12 Best Dermatologist-Approved Brightening Serums Of 2024
Rejuvenate and hydrate the skin cells to improve your skin texture for a youthful glow.
Dr. Enrizza FactorMD
Dr. Enrizza Factor is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and Fellow of the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation Inc. She is also a member of the Philippine Academy of Cutaneous Surgery and an Associate of ... more
oyendrila kanjilalMA, Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience,... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
anjali sayeeBTech
Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Dry, dull, uneven, and pigmented skin tone undoubtedly needs the best brightening serum for improved skin texture. Serums contain beneficial ingredients like acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that hydrate the skin, reduce fine lines, and correct color. After cleansing your skin, apply this concoction to rejuvenate and make it glow from within. Don’t forget to moisturize after! If you’re confused about which serum to buy, check out the list of our favorites, and take your pick for healthy, nourished skin.
Dr. Enrizza Factor, a certified dermatologist, says, “If you have drier or sensitive skin, look for gentler exfoliating ingredients, like lactic acid.”
In This Article
12 Best Brightening Serums For Healthy & Radiant Skin – 2024
1. Best Overall:TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is an essential ingredient for brightening and reducing dark spots and uneven skin tone. The TruSkin Vitamin C Serum is formulated with active ingredients vitamin C, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid.
The antioxidant property of vitamin C promotes glowy skin. Vitamin C also lends anti-aging properties by improving collagen turnover. Hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Vitamin E nourishes the skin and protects it from oxidative damage and premature aging.
This clinically tested lightweight serum helps with skin tone balancing and improves skin clarity by reducing the appearance of pores, breakouts, fine lines, and dark spots. It is free of synthetic color additives, stabilizers, and fragrances. It is made in the USA and is cruelty-free. To get a better understanding of the product, you can check out this video review on YouTube.
Key Ingredients: Vitamins C & E and Hyaluronic acid
Pros
- Reduces large pores
- Promotes healthy glow
- Does not cause breakouts
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Free of color additives
- Free of stabilizers
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 23,589 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
2. Best For Acne Marks:CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
If you have acne marks and want to lighten those spots, try the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum. It is formulated with encapsulated retinol, ceramides, licorice root extract, and niacinamide to make the skin look brighter, smoother, and even-toned.
It also reduces acne breakouts, refines skin texture, and improves acne scars and enlarged pores. However, avoid applying this serum on active acne breakouts. This non-comedogenic face serum is paraben-free and fragrance-free. Check out the review of this dermatologist-recommended product for more information.
Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, Ceramides, Licorice root extract, and Niacinamide
Pros
- Improves skin texture
- Non-comedogenic
- Promotes brighter complexion
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Allergy tested
- Developed with dermatologists
Cons
- May irritate the skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 1,970 rave reviews on Amazon.
3. Best For Hyperpigmentation:OZNaturals Vitamin C Facial Serum
Can a skin-brightening serum also be anti-aging? Of course, yes! The OZNaturals Vitamin C Facial Serum is a firming topical serum that brightens the skin tone and encourages collagen production. This effective antioxidant serum helps prevent and fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone.
It has a blend of essential vitamins that combat free radicals and visibly diminish age spots and reduce the signs of aging. This non-GMO, lightweight formula with Biopreserve Complex is free of harmful preservatives, and the ingredients are cold-processed to retain their potency.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Astaxanthin, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, Rose hip, and Green tea extracts
Pros
- Provides antioxidant protection
- Prevents UV damage
- Lightens dark spots and hyperpigmentation
- Non-GMO proprietary Bio Preserve Complex
- No harmful preservatives
- Suitable for all skin types
- Lightweight
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny Certified)
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Contains fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 4,621 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
| TruSkin Vitamin C Serum Best Overall | CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum Best For Acne Marks | OZNaturals Vitamin C Facial Serum Best For Hyperpigmentation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal | All, Oily, Sensitive, Dry | All |
| Dimensions | 1.5 x 1.5 x 4 inches | 1.18 x 1.18 x 4.33 inches | 3 x 1.7 x 7.2 inches |
| Weight | 1 Ounces | 1.06 Ounces. | 1 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 23,589 | 1,970 | 4,621 |
| Price | $21.97 | $14.95 | $15.97 |
4. Best For Dull Skin:LilyAna Naturals Vitamin C Serum
The LilyAna Naturals Vitamin C Serum contains 20% vitamin C that visibly rejuvenates dull and tired skin. This potent serum also encourages healthy collagen production and improves skin elasticity. This vitamin C brightening serum hydrates due to the potent antioxidants present in the formula that make the skin radiant and glowing.
