Every shelf of every skincare departmental store is wallowing with bountiful skincare products from assorted brands. The only dilemma you will have to face is deciding the right one to pick to feed your skin’s needs.
This isn’t as complex as it sounds. With just one click and you will be able to find a relentless search of varying beauty reviews and skincare choices online to help you make the right choice. The best bet is to always look for the ones that are highly recommended by dermatologists because hey; who knows better than them?
Besides, forget dermatologists for a second. We’ve made it easier by listing down some of the best-selling facial creams, serums, oils, moisturizers and sunscreens to squash your skincare dilemmas.
What's the Best Skin Care Routine Order?
No matter what you've done or where you came from, whether you're a skincare beginner or a pro, you must do the basic three:
- Cleanse
- Tone
- Moisturise (Use one with SPF during the day/for the morning, and a richer one at night)
From there, you can fill in more products as you wish whether there's any issue you may want to target. With that, here's the right way to do your skincare routine base on product types:
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Ampoule or serum
- Essence
- Eye cream
- Treatment (Like Boosters)
- Mask or face oil (For night use only)
- Moisturiser (or Night cream before bedtime)
- Sunscreen (For day use only)
Here are some of the best skin care products available that will suit all skin types.
Editor
Nina Shahriman chevron_right
Table of Contents
19 Best Skincare Product Recommendations in Malaysia
The Laneige White Dew Original Ampoule Essence is rich in a high concentration of moisturizing and brightening capabilities to light up your skin from within. Although the price is a steep one, you can expect flawless and even-toned skin, in return!
Overview
This ampoule contains both Saururus Chinensis extract and vitamin C to clear dark spots whilst working to brighten your skin. It also has a rich moisture content that absorbs easily into your skin upon application. Besides, the ampoule contains Panthenol and Beta-Glucan that relieve skin irritations to soothe your skin further.
No joke, this ampoule works superb for dull skin, resolving dark spots and restoring hydration to your skin.
Promising Review:
“Very good whitening range from Laneige. I am using the full range of Laneige products. Love it.”- nicoleops
If you are a big fan of skincare, then you’ve most probably heard of South Korean beauty products that are filled with lines of fermented skincare goods. MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence RX is considered by many beauty gurus as a dupe to a certain big brand as a more affordable option.
Overview
This MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence RX is a 4th generation formula from the brand, now with boosting essence that delivers twice as much moisture as its 3rd generation counterpart. The PRO FERMENT α ™ Method safely transports active ingredients to the skin by combining special Delivery Technology and double fermentation from warm and cold temperatures which ensures efficacious nutrient absorption of the skin.
Formulated with Fermented Cica Enzyme, Pearl Reef Extracts and Rice Extracts, this essence delivers hydration, exfoliation of dead cells for softer skin as well as nutrients and vitamins that leave skin smoother and brighter.
Promising Review:
“I got this as a substitution to my SK-II facial treatment essence and was pleasantly surprised. My skin has been feeling very supple and hydrated.” – Annabelle L
This Lancome serum is an anti-ageing serum that is fuelled with microbiome science to accelerate your skin’s recovery process. And the final result is? Expect to gaze in the mirror for hours at your stronger and younger-looking skin.
Overview
The Lancome Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate Serum feeds your skin with seven varying types of probiotics. Basically, all of these natural ingredients work to radiate your skin’s youthfulness. Brace yourself for brighter, fuller and refined-looking skin. The best part is a few tiny drops certainly go a long way!
Promising Review:
“My Skin does look more youthful and clearer after less than 1 month of use. Have repurchased for nearly 2 years now. Good for my sensitive skin too. Totally recommend!”- Chelsea
A moisturiser that works great for oily or combination skin? Especially if you’re strapped for cash, Neutrogena’s Combination Skin Moisture moisturiser is one product to go-to for many reasons.
Overview
This moisturiser works to target and moisturise your skin’s dry areas while controlling oil production in the T-zone areas too. It contains its very own microsponge ingredient that absorbs any excess oil, whereas its glycerin contains helps to retain the moisture levels in your skin. With that, you will now be able to walk out without fear of having to balance dual skin issues!
