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 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!
13 Best Whitening Creams In Malaysia 2021
- Best Whitening Cream For Dry Skin – Himalaya Clear Complexion Whitening Day Cream
- Best Whitening Cream For Oil Control – The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Face Whitening Serum
- Best Whitening Cream With Sun Protection – Clinelle WhitenUp Brightening Day Cream SPF20
- Best Overnight Whitening Cream – Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Sleeping Mask
- Best Multi-Use Whitening Cream – The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Face Whitening Serum
- Best Whitening Cream (For All Skin Types) – SK-II Cellumination Deep Surge EX
1. SK-II Cellumination Deep Surge EX
SK-II Cellumination Deep Surge EX feels creamy without being sticky. And absorbs well into your skin.
Users enjoy the gel-like texture! And do not find it irritating on their skin! The fragrance is subtle and it does help some users achieve lightening for acne scars and other skin discoloration!
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 and skin pigmentation for some
- One jar lasts for a long time
- Moisturizing
- Lightweight
- Gentle scent
- 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!
If you want a lotion with dual effect of hydration and lightening:
Then, this product is worth a shot!
Users are highly impressed with the feather-light texture that absorbs effortlessly into the skin. Leaving it soft and dewy. One user even noticed 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.
- 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)
- No sun protection
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 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. So it’s a worthy candidate for those who want firmer, more elastic, and lighter skin.
What has captured the hearts of users is the texture:
Which is light and doesn’t leave behind a sticky or greasy residue. Users attest that the product has brightened and evened out their skin tone.
And the sun protection is a massive bonus if you like multi-functional products!
- 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
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!
However, this whitening cream might not be the suited for oily skin types. Upon application, some users notice a greasy white sheen.
Thus, those with normal or drier skin types may find this product more compatible!
Users back up the brand’s claims that the product can whiten skin effectively. They observe a radiant natural glow and well-moisturized skin post use.
The light jar packaging makes it a good travel buddy too.
Still, not everyone is a fan!
Some remark that the product has done quite the opposite and darkened their skin. Others claim that they saw no significant improvement. Furthermore, a few feel that the cream exacerbated their acne.
- 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
- Convenient jar packaging
Cons:
- Can look shiny on oily skin
- Contains fragrance
- Does not absorb well
- Varying results
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 once in the evening. After your toner and an essence.
A daring claim by the brand is instantaneously brighter skin. And with consistent use, you should see your pigmented spot shrinking and decreasing in number.
Some users support these claims. While others don’t seem to reap any benefits from this overnight treatment.
And because of how thick and heavy this formulation is, you might detect a greasy after-feel. But it should penetrate and absorb fairly well into the skin. Overall, best suited for combination skin types.
Other than that, its fragrance has garnered the approval of some users. But a few labeled it as overwhelmingly strong and irritating.
Hence, they also advise others to exercise caution when applying the cream around the eyes.
- 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)!
Based on user experience, this whitening cream functions similarly to a BB cream! According to reviews, it gives you a naturally brighter look.
And without turning you ghostly white either, which is a common downside with other whitening products.
Furthermore, users love that the whitening cream is pocket-friendly, offers reasonable UV protection, balances out uneven skin tone, and smells delightful!
Although it could stand to be less greasy. Users with oilier or acne-prone skin were dismayed at the results, claiming that it causes them to sweat more and breakout.
Additionally, some with sensitive skin experienced irritation, redness, and burning. So do perform a patch test beforehand!
- 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
- Unique color gives skin a more natural look
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
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!
An all-time favorite for many!
Users note that this product effectively combats pigmentation for lighter and more even skin. Many see an improvement in dark spots with consistent use. And especially over a long timeframe.
In addition to that, the product attains mixed reviews in terms of texture:
Some adore the light and non-sticky texture that soaks up entirely into their skin for boosted hydration. But a few claim that the consistency feels thick and heavy. And forms a greasy sheen after application.
So if you’re searching for a whitening cream that replenishes moisture more than it whitens:
You may want to try this out!
- 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
- SPF protection
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!
The brand labels this product as ‘kind to skin.’ But critics beg to differ:
A few experienced 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! Based off multiple reviews, it seems to be a better candidate for oilier, combination, or normal skin types.
Furthermore, this cream isn’t as hydrating as assumed. Hence, those with dry skin may need an extra moisture boost from another product.
In general, the subtle yet pleasant scent has pleases many users. And most observe brighter complexion and less noticeable dark spots after long-term use!
- 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
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!
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!
Many accentuate the fact that its brightening and spot diminishing effects can only be seen with consistent and long-term use.
So don’t give yourself false hope by expecting blemish-free skin with only a few applications!
As per user reviews, the range of benefits include:
Tackling acne breakouts and preventing panda eyes. And replenishing lost moisture and refining skin texture. Therefore, users say that this sleeping mask is a must-have in their skin care routine!
In contrast, some users observe that the Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Sleeping Mask didn’t do much to whiten or hydrate their skin.
And surprisingly, users with sensitive skin find that this whitening cream has not triggered an allergic reaction. But there are some users who did get red, burning, itchy skin or facial swelling post-use!
- 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
- Can trigger allergic reactions
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!
This is indeed a multi-use wonder according to its reviews! Users claim it works like magic to:
Treat acne breakouts and shrink enlarged pores. And diminish acne scars and lessen sunspots and wrinkles!
Initially, you may undergo a purging phase:
But users who apply it continuously noticed a more radiant complexion, smoother skin texture and less pimples.
Unfortunately, some users had to cease using the product as they experienced cystic acne and horrible breakouts during the purging phase.
And similar to many whitening products, it can aggravate sensitive skin and trigger itching, redness, and irritation. Thus, sensitive skin types are better off giving this whitening cream a miss!
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
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!
From what users have to say, 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, users feel that their skin is more radiant and lighter, with diminished age spots and sunspots.
They remark that their skin also feels velvety smooth and silky post-application. And reviewers recommend this to anyone who struggles with parched skin and dark spots.
Even the gorgeous floral scent of the product has left many in awe!
However, a few negative reviews reveal that the product 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 supplement this product with a 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
- Great hydrating effects
- Can be layered under makeup
Cons:
- Contains Fragrance
- Expensive
- No SPF protection
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.
According to users, the texture is smooth and lightweight. And the product has enhanced their facial complexion by lightening spots and evening out skin tone.
Like every cosmetic product in the market, there’s no assurance that this works for everyone. And unsurprisingly, a few comment that they notice no improvements, even with longer use.
- 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 to 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!
And that’s what stands out to users! Users compliment its potent hydrating properties more than its whitening effects. Still, it does visibly brighten and lighten skin according to a few reviewers.
There are contrasting opinions about which skin type this product suits best. A handful with oily skin state that this product absorbs thoroughly into the skin to leave negligible residue.
However, another group remark that the cream is too rich and heavy for those with oily skin. And this has led to breakouts or aggravated acne!
Plus, this whitening cream also suffers from a greasy-looking sheen after application. So if you have oily skin but want to give it a shot, a little goes a long way!
- 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
- No sun protection (more suitable as a sleeping mask)
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!
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 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 two types specifically for this post!
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 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!
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, 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!
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 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 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. 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.
- 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!
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!
