Serums have become essential to skincare routines, offering targeted solutions for various skin concerns. Packed with potent ingredients, these concentrated formulas deliver powerful results to help you achieve a radiant and youthful complexion. From hydrating hyaluronic acid serums to vitamin C-infused formulas that brighten and even out skin tone, the options are endless. These serums are designed to penetrate deep into the skin, delivering active ingredients that work their magic to address specific concerns.
Regular use allows you to see improvements in your skin’s overall texture, firmness, and radiance. Whether you are a skincare enthusiast or new to the world of serums, these top-rated products will elevate your skincare routine and help you achieve the healthy, glowing complexion you desire. Here are the 10 best serums in Malaysia.
When Should Serum Be Applied In Skincare Routine?
Serums are typically applied after cleansing and toning but before moisturizing. This step allows the concentrated active ingredients in the serum to penetrate deeply into the skin, addressing specific concerns such as hydration, brightening, or anti-ageing. They work best when applied to clean, slightly damp skin, as this enhances absorption. Depending on the serum’s purpose, you may use it in the morning, evening, or both.
How Much Serum Should You Use Per Application?
A small amount of serum, typically pea-sized or dime-sized, is generally sufficient for each application. Serums are highly concentrated with active ingredients, so too much may lead to product wastage and potentially overwhelm your skin. Gently apply the serum in small dots across your face and then distribute it evenly by gently patting or pressing it into your skin.
How To Choose The Best Serum That Suits Your Skin?
When choosing a serum, it is important to consider your specific skincare concerns and goals. Here are some key factors to look for when selecting a serum:
- Check the ingredients
Look for serums that contain potent and effective active ingredients. For example, hyaluronic acid is excellent for hydration, vitamin C is known for its brightening and antioxidant properties, and retinol is effective for anti-ageing. Research the ingredients, such as glycerin, panthenol and betaine, that target your specific concerns and choose a serum that includes them.
- Formulation and Texture
Consider the formulation and texture of the serum because some serums have lightweight and fast-absorbing textures, while others may be more gel-like or oil-based. Choose a texture that suits your skin type and preferences. Lightweight and non-greasy formulations are ideal for oily skin, while drier skin may benefit from more nourishing and moisturising textures.
- Concentration
Pay attention to the concentration of active ingredients in the serum. Higher concentrations tend to be more potent and deliver more noticeable results. However, it is essential to start with lower concentrations if you have sensitive skin or are new to using serums and gradually increase the potency as your skin adjusts.
Read more for other skincare products to improve your skincare routine:
10 Best Serums in Malaysia 2023
1. Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution is a targeted treatment designed to improve skin clarity and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Infused with Activated C, White Birch, and Peony Extracts, this serum helps brighten the skin and diminish the number and intensity of dark spots and discolourations. It has been clinically demonstrated to effectively correct various dark spots, including those caused by ageing and UV exposure. It promotes a more even and radiant skin tone.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Aqua / Water, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Peg/ppg/polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol, 3-o-ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ppg-6-decyltetradeceth-30, Phenoxyethanol, Salicylic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Potassium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil / Lavender Oil, Disodium Edta, Adenosine, Linalool, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Citrus Aurantium Tachibana Peel Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
- Size Available: 30ml
- Country of Origin: United States
Pros:
✅ Improves skin clarity
✅ Reduces the appearance of dark spots
✅ Promotes radiant skin tone
Price: RM258.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
2. La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum is enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 that deeply hydrates the skin, leaving it plump and helping to restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier. It specifically targets wrinkles, fine lines, loss of volume, and elasticity, making it suitable for addressing signs of ageing. The formula is allergy-tested and fragrance-free, ensuring it is gentle on sensitive skin and helps improve your skin’s overall appearance and texture.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Aqua / Water, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat, Propylene Glycol, Panthenol, Pentylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Peg-6 Caprylic/capric Glycerides, Ppg-6-decyltetradeceth-30, Glyceryl Isostearate, Madecassoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Disodium Edta, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum /fragrance B212343/1
- Size Available: 30ml
- Country of Origin: France
Pros:
✅ Deeply hydrates the skin
✅ Restores the skin’s natural moisture barrier
✅ Improves the skin’s texture
Price: RM180.41
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
3. Eucerin Spotless Brightening Booster Serum
