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
    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.
  3. 3
    Midnight Recovery Concentrate

    Kiehl's Since 1851

    2,494 REVIEWS
    Replenishing nighttime facial oil with distilled botanicals that visibly restores the appearance of skin by morning.
  4. 4
    Resurfacing Serum

    Tata Harper

    1,170 REVIEWS
    A resurfacing serum that utilizes AHA & BHA for a glowing, youthful complexion.
  5. 5
    Porte Per La Vitalita Face and Eye Serum
    473 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.
  6. 6
    Natural Retinol Bakuchiol 2% Elixir
    350 REVIEWS
    A powerful natural Retinol (Bakuchiol) concentrate.
  7. 7
    Brightening Booster Vitamin C Serum
    345 REVIEWS
    Brightening Booster Vitamin C Serum with 10% THD Ascorbate + Green Microalgae
  8. 8
    Essential Shock Intense Retinol Night Renewal
    284 REVIEWS
    Firming and resurfacing serum.
  9. 9
    CandE Advanced

    PCA Skin

    118 REVIEWS
    Our most advanced antioxidant formula diminishes dark spots, soothes irritated skin and reduces signs of aging.
  10. 10
    Vitablast C Serum Pad
    66 REVIEWS
    Exclusive
    Super glow serum pad with 15% vitamin C, E and gallic.

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.