Sometimes, your skin needs help from the best pimple cream in Malaysia!
It seems that just about anything can cause a pesky breakout (e.g. period, stress, pollution, etc)!
So instead of feeling helpless and frustrated, you can apply the best acne cream or acne treatment. To speed up the recovery process!
Table Of Contents:
- How To Choose The Best Acne Cream
- Best Acne Creams In Malaysia
- Tips On How To Use Acne Treatment Products
How To Choose The Best Acne Cream
Whether you get yours OTC (over the counter) or online, here are some guidelines on how to select an acne cream for your skin!
1. Ingredients
Make sure that the acne cream has the right ingredients (*1)!
Ingredients To Look Out For:
- Benzoyl peroxide (5 up to 10%) – don’t start at the highest!
- Salicylic acid (5 to 2%)
- Resorcinol
- Alpha hydroxy acids (e.g. glycolic acid and lactic acid)
- Sulfur
The first two help to treat acne. While alpha hydroxyl acids, resorcinol and sulfur act as exfoliants to remove dead skin cells. Which can clog up your pores!
At the same time, this encourages the growth of new skin.
2. Cause Of Acne
To better determine which is the best acne treatment in Malaysia for you, here are some examples:
On how to pair products with the cause and symptoms of your acne (*2)!
- Cluster of pimples in an area (Cause: hormonal) – A facial cleanser with salicylic acid and a spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide
- Occasional random whitehead (Cause: clogged pores) – Spot treatment with salicylic acid
- Blackheads (Cause: clogged pores) – Exfoliation and a cleanser with salicylic acid
- Angry pus-filled pimples or small red pimples that do not become whiteheads (Cause: bacterial inflammation) – benzoyl peroxide cream
- Blind pimples, usually painful (Cause: bacterial inflammation) – Spot treatment with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide
If your pimple is huge and very painful (and usually in a recurring spot), that may be a sign of cystic acne.
Your best course of action is to see your dermatologist!
3. Skin Type
Acne creams are typically drying. So follow the product directions accordingly. Putting more doesn’t mean the acne will go away faster!
In general:
Oily Skin – Avoid oils (petroleum or essential); choose foaming cleansers, light gels and lotions, astringents like tea tree oil
Normal to Dry Skin – Leave out alcohol; stick to thicker creams and SLS-free (no foam) cleansers
11 Best Acne Creams In Malaysia
This is our own opinion and does not replace the advice given by your healthcare professional.
- Best For Mild-To Moderate Acne – Hiruscar Anti-Acne Spot Gel+
- Best For Serious Acne – Differin Gel Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
- Best For Sensitive Skin With Acne – La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Acne Spot Treatment, Eucerin ProACNE Solution A.I. Clearing Treatment
- Best For Combination Skin With Acne – The Inkey List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment
- Best For Dry Skin With Acne – COSRX AC Collection Ultimate Spot Cream Overnight Magic For Acne
- Best For Oily Skin With Acne – Papulex Oil-free Cream For Acne Prone Skin
1. La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Acne Spot Treatment – Oily Acne-Prone Skin (40ml)
La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Acne Spot has a unique formulation with benzoyl peroxide to penetrate deeper into your pores!
However, this spot treatment formula with AHAs and BHAs is still gentle enough for sensitive skin! Multiple users with sensitive skin do not appear to experience any form of irritation or redness.
Other than being suitable for sensitive skin types:
This product is recommended for those with blackheads and whiteheads too!
Users are impressed with this product as it clears up their acne rapidly. Some even notice overnight results!
On the other hand, there are a few users with dry skin who remark that the treatment irritates their skin.
And some users did not observe any improvement. Furthermore, a small minority find that the product seems to aggravate their acne condition.
- Size: 40ml
- Suitable For: Acne-prone Skin
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid (0.5%)
- Price: ~RM99
Pros:
- Keeps minor breakouts under control
- Watery texture that applies smoothly
- Mattifies the skin
- No alcohol, sulfates or parabens
- Don’t need to use a lot
- Fades redness and scar pigmentation
- Dermatologically-tested
- Suitable for sensitive skin (but patch test first)
Cons:
- With fragrance and silicones
- Pricey
- Comedogenic ingredients (e.g. myristyl myristate)
2. OXY 10 Acne Treatment
For fast results, you can easily pick up the potent OXY 10 Acne Treatment from drug stores in Malaysia. As long as you already know that your skin is okay with 10% benzoyl peroxide!
