Glowy Skin Is My Bread and Butter—This Brightening Serum Is Like an IV Drip for My Complexion
I made it my mission to find the best.
My signature beauty look isn't a flick of winged liner or fluffy, brushed-up brows. It's a healthy, megawatt glow. I'm talking about skin so radiant that people ask me where I just went on vacation or what highlighter I've glazed across my cheekbones when I'm not even wearing one. When my skin is glowing, every other aspect of my beauty routine just falls into place.
There's just one teensy problem: My skin can't tolerate vitamin C, which is considered one of the classic skin brighteners. Every time I use it, I'm met with clusters of breakouts on my T-zone and patches of irritation on my cheeks. (Before you ask, yes, I've tried multiple forms of vitamin C, and yes, I still wind up with the same results.) That doesn't mean I've sacrificed a glowy visage. It's quite the opposite, in fact! My inability to tolerate the ingredient has given me even more drive to discover the best skin-brightening serums on the market.
I think I've done a pretty great job, if I do say so myself, so I'm officially sharing my go-to formulas. I've also asked my fellow beauty editors to share their vetted picks that do include vitamin C—just in case you are looking for a potent vitamin C spiked serum. Find all our recommendations below along with some dermatologist-backed tips for luminous skin.
The Best Brightening Serums, at a Glance
- Best Overall: Youth to the People Superfood Skin Drip Smooth + Glow Barrier Serum
- Best Budget: Naturium Tranexamic Topical Acid 5%
- Best Vitamin C Serum: BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner
- Best for Dark Spots: La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum Dark Spot Corrector
- Best Derm-Recommended Pick: Paula's Choice Discoloration Repair Serum
The 10 Best Brightening Serums of 2025, According to Editors
Best Overall: Youth to the People Superfood Skin Drip Smooth + Glow Barrier Serum
Pros: Has an instant brightening effect, neutralizes redness, hydrates deeply
Cons: Very dewy and glowy finish, which might not be best for oily skin
Brightening ingredients: Niacinamide, dandelion root, kale extract, broccoli-seed oil
True to its name, this antioxidant-loaded serum is like an IV drip for my complexion—or a green juice given its hue. I love how gentle it is, fitting seamlessly into my routine and never irritating my skin, and I love the instant effects even more. It leaves behind a layer of hydration that helps my complexion take on a glazed donut like quality. Bonus: The green pigment slightly neutralizes any redness. I've gone through two bottles already!
Customer review: "Love love love, gives a great glow for a clean face day. I feel like it also helps with redness even though that wasn't the product's intention. Super hydrating and smells great!"
Best Budget: Naturium Tranexamic Topical Acid 5%
Pros: Moisturizing, absorbs well, brimming with powerful skin brighteners
Cons: Might be irritating for sensitive skin
Brightening ingredients: Tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, licorice root
I often say that Naturium products feel way more expensive than they actually are. The formulas are just so high-quality, and the textures are always a dream. This brightening serum, for example, contains such powerful players for fading dark spots and smoothing uneven skin tone—tranexamic and kojic acids—that I was floored to discover its $20 price tag.
Customer review: "For context, I was experiencing with hormonal acne for the past year and it left over some acne marks. I have been using this for around 3 months in my daily morning routine. It is much more effective in fading fresh acne scars rather than the marks that were left for more than a year. The old marks did get faded slightly. My skin is not irritated from the product and I purchased a second bottle!"
Best Splurge: U Beauty Resurfacing Compound
Pros: Essentially three skincare products in one, potent yet gentle enough on sensitive skin, great for dull skin and fine lines
Cons: We wish it was slightly more hydrating
Brightening ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, retinol, AHAs
Talk about a multitasking hero. A favorite of WWW Beauty Director Erin Jahns (she calls it her OG), this antioxidant- and AHA-infused serum smooths fine lines and texture while brightening and evening tone. Despite the formula's potent actives—including its signature Siren Capsule technology, which draws compromised free radicals to the skin before neutralizing them—it never aggravates sensitive skin. "The formula hasn't clogged my pores or irritated my skin, which is more than I can say for other serums containing vitamin C and retinol I've tried in the past. That's honestly a huge win right there," Jahns previously shared in a review. U Beauty items are certainly on the luxury side, but trust us—they're worth every penny.
Customer review: "I've been using this for about two years and I absolutely love it. It has a great way of smoothing out my skin, reducing wrinkles and creating a surface so I can easily absorb moisturizer. It easily replaces three products on my shelf. The biggest fan."
Best Vitamin C Serum: BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner
Pros: Has smoothing and brightening benefits, very reasonable price for such potent actives
Cons: Those hypersensitive to vitamin C might want to steer clear
Brightening ingredients: 20% stabilized L-ascorbic acid, peptides, pomegranate sterols
If Hailey Bieber considers it her holy grail, sign us up. WWW beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock considers it one of her all-time favorite brighteners, praising its ability to work quickly without overwhelming her skin barrier. "The blotchy hyperpigmentation that usually litters my cheeks and chin has lightened up considerably," she writes in a review. "Plus, in a more general sense, my skin looks like it's brighter and has more clarity."
