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
    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.
  2. 2
    C E Ferulic

    SkinCeuticals

    6,952 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Advanced antioxidant treatment and skin protector designed to defend against photoaging and reveal more youthful skin.
  3. 3
    Midnight Recovery Concentrate

    Kiehl's Since 1851

    2,496 REVIEWS
    Replenishing nighttime facial oil with distilled botanicals that visibly restores the appearance of skin by morning.
  4. 4
    Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
    1,700 REVIEWS
    A dark spot corrector and brightening serum that helps visibly reduce the look of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and post-acne marks. 
  5. 5
    Resurfacing Serum

    Tata Harper

    1,172 REVIEWS
    A resurfacing serum that utilizes AHA & BHA for a glowing, youthful complexion.
  6. 6
    Porte Per La Vitalita Face and Eye Serum
    474 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.
  7. 7
    Vitamin C THDA 20% Elixir
    413 REVIEWS
    A powerful plant-based Vitamin C concentrate that targets dark spots for visible improvement of complexion, amplified radiance, and brighter skin.
  8. 8
    Natural Retinol Bakuchiol 2% Elixir
    353 REVIEWS
    A powerful natural Retinol (Bakuchiol) concentrate.
  9. 9
    Brightening Booster Vitamin C Serum
    345 REVIEWS
    Brightening Booster Vitamin C Serum with 10% THD Ascorbate + Green Microalgae
  10. 10
    Essential Shock Intense Retinol Night Renewal
    284 REVIEWS
    Firming and resurfacing serum.

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.