Expect the acne (and surrounding skin) to dry up soon after using this product! You may want to stay away from this if you have very sensitive skin!
As this product dries up excessive sebum, only those with oilier skin should give this a go! For these skin types, the product can also hinder acne-causing bacteria and unblock pores.
In addition, there’s no need to fret about any residue left on the skin. As this product absorbs completely into the skin!
This cream has worked wonders for those with stubborn acne! They comment that it helps to clear up their acne and prevent breakout recurrences!
For those with dry or sensitive skin, you have been warned! Users with these skin types experience flaking due to skin dryness.
- Size: 10g, 25g
- Suitable For: Acne-prone Skin
- Key Ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide (10%)
- Price: ~RM10 – 24
Pros:
- Free from alcohol, silicones, and sulfates
- Minimal ingredients
- Affordable
- Unclogs pores
Cons:
- Not free from parabens
- Leaves some slight white cast
- May dry up skin excessively – not suitable for dry or sensitive skin
3. Murad Outsmart Acne Clarifying Treatment
Murad Outsmart Acne Clarifying Treatment soothes the skin gently (has allantoin) without drying it out!
It’s most effective on hormonal acne and small blemishes! If you have cystic acne, this is not for you!
Generally, the brand recommends this product for oily, sensitive, normal or combination skin types.
According to reviews, users label this product as a miracle gel! It surprises them with its effectiveness to diminish blemishes, to smooth and clear up their complexion!
Most wait about a week or two before visible improvements can be seen. And they love that it does not excessively dry or their irritate skin!
Users do advise that you may experience acne getting worse first (purging), but this goes away with continuous use.
Those with more serious acne conditions did not notice much improvement. Moreover, some users experienced side effects like burning and tingling of the skin, inflammation, and red patches after application!
- Size: 50ml
- Suitable For: Acne-prone Skin
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid (1%), Niacinamide, Glycolic Acid, Soybean Seed Extract, Citric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)
- Price: ~RM258
Pros:
- Paraben-free, sulfate-free, alcohol-free
- Hydrating
- Lightweight gel
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologically-synthesized
Cons:
- Contains silicone & fragrance
- Citric acid and glycolic acid may irritate sensitive skin
- Very expensive
- May aggravate acne at the start of treatment
4. Eucerin ProACNE Solution A.I. Clearing Treatment
Pairing salicylic acid with glycolic acid:
The Eucerin ProACNE Solution A.I. Clearing Treatment works for minor breakouts. If you have sensitive skin, you can give this one a shot!
It may benefit your skin in several ways:
From controlling sebum production, preventing future breakouts and improving skin texture. To diminishing your whiteheads, inflamed pimples, and blackheads.
Unfortunately, it does little for more serious acne cases!
Reviewers who struggle with frequent breakouts are pleased with this cream. It has soothed and reduced the redness of their pimples. And gotten rid of acne scars for some!
Its effect is quite the opposite for another group of users, though. Some did not reap any benefits at all, and others realized the product was exacerbating their acne condition!
Note: Use it once or twice a week to start.
- Size: 40ml
- Suitable For: Acne-prone Skin
- Key Ingredients: Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract, Salicylic Acid, Gluconolactone, Glycolic Acid, Panthenol
- Price: ~RM75
Pros:
- Sulfate-free, paraben-free, and alcohol-free
- Reduces redness
- Pleasant smell
- Pimples shrink in size
- Not as drying as other acne products
Cons:
- Contains silicone and parfum
- May experience some stinging
- May lead to breakouts for some
5. Papulex Oil-free Cream For Acne Prone Skin
Papulex Oil-free Cream For Acne Prone Skin doesn’t rely on the usual salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide combo present in most of the best acne creams in Malaysia:
The formula uses niacinamide and benzoic acid (antiseptic properties) to clear up your skin over time! And the manufacturer notes that it is suitable for all skin types! Including oily, dry, or combination skin.
