What to Look for in a Brightening Serum

Choosing the right brightening serum 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 clinically proven brightening agents such as vitamin C, niacinamide, licorice root extract, or alpha arbutin. These ingredients help reduce dark spots and promote a luminous glow.

2. Skin Type Compatibility

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Consider your skin type when selecting a serum. Lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, while hydrating serums with added moisturizers suit dry or sensitive skin.

3. Concentration and Potency

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Check the concentration of active ingredients for effective results. Higher percentages may offer faster benefits but could cause irritation if you have sensitive skin.

4. Additional Benefits

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Some brightening serums also target fine lines, hydration, or protection from environmental stressors. Choose a multi-tasking formula if you want to address multiple skincare concerns at once.

  1. 1
    Face Serum

    Costa Brazil

    1,029 REVIEWS
    This lightweight Face Serum provides a potent supply of vitamins, omegas and antioxidants to help nourish, brighten and improve the look and feel of skin texture and tone.
  2. 2
    Porte Per La Vitalita Face and Eye Serum
    475 REVIEWS
    Treat skin with a dual-use, supercharged treatment for the face and eye area that absorbs in a flash for an instant glowing transformation.
  3. 3
    Natural Retinol Bakuchiol 2% Elixir
    353 REVIEWS
    A powerful natural Retinol (Bakuchiol) concentrate.
  4. 4
    Brightening Booster Vitamin C Serum
    345 REVIEWS
    Brightening Booster Vitamin C Serum with 10% THD Ascorbate + Green Microalgae
  5. 5
    Essential Shock Intense Retinol Night Renewal
    284 REVIEWS
    Firming and resurfacing serum.
  6. 6
    Biolumin-C Serum

    Dermalogica

    163 REVIEWS
    High-performance lactic acid and vitamin c serum. This AHA serum brightens, exfoliates firms and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines.
  7. 7
    PowerGlow Pro+ Niacinamide+Neuropeptide Serum
    158 REVIEWS
    BestSeller Exclusive
    Anti-aging niacinamide and neuropeptide glow serum with glycolic, salicylic and lactic acid. 
  8. 8
    Asta C Vitamin C Age Defense Serum

    Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty

    110 REVIEWS
    A cutting-edge, dermatologist-created serum with 2x newer forms of vitamin C to reduce visible signs of aging while brightening the look of skin.
  9. 9
    SuperSoothe Calm+Correct Serum
    92 REVIEWS
    Exclusive
    Antioxidant-packed calming and hydrating serum with aloe, licorice and carrot extracts.
  10. 10
    Advanced RGN-6 Regenerative Cream
    991 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Advanced RGN-6 regenerative cream reverses 6 signs of aging and skin tone damage for visibly rejuvenated skin starting in 1 week.

What to Look for in a Brightening Serum

Choosing the right brightening serum 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 clinically proven brightening agents such as vitamin C, niacinamide, licorice root extract, or alpha arbutin. These ingredients help reduce dark spots and promote a luminous glow.

2. Skin Type Compatibility

Citrus catapult arrow

Consider your skin type when selecting a serum. Lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, while hydrating serums with added moisturizers suit dry or sensitive skin.

3. Concentration and Potency

Citrus catapult arrow

Check the concentration of active ingredients for effective results. Higher percentages may offer faster benefits but could cause irritation if you have sensitive skin.

4. Additional Benefits

Citrus catapult arrow

Some brightening serums also target fine lines, hydration, or protection from environmental stressors. Choose a multi-tasking formula if you want to address multiple skincare concerns at once.