The formula also contains peptides for some extra skin-smoothing perks, so it's really a "do it all" serum you can (and should) apply both morning and night. "We're ushering in this new category of 'brightenaging,' which is about brightening the skin but also providing powerful anti-aging benefits," cosmetic chemist and BeautyStat founder Ron Robinson once told me.
Customer review: "I'm ordering my third bottle. I love this product. I've used a lot of vitamin C serums, most more expensive like SkinCeuticals or Obagi. This is the first one that I've actually felt like when I put it on my skin looks better. Even when I'm not wearing other makeup my skin just looks smoother and clearer."
Best Vitamin C Alternative: Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum
Pros: Fades dark spots, gentle enough for sensitive skin
Cons: Expensive for a small size
Brightening ingredients: Viniferine, squalane
One bottle of the Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum is sold every 30 seconds—that's when you know it's good. Of course, it features the brand's signature viniferine, a solution extracted from grapevine sap that's been shown to be 62 times more effective in fading dark spots than vitamin C. It's a no-fuss formula I always come back to when my skin is freaking out, and it has a milky consistency that simultaneously calms and hydrates the skin. I got three of my friends hooked on it too.
Customer review: "The TikTok reviews were right. … After using this product for a month, two times a day, it has helped to lighten some of the dark marks on my face and neck. It smells good and leaves you with a glossy glow in the mornings and evenings."
Best for Sensitive Skin: Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum
Pros: Fades dark spots without bleaching the skin, milky, fragrance-free, super hydrating
Cons: Feels a bit tacky on the skin
Brightening ingredients: Niacinamide, encapsulated vitamin C, amber algae, papaya and pineapple enzymes
Eadem can do no wrong in my eyes. I adore launch after launch, but its inaugural Milk Marvel Serum is what made me fall in love with the brand. The formula uses Smart Melanin technology to effectively fade dark spots without ever bleaching the skin of those with deeper skin tones. It does have some vitamin C—specifically ethyl ascorbic acid, a very stable form of the antioxidant—but my skin doesn't react. I suspect it's because of all the gentle, skin-soothing hydrators and texture-smoothing fruit enzymes that enhance the serum's brightening power. I've personally gone through two bottles and am currently making my way through the mini version.
Customer review: "I get hormonal acne that goes away pretty quickly but leaves dark spots every time. This serum is the only thing that has helped lighten it without being too harsh on my skin! I have pretty sensitive, acne-prone, dry skin, and this serum is IT!! I absolutely love it and can't imagine my routine without it."
Best for Dark Spots: La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum Dark Spot Corrector
Pros: Great for spot-treating dark spots, fades spots quickly
Cons: Can be drying when used all over the face
Brightening ingredients: Melasyl, niacinamide
I struggle with some very stubborn hyperpigmentation post-breakout. The dark spots often last longer than the pimples themselves! There's no quick fix, but this serum is as close as it comes to overnight magic. It contains a patented ingredient called Melasyl to improve discoloration, and I suspect the brand's thermal spring water also speeds up the breakout-healing process, helping those marks fade even faster. It cuts the healing time in half—I swear.
Customer review: "This stuff is a miracle worker. It's light and refreshing. It is not sticky at all. This is my new go-to for the dark spots on my face. I highly recommend this product."
Best for Inflammation and Redness: Neuraé Harmonie Serum
Pros: Instantly soothing, reduces redness, smooths fine lines
Cons: Contains fragrance, if you're sensitive to scent
Brightening ingredients: Alpine skullcap extract, red indigo extract, eperua
I like to call this skin-rejuvenating serum a "sigh of relief in a bottle." When I apply it in the morning (I tend to wake up puffy and inflamed from smashing my face into the pillow all night), I can literally feel any swelling and redness subside. The formula's neuroingredients—alpine skullcap, red indigo, and eperua—have been shown to target key messengers in the skin-brain axis (yes, your skin and mental health are very much connected), reducing signs of fatigue (read: dullness) and relaxing facial features. Needless to say, I treasure it like holy water.
Customer review: "This serum caught me off guard when I tried it out at home for the first time during my rushed morning routine. The scent and texture literally made me stop and enjoy the moment. It was such a nice experience. It's super light and perfect for the warmer weather. I look forward to trying out the other products."
Best for Fast Results: Allies of Skin Tranexamic Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum
Pros: Plays nice with retinol, AHAs, and other intense actives; has a lightweight, soothing texture that absorbs instantly
Cons: Pricey
Brightening ingredients: Tranexamic acid, alpha arbutin, diacetyl boldine and licorice complex, red algae and pea complex
McLintock is quick to call out this "luminosity liquid" from Allies of Skin that features a bouquet of supercharged skin brighteners—tranexamic acid and alpha arbutin, which inhibit excess melanin production; diacetyl boldine, a natural compound derived from the bark of the Chilean boldo tree that's been found to even skin tone; and antioxidant-rich botanicals such as licorice root, red algae, and pea extracts. Given these potent actives, the serum works remarkably fast. Just take it from celebrity makeup artist Nikki DeRoest. "After a week, I thought I was seeing things, but as I kept using it, I could see it was truly brightening those spots," she says in a WWW UK review. "Now, I use it every morning and night. I'm obsessed."
