11 Best Whitening Creams In Malaysia 2023 (Face & Skin)

Clear skin and a radiant complexion is attainable with the best whitening creams in Malaysia. 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, they are using chemicals that are too strong to be good for you in the long run!

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!

Table Of Contents:

• 11 Best Whitening Creams In Malaysia
• How Does Whitening Cream Work?
• Any Side Effects?
• How To Choose The Right Whitening Cream

11 Best Whitening Creams In Malaysia 2023

• Best Whitening Cream For Dry Skin – Himalaya Clear Complexion Whitening Day Cream
• Best Whitening Cream For Acne Scars And Pigmentation – The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Face Whitening Serum
• Best Whitening Cream With Sun Protection – Clinelle WhitenUp Brightening Day Cream SPF20
• Best Whitening Cream For Treating Acne – Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Sleeping Mask
• Best Soothing Whitening Cream – Clinique Even Better Brighter Milky Lotion
• Best Whitening Cream Under Makeup – LOccitaine Reine Blanche Whitening Rich Cream
• Best Whitening Cream/ Night Cream (Good For Dry Skin Types) – Hada Labo Premium Whitening Water Cream
• Best Whitening Cream With Instant Brightening Effect – JART+ V7 Toning Light whitening cream
• Best Whitening Cream For Melasma – Eucerin Spotless Brightening Booster Serum
• Best Whitening Cream For Dry To Combination Skin – L’Oreal Paris Aura Perfect Night Cream

1. Clinique Even Better Brighter Milky Lotion

Best Soothing Whitening Cream

Clinique Even Better Brighter Milky Lotion has an impressive feather-light texture that absorbs effortlessly into the skin, leaving it soft and dewy. The consistency is like a runny gel.

One of the key ingredients is scutellaria baicalensis extract, a natural antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Along with other skin-calming ingredients like cucumber extract and green tea extract.

There is also citric acid (vitamin C) to lighten skin pigmentation!

If you’re lucky, you might notice lightening effects after merely two weeks’ of use. But not everyone gets such fast results!

And even though the hydrating effects may be sufficient for some, those with drier skin may need further assistance from a separate moisturizer.

Apply Clinique’s Even Better Brighter Milky Lotion twice a day, after their essence lotion in the same range.

The Clinique Even Better Brighter Milky Lotion is no doubt, one of the most expensive whitening creams in Malaysia but it has many beneficial natural ingredients for calming, anti-aging, besides skin brightening.

• 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!
• Comfortable light texture

Cons:

• Not moisturizing enough to wear alone (for dry skin types)
• No sun protection
• Pricey
• Silicones are one of the main ingredients (I.e. dimethicones)

2. Clinelle WhitenUp Brightening Day Cream SPF20

Best Whitening Cream With Sun Protection

The most noticeable thing about the Clinelle WhitenUp Brightening Day Cream SPF20 is the texture:

Which is light and doesn’t leave behind a sticky or greasy residue.

This whitening cream by Clinelle is meant for day use as it contains SPF 20 (Zinc oxide). To us, the sun protection is a massive bonus if you like multi-functional products!

Other than this, the formula has Vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate) to lighten the skin and encourage collagen production.

Daisy flower extract helps to lighten the skin too! Along with lemon peel oil. Which is not suitable for sensitive skin (I.e. may cause irritation).

The brand promises that the whitening cream can combat fine lines and wrinkles. And some users attest that the product has brightened and evened out their skin tone.

Clinelle WhitenUp Brightening Day Cream SPF20 is a worthy candidate for those looking for a whitening cream in Malaysia that has sun protection.

Note: There is a serum in the same range too.

• 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
• Provides sun protection

Cons:

• Quite difficult to get product out

Night cream version (No Fragrance, Alcohol-Free):

• Clinelle WhitenUp Brightening Night Cream – Check Price

3. L’Oreal Paris Aura Perfect Night Cream

Best Whitening Cream For Dry To Combination Skin

It might surprise you that the L’Oreal Paris Aura Perfect Night Cream has a slight purple tint to it. The glass jar feels premium.

Unlike the L’Oreal Paris Aura Perfect Day Cream, the  L’Oreal Paris Aura Perfect Night Cream doesn’t have SPF protection. But both creams share a similar base.

After water, the second ingredient in the formula of the L’Oreal Paris Aura Perfect Night Cream is a volatile silicone (cyclohexasiloxane) which accounts for the wonderful texture of this cream and it’s non-oily after-feel.

Note: By volatile, that means it doesn’t stay on the skin (I.e. evaporates)

As for the rest of the ingredient list:

There are emollients like isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate and thickeners/ stabilizers such as ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate (4^th on the list). There is not much information on the latter but it is also are found in other L’Oreal, La Roche and Kiehl’s products too.

