Looking for that enviable lit-from-within glow? Discover our favourite facial serums to brighten your complexion and boost radiance within the skin.
The 8 Best Brightening Serums for a Naturally Radiant Glow In 2023
Enhance your natural luminosity with a brightening facial serum.
"This is hands down the best pigment targeting serum I’ve used. Works so well at evening out my normal to sensitive skin whilst not making me break out." ★★★★★ - Jodie
Société Brightening Serum 15ml is a powerful daily treatment that tackles the causes of ageing head-on, managing the enzymes responsible for age spots and pigmentation. With its anti-inflammatory and brightening properties, this multitasking serum will leave skin looking brighter, with a more uniform skin tone and texture.
Perfect for ageing and mature skin, Société Brightening Serum 15ml tackles the causes of intrinsic ageing to control pigmentation-causing enzymes. This lightening serum is also suitable for those with sensitive skin that’s prone to inflammation and redness, as the product will soothe irritation while neutralising discolouration within the skin. The lightweight, gel-like texture is fast-absorbing and can be applied morning and night to deliver both instant and long-term improvements to your complexion.
"This has been the first vitamin C product that my skin has loved. It absorbs quickly, doesn’t cause breakouts and doesn’t exacerbate my sebaceous filaments like other Vit C has. I first got a sample and loved it so much I bought the bottle. Very expensive but for me, very much worth it! My skin is brighter, clearer and I am excited to see further improvements." ★★★★★ - Jess
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF has been developed with combination, oily, and acne-prone skin in mind. This brightening serum is designed to protect, hydrate, and brighten the skin while diminishing the appearance of acne scars and pigmentation. Boosted with Vitamin C, this powerful antioxidant serum ensures a clearer and healthier complexion that shows improved skin tone and texture.
Containing 10% L-Ascorbic Acid, otherwise known as Vitamin C, this potent serum accelerates collagen production to hydrate and firm the skin while minimising pigmentation, age spots, and acne scarring. The serum also contains Phloretain, an apple derivative, to allow Vitamin C to absorb more deeply and effectively into the epidermis. Ferulic Acid protects the skin from free-radical damage and aids repair.
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF is best for oily and combination skin. Apply daily in the morning for a bright and luminous finish.
$129.00
4.3 of 90 reviews
"Recommended this product for pigmentation and discolouration caused by pimples. Has definitely made my skin brighter and has helped reduce discolouration quicker. Does have a strong smell compared to other serums I use but that does not bother me. I will continue to use the product as part of my skincare routine." ★★★★★ - Maddie
Cosmedix Simply Brilliant 24/7 Brightening Serum is a high-performance anti-inflammatory and brightening serum. This lightening facial treatment is designed both to diminish the appearance of existing discolouration and pigmentation, and to prevent further spot formation and damage for a brighter and more even skin tone. Infused with 10 skin-loving brightening ingredients, this powerful treatment is perfect for photodamaged and inflamed skin, restoring natural luminosity while protecting the skin against environmental aggressors.
This daily serum from Cosmedix contains high concentrations of L-Lactic Acid and Salicylic Acid. These acids work together to deeply penetrate and exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and congestion. Skin instantly looks brighter and more luminous. The serum also contains Whitonyl and Waltheria, which diminish the appearance of pigmentation and brighten the skin while preventing further discolouration. Loaded with antioxidants, the serum will also protect skin from environmental aggressors.
Cosmedix Simply Brilliant 24/7 Brightening Serum is suitable for all skin types and can be used daily in a morning or evening routine.
$112.00
4.4 of 82 reviews
"For the cost I hoped this product would deliver, and it sure did. I have pigmentation issues from hormonal changes during pregnancy that wouldn't budge. After using this product the pigmentation under my eyes has cleared entirely. I wish I bought sooner!" ★★★★★ - Gracie
Harnessing the benefits of natural, vegan, and organic ingredients, KORA Organics Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum 30ml blends botanical actives to protect, brighten, and hydrate your skin. Perfect for those suffering from hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and age spots, this brightening serum is suitable for all complexions but best for normal to dry skin.
To deliver fast-acting and dramatic results, this daily serum is boosted with skin-loving brightening ingredients. A stable and gentle form of Vitamin C, 12% Ascorbyl Glucoside, stimulates collagen production and brightens pigmentation for a better hydrated and clearer complexion. Hyaluronic Acid provides additional long-lasting and instant hydration, while Olive Leaf calms inflammation. This natural facial serum also contains Red Pepper to improve skin texture and Kakadu Plum to protect the skin from environmental aggressors.
KORA Organics Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum 30ml is the perfect way to treat pigmentation and brighten skin without resorting to harsh chemicals.
"I bought this on recommendation from my beauty therapist and I LOVE. I feel it’s lightening any pigmentation but also brightening up my skin and making it feel healthier. LOVE this product! Pricey but I was surprised at the small amount needed to cover face. Will definitely be buying again" ★★★★★ - Carly
Sun damage isn’t just dangerous for your health; it also will leave your skin drier and older-looking as it slowly causes pigmentation. Medik8 White Balance Brightening Serum with Oxy-R & Vitamin C x 2 10ml has been carefully created to shield your skin from environmental aggressors with antioxidant protection. At the same time, this serum works to actively reverse and minimise existing signs of photodamaged skin. Promoting a healthy, bright, and clear complexion, this serum is a must-have for ageing, overly sun-kissed skin.