Eucerin Spotless Brightening Booster Serum contains patented Thiamidol, clinically proven to reduce dark spots by 75% without laser treatment. You can achieve a more radiant and even complexion in just two weeks. The upgraded formula includes a Pro-Brightening system to prevent the reappearance of dark spots. This non-greasy serum absorbs quickly and has a light fragrance. Experience the transformative benefits of this gentle and effective serum for brighter, more luminous skin.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Aqua, Alcohol Denat, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Octocrylene, Isopropyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Distarch Phosphate, Methylpropanediol, Isobutylamido Thiazolyl Resorcinol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract, Tocopherol, Glucosylrutin, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Dimethicone, Isoquercitrin, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Trisodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
- Size Available: 30ml
- Country of Origin: Germany
Pros:
✅ Reduces dark spots
✅ Non-greasy formulation
✅ Leaves a more even complexion
Price: RM209.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
4. L’Occitane Immortelle Reset Oil-in-Serum
L’Occitane Immortelle Reset Oil-in-Serum is a lightweight serum that works to reset your skin in 7 days. It contains powerful ingredients like Immortelle essential oil, known for its antioxidant properties that boost skin radiance. The serum also includes Acmella Oleacera extract, which relaxes facial muscles and reduces lines caused by stress. Marjoram extract helps reawaken the skin at a cellular level, promoting overall skin health and leaving a refreshed and rejuvenated complexion.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Isononyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Dextrin Palmitate, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Helichrysum Italicum Flower Oil, Helichrysum Italicum Extract, Origanum Majorana Leaf Extract, Acmella Oleracea Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Adenosine, Fructose, Carbomer, Maltodextrin, Sodium Hydroxide, Palmitic Acid, Disodium Edta, Cellulose Gum, Amodimethicone, Tocopherol, Chlorphenesin, Parfum/Fragrance, CI 40800/Beta-Carotene
- Size Available: 30ml
- Country of Origin: France
Pros:
✅ Tackles fine lines
✅ Boosts skin radiance
✅ Resets the skin in just 7 days
Price: RM285.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
5. Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster is a concentrated formula that contains 15% pure vitamin C. This serum effectively brightens uneven skin tone while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Suitable for all skin types, it reveals a more radiant complexion. The feather-light, liquid formula absorbs quickly into the skin. You can use it alone or mix a few drops with your moisturizer after cleansing, toning, and exfoliating for healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Water, Ascorbic Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, PPG-26 Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Tocopherol, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Glycerin, Panthenol, Sodium Metabisulfite, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol
- Size Available: 20ml
- Country of Origin: United States
Pros:
✅ Brightens uneven skin tone
✅ Decreases the visibility of wrinkles
✅ Easily absorbs into the skin
Price: RM255.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
6. Biotherm Life Plankton Elixir Anti-Aging Serum
Biotherm Life Plankton Elixir Anti-Aging Serum is a daily serum enriched with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and Life Plankton to nourish and hydrate the skin, leaving it healthy, glowing, and refreshed. This serum specifically targets dehydration and improves the skin’s overall appearance, helping to prevent the formation of fine lines. It suits all skin types and provides intense hydration for smoother, firmer, and more resilient skin. Clinically proven results show that the skin becomes 52% more radiant after just one week of use.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Aqua, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat, Dimethicone, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Octyldodecanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Vitreoscilla Ferment, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, Peg-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Dehyded Ethylenediamine Trisodium, Pentylene Glycol, Faex Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Salycyloyl Phytosphingosine, Tocopherol, Parfum Hyaluronic Acid
- Size Available: 30ml
- Country of Origin: France
Pros:
✅ Prevents the formation of fine lines
✅ Targets dehydration issues
✅ Improves the health of the skin
Price: RM270.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
7. Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate
Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate is an age control concentrate designed to target the 5 vital functions of the skin, promoting a more youthful and radiant complexion. With 21 active plant extracts, including the star ingredient turmeric, known for its anti-ageing properties, this serum effectively addresses the signs of skin ageing. It helps improve skin radiance, firmness, and smoothness, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Glycerin, Isononyl Isononanoate, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Ppg-3 Myristyl Ether, Ethylene/propylene/styrene Copolymer, Dipsacus Sylvestris Extract, Butylene Glycol, Parfum/Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Propanediol, Tromethamine, Silybum Marianum Seed Oil, Carbomer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Escin, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin. Squalane. Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract. Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract. Butylene/ethylene/styrene Copolymer. Leontopodium Alpinum Extract. Xanthan Gum. Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Unsaponifiables, Caramel, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine, Musa Sapientum (Banana) Fruit Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract, Kalanchoe Pinnata Leaf Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/stem Extract, Disodium Edta, Tocopherol, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Maltodextrin, Orthosiphon Stamineus Extract, Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Leaf Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Jania Rubens Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Engelhardtia Chrysolepis Leaf Extract, CI 14700/red 4, Callicarpa Japonica Fruit Extract [v2925a]
