In Malaysia, whitening face creams, also known as skin brightening or lightening creams, are popular due to cultural preferences for fair skin. These creams target pigmentation, dark spots, and uneven complexion, promising a radiant appearance. While they cater to diverse skin types and concerns, effectiveness varies. Consumers should prioritize safety and informed choices for desired results, considering individual skin concerns and formulations.
As Malaysian consumers seek brighter skin, the whitening face cream market expands with options from local and international brands. With various formulations for different skin types, tones, and concerns, consumers must prioritize safety, ingredient transparency, and individual sensitivities. Making informed decisions ensures effective incorporation of face whitening creams into skincare routines. Go ahead and check our list of the top 10 whitening face creams in Malaysia.
How Whitening Face Creams Improve Skin Tone?
Whitening face creams improve skin tone through a combination of key ingredients like glycolic acid and vitamin C. Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, exfoliates the skin, promoting the shedding of dead cells and encouraging the growth of fresh skin cells. This process reduces the appearance of dullness and acne scars, leading to a more even complexion. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, inhibiting melanin production responsible for dark spots and uneven skin tone.
By moderating melanin levels, vitamin C brightens the skin and achieves a lighter tone. Additionally, antioxidants like niacinamide and licorice extract contribute to skin tone improvement by reducing inflammation and protecting against environmental damage. With continued use, these creams effectively target various pigmentation issues, resulting in a brighter, more radiant complexion. However, individuals with sensitive skin should exercise caution and consult with a dermatologist before incorporating whitening face creams into their skincare routine.
What Are the Best Steps to Apply Whitening Face Creams?
Discover the optimal routine for applying whitening face creams to achieve radiant, even-toned skin. Learn the essential steps to effectively incorporate these creams into your skincare regimen for maximum effectiveness and results.
Read more articles below for whitening product selections:
Best Whitening Supplements In Malaysia
Best Whitening Body Lotions in Malaysia
10 Best Whitening Face Creams in Malaysia 2025
1. Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
The Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream is a great whitening face cream that brightens the complexion and delivers moisture to the skin. This face cream contains niacinamide that helps to fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation and acne scars that are hard to remove. This cream also contains Goheung Yuja extract that is essential for hydrating the skin while brightening the skin’s complexion. The texture is a gel that absorbs easily into the skin.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Citrus Junos Fruit Extract(90 %), Niacinamide(5 %), 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Water(Glacier Water), Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water, Thuja Orientalis Leaf Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Coptis Japonica Extract, Arbutin, (-)-Alpha-Bisabolol, Glutathione, Biotin, Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Tocopherol, Panthenol, Cyanocobalamin, Menadione, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Arginine, Adenosine, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, C12-13 Pareth-9, Carbomer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Water, Benzyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Raspberry Ketone, Citrus Junos Peel Oil(156 Ppm), Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Linalool, Limonene
- Country Of Origin: South Korea
- Size Available: 100ml
Pros:
✅ Brightens complexion
✅ Fades dark spots
✅ Hydrates skin
Price: RM35.80
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
2. Hada Labo Premium Whitening Water Gel
Hada Labo Premium Whitening Water Gel has a gel texture that easily absorbs into the skin which makes it suitable for oily and combination skin types. The formula contains skin loving ingredients such as niacinamide, arbutin and vitamin C that work in combination to lighten and even out the tone of the skin to reveal a radiant and glowing face. This cream also has hyaluronic acid that provides moisture and strengthens the skin’s barrier to retain hydration.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Water, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dimethicone, Hydroxyacetophenone, PEG-32, Isononyl Isononanoate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Dimethiconol, Alpha-Arbutin, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Centella Asiatica Extract, Honey Extract, Urea, Trehalose, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Trideceth-10, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Pvm/Ma Copolymer, Serine, Pentylene Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Algin, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium Phosphate, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Pullulan, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Potassium Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Sorbate, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Sebacic Acid, 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid, 1,10-Decanediol
- Country Of Origin: Japan
- Size Available: 50ml
Pros:
✅ Even outs skin tone
✅ Retains hydration
✅ Removes excess sebum
Price: RM59.29
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
3. Bio-essence Bio-White Advanced Whitening Day Cream