However, based on some users’ opinions, it can be too harsh for drier skin types. Hence, it’s best for day time use (and oily skin types) since it is quite drying!
Generally, most users are happy with the results, though improvement is usually seen after 4-6 weeks.
From what reviews say, the acne cream calms down red, aggravated pimples. And helps with oil and shine control!
- Size: 40ml
- Suitable For: Acne-prone Skin
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Benzoic Acid, Zinc PCA
- Price: ~RM49
Pros:
- Sulfate-free, fragrance-free, and alcohol-free
- Affordable
- Offers oil and shine control (Zinc PCA)
- Non-comedogenic
- Easy application
- Suitable for most skin types
- Contains moisturizing ingredients for hydration
- Fragrance free
Cons:
- Contains parabens and silicones
- Not suitable for dry skin types
- Cap is not easy to open
- Improvement can take 4-6 weeks
6. Hiruscar Anti-Acne Spot Gel+
Another drugstore acne treatment product in Malaysia that uses both citric acid (in the form of the stable ethyl ascorbic acid) and salicylic acid to improve your skin texture:
Use it for an overnight treatment on pimples! A few applications (3-4 days) should do the trick to clear the occasional spot! A thin layer for each application will suffice to avoid drying out the skin (e.g. peeling and dry flakes).
The texture is light, and it disappears completely into the skin, leaving no sticky residue! But the peculiar scent may put you off. As it resembles the smell of UHU glue according to a few users.
Most user reviews are positive, complimenting the efficacy in reducing marks and scars! Users with mild blemishes observe that their pimples disappear within a few days.
But it may take 1 to 2 weeks to work if you have bigger pimples or a wider area affected by acne.
Take note that it does not work for everyone! Critics mention that no changes can be seen, even after weeks of application.
Note: Singaporean product.
- Size: 10g
- Suitable For: Acne-prone Skin
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Allantoin
- Price: ~RM27
Pros:
- Alcohol-free, silicone-free, and sulfate-free
- Not sticky or too watery
- Does not smell unpleasant (but strong to some people, some users dislike the smell)
- No oily residue after application
- Narrow tip is convenient for dispensing the product
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Contains parabens
- Smell may put you off
7. Benzac Acne Gel 5%
Benzac Acne Gel 5% by Cetaphil is a water-based, fragrance-free acne gel with 5% benzoyl peroxide. This product does come in a 2.5% version as well.
Application is once (or twice) daily and only on affected areas. You can use it on your face as well as your body.
A thin layer of Benzac Acne Gel 5% is enough. You do not need to slather it all over the acne. The gel feels very light on the skin with a slight cooling sensation.
For what it’s worth, the Benzac Acne Gel 5% is a cheap and effective fix for mild acne and pimples. Some see visible results in a day. But it can take longer too before you see results.
Still, be patient and don’t overuse the Benzac Acne Gel 5% as it can be drying too. It is advisable to apply your daily moisturizer afterwards because of this.
By comparison, the Benzac Acne Gel 5% is not as drying as OXY 10 Acne Treatment. Hence, if your acne isn’t that serious (or if this is the first time that you’re using a benzoyl peroxide treatment), you can go for the Benzac Acne Gel 5% instead.
- Size: 15ml
- Suitable For: Acne-prone Skin, Combination Skin, Sensitive Skin
- Key Ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide (5%), Glycerol
- Price: ~RM12 to RM15
Pros:
- Affordable
- Minimal ingredient list (without fragrance and alcohol)
- Lightweight feel
- Effective in reducing the size of acne (shrinks them)
- Suitable for first-time benzoyl peroxide treatment users
Cons:
- Can be drying
- Doesn’t help with reducing scars
8. The Originote Acne Spot Cream
Besides the Benzac Acne Gel 5%, The Originote Acne Spot Cream is another budget friendly and water-based acne cream you can consider.
However, the key ingredients of The Originote Acne Spot Cream is different from Benzac Acne Gel 5%. The Originote Acne Spot Cream uses a combination of salicylic acid, calamine and sulfur to treat acne. While the Benzac Acne Gel 5% has 5% benzoyl peroxide as its key ingredient.