On that note, if you have sensitive skin, you should really do a test patch first as the formula does have fragrance and other risky ingredients including linalool too.

L’Oreal Paris Aura Perfect Night Cream does have fast absorption on the skin with a cooling sensation. The texture of the cream is neither sticky nor oily.

And the best thing about it is how comfortable it feels on the skin. As a bonus, it has an appealing scent and is quite moisturizing (glycerin is third on the ingredient list).

So the L’Oreal Paris Aura Perfect Night Cream is more suitable for drier skin types (dry to combination skin) than oily skin types.

If you are a fan of other L’Oreal products, you will probably like the L’Oreal Paris Aura Perfect Night Cream even if it’s not going to eliminate all your pigmentation and scars overnight (which cream does, anyways?).

• Size: 50ml
• Suitable For: Dry To Combination Skin
• Sun Protection: n/a
• Key Ingredients: Water, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glycerin, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate
• Price: ~RM35

Pros:

• Comfortable lightweight texture
• Smells good
• Affordable
• Moisturizing
• Packaging feels classy

Cons:

• Too moisturizing for oily skin
• Contains coloring, fragrance and limonene citronellol (may irritate sensitive skin)
• Stearic acid is present in the ingredient list (comedogenic)

4. Himalaya Clear Complexion Whitening Day Cream

Best Whitening Cream For Dry Skin

Best for dry skin types, the Himalaya Clear Complexion Whitening Day Cream is extremely hydrating. Whilst being free of mineral oils and parabens!

This whitening cream functions similarly to a BB cream. The finish it provides is a naturally brighter look without turning you ghostly white either – a common downside with other whitening products.

Furthermore, the whitening cream is pocket-friendly, offers reasonable UV protection (it has sun protection from titanium dioxide), balances out uneven skin tone, and smells delightful!

Although it could stand to be less greasy:

If you have oilier or acne-prone skin the Himalaya Clear Complexion Whitening Day Cream might cause breakouts.

Additionally, those with sensitive skin may experience irritation, redness, and burning. So do perform a patch test beforehand!

Note: Dewy finish.

• Size: 50ml
• Suitable For: All Skin Types
• Sun Protection: n/a
• Key Ingredients: Licorice, White Dammer
• Price: ~RM39

Pros:

• Licorice as natural lightening ingredient
• Antioxidant (white dammer)
• Provides UV protection
• Convenient to bring around
• Tinted but looks natural

Cons:

• Weird smell
• Takes 5-6 months before you notice any fading in scars/ hyper pigmentation
• Heavy greasy texture
• Not suitable for oily or acne-prone skin

5. 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.

There is a subtle yet pleasant scent that pleases many users.

Besides this, it does give a slight sheen to the skin. And you can use it twice a day. As a daytime and as an evening moisturizer.

The brand labels this product as ‘kind to skin.’ But critics beg to differ:

A few experience burning, irritation, blistering, and inflammation within hours’ of use. And its high ascorbic acid content is the culprit!

Thus, if you have sensitive skin, you may be better off considering another product.

In general, the Laneige Radian-C Brightening Cream seems to be a better candidate for oilier, combination, or normal skin types. Because this cream isn’t as hydrating as it looks. And those with dry skin may need an extra moisture boost from another product. 

Some users do observe a brighter complexion and less noticeable dark spots after long-term use of this whitening cream. Though the price might make you think twice.

• 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
• May cause a burning sensation, irritation, blistering, or peeling of skin
• Not moisturizing enough for dry skin
• No sun protection

6. Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Sleeping Mask

Best Whitening Cream For Treating Acne

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!

Users can’t stop raving about the pleasant citrus smell and lightweight non-sticky texture. Moreover, it absorbs fully into the skin. Hence, there’s no need to fret about pillow stains!

And like other whitening creams in Malaysia, its brightening and spot diminishing effects can only be seen with consistent and long-term use.

For many users, the range of benefits include:

Tackling acne breakouts, preventing panda eyes, replenishing lost moisture and refining skin texture.

However, some users observe that the Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Sleeping Mask didn’t do much to whiten or hydrate their skin.

Note: If you have sensitive skin, go slow on this whitening cream as some users have experienced allergic reactions (e.g., red, burning, itchy skin or facial swelling) post-use!

All that said, those with acne (regardless if your skin type is oily or dry) can check out the Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Sleeping Mask for a whitening cream that will also address acne and provide hydration.

• 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:

• Formulated 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
• Can trigger allergic reactions

7. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Face Whitening Serum

Best Whitening Cream For Acne Scars And Pigmentation

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) reduces signs of scarring, dark spots, and minimize large pores.

