As we all know, a proper skincare routine is essential in achieving the best skin health which ultimately translates to having beautiful, youthful, and glowing skin. We often see many skincare products being marketed in advertisements. However, we noticed that some online products may not be assessable to all Malaysians.
Thanks to the abundance of drugstores in Malaysia, you can easily get your hands on a full range of high-quality skincare at cheap prices. Read on to find out some of the best drugstore skincare products that your skin would be thanking you for.
Table of Contents
What do we do after adequate cleansing of the skin? That’s right, we return the skin’s pH to skin-friendly levels with a good toner. When it comes to toners, alcohol-free options are the way to go. Not only are they gentle for the skin, but they also do not cause excess secretion of oil which makes it suitable for those with combination and oily skin types.
Features
Alcohol-free toners are great as it doesn’t remove natural oils from the skin. Once this occurs, the skin will secrete more sebum as a self-protective mechanism to prevent drying and cracking of the skin. This toner also has dual action whereby it cleans and balances the skin. It removes impurities and reconditions the skin by using special mild purifiers.
On top of that, it protects the skin barrier from losing moisture which allows the skin to appear plump and healthy. This is thanks to its formulation with hydrating and moisturising ingredients namely Glycerin, Dimethicone, and Sodium Hyaluronate.
Testimonies
The toner has turned many people into toner advocates as it gently removes impurities off the skin without causing sebum production. Users also note that it hydrates and moisturises the skin after cleansing their skin.
Promising Review
“This stuff right here...is AMAZING! It makes your skin feel so seamless and poreless, but doesn't dry you out. Would definitely buy again!” – MenMake1125
It isn’t a complete skincare routine until sunscreen is applied. Sunscreen is by far the best preventative skincare in the entire skincare routine as it protects the skin from sun damage which potentiates premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. Introducing SUNPLAY Skin Aqua UV Watery Gel, our pick for the best drugstore sunscreen.
Features
What's better than slathering UV protectant on the skin? It is when it contains additional ingredients that bring other skin benefits, and the SUNPLAY Skin Aqua UV Watery Gel does just that. With Solarex-3 Technology Superior Photostability, this sunscreen does not break down easily under intense sunlight which ensures the safety of skin when you’re out and about.
Formulated with RonaCare Ectoin and Antileukine 6, this drugstore sunscreen plays its role in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Lastly, it also hydrates and moisturises the skin with hyaluronic acid.
Testimonies
Sunplay Skin Aqua Watery Gel is a cult favourite for good reason. Its lightweight formula is perfect for those who are prone to clogged pores. Users with oily skin notice lesser breakouts after starting on this sunscreen and they have never been happier.
Promising Review
“The watery gel type of sunscreen suitable on my combination skin. It is fast absorbing and not feel sticky after each application. Really like its lightweight texture, which do not clog pores.” – Kee
Makeup can accentuate someone’s looks and boost confidence but it should always be properly removed at the end of the day to prevent clogged pores and their horrible consequences. This step is essential in every person’s skincare routine to maintain the skin in tip-top condition.
Introducing Garnier Skin Naturals Micellar Cleansing Water; the makeup remover you never knew you needed.
Features
With the latest facial cleansing innovation using Micelles molecular technology, Garnier Micellar Water effectively removes dirt and oil off the skin without the need to rinse. It has a lightweight texture with a non-irritating formula that removes makeup from the face, lips, and even the eyes.
Made with Micelles, they allow thorough cleansing action without harsh rubbing of the skin which prevents premature aging. Even though it cleanses makeup effectively, it doesn’t strip the skin off of its natural oils, leaving the skin clean and supple.
Testimonies
Most users are happy to report that this cleanser bulldozes makeup off without any irritation to the skin. It is very suitable for those with sensitive skin as it doesn’t require any pressure or rubbing on the skin. On top of that, it also leaves the skin soft and supple after every usage.
Promising Review
“This product is part of my daily skincare routine. It easily wipes away makeup without having to add any pressure. Even when I don’t wear makeup, it is amazing to see what comes off my face and onto the cotton pad. I have sensitive skin so this leaves a nice soft feeling after use and it doesn’t irritate my skin. I always prefer to use micellar water rather than a lotion to cleanse as I feel that my face is a lot cleaner. This is great value for money. I really cannot fault this product at all.” – C3LWR
Features:
If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to tackle dark spots and acne marks, Garnier’s Light Complete Booster Serum with Vitamin C is right up your alley! This product contains the highest amount of vitamin c with 30x of its amount and contains Japanese yuzu lemon in its ingredients; which is known for its anti-ageing properties.
The product has a light texture formula that is fast absorbing and works deep to lighten dark spots and acne marks within just 3 days!
Testimonies:
The Garnier Vitamin C Serum is particularly efficient at reducing the dullness of the skin with regular use over the course of a month. It makes skin look more youthful and vibrant and improves skin texture and tone. It assists in gradually erasing the black marks that pimples leave behind.