Some of the ingredients in The Originote Acne Spot Cream are meant to help calm and brighten your skin too (e.g., allantoin, centella asiatica extract, niacinamide, etc).
Note: You might be wary of the second ingredient in The Originote Acne Spot Cream being an alcohol (cetearyl alcohol) but this is a gentler alternative to denatured alcohol.
As for texture, The Originote Acne Spot Cream feels quite thick but has good absorption and is not sticky. The scent is minimal and inoffensive.
And if you want fast results, you will probably be disappointed with The Originote Acne Spot Cream. It definitely takes longer to see results.
Therefore, you might want to have The Originote Acne Spot Cream for skin maintenance as a spot treatment on regular pimples. It can resolve these within a few days.
But you cannot rely on The Originote Acne Spot Cream as an immediate solution for inflamed acne.
- Size: 10g
- Suitable For: Oily Skin, Combination Skin, Normal Skin, Sensitive Skin, Dry Skin
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Calamine, Sulfur, Centella Asiatica Extract, etc
- Price: ~ RM15
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to travel with
- Gentle on the skin
- Helps fade scars
- Has beneficial ingredients besides acne treating ingredients
- Can dry out smaller pimples
- Absorbs well
- Slight herbal scent
- Not drying
Cons:
- Not much in the tube
- Not so effective on inflamed or larger acne
9. SKINTIFIC Salicylic Acid Acne Spot Treatment Gel
SKINTIFIC Salicylic Acid Acne Spot Treatment Gel is more than double the price of The Originote Acne Spot Cream but they have similar ingredients.
Except that The Originote Acne Spot Cream has calamine and sulfur as its key ingredients too. On the other hand, the SKINTIFIC Salicylic Acid Acne Spot Treatment Gel has ceramides and more plant extracts in its composition.
Both the SKINTIFIC Salicylic Acid Acne Spot Treatment Gel and The Originote Acne Spot Cream are water based.
The SKINTIFIC Salicylic Acid Acne Spot Treatment Gel has a runny consistency. And you have to take care when squeezing out the gel, it is easy for a lot of excess product to squirt out of the tube.
If you’re not in a hurry to get rid of your acne, the slow-acting SKINTIFIC Salicylic Acid Acne Spot Treatment Gel is a gentler alternative to benzoyl peroxide treatments.
Results can take anywhere between a day to a week. And being consistent with your application helps.
Because it is not drying, the SKINTIFIC Salicylic Acid Acne Spot Treatment Gel is very suitable for dry skin types. Although other skin types (including oily skin) have found success with this acne treatment too.
- Size: 10g
- Suitable For: Acne Prone Skin, Combination Skin, Normal Skin, Sensitive Skin, Dry Skin
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycerin, Ceramides, etc
- Price: ~ RM40
Pros:
- Fairly quick absorption
- Comfortable texture that is not sticky
- Shrinks pimples acne without drying out skin
- Fades scars (with long term use)
Cons:
- Usually takes time to work
- A bit pricey for the amount that you get
10. COSRX AC Collection Ultimate Spot Cream Overnight Magic For Acne
The tea tree oil may not suit sensitive skin but other ingredients in the COSRX AC Collection Ultimate Spot Cream Overnight Magic For Acne are low risk!
It uses calamine to help dry out blemishes. In combination with calming ingredients like aloe and madecassic acid (part of the CentellAC-Rx Complex in the formula)!
If you have drier skin, you can try this one as an acne spot treatment! As it has a thick creamy consistency. A little goes a long way!
Users attest to the fact that it does not dry out the skin. If you don’t use too much, of course!
It is an effective way to tackle those pesky zits that pop up from time to time. Most users have to apply it for a few consecutive days before any improvements are noticed.
- Size: 30g
- Suitable For: Acne-prone Skin
- Key Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
- Price: ~RM85
Pros:
- Has sun protection (zinc oxide)
- Paraben-free, sulfate-free, and alcohol-free
- Absorbs well
- Anti-bacterial (zinc oxide)
- Reduces pimples (size)
Cons:
- Relatively slow-acting (7 days to see results)
- Contains silicone
11. The Inkey List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment
There are 3 active ingredients in The Inkey List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment:
Succinic acid (2%) for oil control and clearing pores (and keeping them clear), together with salicylic acid (1%) and sulfur (2%) to target common skin blemishes!