It evens out your skin tone, treats and prevents acne breakouts and lessens sunspots and wrinkles in addition to providing oil control.

The downside is that initially, your skin may undergo a purging phase. Some users had to cease using the product altogether as they experienced cystic acne and horrible breakouts during the purging phase.

And similar to many whitening products, the Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Face Whitening Serum can aggravate sensitive skin and trigger itching, redness, and irritation. Thus, sensitive skin types are better off giving this whitening cream a miss!

So while the  Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Face Whitening Serum just might be your holy grail for acne scars and pigmentation, do give it careful consideration if the potential side effects (I.e. purging) are worth it.

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
• Can help to control acne problems
• May minimize large pores

Cons:

• Burning sensation on broken skin
• Not suitable for allergy-prone skin
• Purging phase is common

8. LOccitane Reine Blanche Whitening Rich Cream

Best Whitening Cream Under Make Up

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 with a gorgeous floral scent!

Moreover, this creamy yet lightweight product blends completely into the skin and can be applied underneath makeup.

Because of its non-greasy texture and impressive moisturizing effects, it’s a good companion to take on-the-go for everyday use! 

With persistent application, some users feel that their skin is more radiant and lighter, with diminished age spots and sunspots. Skin also feels velvety smooth and silky post-application.

And therefore, the LOccitaine Reine Blanche Whitening Rich Cream will appeal to anyone who struggles with parched skin and dark spots.

However, a few negative reviews reveal that this whitening cream has either darkened the skin or done absolutely nothing to brighten it.

Furthermore, a few users mention that it has average hydrating power. So, if you have extra-dry skin, you might still need to apply another moisturizer over this whitening cream.

While it is pleasant to use and wears well under make up, the LOccitaine Reine Blanche Whitening Rich Cream does cost a lot with no immediate benefits other than hydration.

So you might want to try another whitening cream before you give the LOccitaine Reine Blanche Whitening Rich Cream a shot.

• 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
• Great hydrating effects
• Can be layered under makeup

Cons:

• Contains fragrance
• Expensive
• No SPF protection

9. Hada Labo Premium Whitening Water Cream

Best Whitening Cream/ Night Cream (Good For Dry Skin Types)

Arbutin (derived from the bearberry plant) is the main lightening agent here. And it works by inhibiting tyrosinase from producing melanin (i.e. dark spots).

Another highly beneficial ingredient in the Hada Labo Premium Whitening Water Cream is hyaluronic acid for its moisturizing properties!

And that is what stands out most about the Hada Labo Premium Whitening Water Cream:

Users compliment its potent hydrating properties more than its whitening effects. Still, it does visibly brighten and lighten skin for the lucky few that it is effective for.

There are contrasting opinions about which skin type this product suits best:

A handful of users with oily skin state that this product absorbs thoroughly into the skin to leave negligible residue.

However, other users remark that the cream is too rich and heavy for those with oily skin, leading to breakouts or aggravated acne!

You might also want to note that this whitening cream also suffers from a greasy-looking sheen after application.

So if you have oily skin but want to give the Hada Labo Premium Whitening Water Cream a shot, a little goes a long way!

Otherwise, those with drier skin (who could always use more moisture) will appreciate the lightweight but moisturizing Hada Labo Premium Whitening Water Cream.

• 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: RM60

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
• No sun protection (more suitable as a sleeping mask)

10. DR.JART+ V7 Toning Light

Best Whitening Cream With Instant Brightening Effect

The DR.JART+ V7 Toning Light whitening cream smells good (citrus scent) and comes with a clear plastic applicator which is great to avoid introducing bacteria from your finger into the jar.

Note: One of the main ingredients is sodium ascorbyl phosphate – a water-soluble form of vitamin C and a great antioxidant

The consistency is thick but it dries fast and because there is a tendency for it to leave a white cast on darker skin tones, try to rub it in quickly to avoid visible white lines on the creases of your face.

Despite the thick consistency, it does not give a full concealer-like coverage. But on the plus side, it does not feel sticky or oily on the skin.

It can double as a base for make up since it leaves only a slight glow to the face.

For drier skin types, the DR.JART+ V7 Toning Light whitening cream is not hydrating enough and it will be more difficult to apply too.

If you actually like that instant brightening effect from the slight white cast and have skin that isn’t too dry:

The DR.JART+ V7 Toning Light whitening cream is a promising whitening cream with anti-aging ingredients (e.g., niacinamide, vitamin A and vitamin E, etc) from a reputable Korean brand.