The Bio-essence Bio-White Advanced Whitening Day Cream is a whitening face cream that also contains SPF which is suitable to use during the day. The face cream contains tanaka tree bark extract, an ingredient that is traditionally used to cool and whiten the skin. This ingredient also improves the skin’s luminosity and removes any dullness. The cream also contains camellia extract that has a high content of hydration properties that prevent dryness.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, C15-19 Alkane, Glycerin, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, 4-methylbenzylidene Camphor, Dimethicone/vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Titanium Dioxide, Peg-40 Stearate, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Tranexamic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Limonia Acidissima Extract, Citrus Grandis (grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Nut Extract, Tribulus Terrestris Fruit Extract, Ampelopsis Japonica Root Extract, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus (cucumber) Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Broussonetia Papyrifera Bark Extract, Acetyl Glucosamine, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Pyrus Malus (apple) Fruit Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Madecassoside, Rhus Semialata Extract, Tricholoma Matsutake Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Arbutin, Euglena Gracilis Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopherol, Fragrance, Sodium Oxide, Calcium Oxide, Magnesium Oxide, Alumina, Zinc Chloride, Ferric Chloride, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Ci 15985, Ci 16255
- Country Of Origin: Singapore
- Size Available: 50ml
Pros:
✅ Hydrates the skin
✅ Cooling effect
✅ Whitens complexion
Price: RM58.57
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
4. Clinelle WhitenUp Brightening Day Cream
Image credit: I Beauty Today
The Clinelle WhitenUp Brightening Day Cream is a lightweight and non-greasy whitening face cream that is suitable to use during the daytime as it contains SPF. The face cream contains vitamin C that lightens the skin and increases the production of collagen. This cream contains daisy flower extract that aids in balancing out the skin tone. It does not leave any sticky residue after application.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Menthyl Anthranilate, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone, Galactoarabinan, Polysorbate 60, Titanium Dioxide, Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Pearl, Tocopheryl Acetate (D-alpha), Zinc Oxide, Sodium PCA, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Lavandula Hybrida (Lavandin) Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Cymbopogon Martini (Palmarosa) Oil, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Leaf Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, O-cymen-5-OL, Dextrin, Xanthan Gum, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol
- Country Of Origin: Hong Kong
- Size Available: 40ml
Pros:
✅ Non-greasy
✅ Balances out skin tone
✅ Increases collagen production
Price: RM32.87
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
5. Wardah Lightening Day Gel
The Wardah Lightening Day Gel is a moisturizer that makes the skin supple after applying and contains SPF that protects the skin from UV rays. The formulation contains allantoin that is essential in soothing the skin from redness and irritations. In addition, the formula of the face cream contains niacinamide and licorice extract that helps to brighten any dark spots and hyperpigmentation that is on the skin.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Aqua, Niacinamide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, Chlorphenesin, Silica, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Potassium Hydroxide, Fragrance, Amodimethicone, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Actinidia Polygama Fruit Extract, Trideceth-9, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ci 42090
- Country Of Origin: Indonesia
- Size Available: 30ml
Pros:
✅ Makes the skin supple
✅ Brightens dark spots
✅ Soothes skin from irritation and redness
Price: RM13.99 – RM15.59
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
6. Dr.Jart+ V7 Toning Light Cream
The Dr. Jart+ V7 Toning Light Cream helps to boost the moisture levels of your skin while whitening your complexion. This lightweight cream helps to improve tired and dull skin as it keeps the skin looking radiant after application. The formula contains white jade extract that brightens the skin and a vitamin complex that lightens the skin while keeping the skin moisturized. The formula also contains nicotinamide that has anti-inflammatory properties.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Niacinamide, Panthenol, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Beta-Sitosterol, Glyceryl Linoleate, Glyceryl Linolenate, Glyceryl Arachidonate, Ubiquinone, Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Biotin, Mineral Water, Bacillus Ferment, Nephrite Powder, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isohexadecane, Sodium Polyacrylate, Beta-Glucan, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Polysorbate 80, Dimethiconol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Betaine, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Trideceth-6, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin
- Country Of Origin: South Korea
- Size Available: 40ml
Pros:
✅ Brightens skin tone
✅ Anti-inflammatory
✅ Improves dull and tired skin
Price: RM98.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
7. Laneige Radian-C Cream
