10 Best Retinols in Malaysia 2021
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10 Best Retinols in Malaysia for Every Skin Type | Best of Beauty 2023

The use of retinol on skincare is proven to be an effective treatment for reducing ageing symptoms. However, according to Healthline, it might come with potential side effects like dryness, redness, and itchiness on the skin. These side effects might improve over time, and that’s why new users should take a slow-start approach when using retinol to build up a tolerance before using it as a daily skincare routine.

Another recommended solution to reduce the side effects is to apply the retinol 30 minutes after you wash your face. With an extensive variety of retinol skincare available in the market, which then is the best retinol in Malaysia? In our Best of Beauty series, we have curated the latest 10 Best Retinols in Malaysia, providing quality recommendations to suit your budget and lifestyle. For the ultimate beauty guides, also check out our best moisturizer, vitamin C serum, and facial cleanser recommendations! 

This article was last updated on 03 January 2023.

Table of contents 

10 Best Retinols in Malaysia

1. [SOME BY MI] Retinol

[SOME BY MI] Retinol
[SOME BY MI] Retinol – Best Retinol in Malaysia

With patented Elastic-liposome technology

Get an amazing skin improvement with this [SOME BY MI] Retinol. This is formulated with retinol, retinal, and bakuchiol which enhance skin elasticity. What is great about this product is it has completed tests of 4 major aging care. Aside from that, it is also proven to be non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, making it good even for sensitive skin. This also helps strengthen the skin barrier and protect skin from irritation and moisture loss as it contains Panthenol 10,000 ppm, Beta-glucan 300 ppm, Ceramide, and TRUECICA™. Moreover, it features a patented elastic-liposome technology which allows deep penetration of active ingredients into the skin.

Why buy this:
  • Mild formula and moist finish
  • Product size: 30 ml
  • Free from alcohol and other harmful chemicals
  • Certified France Eve Vegan
  • 100% authentic and ships from Korea
Check prices on Shopee and Lazada >

2. The Ordinary 0.2% Retinol

The Ordinary 0.2% Retinol
The Ordinary 0.2% Retinol – Best Retinols in Malaysia

For new users

As dermatologists recommend to take a slow approach when start using retinols, it’s also wise to use a lower concentration of retinol if you’re just started. In that case, we recommend using the Ordinary 0.2% Retinol for your starting point. Containing only 0.2% of pure retinol in a hydrating plant-derived squalane, this retinol is safe for new users while still works effectively on reducing the skin ageing appearances from fine lines to pigment problem. In addition, this retinol is also a vegan product, water-free, alcohol-free and silicone-free, which claims its place as the best beginner retinol  in Expert Reviews. 

Once you develop tolerance with the lower concentration, you might to keep it as your daily routine or move to stronger formulas with 0.5% or 1% of retinols from The Ordinary to tackle deep line and wrinkles or any forms of skin damage. 

Why buy this:
  • Lower concentration of retinol
  • Reduce ageing symptoms
  • Vegan product
Check price on Shopee and Lazada >

3. DR. DERMIS Agedefy Double Power Retinol

DR. DERMIS Agedefy Double Power Retinol
DR. DERMIS Agedefy Double Power Retinol – Best Retinol Malaysia

Double retinol concentrate

Achieve flawless and healthy-looking skin with this DR. DERMIS Agedefy Double Power Retinol. This product is a double retinol concentrate that is enriched with retinoic ester and retinol ester. This helps effectively get rid of skin redness, dryness, and irritation. It also helps skin healthy and hydrated as it contains Derma Mimic Complex. In addition, this formula strengthens the skin barrier and locks in moisture into the skin. What you will also like about this product is it is a 5D retinol treatment that is proven to reactivate 5 signs of youth, making you look effortlessly young and radiant.

Why buy this:
  • Evens out skin tone and boosts radiance
  • Suitable and gentle for sensitive skin
  • Free from colourant, fragrance, and paraben
  • Hypoallergenic and co-developed by dermatologists
  • Product size: 30 ml
Check prices on Shopee and Lazada >

4. COSMEDIX Clarity Skin-Clarifying Serum

COSMEDIX Clarity Skin-Clarifying Serum
COSMEDIX Clarity Skin-Clarifying Serum – Best Retinols Malaysia

For acne-prone skin

The unpredictability of acne-prone skin is infuriating. Without all the wrong reasons, your beautiful skin can suddenly turn to have breakouts with acne all over your face, not to mention it’s often occurred in important occasions. If you’ve experienced that, the Cosmedix Clarity Skin-Clarifying Serum can be an ultimate solution. 

Appraised as the best retinol skincare for acne by Byrdie, this serum combines L-retinol A with Salicylic Acid that not only can treat ageing symptoms, but also help exfoliate congested skin and clarify clogged pores that can cause breakouts and blemishes, while still maintaining your skin moisture optimal balance. Even better, it also contains magical herbs like Willowherb, Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera for soothing effects and balances skin oil production – smoother, calmer breakout-free skin is coming!

Why buy this:
  • Anti-acne retinol serum
  • Skin-clarifying
  • Moisturizing skin
  • Contains Willowherb, Tea Tree Oil & Aloe Vera for soothing effect
  • Balances oil production on skin
Check price on Shopee and Lazada >

5. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer – Best Retinol in Malaysia

For deep wrinkles

It can be maddening when skin starts showing deep noticeable lines and wrinkles, but sometimes all you need is a routine 3-minute application of the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer. While most retinols are applied at night, this moisturizer retinol can be applied in daytime to help moisturize and renew the look of your skin throughout the day, as well as smoothing the wrinkle lines and hides any ageing spots. 

