Essential Brightening Serum
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Sometimes a gentle approach works best if your skin is particularly reactive, and this serum is case in point. It has brightening niacinamide, but is coupled with hydrating hyaluronic acid and skin-reinforcing ceramides to protect the skin barrier and reduce irritation, and at a great price-point too. This serum is packed with brightening vitamin C and gives the skin a sought-after glow. 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.
Thanks to its nourishing Olive Oil complex, this serum from her new line does it all—hydrates, brightens, firms, the works. While it doesn’t have hard claims on firming benefits, we would love it if the product provided a bit more of a firming benefit, especially considering that it contains marine peptides. If you’re seeking a vitamin C serum that works at a very accessible price point, Yes To Grapefruit Daily Brightening Serum will be your new favorite product. Alyssa joined the Byrdie team in 2022 covering shopping and product content in the beauty and lifestyle categories.
- It features retinol, an ingredient that increases the skin turnover rate while encouraging the shedding of dead skin cells.
- "In addition to vitamins C and E, this serum contains scutellaria baicalensis root extract, which is potent in antioxidants," he says.
- When we review vitamin C serums, we look for technology to preserve the vitamin C, unique packaging to protect against light degradation and ingredients with synergistic benefits to improve efficacy.
- 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.
Perfect for those with stubborn dark spots, acne scars and hyperpigmentation, the Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Brightening Skin Corrector is packed with 15 percent vitamin C to fade away discoloration and boost your skin’s overall glow. Suitable for all skin types, it also infuses a hydrating dose of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E into the skin to increase its plumpness, moisture and antioxidant defense. 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.
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. 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. “It has kojic acid and niacinamide, which is a form of Vitamin B that also helps to brighten and reduce inflammation, as well as tranexamic acid, which decreases pigmentation in conditions like melasma without brightening serum irritation,” says Dr. Caufield.
Best Overall Vitamin C Serum
This rich, cream-like serum utilizes a stabilized version of vitamin C known as THD ascorbate to boost your complexion's radiance while moisturizing skin and reducing the look of discoloration, making it great for dry skin types. Vitamin C's antioxidant properties mean that it can neutralize free radicals, which are molecules created by external factors like air pollution and sunlight, says Dr. Zeichner. And since free radicals speed up signs of aging, vitamin C helps address fine lines they cause, too. Think of it as the ideal daytime counterpart to the retinol or acids you might use at night to smooth over your skin, speed up cellular turnover, and treat acne scars left over from breakouts. If opting for vegan skincare products is important to you, we think you’ll love the vitamin C serum from InnBeauty Project.
But that tube has an added benefit; it also keeps that potent vitamin C from being exposed to light or air so that it doesn’t break down. While we didn’t necessarily see instant results, it did definitely leave our skin more luminous and firmer in the long run—so much so that we could even start wearing less makeup. The secret to this beloved serum is its active ingredient, viniferine, which comes from grapevine sap and, according to the brand, is 62 times more effective than vitamin C when boosting radiance.
There are a ton of other useful ingredients in here for overall skin luminosity, clarity, and hydration! Centella asiatica, for instance, is a powerful skin soother that improves overall skin tone and may also help with pigmentation. Otherwise, there are lots of hydrating agents and antioxidant-rich plant extracts that make the skin just generally bouncy and glowy. The main skin brightening ingredient in this serum is ascorbic acid, which is used at 5%. While it’s a fairly low amount, there is still research showing that it’s effective at improving the appearance of sun-damaged skin, and it still gives the skin an important antioxidant boost. This formula is made with a not-so-potent but still helpful derivative of vitamin C.
One of Dr. Wang's favorite splurge-worthy antioxidant serums is, without a doubt, Tatcha's Violet-C Brightening Serum. "In addition to containing a few active forms of vitamin C, it also contains various antioxidant-rich phytoextracts," he says. He also notes that this serum also has skin-conditioning benefits, thanks to the addition of hydrating hyaluronic acid and moisture-retaining glycerin. "My favorite thing about this serum is how the antioxidant profile helps reduce redness while calming the skin, which is not usual of other topical brightening agents, which can be very irritating and cause redness," she says. Dark spots can result from many things—like post-acne scarring and sun damage—and they can often be tricky to fade.
This recipe also hydrates without feeling greasy, thanks to the ingredient olive squalane. Lightweight and great for evening skin tone, you can rest assured that it's not lacking at all in efficacy. Estheticians that focus on deeper skin tones like Tiara Willis have noted that vitamin C serums aren’t as effective for hyperpigmentation, although they’re still very beneficial as antioxidants.
There is also lactic acid which exfoliates and speeds up the overall effects of this serum. As far as the brightening effects of this serum go, this is not the most powerful serum on our list. It won’t fade hyperpigmentation, but it can prevent it while giving your skin a glow and countering dullness. The formula is very hydrating thanks to plant-derived polysaccharides that pull water into the skin and make it look bouncy and healthy. This brightening serum is famous for its potent formula and its high price-point.
For those suffering from uneven texture and tone, incorporating one of the best brightening serums into your skin care routine will help reveal a more radiant complexion and even help correct some other skin care woes as well. Ideal for dry skin, this serum from La Roche-Posay has a creamier formula that contains 10% vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, which is great for hydrating and plumping skin. La Roche-Posay thermal spring water is said to "repel free radicals and soothe skin." After using it daily for a little over a month, one reviewer shares that her skin looks brighter and feels smoother. "I had tried other vitamin C creams and this is the first one that did not irritate my sensitive skin." Just an FYI, some users noted the strong scent. For less than $10, The Ordinary's Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% is pretty impressive when it comes to reducing the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone. As its name suggests, this serum provides a double dose of antioxidant protection to guard skin against free radical damage while addressing pigmentation concerns.