There are several reasons why many label it as a ‘miracle product’ for spot treatment. Firstly, it does not dry out their skin. And it shrinks pimples and zits very effectively in merely a few days!
Without irritating sensitive skin too!
Note: Some people see results faster than others (few days to weeks)!
Unfortunately, some critics reveal that it can cause heightened breakouts due to purging. And the smell is detestable. Several users could not tolerate it at all.
And while it helps to cancel out redness due to inflammation:
Some users describe the green tint to be too bright and strong, causing them to resemble ‘Shrek’. The color can be hard to blend as well. But this is issue is avoidable if you only use a little.
In short, The Inkey List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment works. But if you don’t want to risk having a bad-smelling product applied near your nose, you’re better off trying something else from this list!
Note: A good fit for combination skin types.
- Size: 15ml
- Suitable For: Acne-prone Skin
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Malachite Extract, Glycerin, Squalane, Sodium Hyaluronate
- Price: ~RM50
Pros:
- Fragrance free
- Does not contain essential oils
- With antioxidant (malachite extract)
- Clears small spots and hormonal acne
- Not drying
- Green tint to help cancel out the redness in your skin
Cons:
- Comedogenic ingredients (glyceryl stearate, stearic acid, and cetearyl alcohol)
- Some people don’t like the smell (sulfur)
- Green tint is not that easy to blend out
- May cause skin purging at the start
Tips On How To Use Acne Treatment Products
1. Using Benzoyl Peroxide Correctly
When using benzoyl peroxide for the first time, take it slow. And be patient. Gradually increasing the frequency of application too! To ease your skin into it (*3)!
It is also recommended to check if you are allergic to the medication the first time you use it. Do this by applying minimal amounts of the cream to one of two small areas with acne for three days.
The same product may come in other versions to accommodate different levels of benzoyl peroxide (and acne severity). 2.5% is usually good enough.
Remember, more doesn’t mean better! And only apply the gel or cream to the affected areas.
Side notes on benzoyl peroxide:
- If your acne is particularly stubborn, you may want to try another active ingredient. Ask your pharmacist which medication is the most suitable for your condition. Some medications may require a specialist or doctor’s prescription.
- It’s normal for acne to look worse before it gets better. Not always but that is a possibility
- It can take as long as 3 months for acne to clear up
- Be wary of bleaching your favorite bed linen or clothes when you use benzoyl peroxide!
- Do not use this medication on broken skin (*4).
- Cease the product immediately if the treated area becomes swollen. Or if blisters form. If you experience difficulty breathing, seek medical attention at once.
- Your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight. Seek advice from your pharmacist on the best non-comedogenic sunscreen to protect your skin.
2. Have A Consistent Routine
Wash your face twice a day, with an oil-free, water-based moisturizer. And no scrubbing! That includes rubbing your face on a towel, pat gently instead (*5)!
And after you apply your acne treatment (twice a day should be enough):
Give it a few minutes to soak in before applying any other products on top.
If you wear makeup, clean your tools regularly! And do not share your tools or make-up with other people!
Note: Having a consistent routine includes not switching up your products every week!
3. Other Good Habits To Discourage Acne
- Avoid oily (potentially comedogenic) ingredients in your cosmetics, sunscreens, and hair care
- Always remove all makeup before bed
- Resist the temptation to pick at, or squeeze blemishes – infection or scarring may result
- Don’t touch your face, especially with your hands
- Reduce the amount of products you put on your face, at least till the breakout clears
- Change your pillow cases, towels, and bed linen regularly
- more habits to stop
Conclusion
Whatever level your acne is at, you can get the best acne cream in Malaysia for it!
However, to ensure the product is safe for you:
Always patch test first. And consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice on how to treat serious acne!
If you have scars from acne, you could try scar removal cream.
Or get yourself specialist help from some of the best acne scar treatment centers in Malaysia.
PS: If you want to cover up acne scars, check out this post for the best makeup foundation in Malaysia!