It contains vitamin E, aloe vera juice, wild geranium, horsetail, dandelion extract, jojoba oil, and botanical hyaluronic acid that help hydrate and smoothen rough texture. It is gentle on sensitive skin and is suitable for all skin types, including mature skin. If you want to know more about the benefits of this product, check out this quick review on YouTube.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C ester, Vitamin E, Jojoba oil, Wild geranium extract, and Aloe leaf juice
Pros
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- SLS/SLES-free
- Petroleum-free
- Fragrance-free
- Color-free
Cons
- May cause redness
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 11,859 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
5. Best Non-Sticky:Amara Beauty Vitamin C Serum
If you want a radiant complexion and flawless skin, Amara Beauty Vitamin C Serum is one of the best brightening serums to try. It is formulated with aloe vera juice, a stable form of vitamin C, witch hazel, and botanical hyaluronic acid.
With regular application, the innovative serum reduces pigmentation, dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles and leaves the skin firmer, brighter, and smoother. It gets absorbed quickly, penetrating the deepest layers. It is paraben-free, free of dyes and fragrances, cruelty-free, and vegan. The serum comes with a 100% money-back guarantee. Reviewers on Amazon love this product for its ability to reduce dark spots and make your skin look youthful.
Key Ingredients: Vitamins C & E and Hyaluronic acid
Pros
- Gets absorbed quickly
Promotes healthy glow - Non-sticky
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 7,568 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
6. Best Drugstore:Neutrogena Bright Boost Illuminating Face Serum
Image: Neutrogena This serum is one of the best drugstore brightening serums. The Neutrogena Bright Boost Illuminating Face Serum contains turmeric extract and neoglucosamine that gently exfoliate and reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven pigmentation. The unique formula promotes cell turnover, improves skin texture and clarity, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
Neoglucosamine, a building block of hyaluronic acid, plumps the skin and makes it look youthful. This hydrating and brightening face serum works on all skin tones and reduces redness. The illuminating serum can provide the boost needed to revitalize dull skin and is clinically proven to work on all skin types.
Key Ingredients: Turmeric extract and Neoglucosamine
Pros
- Reduces acne scars and hyperpigmentation
- Reduces redness
- Non-comedogenic
- Oil-free
- Alcohol-free
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
7. Best For All Skin Types:Acure Brightening Glowing Serum
The Acure Brightening Glowing Serum is formulated with argan oil, kale, Cica, chlorella, niacinamide, and pomegranate. The antioxidants in the ingredients and vitamins A, E, and C prevent free radical damage and protect the skin’s natural barrier.
The niacinamide rejuvenates the skin and restores skin radiance by fading pigmentation and dark spots, while chlorella provides anti-aging benefits by smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines. This serum unclogs pores, and hydrates, and plumps up the skin to enhance its natural glow. It is suitable for all skin types and can also be used on the neck. Reviews on Amazon say that this serum is a great way to tackle dry skin conditions.
