What to Look for in a Brightening Moisturizer

Choosing the right brightening moisturizer can help you achieve a radiant, even-toned complexion. Here are key factors to consider before making your selection.

1. Active Ingredients

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Look for proven brightening ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, licorice root extract, or alpha arbutin. These ingredients work to reduce dark spots and enhance skin luminosity.

2. Hydration Level

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A good brightening moisturizer should provide adequate hydration for your skin type. Consider lightweight gels for oily skin or richer creams for dry skin to ensure your complexion stays dewy and comfortable.

3. Skin Sensitivity

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If you have sensitive skin, opt for fragrance-free formulas and avoid harsh actives that may cause irritation. Patch test new products and look for soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.

4. Sun Protection

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Some brightening ingredients can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Choosing a moisturizer with built-in SPF or layering with sunscreen can help protect your results and prevent further discoloration.

  1. 1
    Dream TintTinted Moisturizer SPF 15
    807 REVIEWS
    A hydrating, lightweight, water-resistant tinted moisturizer with SPF 15.
  2. 2
    Tinted Moisturizer Bronzer

    Laura Mercier

    43 REVIEWS
    The first cream bronzer with all the benefits of Tinted Moisturizer for the perfect sun kissed glow and 12hr of hydration.
  3. 3
    SPF 50 Color Balm

    Odacité

    New
    A triple-action SPF 50 color balm that blends skincare, makeup, and sun protection.
  4. 4
    Complexion Perfecting Tinted Serum
    1,194 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Unveil glowing skin with this multi-correctional, skincare-infused tinted moisturizer that delivers customizable coverage for a second-skin finish.
  5. 5
    Buriti Bronzer

    RMS Beauty

    750 REVIEWS
    Award-winning, hydrating cream bronzer that gives skin an authentically sun-kissed, healthy look—for  a natural, effortless glow.
  6. 6
    SunCoverup Super Tint Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50
    730 REVIEWS
    A silicone-free, skincare-infused daily tinted moisturizer with mineral SPF 50 broad spectrum protection.
  7. 7
    Living Luminizer Glow Quad Mini
    191 REVIEWS
    A travel-ready palette for on-the-go glow, featuring our legendary, award-winning luminizers and top-selling bronzer.
  8. 8
    Sunlit Skin Bronzing Tint and Self Tan Face Serum
    164 REVIEWS
    This no rinse self-tan serum is the perfect base for glowing, bronzed skin, giving you a radiant look in 3 hours.
  9. 9
    Studio Tone SPF 50 Bronzing Drops for Face
    163 REVIEWS
    Vacation® Studio Tone SPF 50 Bronzing Drops are the makeup artist’s secret to perfect sunkissed skin.
  10. 10
    Instant Vacation Bronzing Lotion SPF 30 Body Sunscreen
    154 REVIEWS
    A multifaceted lotion that instantly delivers a bronzed, sun-kissed look while providing broad spectrum SPF 30 sun protection.

What to Look for in a Brightening Moisturizer

Choosing the right brightening moisturizer can help you achieve a radiant, even-toned complexion. Here are key factors to consider before making your selection.

1. Active Ingredients

Citrus catapult arrow

Look for proven brightening ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, licorice root extract, or alpha arbutin. These ingredients work to reduce dark spots and enhance skin luminosity.

2. Hydration Level

Citrus catapult arrow

A good brightening moisturizer should provide adequate hydration for your skin type. Consider lightweight gels for oily skin or richer creams for dry skin to ensure your complexion stays dewy and comfortable.

3. Skin Sensitivity

Citrus catapult arrow

If you have sensitive skin, opt for fragrance-free formulas and avoid harsh actives that may cause irritation. Patch test new products and look for soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.

4. Sun Protection

Citrus catapult arrow

Some brightening ingredients can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Choosing a moisturizer with built-in SPF or layering with sunscreen can help protect your results and prevent further discoloration.