Promising review:
‘The serum is lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin without feeling greasy. After 7 days, I noticed that my skin is brighter and more luminous overall. I find that this is a good and affordable serum for anyone who is looking at combatting skin dullness or signs of fatigue.’ – Aminah
We spend so much time and effort in cleansing and toning the skin with utmost care by avoiding ingredients or formulations that may strip or dry out the skin. Some people even go an extra mile to include hydrating formulations. But all of these efforts will be in vain if one does not moisturise their skin as intra-epidermal water loss can easily leave your skin looking like the Sahara Desert.
Features
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Combination Skin has a lightweight, non-greasy formula thanks to its high concentration of Cyclomethicone. Its formulation normalises combination skin by moisturising dry areas while controlling shine in oily areas with a matte, grease-free, and non-sticky finish.
Furthermore, Cyclomethicone allows the moisturiser to glide smoothly on the skin and serves as a medium that promotes better penetration of active ingredients into the skin. Neutrogena has a clinically-proven oil-absorbing system where it controls sebum production and shine on T-zones or wherever the skin naturally produces oil.
Testimonies
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturiser is a life-changing product for many people with combination to oily skin. They are pleased to report a reduction in shine, especially in the T-zone after consistent usage of this product.
Moreover, they appreciate its lightweight formula that effectively moisturises dry areas of the face. It is also one of the most popular moisturisers thanks to its affordable price.
Promising Review
“I can tell that my skin gets less greasy whenever I use this product. It has also improved my conditions with enlarged pores, blackheads and whiteheads. This product is a life-changer.” – laceie2345
There are a few types of cleansers available in the market today. Most of us gravitate towards a normal soap-based cleanser but such formulation may be overly stripping for the skin. As we already know, choosing the right cleanser depends on the skin type of every individual.
Many people have opted for drugstore oil cleansers like The Face Shop Real Blend Calming Cleansing Oil as it suits all skin types. But if you are searching for a gentle yet effective cleanser and that oil cleansers aren’t your thing, check out Simple’s Kind to Skin Moisturising Facial Wash.
Features
This cleanser stays true to its name as it keeps its formulation simple and effective. Free from artificial colouring, fragrances, and harsh chemicals to the skin, this gentle cleanser is suitable for those with sensitive skin. Moreover, it is also suitable for those with dry skin thanks to moisturising ingredients like Glycerin.
Aside from leaving the skin plump and clean after every wash, it also delivers other skin benefits. That’s all thanks to its formulation with key ingredients like Vitamin E and Panthenol which protects the skin from free radicals and speeds up cellular recovery from daily environmental stressors.
Testimonies
Simple Kind To Skin Moisturising Facial Wash is well-recognised amongst users as a gentle yet effective cleanser that doesn’t leave the skin dry and tight after every wash. Users noted that their skin feels soft and well-moisturised after use.
Promising Review
“I have very oily skin so i was weary about it being moisturizing but I LOVE THIS FACE WASH!! It lasts (forever) as you dont need much, my skin feels so clean and my breakouts have diminished and my skin is less oily. It's not harsh and drying…” – Katie
Features:
Face mists are an optional addition to your skincare routine, however, if you’d like a refreshing break sometime throughout the day, then Avene’s Thermal Spring Water is one of the best you can try out! Aside from giving you that refreshing mist, it can also help restore your skin barrier, providing a calming and soothing effect to the skin.
With three sizes you can choose (50ml, 150ml, 300ml), this dermatologically-tested face mist is suitable for everybody, even for babies, and especially for those with sensitive or hypersensitive skin.
Testimonies:
With the ability to soften and soothe sensitive or allergy-prone skin, this face mist ensures an optimal mineral balance—making sure the skin is refreshed and calmed from the environmental factors that could disrupt the health of the skin.
Promising review:
‘This is an excellent product, and superior to other brands of thermal water because the atomizer continues to work. It is refreshing but also boosts serums.’ – Sarah
Retinol is a holy-grail ingredient for its anti-aging benefits. It is one of the most efficient and scientifically-proven ingredients in the beauty industry today. Olay has done a remarkable job with their Retinol line and its low-concentration Retinol formula makes it a great option for beginners too.
Features
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum promises visible improvements in fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, brightness, elasticity, and pigmentation. These claims are easily attainable thanks to its formula as it consists of a beautiful blend of Niacinamide and Retinol complex that works synergistically to deliver the best skin benefits.
Firstly, Niacinamide brightens the skin and aids in the skin’s sebum production which is great for those with oily skin. Whereas Retinol promotes quicker cellular turnover and stimulates collagen production for a youthful and healthy appearance.
Testimonies
The lower concentration of Retinol in this serum makes it very beginner-friendly. Most users do not experience any downtime thanks to that. They appreciate its easily absorbable formula that hydrates the skin thoroughly and most importantly its anti-aging property as it effectively reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
Promising Reviews
“I was so skeptical about this product as I was SO worried about having a reaction but it has now become my HOLY grail! I will repurchase over and over again! The texture is milky and light, which is very different from other Retinols I've ever used. I expected my skin to feel sticky but it didn't. My skin did not react and instead felt really hydrated.” – Tessa L.