- Size Available: 50ml
- Country of Origin: France
Pros:
✅ Addresses signs of skin ageing
✅ Improves skin radiance
✅ Smoothes wrinkles
Price: RM393.80
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
8. Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Serum
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Serum is a hydrating serum that moisturises, repairs and protects the skin. It features blue hyaluronic acid, which penetrates deeply to hydrate the skin. The serum also contains xylitol to boost hyaluronic acid levels, collagen for skin firmness, beta-glucan to lock in moisture, and tocopherol for antioxidant protection. Suitable for all skin types, this lightweight formula moisturizes, plumps, and improves skin texture for a youthful appearance.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Water / Aqua / Eau, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Squalane, 1,2-hexanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp Copolymer, Propanediol, Carbomer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Tromethamine, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Dextrin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance / Parfum, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Disodium Edta, Betaine, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Beta-glucan, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Glucose, Tocopherol, Magnesium Chloride, Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract
- Size Available: 50ml
- Country of Origin: South Korea
Pros:
✅ Deeply moisturises the skin
✅ Antioxidant protection
✅ Improves skin texture
Price: RM210.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
9. Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate Serum
Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate Serum is a lightweight and potent antioxidant face serum. Its advanced formula visibly reduces signs of ageing, boosts hydration, and enhances radiance within just 3 days. This serum results from 150 years of Japanese skincare innovation and features ImuGenerationRED Technology™, strengthening the skin’s defence mechanism. Experience the nourishing benefits of this powerful serum as it provides vital nutrients to your skin, resulting in a more youthful and radiant complexion in a short period.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Diglycerin, Peg/Ppg-17/4 Dimethyl Ether, Phenoxyethanol, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Triethylhexanoin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Trehalose, Peg-14M, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Peg/Ppg-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Tocopheryl Acetate, Alcohol, Fragrance (Parfum), Disodium Edta, Potassium Hydroxide, Silica, Isoceteth-10, Lauryl Betaine, Sodium Metabisulfite, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Hydroxyproline, Nelumbo Nucifera Germ Extract, Origanum Majorana Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract, Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-glucan, Thymus Serpyllum Extract, Bht, Lactobacillus/Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Ferment Filtrate, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Sodium Bicarbonate, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Ganoderma Lucidum (Mushroom) Stem Extract
- Size Available: 50ml
- Country of Origin: Japan
Pros:
✅ Lightweight formulation
✅ Strengthens the skin’s defence mechanism
✅ Contains nourishing benefits
Price: RM460.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
10. SKIN ELEMENTO Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum
Experience skin transformation with lab-tested certified SKIN ELEMENTO Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum enriched with 4 types of hyaluronic acid for intense hydration. This potent formula visibly reduces fine lines, enhances skin firmness, and absorbs quickly due to its non-sticky, fragrance-free formulation. The serum targets diverse skin concerns and deeply penetrates the skin to combat wrinkles and uneven tone. Elevate your skincare routine by incorporating this serum daily to reveal a radiant, youthful complexion.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chondrus Crispus Extract (Irish Moss Extract), Matrixyl 3000™ (Glycerin, Water, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7), Niacinamide, Panax Ginseng (Ginseng) Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, *Benzyl Alcohol, *Salicylic Acid, *Glycerin, *Sorbic Acid. *COSMOS & Ecocert certified preservative
- Volume: 30ml
- Country of Origin: Malaysia
Pros:
✅ Contains 4 types of hyaluronic acid
✅ Visibly reduces the look of fine lines
✅ Enhances the firmness of the skin
✅ Non-sticky formulation
✅ Super fast absorption
✅ Fragrance-free
✅ Intense hydration
Price: RM 169.90
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
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.asia. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
