Clear skin and a radiant complexion is attainable with the best whitening creams in Malaysia 2021. Besides a healthy lifestyle and diet!
But you need to keep your expectations realistic! Whitening products will not drastically make you fairer! And if they do, then they’re using chemicals that are too strong to be good for you in the long term!
To give you a better idea of what to look for, start with these reviews of the best whitening creams you can buy in Malaysia!
How Does Whitening Cream Work?
First off, there are enzymes called Tyrosinase that produce melanin. Which is your skin color.
Too much melanin results in hyper pigmentation (like age spots).
Whitening creams hinder these enzymes. Thus reducing the effect of hyper pigmentation on your skin!
You can use a whitening cream together with the best whitening collagen drink in Malaysia!
Any Side Effects?
Some whitening creams use very harsh chemicals which harm your skin over a long period.
Side effects can include:
- less collagen production
- thinner skin
- heightened sun sensitivity
- worsened acne
- skin cancer
The area around your eyes is more sensitive than the rest of your face! For that, you can invest in an eye cream to use instead!
How To Choose The Right Whitening Cream
Since you’re going to apply whitening cream on a daily basis, you might as well look for one that can moisturize.
And help with any existing skin ailments you have!
If you have a particular problem you wish to treat (e.g. melasma):
Or you have very sensitive skin, a visit to a dermatologist is highly recommended! As they can give you professional advice!
1. Skin type
The same rules apply as with picking a toner or facial cleanser to suit your skin type:
But we’re going to mention these to specifically for this post!
Acne-prone
Acne-prone skin will benefit from natural ingredients (including exfoliants). If the product has either salicylic acid or azelaic acid, that’s good too!
Speaking of exfoliants:
If you have stubborn dry patches that are darker than the rest of your skin, you can try a whitening body scrub!
Sensitive
If your skin in sensitive, it may be better if you don’t use whitening cream at all.
But if you do want to try, always test the product first on another discreet part of your body (e.g. inner wrist).
2. Read The Ingredients Before Buying
Healthy skin should always be a priority over the color of your skin!
Many companies take advantage of those wanting to lighten their skin. By using products that are actually not good for your skin!
Therefore, consider your skin type and examine the ingredient label carefully before buying any whitening cream!
Ingredients To Look For
There are plant-based compounds that can lighten your skin without damaging it or causing side effects!
Other ingredients that are ok:
- Natural antioxidants like green tea extract
- Vitamin C (to boost collagen production) – though not as potent as in the best vitamin C serum in Malaysia!
- Vitamin E (to deactivate free radicals)
- Natural moisturizer (e.g. coconut oil, rose hip oil or olive oil)
- Natural exfoliating ingredients – Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) or sugar, salt, oats, etc
Ingredients To Avoid
Lemon juice – Although this is a natural skin (or hair) lightener, lemon juice is very drying so this ingredient is only suitable for oily skin types!
Hydroquinone – Stay away from products that use this. It’s effective at temporarily lightening your skin. But can have adverse side effects in the long run. Like darkening skin or destroying your skin’s texture!
Artificial fragrances – While nice to have, these don’t do anything for your skin. And can irritate sensitive skin further!
Alcohols – Drying but usually unavoidable in most beauty products!
3. Caution With Whitening Creams
- Always test a small quantity first. Either in your inner wrist or inner elbow.
- Don’t skip sunscreen!
A whitening cream gradually reduces the melanin in your skin.
And since melanin protects your skin from UV rays, you’ll definitely need the best sunscreen to keep skin damage away!
However, if your whitening cream already has zinc oxide, this acts as a sunscreen too!
Remove it at the end of the day with the best cleansing oil!
13 Best Whitening Creams In Malaysia 2021
1. SK-II Cellumination Deep Surge EX
SK-II Cellumination Deep Surge EX feels creamy without being sticky. And absorbs well into your skin.
It is very expensive so you may want to get the travel size first before going for the regular size! Though most users don’t see any change for months other than smoother skin!
- Size: 15g, 50g
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Sun Protection: n/a
- Key Ingredients: Pitera™, Aura Bright Cocktail EX
- Price: RM79, RM459
Pros:
- Moisturizing enough to be a night cream
- Lightens acne scars
- Good for most skin types (e.g. oily, dry, acne prone, etc)
Cons:
- Contains fragrance
2. Clinique Even Better Brighter Milky Lotion
Apply Clinique’s Even Better Brighter Milky Lotion twice a day, after their essence lotion in the same range.
