Marshmallow gives this gentle, lightweight liquid its illuminating power. The plant is known for its hydrating, anti-inflammatory effects that balance the Vitamin Cg that packs an exfoliating punch. Alpha arbutin, a plant-based alternative to hydroquinone, is a serious radiance booster. And when combined with lactic and azelaic acid, we're talking a complete reboot of your complexion brightening serum.

Additionally, avoid using it at the same time as certain other active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide. For example, if you use a benzoyl peroxide product at night, it’s best to apply your vitamin C serum in the morning. While our tester appreciated that this liquidy serum absorbed quickly and layered nicely in her skincare routine, she didn’t see a noticeable difference in the brightness of her complexion or a reduction in dark spots. Over the course of six weeks, each tester incorporated one vitamin C serum into their beauty routine per the directions on the packing of their product. They evaluated their serum based on ease of use, absorption, skin texture, skin glow, firmness, and overall look, and those that scored the highest earned our Byrdie stamp of approval and appear on this list.

Those with darker skin are often more prone to hyperpigmentation than light-skinned folks. While we still recommend vitamin C serums for their protective and anti-aging effects, many people of color find that they’re not effective for countering hyperpigmentation. This serum from L’Oreal is a little different from the rest of our selection. It’s not an alternative to the other brightening serums on this list, but instead, it’s a complementary serum that can significantly boost their efficacy.

A six amino acid peptide that is claimed to improve firmness and skin tone. Its amino acid sequence is Val-Gly-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly that is also called the "spring fragment" and is repeated six times in the important skin protein, elastin molecule. The 5% Retexturizing Complex—a Green Coffee Seed and AHA/BHA blend—helps support skin’s natural enzymatic action to boost cell turnover for smoother skin texture and less visible pores.

Smaller amounts of L-Ascorbic acid and hyaluronic acid brighten, hydrate and moisturize for long-term results. This innovative powder combines vitamin C, ferulic acid, and glutathione to create a powerful antioxidant-rich formula. In case you don't know, gluthatione is a buzzy ingredient that's normally taken orally for its detoxifying benefits. When applied topically, though, it helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and dark spots. If your skincare goals include controlling sebum production, reducing the look of large pores, and brightening, this lightweight serum has you covered.

"My dark spots have reduced significantly." It contains 15% vitamin C to help lighten dark spots, smooth fine lines and minimize the appearance of pores. It also uses marine extracts to prevent new dark spots from forming as it improves your skin’s overall brightness and tone. Alongside firsthand testing across our beauty editors , we asked board-certified dermatologists for their tried-and-tried picks that they recommend to patients to select the best topical skin-care products containing vitamin C. Ahead, the best vitamin C serums for an even skin tone and a glowy, radiant finish. This fragrance-free serum from Olay is formulated with protective antioxidants, such as niacinamide and vitamin C, that brighten and even out complexion.

While we didn’t necessarily see instant results, it did definitely leave our skin more luminous and firmer in the long run—so much so that we could even start wearing less makeup. No list of our favorite serums would be complete without this offering from SkinCeuticals. As its moniker suggests, it's a magical blend of vitamins C and E, plus ferulic acid that helps to transform and even skin tone both instantly and over time, leaving behind an impeccable glow. This gets rid of damaged or pigmented skin cells and allows other brightening serums to penetrate more deeply into the skin.

Garniers Bright Complete Vitamin C Face Serum 50ml - Get Spot-less, Bright Skin

Otherwise, there are lots of hydrating agents and antioxidant-rich plant extracts that make the skin just generally bouncy and glowy. This formula is made with a not-so-potent but still helpful derivative of vitamin C. Sun exposure and pollution can cause the skin to misbehave and produce melanin in an irregular manner, but the stabilized vitamin C offers antioxidant protection that prevents this damage. This ingredient is also helpful for preventing acne breakouts, so we’re happy to recommend this serum for acne-prone skin. However, if your skin is more on the dry side then you might prefer Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop, instead. As far as the brightening effects of this serum go, this is not the most powerful serum on our list.

Whether you’re dealing with uneven skin tone or pesky dark spots, this treatment is the answer to all your discoloration woes. It has Norwegian Kelp Extract in it, a property that’s known to increase controlled exfoliation and remove excess pigment, along with other anti-agers that promote cellular turnover and brighten. As the product activates on skin, you may experience a brief tingling or some minor sloughing, which is normal. Superficial dead skin cells are being lifted off by the active ingredients to unveil smoother, brighter skin.

