000 I.U. with Rosehip Oil
From
RM38.19
Check Cosmoderm Vitamin E 30 000 I.U. with Rosehip Oil price below:
add_circle A little goes a long way
add_circle Fast absorbing
add_circle Suitable for sensitive skin

Being both a nutrient and an important antioxidant for the skin, Vitamin E is infamous for its healing and anti-ageing properties. Regarding its anti-ageing properties, how it works is that Vitamin E protects the skin against UV ray damage and other similar free radicals. This nifty little ingredient is particularly important to prevent oxidative damage to the cells from free radicals by actually removing the latter.

Another reason as to why acne-prone skin users may want to use Vitamin E is that because they're an anti-inflammatory ingredient, and has been able to calm rosacea. As such, red acne scars would benefit from including some Vitamin E into their skincare routine.

Features:

Cosmoderm’s Vitamin E serum is infused with Rosehip Oil to speed up the healing of scars, stretch marks, burns and even chickenpox while delaying any signs of ageing. A bonus to using this serum is how simple its formulation is, and is terribly suitable for sensitive skin as well. And for all of this goodness, this pick is easily affordable, which is why this serum deserves a spot on our list.

Best serum for oily skin and acne
Cosmoderm Niacinamide 10% Salicylic Acid 1% 28 Days Boosting Serum
Cosmoderm
Cosmoderm Niacinamide 10% Salicylic Acid 1% 28 Days Boosting Serum
From
RM31.92
Check Cosmoderm Niacinamide 10% Salicylic Acid 1% 28 Days Boosting Serum price below:
add_circle Soothes and lightens skin
add_circle Treats hyperpigmentation
add_circle Gently exfoliates skin
add_circle Free of paraben, SLS/SLES, and mineral oil
add_circle Dermatologically-tested

Features:

Achieve poreless and even skin tone with Cosmoderm’s Niacinamide 10% Salicylic Acid 1% within just a month! With this serum, you’ll be able to fade your acne scars and unclog your pores through the power combination of niacinamide and salicylic acid.

Dermatologically tested, niacinamide can help soothe and lighten the skin, improve uneven skin tone, and tackle hyperpigmentation. Whereas, salicylic acid on the other hand, will gently exfoliate the skin by unclogging your pores from blackheads or whiteheads.

Testimonies:

Users of this product are in love with it as it really does as it says by unclogging the pores. Some said that their nose is cleared of the nasties of blackheads and whiteheads. Others have stated that after a few days of usage, they were able to see their acne scars start to fade.

If you’re considering adding this product to your skincare routine, wait no more!

Best Korean serum for acne
AXIS-Y Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment
AXIS-Y Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment
From
RM49.00
Check AXIS-Y Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment price below:
add_circle Alcohol-free, suitable for sensitive skin
add_circle Has ceramide to help restore the skin barrier
remove_circle Only has 15ml worth of product which is lesser than a typical serum

Features:

There’s a reason why there’s been a lot of hype around AXIS-Y’s products including their Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment. This serum is formulated for those with acne-prone, oily, and sensitive skin. Some would say it’s even their holy grail as it provides effective relief from breakouts and blemishes.

With a lightweight gel-like texture, this serum contains 4-terpineol which has antibacterial and antioxidant properties needed to help dry out breakouts and blemishes. Aside from that, it also contains 1% of phyto-pligo which is a plant-derived ingredient that is the ultimate solution for sensitive skin.

Testimonies:

Many users have claimed this product as their holy grail, and we understand why! Its ability to help with blemishes and breakouts as well as help users achieve clear skin is what users love the most. To add, this product can also be used as a spot treatment.

Best retinol serum for fading acne scars
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
From
RM87.00
Check CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum price below:
add_circle Contains liquorice root extract to help brighten the skin’s appearance
add_circle Formulated with ceramides to lock in skin’s moisture
remove_circle Slightly expensive

Features:

So your acne is all cleared up, but you still have the scars lingering and want to get rid of them. Consider incorporating CeraVe’s Resurfacing Retinol Serum into your skincare routine! This retinol serum can help in refining the skin without compromising your skin’s protective barrier.

Designed with the help of dermatologists, this serum will help smooth your skin’s texture by reducing the appearance of post-acne marks, minimising the look of pores, and eventually improving your skin’s surface.

Testimonies:

CeraVe has been the number one brand in the hearts of many people due to its effectiveness in improving users of their skin conditions—and it’s no different with this product! Most users have been repurchasing this product as it has helped terribly in smoothing their skin and minimising the appearance of pores.

However, do note as this product has retinol, you could experience some purging.

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