What ingredients should I look for in face serums?
Exfoliating too frequently can irritate the skin, so while this serum might be fine on a daily basis, those with sensitive skin should only use it a few times a week. SkinCeuticals did groundbreaking and expensive research that proved that by combining ascorbic acid with antioxidants vitamin E and ferulic acid at a low pH, the result is a more effective formula that’s also stable for a lot longer. This is why they can justify the high price tag when many other brands can’t. Arbutin hasn’t been directly compared to other skin brightening ingredients like vitamin C, but most users find that it’s a little less intense. 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. 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.
While the serum claims to help with skin plumpness thanks to the inclusion of hyaluronic acid, we didn’t notice a visible improvement in this area. But given how brightening this serum is, we highly recommend it if you’re dealing with dull skin. 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. “Retinol, or retinoids, can brighten the skin by reducing the synthesis of melanin, the pigments that make up dark spots,” says Dr. Belkin.
For example, if you use a benzoyl peroxide product at night, it’s best to apply your vitamin C serum in the morning. 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. 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.
Shoppers can save 50 per cent on all JLo Beauty products, including the star's coveted serum. To shop the limited-time sale and upgrade your skincare cabinet for the New Year, check out the deals below. Perform a patch test before incorporating a new serum into your skincare routine to ensure your skin tolerates the product well. From vitamin C to retinol, there's a supercharged formula for every skin type.
If you already alternate several other actives, you might apply it every other day; if you’re looking to dramatically fade hyperpigmentation, you may want to use it daily. To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We tested several options for days at a time and then collaborated with a board-certified dermatologist to ensure we made the best picks for all skin types and needs. Great for all skin types, skin tones, and ages, this pick isn't harsh, and it makes a noticeable improvement in the texture and tone of the skin. Putting in the effort to figure out what will work for you is totally worth it.
Apply a few drops onto clean skin in the morning and evening, followed by a moisturizer suitable for combination skin. This contains ascorbic acid and brightening alpha arbutin to reduce dark spots and reveal an even, bright complexion. 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.
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.
Below, find the 12 best brightening serums that’ll give you the glowy skin of your dreams—no expensive facial required. The vitamin C in this formula comes from spirulina, a form of blue algae that helps to even and brighten the complexion while reducing the appearance of blemishes. It also combines alguronic acid to reduce the look of fine lines and marine ferment, a protein that protects the skin matrix. Not to mention, if you've ever dreamt about replicating the viral glazed donut, jelly, or glass skin trends, shopping for a brightening serum is a great way to help you achieve that dewy and glowing skin.
Apply a couple of drops all over your face, or tap it onto problem areas for an extra exfoliating boost. This formula is all about controlling the exact right amount of exfoliation that will lift dark spots and even tone without overdoing it. A potent blend of kelp extract, antimicrobial mushroom extract, and de-clogging white willow bark makes this a clinical-strength addition to your medicine cabinet. Dark spots can be distracting when applying makeup, and if you have a ton, you might need more than just a spot treatment.
Thus, this shelf-stable product will last and last, even if you don't use it every day. If you do use it daily, it may run out quickly due to it small size, according to some users. However, multiple reviewers noted that it mixes well with their moisturizers and was easy to use.
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. 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. Great for oily skin types, Clinique’s Even Better Clinical’s “botanical blend of lightening ingredients, along with vitamin C and salicylic acid, make for a great brightening serum,” says Dr. Chang. Formulated with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and gentle poly-hydroxy acids, this silky serum helps to brighten, smooth, and deliver all-day hydration.
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. This lightweight serum is perfect for applying underneath makeup while offering an extra boost of radiance. It's made with vitamin C, niacinamide, and lactic acid to give a brighter, hydrated, and healthy-looking complexion.
Testers also share feedback on how their skin looks and feels during and after use and any perceived changes in skin. They comment on many elements of the formulas, including texture, absorption, ease of use and scent. Here, read all about the best vitamin C serums you can buy for every skin type and need, plus how to choose a good formula for you. Below, take a look at some of the best antioxidant-fueled serums that derms and Allure editors alike are fans of. The plant is known for its hydrating, anti-inflammatory effects that balance the Vitamin Cg that packs an exfoliating punch.
If you’ve come here, chances are these are the effects you want, so keep reading to discover the best brightening serums. Versed is all about providing effective, clean skincare products — all for under $20. Beyond its affordable price tag, this glow-inducing serum also prevents unwanted pigmentation because of ingredients like palmata extract and niacinamide. “It’s also important to include moisturizing ingredients and serums in your regimen,” Dr. Garshick says. “These will help to support the skin barrier to minimize the potential for dryness or irritation from acne-fighting ingredients. For those with dry skin, serums containing squalane or ceramides can help to soften and smooth the skin.” Other ingredients to look for if you want hydrated and smooth skin?
Apply a small amount onto clean skin, starting every other day and gradually increasing to daily use, followed by a gentle moisturizer. The ranking is based on the potency of active ingredients, proven effectiveness in improving skin tone and reducing dark spots, suitability for different skin types, and potential side effects. The top-rated serums contain higher concentrations of powerful ingredients and have a broader range of suitability for various skin types, while the lower-ranked serums may be less effective or potentially irritating for some users.