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
    812 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
    1,208 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Unveil glowing skin with this multi-correctional, skincare-infused tinted moisturizer that delivers customizable coverage for a second-skin finish.
  5. 5
    SunCoverup Super Tint Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50
    758 REVIEWS
    A silicone-free, skincare-infused daily tinted moisturizer with mineral SPF 50 broad spectrum protection.
  6. 6
    Buriti Bronzer

    RMS Beauty

    751 REVIEWS
    Award-winning, hydrating cream bronzer that gives skin an authentically sun-kissed, healthy look—for  a natural, effortless glow.
  7. 7
    Gradual Tan Classic Daily Firming Lotion
    716 REVIEWS
    A sustainably-made daily firming lotion with gradual tanning technology that adds a light-to-medium sun-kissed glow. 
  8. 8
    Ambient Lighting Bronzer
    347 REVIEWS
    Ambient Lighting Bronzer fuses the illuminating effects of Ambient Lighting Powder with bronze pigments to add depth and dimension for a natural, sun-kissed glow.
  9. 9
    Living Luminizer Glow Quad Mini
    192 REVIEWS
    A travel-ready palette for on-the-go glow, featuring our legendary, award-winning luminizers and top-selling bronzer.
  10. 10
    Studio Tone SPF 50 Bronzing Drops for Face
    165 REVIEWS
    Vacation® Studio Tone SPF 50 Bronzing Drops are the makeup artist’s secret to perfect sunkissed skin.

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.