Acne can be the absolute worst for those who aren’t foreign to clogged pores such as individuals with combination to oily skin. Worry not as we have the good old Benzoyl Peroxide to save you from your break-out nightmare. Pair it with our recommended acne pimple patch from Cosrx and you’re good to go!
Features
OXY is definitely the brand that comes to mind when it concerns anti-acne skincare. Famous for their OXY Acne Pimple Medication, this formula contains 5% Benzoyl Peroxide which effectively kills the acne bacteria that lives on our skin. Benzoyl Peroxide is useful in drying excessive oil from the skin and it also helps to unclog pores which prevent further breakouts.
Its formula is greaseless which is great for those with combination to oily skin. Moreover, users can opt for higher concentrations depending on the severity of their acne as this line comes with a 10% concentration of Benzoyl Peroxide too.
Testimonies
OXY acne pimple medication has a long list of good reviews thanks to its effectiveness in targeting acne breakouts. Not only does it kill the causative organism of acne, but it also unclogs pores and dries up active acnes where users notice clearer skin with consistent usage.
Product Review
“It works for me. Put away the pimples which used to knock my door every time period haha. And it helps to reduce scars as well! Recommend product. Good quality. Will buy it again” - Jenny
Sold exclusively in Watsons, we present to you Mamonde Moisture Ceramide Intense Cream. It is an ultra-rich moisturiser that doubles as an overnight mask where you will not have to worry about water escaping your skin in your sleep!
Features
Infused with Hibiscus Syriacus, this rich and creamy formula deeply moisturises the skin throughout the night. The Hibiscus Syriacus ingredient is responsible for achieving moist and strong skin as it reinforces weakened skin barriers. That ensures long-lasting hydration when you can wake up with plump and soft skin.
Moving on, this cream helps in achieving healthy-looking skin with its double-moisture barrier technology. It basically hydrates and locks in moisture regardless of the harsh and drying environment that the air-conditioner may cause.
Testimonies
The moisturiser locks moisture in the skin throughout the night where users normally wake up with glowing, soft, and plump skin. Only a minority of users apply this during the day as its formulation is intense and suits users of dry skin types.
With that, most users use this as an overnight cream and they noted that despite its richness, it doesn’t clog pores or cause any breakouts.
Promising Review
“The cream itself comes out quite thick and has a light floral fragrance. . It is a very intense moisturizer so I used it mostly at night. . My skin definitely felt a lot more moisturized the next morning. . What is also great about this cream is that it didn’t clog up my pores like other thicker creams have in the past. . Particularly after a few nights of use, I found my skin to look plumper and more hydrated looking than before.” – Jolse
Features:
It’s time for you to move on from the suffering of blackheads with Neutrogena’s Deep Clean Blackhead Eliminating Daily Scrub! Consistent usage of this product won’t just help you clear out the blackheads you have; it will also help prevent new ones from forming.
This is because of the product's microbeads containing skin-conditioning Cedrus atlantica bark extract, which will exfoliate dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores from occurring. Formulated with a BHA blackhead fighting complex, this facial scrub can penetrate deep and remove the dirt and oil trapped inside the pores.
Testimonies:
Users stand by this product by Neutrogena as many have claimed that it left their skin feeling soft and extra clean! They also love that this facial scrub doesn’t leave users’ skin dry after use.
Promising review:
‘Use it alternative days or 2 days once. Have patience. You will definitely see the reduction in your Blackheads.’ – Marina
Features:
Eye creams are generally expensive, but if you’re looking for one that is accessible and slightly wallet-friendly, then you might want to consider getting L’Oreal Paris’ Revitalift Triple Action Anti-Aging Eye Cream.
This eye cream promotes its triple action for skin quality transformation with 3% pro-xylane that stimulates the skin’s fibre synthesis to improve skin density and plumpiness, adenosine that corrects fine lines and wrinkles, and diminishes eye puffiness through its caffeine and metallic applicator, providing you with icy, cooling effect.
Testimonies:
This eye cream instantly moisturises the eye contours and reduces wrinkles and eye bags with consistent usage. Over time, you’ll find your skin becoming plumper, evenly toned, and with a more radiant eye contour.
Promising review:
‘This cream is very good I see visible lightness in my eyes after using it. Also the metallic top is very good for the massaging of cream around eye.’ – Lia
Differences between drugstore & high-end skincare products?
Luxury:
- A luxury brand typically has a big budget for extensive research and development for its skincare line.
- As a result, products normally would have a special formula where certain ingredients are rare or new and are blended to work synergistically for the best effect.
Drugstore:
- In comparison, drugstore skincare products tend to have basic formulas without much technological innovation due to the restricted budget.
- More often than not, a new ingredient is added and marketed with a different packaging when the impact may not be as powerful as those that are extensively tested and researched.
Both luxury and drugstore skincare would work on normal and non-problematic skin. The only vast difference between the two is in the price point.
At the end of the day, a consumer can get effective skincare as long as they understand their skin concerns and choose the right formulation on the ingredient list. This practice can help save a huge chunk of money while having the best effects.