Key Ingredients: Argan oil, Chlorella, Cica, Kale, Niacinamide, and Pomegranate
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Petroleum-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Formaldehyde-free
Cons
- Not suitable for people with active cystic acne
"Trust me when I say this, this serum is a keeper! I have combination skin, and it has helped even out the oily zone and hydrate the perpetually dry skin. I love the citric smell, it's so refreshing! My skin looks more even tone and it also feels softer. It has become a staple in my skincare routine now."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 4,626 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
8. Best Anti-Aging:ZONE 365 CE Ferulic Acid Brightening Serum
The ZONE 365 CE Ferulic Acid Brightening Serum has an advanced anti-aging formula and is excellent for reducing skin imperfections. It is formulated with 0.5% ferulic acid that diminishes fine lines and prevents free radical damage. The serum also contains a blend of vitamins such as 15% vitamin C and 2% vitamin E to boost hydration and renew skin cells, and 12% hyaluronic acid for intense glow and hydration.
All the ingredients leave the skin rejuvenated and fresh with a hard-to-miss youthful glow. The serum stimulates collagen production, reduces acne breakouts, and improves acne scars. It has a normal pH level of 5.5 and is safe even on the most delicate skin types.
Key Ingredients: Ferulic acid, Vitamins C and E, and Hyaluronic acid
Pros
- pH 5.5
- Plumping effect
- Reduces acne breakouts
- Fades acne scars
- Suitable for most skin types
- Eliminates dark spots under the eyes
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
"I like that the serum is very watery. It absorbs quickly in the skin and shows faster results. It's been a week using it, and the results are already visible. The dark spots seem to be fading, and my skin looks more even toned."
9. Best Vegan:ANAIRUI Vitamin C Serum
This Vitamin C Serum by ANAIRUI contains collagen, vitamin B5, witch hazel, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid. It targets aging signs such as dark spots and reduces sun damage, enlarged pores, acne, hyperpigmentation, breakouts, and blemishes, revealing bright and younger-looking skin.
Vitamin C protects your skin from dehydration and dark spots caused by UV rays. The 1% pure hyaluronic acid locks skin moisture, and witch hazel extract relieves puffiness, reduces inflammation, and detoxifies the skin. Aloe vera juice hydrates the skin, and collagen boosts skin elasticity. Vitamin B5 repairs damaged skin, making it smooth and firm.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid, Witch hazel, Aloe vera, Collagen, and Vitamin B5.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Non-irritating
- Dermatologist-tested
- No synthetic colors and fragrances
Cons
- None
"I used this serum for a week and I knew this was the one for me. My skin feels so much more hydrated now than before. It has brought back the glow I had in my youth. I use this serum under my foundation, and that has worked for me."
10. Best For Mature Skin:Burt’s Bees Dark Spot Corrector
The Burt’s Bees Dark Spot Corrector is infused with vitamin C to brighten and refresh the skin. It contains daisy extract that is clinically shown to even out skin tone and diminish dark spots’ appearance.
The serum reduces fine lines, softens wrinkles, and makes the skin look younger, firmer, and radiant. The vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients in this serum hydrate, nourish, exfoliate, protect, and rejuvenate the skin to give you a lit-from-within glow.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C and Daisy extract
Pros
- 6% natural
- Reduces dark spots
- Rejuvenates dull and tired skin
- Non-irritating
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- Expensive
"Honestly, I did not think any product could bring such a positive change in my skin till I used this spot corrector. In just one week my skin looks brighter. I have received compliments too! The age spots that have been there forever are also fading away!"
11. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Ebanel Liposomal Vitamin C 20% Serum
The Ebanel Liposomal Vitamin C 20% Serum is infused with L-ascorbic acid (A potent form of vitamin C) and vitamins E and B5 to refine and brighten uneven skin tone. This serum visibly fades dark spots, dullness, sunspots, and hyperpigmentation.