One of the key ingredients is scutellaria baicalensis extract, a natural antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties! And citric acid (vitamin C) to lighten skin pigmentation!
- Size: 100ml
- Suitable For: Normal, Dull
- Sun Protection: n/a
- Key Ingredients: Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Avocado Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cucumber Fruit Extract
- Price: ~RM248
Pros:
- No Fragrance
- Many natural ingredients – some for soothing, exfoliating, moisturizing and skin brightening!
Cons:
- Not moisturizing enough to wear alone (for dry skin types)
3. Clinelle WhitenUp Brightening Day Cream SPF20
This whitening cream by Clinelle is meant for day use as it contains SPF 20 (Zinc oxide)! Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) works to lighten the skin and encourage collagen production!
Daisy flower extract helps to lighten the skin too! Along with Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil. Which is not suitable for sensitive skin!
- Size: 40ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Sun Protection: SPF20
- Key Ingredients: Rice Extract, Daisy Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Bergamot Fruit Oil, Lavandula Hybrida (Lavandin) Oil, Lemon Peel Oil, Orange Peel Oil, Palmarosa Oil, Tangerine Leaf Oil
- Price: RM63
Pros:
- No Fragrance
- Creamy texture
- No greasy after feel
Cons:
- Quite difficult to get product out
Night cream version (No Fragrance, Alcohol-Free):
- Clinelle WhitenUp Brightening Night Cream – Check Price
4. LOreal Paris White Perfect Day Cream
Acne-prone skin types will find the brightening ingredient, niacinamide in LOreal Paris’ White Perfect Day Cream favorable!
And there is capryloyl salicylic acid too. Which is a natural exfoliant that’s also anti-inflammatory!
- Size: 50ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Sun Protection: SPF17
- Key Ingredients: Melanin-Vanish, Tourmaline Gemstone, Citric Acid, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract / Lemon Fruit Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Niacinamide, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
- Price: RM39.9
Pros:
- Includes sunscreen (Titanium dioxide)
- Not greasy
- Brightens skin
Cons:
- Can look shiny on oily skin
- Contains Fragrance
Need higher SPF?
- LOreal Paris White Perfect Laser Day Cream (with SPF19) – Check Price
Night cream version (No Fragrance, Alcohol-Free):
- LOreal Paris White Perfect Night Cream – Check Price
5. LOreal White Perfect Laser Overnight Treatment
From the same White Perfect range, the LOreal White Perfect Laser Overnight Treatment has similar ingredients.
But you’re supposed to apply this one in the evening. After your toner and an essence.
- Size: 50ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Sun Protection: n/a
- Key Ingredients: Pro-Vanish3 Ex Technology, Vitamin B3, Procystin, Bio-Peeling Ex
- Price: RM70
Pros:
- Works well to hydrate combination skin
- Mild floral fragrance
- Lightens pigmentation
Cons:
- Contains Fragrance
- A bit greasy
6. Himalaya Clear Complexion Whitening Day Cream
Best for dry skin types, the Himalaya Clear Complexion Whitening Day Cream is extremely hydrating. Whilst being free of mineral oils and parabens!
And it has sun protection (Titanium Dioxide)!
- Size: 50ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Sun Protection: n/a
- Key Ingredients: Licorice, White Dammer
- Price: RM39
Pros:
- non-comedogenic (i.e. won’t block pores)
- hypoallergenic
- Licorice as natural lightening ingredient
- Antioxidant (White Dammer)
Cons:
- Weird smell
- Takes 5-6 months before you notice any fading in scars/ hyper pigmentation
7. OLAY White Radiance Intensive Whitening Cream
OLAY’s White Radiance Intensive Whitening Cream contains Vitamin B, E, white mulberry (Morus Alba Root Extract) and niacinamide for brighter and more youthful looking skin!
Having SPF24 (via titanium dioxide) does not hurt either!
- Size: 100g
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Sun Protection: SPF24
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, Niacinamide, Morus Alba Root Extract
- Price: RM74.2
Pros:
- You can use it as a base for make up
- Quite a rich texture but doesn’t feel greasy
- Subtle fragrance
Cons:
- Contains Fragrance
- Not Paraben-Free
- More gentle rather than intensive as a whitening cream
8. Laneige Radian-C Brightening Cream
Laneige Radian-C Brightening Cream absorbs well, delivering a good dose of melasolv, vitamin C and E to your skin! To lighten blemishes!
