Brightening Serum For Skincare

This formulation is oil-free yet very hydrating, so it’s great if your skin is on the oiler side. It does have a citrus fragrance so if that’s not your bag – or if your skin is sensitive – you might prefer a fragrance-free brightening serum. Much like SkinCeutical’s C E Ferulic serum, this product also has a loyal following. It uses glycolic and lactic acid to brighten dark spots and improve skin texture and scarring. It is quite punchy so proceed with caution if you’re prone to irritation brightening serum.

Marshmallow gives this gentle, lightweight liquid its illuminating power. The plant is known for its hydrating, anti-inflammatory effects that balance the Vitamin Cg that packs an exfoliating punch. Alpha arbutin, a plant-based alternative to hydroquinone, is a serious radiance booster. And when combined with lactic and azelaic acid, we're talking a complete reboot of your complexion.

Smaller amounts of L-Ascorbic acid and hyaluronic acid brighten, hydrate and moisturize for long-term results. This innovative powder combines vitamin C, ferulic acid, and glutathione to create a powerful antioxidant-rich formula. In case you don't know, gluthatione is a buzzy ingredient that's normally taken orally for its detoxifying benefits. When applied topically, though, it helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and dark spots. If your skincare goals include controlling sebum production, reducing the look of large pores, and brightening, this lightweight serum has you covered.

This vitamin C serum has our stamp of approval for all skin types, skin tones, and ages, and our go-to for anyone looking to firm and smooth their skin. We appreciated that the serum had a lightweight texture that didn’t feel greasy on our already oily skin, and we noticed that after a few weeks of using it, our post-acne marks were visibly reduced. We love that this product is available at your local drugstore, relatively affordable, and highly effective.

It is expensive, but if you’re looking to invest in a brightening serum, this is one of the best that money can buy. It has 15% vitamin C, as well as vitamin E and ferulic acid that work in tandem to protect the skin from environmental damage and reveal a brighter complexion. The water-like texture makes it great for all skin types and sinks in quickly. According to board-certified dermatologist Jennifer Herrmann, MD, vitamin C has three main functions. The first is protecting against environmental stressors and free radicals, an antioxidant benefit that slows signs of aging and reduces damage overall.

We found that this product actually helped improve the appearance of our oily skin overall. The formula contains L-ascorbic acid, the purest form of vitamin C for powerful antioxidant protection, as well as hyaluronic acid for an added boost of hydration. This serum offers up a one-two punch of vitamin C to fight free radicals and support cell turnover and alpha hydroxy acids to remove dead skin cells for smooth, radiant skin. “It’s a gentle formulation that’s great for sensitive skin types,” says Dr. Chang. Royal Fern’s patented, vitamin-rich complex is blended with natural antioxidant-rich botanicals to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce signs of aging.

Additionally, avoid using it at the same time as certain other active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide. For example, if you use a benzoyl peroxide product at night, it’s best to apply your vitamin C serum in the morning. While our tester appreciated that this liquidy serum absorbed quickly and layered nicely in her skincare routine, she didn’t see a noticeable difference in the brightness of her complexion or a reduction in dark spots. Over the course of six weeks, each tester incorporated one vitamin C serum into their beauty routine per the directions on the packing of their product. They evaluated their serum based on ease of use, absorption, skin texture, skin glow, firmness, and overall look, and those that scored the highest earned our Byrdie stamp of approval and appear on this list.

But given how brightening this serum is, we highly recommend it if you’re dealing with dull skin. Klur Brilliant Light Multi-Correctional Repair Serum isn’t a harsh formula that contains potentially irritating acids; rather, it’s a gentle product that actually makes a noticeable improvement in the texture and tone of the skin. Considering that it’s effective, non-irritating, suitable for all skin types, and doesn’t contain harsh acids, we think it’s a great choice for anyone with sensitive skin. We noticed a real improvement in the texture of our skin when we used SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, as well as a reduction in the appearance of fine lines.

Oily skin types can benefit from a lightweight, oil-free serum containing niacinamide, which helps control oil production while targeting pigmentation. Paula's Choice RESIST 10% Niacinamide Booster is suitable for oily skin as it addresses both concerns. Apply a few drops onto clean skin in the morning and evening, followed by an oil-free moisturizer. These vitamin C serums are a mix of GH Seal holders, top-rated products from trusted brands and favorites from consumers and dermatologists. While they weren't tested in the Lab, GH Beauty Lab scientists have performed many tests on the best anti-aging serums. In these tests, the products are first label-masked to eliminate bias, then distribute them to dozens of consumer testers, who apply the products daily for a set time period between four and 12 weeks.

TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum

And if you’re totally new to using vitamin C in your skincare routine, the Sephora Collection Glow + Strengthen Vitamin C Serum is a great choice for you. Our favorite budget pick was Yes To Grapefruit Daily Brightening Serum—it performed as effectively as our non-budget picks. Sunday Riley's products come with a cult following—Good Genes, we see you—and the brand's C.E.O. brightening serum is no exception.

In pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing. Turn up the brightness on your skin and fade discoloration with these glow-boosting formulas from Caudalie, Versed, SkinCeuticals and more. This is a great choice for those on a budget, as well as those who have more mature skin and want a serum that delivers generally good anti-aging benefits.

Beyond that, the serum is formulated with signature CeraVe ingredients that moisturize the skin and reinforce its barrier functions, like moisture-locking dimethicone, barrier-restoring ceramides, and hydrating hyaluronic acid. This brightening serum is a quintessential CeraVe product, which means that it’s reasonably-priced, gentle, and genuinely effective at its main purpose, which is to brighten the skin. SkinCeuticals’ iconic C E Ferulic serum could also be on this list, but if you’re dealing with serious discoloration, opt for this bottle instead.

This serum is evidence that you don’t need to spend a lot of money on skincare to see a positive change in your skin. The formula is packed with antioxidant-rich grapefruit and vitamin C, as well as polyhydroxy Acids , which work to gently break down dead skin cells. This SkinCeuticals serum is a winner for anyone concerned about fine lines and photoaging. The addition of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), and ferulic acid helps enhance this formula’s protective qualities, guarding against environmental damage caused by free radicals.

Skin brightening serums work by targeting melanin production in the skin. Melanin is the pigment responsible for our skin color, and an overproduction of melanin can lead to uneven skin tone or dark spots. Brightening serums contain active ingredients, such as vitamin C, niacinamide, and alpha hydroxy acids , which help to inhibit melanin production, exfoliate dead skin cells, and promote cell turnover. As far as buzzy skincare ingredients go, vitamin C is one of the most talked about — and for good reason.

It’s definitely a smart thing to avoid with sensitive skin (and fragrance of any type - natural is just as allergic as synthetic, if not worse!). Haematococcus Pluvialis is a microalgae known for being a rich source of powerful, up-and-coming antioxidant,Astaxanthin. The extract comes as a red-colored oily liquid prepared from the resting and astaxanthin accumulating cells of the otherwise green algae.

Otherwise, there are lots of hydrating agents and antioxidant-rich plant extracts that make the skin just generally bouncy and glowy. This formula is made with a not-so-potent but still helpful derivative of vitamin C. Sun exposure and pollution can cause the skin to misbehave and produce melanin in an irregular manner, but the stabilized vitamin C offers antioxidant protection that prevents this damage. This ingredient is also helpful for preventing acne breakouts, so we’re happy to recommend this serum for acne-prone skin. However, if your skin is more on the dry side then you might prefer Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop, instead. As far as the brightening effects of this serum go, this is not the most powerful serum on our list.

In the Lab, analysts use the Visia Complexion Analyzer device to track changes in skin during the product's use, including hyperpigmentation, lines and wrinkles, and pores. Formulated for optimal skin absorption, the airtight packaging on this standout L’Oréal Paris product helps ensure that the vitamin C inside stays stable and therefore effective. GH Beauty Lab experts think it's especially great for targeting hyperpigmentation (a.k.a. dark spots) since you can use the precise, pointed applicator to spot treat problem areas. Reviewers rave that "skin looks brighter" and "smoother" after using this serum. The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Serum is our top pick due to its accessibility, functional packaging, and effectiveness at improving skin tone and texture. If you prefer an oil-based product that will really boost the radiance of your skin and keep it hydrated, we recommend the Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Firming Oil.

• This ingredient is also helpful for preventing acne breakouts, so we’re happy to recommend this serum for acne-prone skin.
• Not only does this serum quench super-dry skin with hyaluronic acid, it contains niacinamide and vitamin E, both of which are powerful antioxidants that help to improve the skin’s natural moisture barrier and even out the complexion.
• As you may know, vitamin C is one of the top power players in terms of brightening effects “since it acts as an antioxidant by reducing free radical formation and preventing future sun damage,” says Dr. Caufield.

There is also lactic acid which exfoliates and speeds up the overall effects of this serum. This brightening serum is famous for its potent formula and its high price-point. It’s a great option for fading hyperpigmentation and it also has some serious anti-aging benefits.