The 2 main ingredients in this potent serum are stabilised Oxy-R and Vitamin C. These work in conjunction to stimulate collagen production, hydrate the skin, improve uneven skin tone and texture, and minimise pigmentation and dark spots. These key ingredients also boast antioxidant properties, meaning that the skin is protected from the age-accelerating environmental aggressors that can cause further pigmentation.
Medik8 White Balance Brightening Serum with Oxy-R & Vitamin C x 2 10ml is suitable for all skin types and can be used as part of a morning and evening skincare routine.
"I started using the Bd serum 6 months ago and have fallen in love with it. My skin looks supple, feels hydrated and like I waved a brightening wand over the top of it! Previously my skin was lacking moisture, and always looked dehydrated. I thought 'This must just be my skin type'. I saw a change within the first week of using the Bd serum and I can confidently say that thought is now a distant memory. Ive just purchased my second bottle and wont look back!" ★★★★★ - Stacey
Biologi Bd Luminosity Face Serum is a nourishing, water-based facial treatment developed to instantly illuminate your skin for a healthy, lit-from-within glow. Infused with naturally occurring antioxidants and fruit acids, this serum is perfect for all skin types. Luminosity Face Serum will tackle congestion, blackheads, redness, dark spots, and pigmentation while balancing hydration and oil levels within the skin.
The star ingredient of this radiance serum is Davidson Plum, an antioxidant- and vitamin-rich fruit sourced from the Byron Bay hinterland. Davidson Plum contains skin-loving fruit acids to completely transform the complexion while offering antioxidant protection against free-radical damage. Gallic acid reduces inflammation and irritation on sensitive and reactive skin. Tartaric acid minimises pores and pigmentation. Anthocyanin aids skin-cell turnover for improved skin tone and texture. And Quercetin helps strengthen the skin’s natural defence barrier.
Biologi Bd Luminosity Face Serum should be used every other day until tolerance is built up. Then, move to daily use and finally to twice-daily use as desired.
$58.46
4.2 of 63 reviews
"I found this serum to be excellent at brightening and helping pigmentation, and it definitely evened out my complexion. However, it didn't sink it like most serums but remained as a sort of oil on top, and i didn't find it easy to wear under a night cream or a day cream because of this. It also is a fairly small bottle for the price and you do need to use it every day consistently for results, so you may find that one bottle does not necessarily last you very long. You may be better trying an ASAP serum if you want better value for money, but this certainly does do what it states." ★★★★★ - Chiara
Antipodes Apostle Skin Brightening & Tone Correcting Serum has been developed to gently exfoliate the skin to improve skin clarity and texture, reducing signs of pigmentation, age spots, and acne scarring. Suitable for all skin types, this nourishing serum uses only natural, certified organic, and vegan ingredients to deliver dramatic results while remaining kind and mild to the skin.
To exfoliate the skin, this potent serum from Antipodes contains a complex of superfruits, including Kiwifruit and Vinanza Oxifend Grape. These gently scrub away dead skin cells and impurities to reveal a brighter and smoother complexion. Signs of pigmentation will be reduced, and a healthy luminosity will be boosted within the skin. The serum also contains Mamuku Black Fern and Reishi Mushrooms which encourage skin-cell renewal and improve elasticity for firmer and plumper skin.
This water-based serum is suitable for all skin types and can be used as part of a morning and evening skincare routine.
$23.30
4.6 of 136 reviews
"With regular use, I've found this product does help with reducing redness - but it stains like crazy! I've found when I apply both the pycnogenol and the L Absorbic-Acid (vitamin C) powder, it leaves an orange stain on my palms and nail beds - stains which don't come off easily. The pycnogenol also leaves orange marks on your bed sheets/pillows so would recommend using it in the morning rather than at night. Not sure if it's worth the annoyance - but it is nice to mix in with a moisturiser." ★★★★ - Lana
Pycnogenol is a powerful ingredient that assists with collagen and hyaluronic acid production. This natural ingredient, derived from pine tree bark, also protects the skin from environmental aggressors and minimises degradation of skin-strengthening proteins. Pycnogenol is normally only available in low concentrations. But The Ordinary has created a potent facial serum free of oil, alcohol, and water to allow for a high concentration of Pycnogenol in a humectant and non-irritating base.
The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% 15ml works to prevent and reduce dullness, pigmentation, and redness in the skin while rebuilding elasticity and firmness. It’s perfect for those with sensitive and reactive skin suffering from pigmentation and discolouration. Improving both elastin and collagen production, this serum will also minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while neutralising free radicals.
The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% 15ml can be used as part of a morning and evening skincare routine and is suitable for all skin types.
If you've enjoyed this article you might also enjoy
Learning about Cosmeceuticals in What Is Cosmeceutical Skincare? Our Expert Guide
Listening to Episode 16 of our Podcast What Is Pigmentation & How Do You Treat It?
So, let's recap the 8 Best Brightening Serums For A Naturally Radiant Glow In 2019
Société Brightening Serum 15ml
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF
Medik8 White Balance Brightening Serum with Oxy-R & Vitamin C x 2 10ml
Biologi Bd Luminosity Face Serum
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty’s highly trained Customer Service team. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
Natarsha from Customer Service Shares her Routine to Reduce & Prevent Pigmentation
Antioxidant and Brightening Serums