Promising Review:
“This is my HG of HG for moisturizers. Before this my skin was constantly either dried out or oily, or worst of all, breaking out like crazy. I’ve been using this gem consistently for like 7 years and I’ll never go back.”- Lillixiii
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is suitable for all skin types but is especially loved by its sensitive skin users. What makes this cleanser so special? Well, it cleans the skin without any irritation, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin types.
Overview
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a soap-free facial cleanser that gently cleanses your skin and removes excess sebum, dirt and other impurities. With that, it leaves the skin soft and supple as it doesn’t strip natural oil from your skin which typically results in dryness and a tight sensation after a wash.
Moreover, its formula is fragrance-free, making it a dream for those with very sensitive skin. It can also be used as a body wash, especially for those with troubled skin like eczema.
Promising Review
“I love the fact that it is not harsh on the skin at all, and not only can it be used for your face but also can be used on your body as well. It is a foaming cleanser and soothes the skin. Since it has non-comedogenic properties, people with oily skin and acne-prone skin can totally use it without causing any breakout” – Trishna
Aloe vera has been widely researched for its many beneficial uses. Therefore, it’s safe to say that you’re in good hands with the Nature Republic toner that is filled with aloe vera extracts.
Overview
What makes this toner special is that it contains around 90% of aloe vera water. Not only is it calming and refreshing, but it helps to remove residual impurities and any leftover make-up. It also hydrates, soothes and moisturizes your skin, whilst minimizing the appearance of pores.
After just a swipe of this toner on your skin, you can be sure to have your skin feeling much softer and smoother.
Promising Review:
“Very moisturizing and i love it. Very soothing. It’s my 3rd bottle anyway!”- nia_lexus94
The scorching heat can add excess shine to our skin, which we are so not proud of especially when we have our faces all dolled up with mattifying make up.
Overview
Innisfree’s Jeju Volcanic Pore Toner is a daily toner that works great for oily skin! It helps to effectively control excessive sebum thus, keeping your skin fresh and soft. The toner also helps to remove any residue that is left on your skin after washing your face.
A special ingredient in the toner, Jeju volcanic clay, is composed of minerals released from the volcanic explosions in Jeju, South Korea. It has been known to be a preserved alkaline resource and works great in removing sebum and other impurities. Even the mineral powder texture within the toner works to treat pores and absorb excess sebum.
Promising Review:
“The toner is hydrating and worth the use. Definitely buying it again.”- ysheen024
We all deserve a pampering session once in a while. And that’s easily done with really effective skincare products!
Overview
Skin Food Rice Wash Off Mask contains rice extracts that brighten and soften your complexion. This face mask works great for those who are looking to brighten dull, rough or lacklustre skin complexion. It is made of, you guessed it - rice extracts.
What you will see is crushed rice pieces in the mask that will give your skin a mild and gentle exfoliation. This baby will be your go-to beauty bundle in no time!
Promising Review:
“In love with this product. It brightens up my skin and feels soft after using it.”- vyonmay0708
This eye cream has proven to give immediate results around the eye contour area. Not only is it moisturizing, but the skin texture around your eyes will be more refined and smoother too.
Overview
The L'Oreal Dermo Expertise Revitalift Laser X3 Eye Cream contains pro-xylane. This active ingredient is known to boost your skin’s fundamental substance, stimulate collagen and improve skin’s plumpness. It also contains adenosine that acts as an anti-ageing ingredient in smoothing out wrinkles. Additionally, the eye cream contains caffeine content which helps to reduce eye puffiness.
Promising Review:
“Love the metal applicator that gives a cooling effect and easily glides at eye area. So far effective in preventing fine lines and wrinkle, I use it 1-2 times per week. Can reduce temporary fine lines immediately. (Not sure about permeant fine lines. I use it for prevention purpose)”- georgine337
Like your body, your skin also needs that morning boost, and we know just the thing to give it.
Overview
The It’s Skin Power 10 Formula VC Effector is infused with vitamin C and green tea extracts to lighten dark spots and brighten your skin’s complexion. Said ingredients also work to improve collagen production and fight off signs of anti-aging.
To smoothen your skin texture, the oil contains hydrating properties. Supporting its moisturising properties is the fact that the oil is also lightweight in texture, thus you will not experience the pesky feel of any sticky residue. Plus, as it contains vitamin C extracts, you can enjoy its natural, refreshing citrusy scent on your skin.