• It also isn’t sticky or tacky and layers really nicely under other skincare products.
• While this might not sound super appealing, it spreads easily and sinks into the skin quickly.
• No list of our favorite serums would be complete without this offering from SkinCeuticals.
• Obagi Medical provides transformational skin care products formulated to minimize signs of skin aging, address dark spots, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and to protect and enhance skin tone and texture.
• With continued use, you'll find a noticeable difference in your skin tone and texture.

Its wild rose extract refines pores while its light-reflecting pigments blur their appearance and gives your face a lit-from-within finish. The vitamin C in this formula comes from spirulina, a form of blue algae that helps to even and brighten the complexion while reducing the appearance of blemishes. It also combines alguronic acid to reduce the look of fine lines and marine ferment, a protein that protects the skin matrix.

If you have sensitive skin, you’ll prefer the fragrance-free options we’ve included, but if you don’t, you might want a nicely scented product. That’s why we mention the fragrance in the “Quick Facts” section of every review. Stronger pigmentation-lightening ingredients like vitamin C or retinol are highly unstable. When exposed to light and air, those ingredients degrade quickly and lose their effectiveness. In our reviews, we discuss how stable these serums are, whether through packaging or formulation. There are some amazing ingredients out there that combat pigmentation and give the skin a glow!

How to select sunscreen and how much to apply

Theresa Holland is a seasoned commerce writer specializing in cosmetics. For this roundup, she considered dozens of products, evaluating each serum on its active ingredients, skin-feel, and value. She combined dermatologist recommended picks with insights from product testers and hours of research to compile this roundup. Animal lovers who steer clear of anything containing animal or animal-derived ingredients will love this clean, cruelty-free formula.

We couldn’t get over both the price point and how well this serum worked. It left our complexion glowy and hydrated right away, improved texture after a day, evened out our skin tone, and boosted overall radiance after a few weeks. While we did like the light grapefruit scent, it does bear mentioning that this does contain fragrance. If you’re an avid fan of natural, vegan-friendly cosmetics you may like this natural brightening serum. It’s made with 72% organic ingredients in a very lightweight formula that can work especially well for combination and oily skin.

If you’d prefer a slightly stronger de-pigmenting product, even if it’ll be less moisturizing, we’d recommend you try SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. Okay, it's expensive, but this serum is magical for targeting sun damage and discoloration. "It has kakadu plum, recognized as the world's highest source of vitamin C for brightening," says Rhea Souhleris, director of aesthetics at La Suite Skincare at Union Square Laser Dermatology. Some experts even think that regular exposure to alcohol damages skin barrier and causes inflammation though it's a debated opinion. If you wanna know more, we wrote a more detailed explanation about what's the deal with alcohol in skincare products at alcohol denat.(it's also alcohol, but with some additives to make sure no one drinks it).

Skin brightening serums work by targeting melanin production in the skin. Melanin is the pigment responsible for our skin color, and an overproduction of melanin can lead to uneven skin tone or dark spots. Brightening serums contain active ingredients, such as vitamin C, niacinamide, and alpha hydroxy acids , which help to inhibit melanin production, exfoliate dead skin cells, and promote cell turnover. As far as buzzy skincare ingredients go, vitamin C is one of the most talked about — and for good reason.

Dead skin build-up makes the skin look dull, so exfoliation can brighten it quickly. Glycolic acid also has moisture-attracting effects , which is another way that this serum helps to increase glow. There are clinical studies backing the efficacy of this specific formula when it comes to repairing photodamage (i.e. sun-induced skin damage), protecting from the aging effects of sun exposure, and lightening pigmentation.

The top-rated serums contain higher concentrations of powerful ingredients and have a broader range of suitability for various skin types, while the lower-ranked serums may be less effective or potentially irritating for some users. GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann loves this splurge-worthy SkinCeuticals serum, a dermatologist gold standard, for its gentle yet effective performance. “Even with a high concentration of 15% of L-Ascorbic acid — an outstanding and proven form of vitamin C — this serum doesn’t irritate my skin like other products I’ve tried,” she says.

It also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and panthenol that give the skin a general glow. This serum is loaded with ingredients that ward off discoloration and dark spots, such as niacineamide, tranexamic acid, and kojic acid. It also includes hepes, which is an acid that offers gentle exfoliation. With continued use, you'll find a noticeable difference in your skin tone and texture. Apply the skin brightening serum, focusing on areas with hyperpigmentation or dark spots. This serum is packed with brightening vitamin C and gives the skin a sought-after glow.

