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
    C E Ferulic

    SkinCeuticals

    6,837 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Advanced antioxidant treatment and skin protector designed to defend against photoaging and reveal more youthful skin.
  2. 2
    Midnight Recovery Concentrate

    Kiehl's Since 1851

    2,488 REVIEWS
    Replenishing nighttime facial oil with distilled botanicals that visibly restores the appearance of skin by morning.
  3. 3
    Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
    1,670 REVIEWS
    A dark spot corrector and brightening serum that helps visibly reduce the look of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and post-acne marks. 
  4. 4
    Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
    1,240 REVIEWS
    A potent Vitamin C serum formulated with 12.5% Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid.
  5. 5
    Resurfacing Serum

    Tata Harper

    1,169 REVIEWS
    A resurfacing serum that utilizes AHA & BHA for a glowing, youthful complexion.
  6. 6
    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.
  7. 7
    Phloretin CF

    SkinCeuticals

    548 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Formulated for daytime use, this antioxidant serum neutralizes free radicals to prevent signs of accelerated skin aging.
  8. 8
    Porte Per La Vitalita Face and Eye Serum
    472 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.
  9. 9
    Vitamin C THDA 20% Elixir
    405 REVIEWS
    A powerful plant-based Vitamin C concentrate that targets dark spots for visible improvement of complexion, amplified radiance, and brighter skin.
  10. 10
    Cell Forté Serum with BIOMSC™

    Angela Caglia Skincare

    353 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A breakthrough anti-aging serum made with a protein-rich liquid known as conditioned media produced from Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs).

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.