Promising Review:
“Not my first order. Became part of my everyday skin care.”- Anna de Jesus
The Biore UV Perfect Block Milk Moisture is your everyday best friend in acting as a sunblock and skin moisturizer.
Overview
UVA and UVB rays are factors that seem insignificant. However, you should know that UVA rays are detrimental to your skin as it speeds up your skin’s ageing process, while the UVB rays cause sunburn. Thus, having a daily sunblock at hand such as the Biore UV Perfect Protect Milk Moisture will be your knight in shining armour to protect your skin from these damaging rays.
This sunscreen keeps it simple and effective by being fortified with rice germ extract to soften your skin, as well as vitamin E to help protect and repair your skin.
Promising Review:
“My absolute holy grail! Very faint scent and doesn't clog up my pores. Doesn't get sticky as well after application.”- zhijean57
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream is regarded as one of the best sunscreens available in the market as it provides broad-spectrum Sun protection while keeping the skin calm throughout the day with soothing Aloe Vera Extracts.
Overview
This gentle sunscreen features Aloe Vera Extracts to fend off the harsh effects that the environment has on our skin. Besides that, the formula contains a blend of Glycerine and Aloe Vera Extract which leaves our skin soft and plump thanks to the combined hydrating and moisturising properties. With that said, this sunscreen would make a great pick for those with sensitive and dry skin.
Promising Review
“I have been using this sunscreen for 2 months now and I really like this sunscreen. It leaves my skin glowing. Smells pleasant and feels so light on the skin!” – Wahni
97% of users found that the Dr. Murad Blemish Spot Treatment has improved the appearance of their blemishes in just 1 day. Intrigued yet?
Overview
This acne treatment is composed of a maximum strength formula that minimizes blemish sizes and redness in just 4 hours. Its salicylic acid content works to exfoliate and clear pores so as to smoothen your skin.
Other ingredients include pine and thyme extracts that fight irritants whiles restoring your skin’s balance. Finally, the formula is also fortified with horse chestnut and oat extracts to smoothen your skin and soothe any skin redness.
Promising Review:
“It did help with my pimples. I will repurchase for sure!”- joey_icecream
Refresh and rejuvenate your skin with this cleansing foam that is filled with green tea extracts. Its simple formula effectively does the job by removing any residue and leftover make-up.
Overview
The Innisfree Green Tea Foam cleanser is formulated with Beauty Green Tea and green tea root extracts that work to penetrate deep into your pores. It’ll thoroughly cleanse and moisturize your skin at the same time.
Particularly, Beauty Green Tea is a key ingredient in this cleanser. This moisturizing ingredient contains high amino acids that are skin warriors in boosting hydration and moisture for your skin. And in this hot and humid weather, it’s definitely what your skin craves for. Brace yourself for a much cleaner, softer and supple-looking skin!
Promising Review:
“Recommend for those who has sensitive skin, it won't be irritating to the skin.”- tiffanyshia
The Cosmoderm Gentle Q10 Day Moisturiser contains a moisture barrier locking system that retains your skin’s moisture for stronger, softer and more resilient-looking skin.
Overview
This moisturiser also contains a sunscreen with an SPF 25 PA+++ to defend both UVA and UVB rays. Its aloe vera and chamomile extracts as well as sea cucumber properties are the key ingredients in soothing and hydrating your skin throughout the day.
Plus, its incredibly light formulation makes it suitable to blend well on any skin type, be it dry or sensitive.
Promising Review:
“Good product quality, good value for money and fast delivery as well!!”- Shopee user
They always say the beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. But let’s talk seriousness here. Beauty is always the first impression and the eyes are one of the best features to charm someone.
Overview
Lo and behold; the Innisfree Jeju Orchid Eye Cream is an anti-ageing eye cream that is concocted of Jeju orchids to radiate a younger and healthier-looking skin for you. It contains a precious orchid elixir that serves as a superior antioxidant ingredient that is extracted from the Jeju orchids to give your skin strength, radiance and glow.
In short, the eye cream reduces wrinkles, increases elasticity and improves your skin tone thanks to its abundance of nutrition.