In the Lab, analysts use the Visia Complexion Analyzer device to track changes in skin during the product's use, including hyperpigmentation, lines and wrinkles, and pores. Formulated for optimal skin absorption, the airtight packaging on this standout L’Oréal Paris product helps ensure that the vitamin C inside stays stable and therefore effective. GH Beauty Lab experts think it's especially great for targeting hyperpigmentation (a.k.a. dark spots) since you can use the precise, pointed applicator to spot treat problem areas. Reviewers rave that "skin looks brighter" and "smoother" after using this serum. The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Serum is our top pick due to its accessibility, functional packaging, and effectiveness at improving skin tone and texture. If you prefer an oil-based product that will really boost the radiance of your skin and keep it hydrated, we recommend the Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Firming Oil.

This vitamin C serum has our stamp of approval for all skin types, skin tones, and ages, and our go-to for anyone looking to firm and smooth their skin. We appreciated that the serum had a lightweight texture that didn’t feel greasy on our already oily skin, and we noticed that after a few weeks of using it, our post-acne marks were visibly reduced. We love that this product is available at your local drugstore, relatively affordable, and highly effective.

If you’ve come here, chances are these are the effects you want, so keep reading to discover the best brightening serums. Azelaic acid is a powerful ingredient when it comes to treating acne and reducing hyperpigmentation. Studies have found that azelaic acid is comparable to other acne treatments, like topical tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide, but less irritating.

While it's certainly a splurge, this brightening serum contains a variety of potent ingredients that combat hyperpigmentation, including tranexemic acid, phenylethyl resorcinol, niacinamide, and tetrapeptide-30. Tested to be the equivalent to prescription Retin-A, this formula is very effective, saysMacGregor. It brightens skin and stimulates collagen production to minimize the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles. "A tiny pump mixed in your evening moisturizer is all you need," she says. Not to mention, if you've ever dreamt about replicating the viral glazed donut, jelly, or glass skin trends, shopping for a brightening serum is a great way to help you achieve that dewy and glowing skin. All to say, radiance-boosting serums are a serious game changer in any routine.

Best Overall Brightening Serum: CeraVe Vitamin C Serum With Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is another key ingredient in the formula that helps draw moisture into skin and hydrate. One reviewer shares that it "feels like a very light gel moisturizer" and "if you wear makeup, this is an excellent primer, too." Other users note that it does oxidize quickly, making the formula turn orange. Microscopically encapsulated vitamin C prevents degradation from light and air in this potent and pricey serum from BeautyStat.

Visible results can take a few months to show up, but if your skin doesn’t respond well to vitamin C, it’s one of the best alternatives. The brightening effect comes from 10% ascorbic acid, which is the most potent form of vitamin C. While the amount isn’t huge, it’s enough to have an effect on hyperpigmentation. As we wait patiently for spas to reopen, Bliss is bringing the benefits of their signature facials straight home to us. The company’s brightening and protecting serum combines soothing vitamin C with anti-aging tri-peptides to visibly repair your skin’s surface while promoting a glowy complexion. Vitamin C is essential for collagen production and protection of the skin barrier.

Dr. Yadav explains that because vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient, it can be used topically in many different forms, including face serums. Boasting a unique oil-serum hybrid formula, the Versed Sunday Morning Antioxidant Oil-Serum refines the look of pores as it immerses your skin in brightening camellia oil, sea buckthorn extract, chamomile extract and vitamin E. As it increases your skin’s radiance, this antioxidant-rich serum also locks in hydration and smoothes away unwanted texture. Vitamin C serums don’t always provide a ton of hydration, but if you’re looking for one that truly pumps up the moisture, this is the one we recommend for you. The formula feels like a typical, lightweight face oil—as opposed to some vitamin C serums that have a grittier texture—and it nourishes the skin in addition to providing all of the wonderful antioxidant benefits.

In pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing. Turn up the brightness on your skin and fade discoloration with these glow-boosting formulas from Caudalie, Versed, SkinCeuticals and more. This is a great choice for those on a budget, as well as those who have more mature skin and want a serum that delivers generally good anti-aging benefits.

Sometimes a gentle approach works best if your skin is particularly reactive, and this serum is case in point. It has brightening niacinamide, but is coupled with hydrating hyaluronic acid and skin-reinforcing ceramides to protect the skin barrier and reduce irritation, and at a great price-point too. Several online reviewers admit that this serum is a tad overpriced, but most agree that it really works. "In three weeks, I have seen a huge change in my skin," shares one Sephora reviewer.