Customer review: "I am on my second bottle and apply it every day. I have seen [an] overall brighter complexion and more luminosity. My spots are fading slowly but I trust the process. Tranexamic is good at breaking up the melasma so that skin appears overall more even."
Best Derm-Recommended Pick: Paula's Choice Discoloration Repair Serum
Pros: Great for sunspots, melasma, and acne scars
Cons: Leaves behind a dewy finish, which is something to note if you have oily skin
Brightening ingredients: Niacinamide, bakuchiol, tranexamic acid
I chatted with board-certified dermatologist Geeta Yadav, MD, founder of Facet Dermatology, about what to look for in a brightening serum, and she specifically recommended this Paula's Choice serum. "This formula contains niacinamide, bakuchiol, and tranexamic acid for comprehensive treatment of hyperpigmentation. It's also just a great all-in-one night treatment before moisturizer!" she says.
Customer review: "I don't normally leave reviews for products, but I had to come back and write a review for this one. I have a dark spot on my face that makes me self-conscious. I've been using this product now for two months, and I can really tell a difference. The dark spot has noticeably faded. I tried this product on some dark scar marks on my legs, and it seems to be working on those as well. Paula's Choice is the real deal, and I would definitely buy this product again!"
A Comparison Chart
Product | Brightening Ingredients | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Youth to the People Superfood Skin Drip Smooth + Glow Barrier Serum | Niacinamide, dandelion root, kale extract, broccoli-seed oil | 1 ounce | $39 |
Naturium Tranexamic Topical Acid 5% | Tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, licorice root | 1 ounce | $20 |
U Beauty Resurfacing Compound | Vitamin C, vitamin E, retinol, AHAs | 1.7 ounces | $228 |
BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner | 20% stabilized L-ascorbic acid, peptides, pomegranate sterols | 1 ounce | $62 |
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum | Viniferine, squalane | 1 ounce | $82 |
Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum | Niacinamide, encapsulated vitamin C, amber algae, papaya and pineapple enzymes | 1 ounce | $68 |
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum Dark Spot Corrector | Melasyl, niacinamide | 1 ounce | $45 |
Neuraé Harmonie Serum | Alpine skullcap extract, red indigo extract, eperua | 1.6 ounces | $195 |
Allies of Skin Tranexamic Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum | Tranexamic acid, alpha arbutin, diacetyl boldine and licorice complex, red algae and pea complex | 1 ounce | $101 |
Paula's Choice Discoloration Repair Serum | Niacinamide, bakuchiol, tranexamic acid | 1 ounce | $55 |
What should I look for in a brightening serum?
It ultimately depends on the specific concerns you'd like to address. If dark spots are your main gripe, Yadav recommends vitamin C (unless you're sensitive to it like me), tranexamic acid, licorice extract, and niacinamide. "Vitamin C, tranexamic acid, and licorice extract are what's known as tyrosinase inhibitors, working to block the enzyme your skin needs to create melanin and reducing discoloration," she explains. "Niacinamide prevents melanosome transfer, which is another important aspect of treating dark spots—melanosome transfer is when the pigment is moved into your skin cells, causing discoloration."
Now, let's say you simply want to brighten dull, sallow skin. "For overall skin brightening, I'd recommend ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (such as glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids), beta hydroxy acids (such as salicylic acid), azelaic acid, retinol, and bakuchiol. These ingredients all promote cellular turnover," Yadav notes. "When the dull skin on the surface is removed or sheds on its own, the complexion appears brighter overall."
What's the best brightening serum for my skin type?
If you have sensitive skin, Yadav recommends seeking out bakuchiol, licorice extract, and niacinamide. "They are known for being very gentle as well as effective. They all offer anti-inflammatory properties that make them ideal for reactive skin," she notes. You'll also want to make sure your brightening serum has enough hydrators and emollients to cushion the skin against any potential irritation. Those with sensitive skin should look for hydrators and emollients that will help keep the skin nourished and comfortable. Acne-prone skin types should consider water-based serums, which are less likely to contain heavy oils that could congest the skin.
If you have oil- or acne-prone skin, bakuchiol and niacinamide will also work well. Yadav also suggests finding a serum with beta hydroxy acids to simultaneously address blemishes and brighten the skin. "Acne-prone skin types should consider water-based serums, which are less likely to contain heavy oils that could congest the skin," Yadav adds.
Do brightening serums really work?
"Yes, brightening serums really work, but the majority of skincare products take time and consistency to see results," declares Yadav. One more time for the people in the back: Skincare is an investment, and no brightening serum, no matter how sophisticated, will give you overnight results. With patience and consistency, however, you will see your complexion transform before your eyes.
"If you've been lax about exfoliating in the past, a brightening serum that works via exfoliation (using AHAs, BHAs, or azelaic acid) may give you visible results after one use, but generally speaking, it takes four weeks to see some results from most skincare products," Yadav continues. "It will likely take longer, possibly much longer, to see a change in stubborn dark spots, but consistency is key!"
Why Trust Us
AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