Combining the accelerating formula of Retinol SA, Glucose Complex, this retinol promises to fade the look of your stubborn wrinkles in just 1 week, while the Hyaluronic acid keeps your skin moisturizes for the whole day. In addition, it’s also brimming broad-spectrum SPF 30 to protect your skin from sun and other environmental influences. 

Highly raved among the dermatologists and beauty influencers, it is mentioned as the best day cream retinol by Byrdie, and one of the best anti-ageing skincare by Allure, CNN Edition, and Mirror. It’s not a surprised though, considering the retinol moisturizer is affordable, yet offering the result of more expensive, high-end skincare. Plus, the one week result isn’t just a gimmick!

Why buy this:
  • Smoothen the look of deep wrinkles in just 1 week
  • Moisturizing
  • SPF 30 for sun protection
Check price on Shopee and Lazada >

6. Paula’s Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment

Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment
Paula’s Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment – Best Retinols in Malaysia

Best body lotion

While most retinols skincare are made for face skin treatment, Paula’s Choice takes a revolutionary approach by using retinol for body lotion. Aside from containing 0.1% of retinol to firm wrinkles and combat skin damage and pigmentation, this lotion also has the added benefits of Shea Butter to super-hydrate dry skin and non-fragrant Primrose Oil to soothe and smoothen your skin surface. Besides that, the rich antioxidant in Shea Butter also support the function of retinol to treat your ageing skin.

Featured in Brides and Byrdie as one of the best body lotion retinols in 2021, this Paula’s Choice body lotion is also applicable on your face and around the eyes too, and can be added as the moisturiser step in your night skincare routine. 

Why buy this:
  • For body application
  • With Shea Butter to hydrates your skin
  • Smoothen the skin surface
  • Treat ageing skin
Check price on Shopee >

7. Boost Lab Retinol Night Renewal Serum

Boost Lab Retinol Night Renewal Serum
Boost Lab Retinol Night Renewal Serum – Best Retinol Malaysia

Boosting overnight skin-repairing process

Giving yourself enough sleep is the best natural skin-repairing process, and it’s even better when you aid it with Boost Lab Retinol Night Renewal Serum. The latest Gold Standard retinol and granactive retinoids boosts the skin repairing process, while the organic Aloe Vera and Bisabolol acts as potent moisturizer and cleanser to hydrates your skin and treat breakouts. Free of oil, sulphates, parabens, fragrances, this night serum retinol is great for oily and sensitive skin. 

Why buy this:
  • For night time use
  • Reducing skin damage and pigmentation
  • Hydrating skin with organic Aloe Vera
  • Deep cleansing
Check price on Shopee >

8. LIYAL’AN Retinol Serum

LIYAL'AN Retinol Serum
LIYAL’AN Retinol Serum – Best Retinols Malaysia

Enriched with organic contents

Looking for an effective way to combat signs of ageing? Check out this LIYAL’AN Retinol Serum. What is great about this retinol is it contains a variety of organic ingredients which make it light, quick-absorbing, and refreshing. These ingredients include aloe vera extract, organic jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, horsetail extract, bran wheat germ oil, organic green tea extract, and vitamin E. Furthermore, this product helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other skin imperfections. It can also improve skin conditions by minimising acnes, discolouration, and hyperpigmentation. This retinol can increase skin elasticity and collagen production when used on a regular basis. This results in a softer and younger-looking skin.

Why buy this:
  • Soft and non-greasy texture
  • Stimulates skin renewal and removes dark spots
  • Ideal for various skin types
  • Product size: 0.5 fl oz (15 ml)
Check prices on Shopee > 

9. Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer – Best Retinol in Malaysia

Best drugstore

The Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer is our favourite drug store retinol. Easy to find and affordable, it’s a great solution for young and mature skin to treat ageing symptom while you sleep. It’s formulated with the blend of retinol and niacinamide that together help stimulates your skin’s collagen production and treat uneven skin tone while giving the hydration your skin needs for the next 24 hour. Wake up with plumper, younger-looking skin!

Why buy this:
  • Affordable and easy to find
  • Renews skin as you sleep
  • Hydration effects to the next 24 hours
  • Deep penetration into the skin
Check price on Shopee and Lazada >

10. Olay Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment

Olay Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment
Olay Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment – Best Retinols in Malaysia

For around-the-eyes skin

Described by Byrdie board-certified dermatologist as a very moisturizing formula, the Olay Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment can rejuvenate your around-the-eyes skin. Like the previous Olay moisturizer, this eye cream is brimming with Retinol and Vitamin B3 to speed up your skin cell reproduction to reveal  newer, brighter skin with minimized wrinkles and lines. Meanwhile, Peptides works to reduce skin irritation while firming your skin. This eye cream is claimed by many to give significant effects after four weeks of use. 

Why buy this:
  • Highly moisturizing
  • Remove fine lines and pigmentation
  • Brightening
Check price on Shopee and Lazada >

Related readings:

FAQ

Which is the best brand for retinols in Malaysia?

Dermatologists recommend introducing retinol to your skin with a slow approach. However, some retinol products are of better quality than others, which offer faster efficiency with less risk of side effects. For this, we recommend considering brands like Elizabeth Arden, The Ordinary, and Dermalogica.

Where to buy retinol in Malaysia?

You used to only be able to buy a retinol in Malaysia in retail stores, but now you can purchase them online for the ultimate convenience and even enjoy discounted prices! Lazada and Shopee are my go-to for beauty and skincare products. It is also a great place to compare the price of retinols in Malaysia. 

 

We hope that our guide on the 10 Best Retinols in Malaysia will help you to buy the best retinol in Malaysia. Do also read our other buying guides too. Please do share this along with your friends if you have found this useful. Do look forward to more buying guides that we will be releasing soon!


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