You can use it twice a day. As a daytime and as an evening moisturizer!
- Size: 50ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Sun Protection: SPF36
- Key Ingredients: 8.5% Vitamin C derivative Ethyl Ascorbyl Acid (EAE), Melasolv™ and Vitamin E
- Price: RM210
Pros:
- High SPF (I.e. don’t have to apply as often)
- Comes with a spatula
- Light citrus scent
- No greasy feel
Cons:
- Contains Fragrance
- Expensive
9. Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Sleeping Mask
Brimming with antioxidants and brightening ingredients (e.g. arbutin, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, Japanese knotweed, etc):
Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Sleeping Mask also hydrates your skin with glycerin, panthenol and butylene glycol!
- Size: 60g
- Suitable For: Normal To Oily Skin
- Sun Protection: n/a
- Key Ingredients: Goheung Yuja (Citron) Extract 70%, Niacinamide 5%, Arbutin, Glutathione, Panthenol, Madecassoside, Adenosine, Yuja (Citron) Peel Oil, Vitamin C, Vitamin E
- Price: ~RM50
Pros:
- Without alcohol
- Smells good (citrus scent)
- Light texture (watery cream)
- Absorbs well
- Pigmentation does lighten (results are visible between 2 weeks to 3 months)
- A little goes a long way
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Strong smell
- Not hydrating enough for very dry skin
10. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Face Whitening Serum
There’s 10 percent pure niacinamide (Vitamin B3) in The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Face Whitening Serum.
Daily use of this product (for at least 2 weeks) will reduce signs of scarring, dark spots, and minimize large pores.
Evening out your skin tone and controlling oil production too!
Note: We’ve mentioned this same product in our list of the best face serums in Malaysia too!
- Size: 30ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Sun Protection: n/a
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Zinc PCA, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum
- Price: RM35.99
Pros:
- No parabens
- No fragrance
- Good for acne-prone or oily skin types
- Absorbs easily
Cons:
- Burning sensation on broken skin
11. LOccitane Reine Blanche Whitening Rich Cream
This is another mild whitening cream that you can use in the morning and evening. To lighten acne scars and even out your skin tone gradually.
Even if it doesn’t work as a whitening cream for you, it’s a great moisturizer!
- Size: 50ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Sun Protection: n/a
- Key Ingredients: Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract, Morus Alba Root Extract
- Price: ~RM280
Pros:
- Nice floral scent
- Not heavy on the skin
Cons:
- Contains Fragrance
- Expensive
12. Dr.Douxi Anti-Aging Miracle Brightening Cream
From Taiwanese brand, Dr.Douxi:
Anti-Aging Miracle Brightening Cream has Nonapeptide-1 – amino acids (aka building blocks) for the collagen protein responsible for your skin’s elasticity!
The natural ingredients, Siegesbeckia Orientalis Extract and Rabdosia Rubescens Extract help in this regard, too.
- Size: 50ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Sun Protection: n/a
- Key Ingredients: Siegesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Rabdosia Rubescens Extract, Nonapeptide-1, Shea Butter, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
- Price: RM120
Pros:
- Nanopeptide-1 reduces melanin production too!
- Shea Butter and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa keep your skin hydrated!
- Non-greasy
Cons:
- Not much information available on this product
13. Hada Labo Premium Whitening Water Cream
Arbutin (derived from the bearberry plant) is the main lightening agent here. And it works by inhibiting tyrosinase from producing melanin (i.e. those dark spots).
Another highly beneficial ingredient in the Hada Labo Premium Whitening Water Cream is hyaluronic acid. For its moisturizing properties!
- Size: 50g
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Sun Protection: n/a
- Key Ingredients: Tranexamic Acid, Vitamin E&C, Arbutin, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
- Price: RM73.2
Pros:
- Free from fragrance, colorants, mineral oil and alcohol
- Lightweight but moisturizing enough to be a night cream
- Fades acne scars (Arbutin, Tranexamic Acid and vitamin C)
- Anti-inflammatory (Tranexamic Acid)
- Can be used as a base under makeup
Cons:
- May be too greasy for oily skin types
Conclusion
Lighten acne scars, dark spots, discoloration and more with the best whitening creams in Malaysia!
Do yourself a favor and stick to products without hydroquinone though! Products like the ones listed in this list, use natural ingredients (mostly vitamin C) to brighten your complexion!