Best Overall Brightening Serum: CeraVe Vitamin C Serum With Hyaluronic Acid

"My dark spots have reduced significantly." It contains 15% vitamin C to help lighten dark spots, smooth fine lines and minimize the appearance of pores. It also uses marine extracts to prevent new dark spots from forming as it improves your skin’s overall brightness and tone. Alongside firsthand testing across our beauty editors , we asked board-certified dermatologists for their tried-and-tried picks that they recommend to patients to select the best topical skin-care products containing vitamin C. Ahead, the best vitamin C serums for an even skin tone and a glowy, radiant finish. This fragrance-free serum from Olay is formulated with protective antioxidants, such as niacinamide and vitamin C, that brighten and even out complexion.

The 17 Best Brightening Serums for a Lit-From-Within Glow

Like many brightening serums, this product also relies on vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to promote a glowing complexion. Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, and follow up with a hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture. Dermatologists and skincare experts generally agree that skin brightening serums can be effective in addressing the aforementioned skin concerns when used correctly. However, it's important to note that individual results may vary, and some people may experience side effects such as irritation or allergic reactions. It's crucial to perform a patch test before incorporating a new product into your skincare routine and consult a dermatologist if you experience any adverse reactions.

Dr. Yadav explains that because vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient, it can be used topically in many different forms, including face serums. Boasting a unique oil-serum hybrid formula, the Versed Sunday Morning Antioxidant Oil-Serum refines the look of pores as it immerses your skin in brightening camellia oil, sea buckthorn extract, chamomile extract and vitamin E. As it increases your skin’s radiance, this antioxidant-rich serum also locks in hydration and smoothes away unwanted texture. Vitamin C serums don’t always provide a ton of hydration, but if you’re looking for one that truly pumps up the moisture, this is the one we recommend for you. The formula feels like a typical, lightweight face oil—as opposed to some vitamin C serums that have a grittier texture—and it nourishes the skin in addition to providing all of the wonderful antioxidant benefits.

If you have sensitive skin, you’ll prefer the fragrance-free options we’ve included, but if you don’t, you might want a nicely scented product. That’s why we mention the fragrance in the “Quick Facts” section of every review. Stronger pigmentation-lightening ingredients like vitamin C or retinol are highly unstable. When exposed to light and air, those ingredients degrade quickly and lose their effectiveness. In our reviews, we discuss how stable these serums are, whether through packaging or formulation. There are some amazing ingredients out there that combat pigmentation and give the skin a glow!

Theresa Holland is a seasoned commerce writer specializing in cosmetics. For this roundup, she considered dozens of products, evaluating each serum on its active ingredients, skin-feel, and value. She combined dermatologist recommended picks with insights from product testers and hours of research to compile this roundup. Animal lovers who steer clear of anything containing animal or animal-derived ingredients will love this clean, cruelty-free formula.

Visible results can take a few months to show up, but if your skin doesn’t respond well to vitamin C, it’s one of the best alternatives. The brightening effect comes from 10% ascorbic acid, which is the most potent form of vitamin C. While the amount isn’t huge, it’s enough to have an effect on hyperpigmentation. As we wait patiently for spas to reopen, Bliss is bringing the benefits of their signature facials straight home to us. The company’s brightening and protecting serum combines soothing vitamin C with anti-aging tri-peptides to visibly repair your skin’s surface while promoting a glowy complexion. Vitamin C is essential for collagen production and protection of the skin barrier.

If you’d prefer a slightly stronger de-pigmenting product, even if it’ll be less moisturizing, we’d recommend you try SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. Okay, it's expensive, but this serum is magical for targeting sun damage and discoloration. "It has kakadu plum, recognized as the world's highest source of vitamin C for brightening," says Rhea Souhleris, director of aesthetics at La Suite Skincare at Union Square Laser Dermatology. Some experts even think that regular exposure to alcohol damages skin barrier and causes inflammation though it's a debated opinion. If you wanna know more, we wrote a more detailed explanation about what's the deal with alcohol in skincare products at alcohol denat.(it's also alcohol, but with some additives to make sure no one drinks it).

After just a week or two, we recognized a real difference in the brightness of our skin, noting that our complexions looked more radiant even when we weren’t wearing it. Overall, it helped us achieve more luminous, healthy, and youthful-looking skin. Those who have dryer skin and/or love skincare oils should try this winner. Melanie Rud is a Chicago-based writer with 10 years of experience covering beauty. She covers all things skincare for Byrdie, from ingredients to acne advice.