Promising Review:
“Moisturizing and nourishing. Recommended for those who are looking for economic anti-aging eye care product!”- yengminyi90
Tired of the bumpy reds that just sweetly carouse their way to your skin? Like these fellas seriously do not know the meaning of ‘party-poopers’. Well, say hello to The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution that will help buzz off these fellas and they would never dare to appear on your skin again.
Overview
The salicylic acid content is a beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates your skin. Its 2% concentration exfoliates the inner walls of the pores to ward off signs of blemishes. This will in no doubt reveal much clearer skin with continued usage. Moreover, the formula also contains witch hazel that helps your blemish-prone skin.
Promising Review:
“I just love this more because it works better. My skin has changed so much ever since I started using it. My acnes have visibly reduced and my skin texture has improved significantly.”- Yanrula
If you have combination or dehydrated skin, you may want to consider something that can help boost hydration, With that, the Hydro Cream from Maurice K Beauty might be worth considering.
Overview
This Hydro Cream will provide you with a delicate 24-hour treatment that will effectively moisturize all layers of your skin. By boosting moisture retention within the skin, hyaluronic acids can fill up and soften any fine wrinkles from the inside.
Furthermore, the product has the advantage of being devoided by mineral oils, parabens, and PEGs, which give the skin a silky-smooth feel. It also has a preventive effect on the skin by preventing moisture loss.
Additionally, the Hydro Cream has a light texture which is useful for rapid absorption, seemingly making it a great make-up basis for those who like to wear makeup.
Promising Review
“Lovely smell and only a little required to work into a nice lather. Goes on easily and is gentle on the skin, and does not irritate mild breakouts. I use this alongside other ranges from Maurice K and together they really do help with giving me good skin.” – Eve Crawford
Overview
Relieve your skin of stress with the soothing ingredients of Numbuzin No.7 Mild Soothing Serum. Infused with Morinda Citrifolia Extract and Centella Asiatica Extract as the main concentrates in its beautifully crafted formula, this serum combats skin irritation by soothing and calming the skin throughout the day.
Additionally, it contains 27 soothing ingredients that work synergistically to maintain its anti-inflammatory functions.
Product Details
- Packed with an impressive list of 29 natural extracts including Noni, Cica, Green Tea and Mugwort to soothe irritated skin
- Excellent for sensitive and acne-prone skin
- Keeps the skin hydrated with Butylene Glycol and Glycerine
Who is this for?
The formula is perfect for all skin types but is tailored for those with sensitive skin and prone to redness. With that, if you have acne-prone skin then this serum helps to calm the inflammation which reduces the redness and appearance of flare-ups which aids in the process of healing.
FAQ:
- Why is skincare important?
The skin is the largest organ of our body and just like other organs, it requires love and care. This can be easily achieved by proper skincare which includes a good skincare routine and keeping our body healthy by eating clean and getting some sweat out from time to time.
There is a quote that says “look good feel good” which goes to show that healthy-looking skin boosts one’s confidence as you are essentially preventing undesirable skin conditions like acne, pigmentation, skin texture and wrinkles.
- Skincare helps our skin stay in healthy condition. There are plenty of environmental and endogenous factors that can be harmful to the skin. This is why we do our best to reduce as much risk as possible.
- Other than that, skincare allows your skin to appear more youthful. This is extremely important for those who want to age like fine wine and honestly, who doesn’t?
- As mentioned, skincare provides your skin with ample nutrition which keeps it youthful and radiant.
- One can easily prevent skin problems like premature ageing without having to burn a hole in the pocket in an effort to fix them.
- The Top 3 Ingredients To Have In Your Skincare Routine
As there are plenty of skincare products in the market, one tends to get easily overwhelmed in questioning the right one to pick. It all comes down to the kind of ingredients that are in these products. With the right ingredients, the particular skincare product will be everyone’s holy grail, no matter their skin type.
There are 3 main ingredients that are vital to have in your skincare routine:
1. Vitamin antioxidants (vitamin C)
Antioxidant vitamin C brightens your skin by preventing the production of brown spots. It corrects prior photodamage and offers coverage against daily stress factors, pollution and UV rays. Vitamin C is best applied in the mornings on a clean face, before the application of any heavy oil-based moisturizers, followed by sun protection.