The Laneige Radian-C Cream is a unique whitening face cream that utilises a new technology that increases the clarity and brightness of the skin. The formula contains an anti-blue light formulation that penetrates the skin barrier to deliver protection against blue light and gets rid of any ultra-fine hidden spots on the skin. This cream prevents any light damage from occurring on the skin and reduces skin redness.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (8.5%), Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Methyl Trimethicone, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Cetearyl Olivate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Limonene, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Citric Acid, Fragrance/Parfum, Thymol Trimethoxycinnamate, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Citrate, Linalool, Tocopherol, Madecassoside, Citral, Geraniol
- Country Of Origin: South Korea
- Size Available: 50ml
Pros:
✅ Protects skin against blue light
✅ Whitens the complexion
✅ Gets rid of ultra-fine dark spots
Price: RM129.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
8. Himalaya Clear Complexion Whitening Day Cream
The Himalaya Clear Complexion Whitening Day Cream is another good option of a whitening face cream and is most suitable for those with dry skin as it is rich and thick. This face cream helps to brighten your skin’s complexion and fades dark spots due to its ingredients that are rich in phenols and flavonoids. These ingredients have a high amount of antioxidant properties that repair the skin’s barrier and protect it from any further skin damage. This cream is hypoallergenic and free of parabens too.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Aqua, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Myristate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sorbitan Stearate, Sucrose Cocoate, Titanium Dioxide, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Fragrance, Sodium Benzoate, Carbomer, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Hedychium Spicatum Extract, Alpinia Galanga Rhizome Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methylisothiazolinone, Vateria Indica Bark Extract, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Bombax Malabaricum Flower Extract, Rheum Emodi Root Extract, Ci 14700
- Country Of Origin: India
- Size Available: 50ml
Pros:
✅ Protects skin from damage
✅ Repairs skin barrier
✅ Lightens dark spots
Price: RM48.90
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
9. L’Occitane Reine Blanche Whitening Rich Cream
The L’Occitane Reine Blanche Whitening Rich Cream is a gel based whitening face cream. This face cream has the brand’s special Reine Blanche formulation that is inspired by a white flower called the Queen of the Meadows that has a magnificent self-whitening power. This face cream visibly reduces the appearance of an uneven skin tone and refines the texture of the skin. This face cream also delivers ample hydration and illumination to the skin so it appears radiant and glowing. With every application of this cream, the complexion of the skin is whitened.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octyldodecyl Myristate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract, Morus Alba Root Extract, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Sodium Citrate, Laureth-7, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Parfum/Fragrance, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Citronellol
- Country Of Origin: France
- Size Available: 50ml
Pros:
✅ Hydrates the skin
✅ Whitens the complexion
✅ Reduces uneven skin tone
Price: RM238.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
10. Olay White Radiance Intensive Whitening Cream
The Olay White Radiance Intensive Whitening Cream reduces the appearance of dark spots and pores on the skin’s surface. This whitening face cream contains SPF 15 that protects the skin from harmful UV rays emitted from the sun which makes it suitable to use in the morning. The formula contains vitamin B3 which is also known as niacinamide, which fades dark spots and acne marks on the skin. Vitamin E is also included in the formula to increase the translucency of the skin and reduce wrinkles.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Niacinamide, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Isopropyl Isostearate, Polyacrylamide, Octocrylene, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Polyethylene, Triethanolamine, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Stearyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetyl Alcohol, Titanium Dioxide, Behenyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Ethylparaben, Fragrance, Laureth-7, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, PEG-100 Stearate, Disodium EDTA, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Morus Alba Root Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract, CI 19140
- Country Of Origin: South Africa
- Size Available: 100ml
Pros:
✅ Reduces appearance of pores
✅ Fades dark spots
✅ Reduces wrinkles
Price: RM56.90
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
These have been the top 10 whitening face creams in Malaysia. With the selection of whitening face creams listed above, one should look at these few details before making your choice:
- Price
There are plenty of affordable and high end options of whitening face creams listed above so it is essential that you create a budget for yourself to avoid any overspending.
- Ingredients
All of these whitening face creams have the primary focus of whitening the complexion. However, there are other accompanying ingredients that help to tackle other skin issues such as dryness and protection from UV rays. This is why you should consider the ingredients and whether it will be essential for your skin.
- Skin Type
Not all these face creams will suit all skin types as the formulation differs from each brand. If you have a dry skin type, you should opt for a cream texture while those with oily skin types should go for a gel texture.
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
