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8 Brightening Serums That People With Glowing Skin Swear By
From Merit, Drunk Elephant, La Roche-Posay, and more
You might assume you need vitamin C exclusively to make your skin look brighter. While vitamin C is one of the most well-researched skincare ingredients and is beloved for its antioxidant profile, the recipe for a glowing complexion is often a cocktail of different brightening ingredients in a single formula. Sometimes, those ingredients work in tandem with vitamin C, but not always.
"There are two main categories of ingredients that I look for in brightening serums," dermatologist Dylan Greeney tells Bazaar. "Those that actively reduce hyperpigmentation (dark spots) and those that boost skin radiance and glow. Some of my top choices for hyperpigmentation are tranexamic acid, glutathione, niacinamide, and kojic acid. To boost skin radiance, I love alpha hydroxy acids, like mandelic acid and vitamin C."
The Best Brightening Serums
We consulted dermatologists, skin experts, beauty editors, and honest reviewers to find the brightening serums that are really worth it. Scroll to find the one that fits your skin type, needs, and budget.
Pros
- Dermatologist developed
- Fragrance-free
- Tested for sensitive skin
Cons
- Some reviewers wish the bottle was bigger
"If I could only pick one brightening serum, it would be Remedy For Dark Spots," says Greeney, "because it's a one-stop skincare serum loaded with the nine most effective ingredients for brightening the skin. It’s the best value for such a phenomenal ingredient profile."
Key ingredients: 0.1 percent Encapsulated Retinol, Mandelic Acid, 1 percent Kojic Acid, Glutathione, Licorice Root, 3 percent Tranexamic Acid, 5 percent Niacinamide, 1 percent Silymarin, Acetyl Glucosamine
One customer writes: "I've always had issues with hyperpigmentation. I've tried various products including prescription tretinoin and hydroquinone but Remedy for Dark Spots has been the best at treating my hyperpigmentation without drying out my skin. I now feel confident not wearing makeup. I will probably use this product forever!" —Sarah
Drunk Elephant Bouncy Brightfacial™ Mask
Pros
- Replenishes moisture and supports a healthy barrier with plant oils, ceramides, and niacinamide.
- Free of essential oils, silicones, fragrance/dyes, and solvent alcohols.
Cons
- If you have super sensitive skin, patch test first
Greeney tested the entire Drunk Elephant skincare range and considers the Bouncy Brightfacial Mask a standout. "I loved that it was non-irritating and smoothed my skin texture," says Greeney. It's a leave-on mask that is recommended for nightly use.
One customer writes: "Adding this to my daily routine has really helped with my skin which is naturally red and irritated. My skin is noticeably smoother and less red." —Adrienne
Vichy LiftActiv B3 Dark Spot Corrector
Pros
- Visibly reduces dark spots & wrinkles in 8 weeks
- Suitable for all skintones
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Some reviewers complain that the glass bottle makes it hard to dispense product
This dark-spot-correcting niacinamide serum has a lightweight, water-like consistency. "It's allergy-tested and fragrance-free for those with sensitive skin," adds Greeney.
One customer writes: "This product does what it says!!! Has very little to no scent. Smooth texture after application and absorbs really fast. Fades dark spots and is very gentle on the skin. This is my nighttime serum and I wake up with a hydrated, even-toned, and glowing face." —Mia
Pros
- Tested on sensitive skin
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Should be used consistently over time to see results
Greeney is among the many dermatologists impressed by La Roche-Posay's new Dark Spot Corrector Serum. "It is refreshing to see brands investing in research to bring new ingredients to the market to help some of the most stubborn skin concerns," says Greeney. This serum treats all signs of pigmentation, leaving skin brighter instantly and lightening dark spots over time.
Key ingredients: Melasyl, thermal spring water, niacinamide
One customer writes: "I got a sample of this in my Target order and felt an instant tightening of my pores. My skin felt more even and makeup application went on smoother." —Ollie
Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Contains 3% tranexamic acid and 4% niacinamide
Cons
- If you have super sensitive skin, patch test first
This Good Molecules serum is just $25, which is a decent price for a daily treatment product with active ingredients. "It is an affordable serum with multiple ingredients to fade dark marks, such as tranexamic acid and niacinamide," says Greeney.
One customer writes: "This works great and the price is wonderful. This isn’t my first or last purchase of this." —Lyshanda
Pros
- Dermatologist developed
- Includes glycerin to keep skin hydrated
- Fragrance-free & safe for sensitive skin
Cons
- Some reviewers find the dispenser to be finicky
Dermatologist Shereene Idriss developed this spot treatment to help her patients with melasma and hyperpigmentation. The innovative bottle—designed to look like a syringe—contains the brightening serum, which includes alpha arbutin (to improve uneven skin tone), kojic acid (for dark spots), and niacinamide (to support the skin's moisture barrier).
One customer writes: "The sleek packaging was immediately appealing, and the product itself was incredibly easy to use. Following the daily and nightly routine as instructed, I noticed a visible difference in my dark spots within just a week." —Kelsey
Pros
- Dermatologist tested
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- High price point
Apply a pea-sized amount of this brightening mask to your full face before you sleep to wake up with glowing skin. Thanks to ingredients like tranexamic acid, licorice root extract, niacinamide, and pomegranate seed oil, it will help fade dark spots over time without causing redness, dryness, or irritation.
Key ingredients: tranexamic acid, licorice root extract, niacinamide, and pomegranate seed oil
One customer writes: "Brightening Cream is great! Goes on smooth and makes my skin feel hydrated." —Renee
Pros
- Applies like an essence with strength of a serum
- Wears well with makeup or on its own
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Some reviewers would prefer an alternative to the pump packaging
This bi-phase serum plumps and hydrates dry skin while niacinamide and caffeine-rich antioxidants deliver a glow that lasts throughout the day. Because it's formulated without alpha hydroxy acids, it's safe to use in your morning skincare routine under sunscreen.
One customer writes: "I love this serum! Just be sure to shake thoroughly! I have very sensitive and breakout-prone skin but this serum has never caused any problems for me. Quite the opposite - it makes my skin soft and glowing and helps to keep it hydrated much longer than moisturizer alone." —LM
How do I use a brightening serum?
The safe approach is to apply your brightening serum at night unless it's indicated for morning use. "I think brightening serums are best used in the evening, as some key ingredients, such as alpha hydroxy acids, can increase sun sensitivity," says Greeney. Apply the serum to freshly cleansed skin and follow up with a nourishing moisturizer.
Whether you're applying your brightening serum in the morning, evening, or both, always use sunscreen. "Achieving a glow and addressing hyperpigmentation won’t be effective without proper sun protection," explains Greeney. "UV exposure is the cause of skin aging and dark spots."
Are brightening serums irritating?
Some brightening serums may contain ingredients that can be mildly irritating, so the key is to avoid overlapping ingredients, Greeney explains. "A well-formulated brightening serum like Remedy for Dark Spots, for example, has all the ingredients you need, and it eliminates the need for a complicated routine with many products," he says. "Simplicity and consistency are what it takes to get great skin, and essentially, less is more."
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
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