• Size: 50ml
• Suitable For: Dull Skin
• Sun Protection: n/a
• Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ubiquinone, Licorice Root Extract
• Price: ~RM90

Pros:

• Smells nice (mild scent)
• Not sticky/greasy
• Not bad as a base for make up
• Instant brightening effect (from the white cast)
• Matte finish
• Don’t need to use a lot
• With anti-aging ingredients

Cons:

• Leaves a white cast for darker skin tones (e.g., white lines in face creases)
• Not moisturizing enough for very dry skin types
• Difficult to blend out evenly
• Not cheap

11. Eucerin Spotless Brightening Booster Serum

Best Whitening Cream For Melasma

Although this isn’t a cream per se, we have to mention the Eucerin Spotless Brightening Booster Serum because of a highly intriguing ingredient it contains – thiamidol.

You might not have heard of thiamidol but it’s the new alternative to using hydroquinone to lighten and reduce signs of melasma.

Studies* show that regular and consistent use (up to 12 weeks) of thiamidol does show positive results in improving the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) is also in the formula and that’s always great for the skin. As is butylene glycol and glycerin which top the ingredient list.

The serum is not oily or sticky and absorbs quickly into the skin. It doesn’t feel like anything, really. And if you use it with a night cream, it’s suitable for drier skin types too.

So if you’re specifically looking to lighten discoloration on your face, the Eucerin Spotless Brightening Booster Serum should lighten some spots, or at the very least, give your skin a radiance.

Go in with realistic expectations and you might be pleasantly surprised with the Eucerin Spotless Brightening Booster Serum.

However, we can’t help but wish that it didn’t have perfume so if you have sensitive skin, proceed gradually.

*Studies (some of these studies are clearly sponsored by companies which does imply a conflict of interest):

1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ics.12626
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X1930137X

• Size: 30ml
• Suitable For: Skin with melasma
• Sun Protection: Some via octocrylene though you should still use sunscreen
• Key Ingredients: Water, Denatured alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Octocrylene, Sodium Hyaluronate, Vitamin E
• Price: ~RM130

Pros:

• Does not feel sticky or oily n the skin
• Absorbs well
• Lightens some pigmentation
• Brightens the skin
• Smells neutral (not unpleasant)

Cons:

• Contains perfume and citric acid (may irritate sensitive skin)
• Doesn’t work for all hyperpigmentation
• Results are usually not as fast as the 2-week claim
• Not cheap

How Does Whitening Cream Work?

First off, there are enzymes called Tyrosinase that produce melanin. Melanin is what gives you your skin color.

Too much melanin in a focused area results in hyper pigmentation (like age spots).

Whitening creams hinder these enzymes. Thus reducing the effect of hyper pigmentation on your skin!

PS: You can use a whitening cream together with the best whitening collagen drink in Malaysia!

Are There Side Effects?

Some whitening creams use very harsh chemicals to bleach your skin. The problem is that they can harm your skin over a long period.

Side effects of skin lightening can include:

• less collagen production
• thinner skin
• heightened sun sensitivity which may lead to skin cancer
• worsened acne
• skin cancer (especially with products containing hydroquinone)

PS: 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 if you have very sensitive skin, a visit to a dermatologist is 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 two types specifically for this post!

1.1. Acne-prone

Acne-prone skin will benefit from natural astringents. If the product has either salicylic acid or azelaic acid, that’s good too!

Or exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs which are common in the best acne treatments in Malaysia.

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!

1.2. Sensitive

If your skin is sensitive, it may be better if you don’t use whitening cream at all.

But if you do want to try one anyways, always test the product first on another discreet part of your body (e.g. inner wrist) before incorporating the product as one of the steps in your skincare routine!

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!

2.1. Ingredients To Look For

Some plant-based compounds and natural ingredients can lighten your skin without damaging it or causing side effects.

Like licorice root, mulberry, kojic acid, etc.

Other ingredients that are generally ok include:

• Natural antioxidants like green tea extract
• Vitamin C (to boost collagen production) – though not as concentrated as in the best vitamin C serum in Malaysia!
• Vitamin E (to deactivate free radicals)
• Natural moisturizers (e.g. coconut oil, rose hip oil or olive oil)
• Natural exfoliating ingredients – Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) or sugar, salt, oats, etc

2.2. 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. Some countries have banned non-prescription creams that contain hydroquinone as it can cause severe side effects if used wrongly. 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.

Secondly, don’t skip sunscreen if you use whitening cream regularly!

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!

PS: Don’t forget to remove your sunscreen at the end of the day with the best cleansing oil!

Conclusion

Lighten acne scars, dark spots, discoloration, and more with the best whitening creams in Malaysia!

Just 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!

Further reading:

• 15 Best Shampoo Malaysia
• 11 Best Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo Malaysia