2. Sunscreen
Most skin damage comes from daily exposure to UV rays. Slathering on a dollop of sunscreen daily, especially in our scorching climate, certainly helps to keep your skin in great shape as well as potentially protect the skin from skin cancers.
There is a wide range of sunscreens that are available in the market; such as mineral powder, moisturizing ones, and even those that contain hyaluronic acid and niacinamide (vitamin B3).
3. Retinol
Retinols are natural occurring derivatives of vitamin A that work to improve your skin’s texture, fine lines and unwanted brown pigmentation. A must-have for anti-ageing skincare routines, Retinols help to regulate skin turnover, increase collagen production and unclog pores.
- What's Your Skin Type?
Oftentimes, we get caught up in trends and find ourselves wanting to try the latest products that people are raving about. But buying the correct skincare products starts with knowing what your skin type is. And trust us, this makes a huge difference. Here are the five main skin types, explained:
-
Normal Skin Type
If your skin is neither dry nor oily, chances are that you have normal skin. Pores are usually small and not easily visible, and your skin tone is generally even, with few blemishes. In the rare cases when your skin is oily or dry to the point that it is flaking, it is also easy to resolve. Additionally, your skin does not exhibit an apparent amount of fine lines and wrinkles, nor does it display excess shine.
-
Oily Skin Type
Due to an increase in sebum production, your skin appears greasy and your pores appear larger and more visible. You commonly experience blackheads, whiteheads, pustules and other forms of acne blemishes due to the excess amount of oil that is produced and you find it difficult to make your makeup stay on all day without sliding off.
-
Dry Skin Type
Your skin is patchy or flaky and you regularly experience tightness in your skin. Your pores are not visible and your skin is easily irritated. You may also be more prone to premature wrinkles.
-
Combination Skin Type
The most common skin type - your skin type is a mixture of two kinds of skin type, resulting in dry areas around certain parts of the face, and excessive oil on others. Often, the T-zone is the greasiest part while areas such as your cheeks remain generally dry.
-
Sensitive Skin Type
Your skin could display the characteristics of oily, dry or combination skin, yet it is prone to redness and irritation. It is also easily inflamed, causing you to have to be extra cautious about the products that you use.
- How to Choose the Right Products for Your Skin Type
Now that you've identified your skin type, it is important to know which kinds of products would work best for your skin. This is especially so because no matter what skin type you might have, steps such as cleansing, moisturising and wearing sunscreen remains basic steps that ought to be taken. Here are things to take note of when putting together your skincare regimen:
-
Normal Skin Type
The easiest skin type to maintain, simply avoid products that make your skin feel either excessively greasy or dry.
-
Oily Skin Type
Forgoing a moisturiser might actually make your skin oilier. Opt for one that is lightweight and oil-free. Do not immediately settle on products that dry out your skin as these might be harsh. Use products that contain gentle exfoliators and use Salicylic Acid to treat acne.
-
Dry Skin Type
Cream moisturisers might be better than lotions as they have a higher volume of oil. Avoid harsh ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide that dries out your skin even further and stick to products with moisturising ingredients.
-
Combination Skin Type
Stick to natural ingredients and products without fragrance. Use heavier products on drier areas, and lightweight ones on your greasy parts. Exfoliate regularly with a gentle exfoliator to unclog pores.
At this point, we know that it can be slightly daunting to have so much to take into consideration. However, your skin will thank you for it.
Conclusion: Give It Time
Overall, building a skincare regimen is a process that will require lots of trying to know what suits your skin best. But consistency is key. Bear in mind that it generally takes an average of 6 weeks for you to see visible results. So give it time. At the end of the day, there is no quick-fix to getting the skin that you want.
More related recommendations
- Best Facial Cleansers
- Best Toners in Malaysia
- Best Face Serums
- Best Face Moisturisers for Every Skin Type
- Best Facial Sunscreens
- Best Drugstore Skincare Products in Malaysia
- Best Dermatologist-recommended Products in Malaysia
- Best Salicylic Acid Products in Malaysia
- Best Acne (Pimple) Patches in Malaysia
- Best Serums for Acne Scars in Malaysia
- Best Acne Scar Products in Malaysia