The additional antioxidant ferulic acid helps fight free radicals and minimizes the appearance of blemishes caused due to sun damage and acne breakouts. It promotes collagen and elastin production to make the skin firmer and youthful. This serum is infused with hyaluronic acid and retinol, which penetrate the skin’s deepest layer to deliver moisture, preventing it from drying, flaking, and breaking out. It is gentle enough to be used on the eye area and the skin around the lips. Conduct a patch test before use to avoid any irritation.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Vitamins B5 and E
Pros
- Skin firming effect
- Vegan
- Hypoallergenic
- Cruelty-free
- cGMP certified
- Affordable
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
Cons
- Sticky
- Contains phenoxyethanol
"This serum was exactly what my aging skin needed. I used it for a week and while I was patient that good things take time, the results were already visible. The glow is so amazing. It almost looks like the result of intensive treatments. It lifts the skin and I look and feel so much more youthful."
12. Best Multifunctional:PCA SKIN Vitamin B3 Brightening Serum
The PCA SKIN Vitamin B3 Brightening Serum is a multifunctional formula that helps reduce all forms of skin discoloration. Niacinamide, mulberry extract, green tea extract, morus alba leaf extract, and other ingredients in the serum helps even out skin tone, reduce hyperpigmentation, hydrate, and leave the skin with a youthful glow. It can be applied during the day and at night. The serum reduces redness, acne scars, dark spots, sun spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin B3
Pros
- Reduces redness
- Soothes irritated skin
- Reduces dark spots, sunspots
- Improves skin texture
Cons
- Expensive
These are the 12 best brightening serums of 2024 that you can buy to improve skin tone, texture, and health. But before you add them to your cart, here are a few points to keep in mind.
What To Look For In A Good Brightening Serum
- Ingredients: A good brightening and lightening serum contains acids and vitamins that help exfoliate the dead and dry upper layer and nourish the skin from within and reduce melanin production. Peptides also help firm the skin. Antioxidants like green tea extract and vitamin E protect the skin from free radical damage. Avoid harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and SLS/SLES.
- Texture: Most serums contain hyaluronic acid, which helps hydrate the skin and lock moisture. However, it may have a sticky feeling. Hence, do not worry if the texture feels a little thick and weird. If you need a non-greasy formula, opt for lightweight brightening serums without this ingredient.
- Fragrance: A good serum will not have a strong fruity/citrusy or flowery smell. The artificial fragrance also tends to aggravate inflammation, which can trigger acne breakouts in sensitive skin types.
- Price: This list includes serums from $10 to $120. Choose a serum in your budget. Give it at least two weeks to see if the product suits you or not.
Caution: If a serum is making you break out, immediately stop using it.
The Bottom Line
If you want that lit-from-within glow for your skin, the best brightening serums are what you need to try out. Incorporating a brightening serum in your skincare routine can change the entire look of your skin by improving its texture. These serums are enriched with beneficial ingredients like acids, antioxidants, and vitamins to give you naturally radiant skin. The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum works great for acne marks, while the OZNaturals Vitamin C Facial Serum offers anti-aging benefits. If you have dark spots and uneven pigmentation, try the Neutrogena Bright Boost Illuminating Face Serum for exfoliation and a boost of hydration. In addition, the reviewed products are free from synthetic additives, fragrances, and additives. Some formulas also prevent UV damage. Consider the ingredients, texture, fragrance, and price while choosing the best brightening serums for your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does vitamin C serum brighten skin?
Yes, vitamin C helps gently exfoliate dead skin, revealing the new skin underneath. This provides an instant glowing effect on the skin. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant and protects the skin from sun damage.
Is vitamin C or E better for skin?
Both are equally good for your skin and give the best results when used together. Vitamin C brightens the skin while vitamin E nourishes and fights free radical damage to reduce aging signs.
When should I apply brightening serum?
You can apply it during the day and at night after cleansing and before moisturizing.
What ingredients brighten skin?
Vitamin C and retinol can brighten the skin.
How long does it take for brightening serum to work?
It will take at least two to four weeks for a brightening serum to show visible results.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a hair and skin care expert who stays aware of all the latest products on the market. She put in hours of research, perusing through umpteen user forums for feedback and reviews, to find you the best brightening serums to make your skin radiant. She selected these products on the criteria of ingredients added in, consistency, fragrance, and price.
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