10 Best Brightening Serums in 2022 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)

Pros:

• The combination of sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, and squalane hydrates the skin 
• Promotes the regeneration of the skin with green coffee seed and a blend of exfoliants such as citric acid, tartaric acid, and salicylic acid 
• Vitamin C improves your complexion 
• Not irritating to the skin 

Cons:

• The strong fragrance might be too much for people with fragrance sensitivity 

This lightening serum is enriched with vitamin C, an antioxidant that can help neutralize free radical damage and brighten up the complexion. It also contains green coffee seeds and many exfoliants such as salicylic acid, pyruvic acid, and citric acid to cleanse the skin deeply and encourage skin cell regeneration. 

According to a few buyers, this brightening serum has an overwhelming fragrance and might not be suitable for those with fragrance sensitivity. Yet, the majority confirm the effectiveness of this serum in brightening up their skin. A lot of buyers also praise that it's moisturizing and doesn't cause any breakouts. 

Pros:

• Contains sea fennel extract and vitamin C, all of which have strong antioxidant properties to boost collagen production and enhance your skin's radiance
• Antioxidant-rich ingredients like bitter orange flower oil and bergamot essential oil reduce the appearance of blemishes like wrinkles 
• Squalane, glycerin, and sunflower seed oil give the skin the needed moisture  
• Texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin

Cons:

• Scent is unpleasant

Made with sea fennel extract and vitamin C, this serum helps slow down the production of melanin and repair damaged skin. On top of that, antioxidant-rich ingredients such as bitter flower oil work to diminish blemishes to give a brighter complexion. There is squalane and sunflower seed oil to keep your skin healthy, too! 

One con of this serum for some buyers is the unpleasant scent. Meanwhile, many others are happy that it improves skin elasticity, gives their skin a nice glow, and even out their complexion. Many also say that after using the product for a while, their skin becomes softer. Another plus point for reviewers is the lightweight and fast-absorbing consistency. 

Pros:

• Formulated with vitamin C to protect the skin against environmental aggressors and reduce dark spots
• Japanese angelica root extract hinders the production of melanin to fight hyperpigmentation 
• Contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) derived from fruits like apple, grapefruit, and orange to eliminate dead skin cells and rejuvenate your skin
• Suitable for sensitive skin
  

• Consistency is too thin, according to reviewers

Formulated with a 20 percent vitamin C blend, this serum penetrates quickly into the skin to protect the skin against sun damage and lighten dark spots. Furthermore, the fruit-derived AHAs help eliminate dead skin cells to reveal smooth, radiant skin. And with Japanese angelica root extract, this serum can treat hyperpigmentation and blur acne scars.

The major complaint is that the serum is too watery and is difficult to apply. However, many reviewers love that the product could effectively take away their hyperpigmentation and calm irritated acne. Many others add that it doesn't irritate their skin or cause breakouts. 

Pros:

• Has 10 percent L-ascorbic acid, a form of vitamin C found naturally, to brighten up your complexion and prevent premature aging
• Hydrates and supports the skin's protective barrier with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and three types of ceramides  
• Vitamin B5 has strong anti-inflammatory properties to accelerate the skin's healing process 
• Free from fragrance

• Sun protection isn't enough for those with fair skin

Developed with dermatologists, this serum is crafted with 10 percent of L-ascorbic acid to help protect your skin against the damages of free radicals and provide antioxidant benefits. The product also contains three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6 II), vitamin B5, and hyaluronic acid to leave your skin feeling soft, hydrated, and healthy. 

Some reviewers warn that this serum gets oxidized easily and should be stored carefully. Besides that, many are pleased that the serum significantly improved the appearance of their skin by blurring fine lines and wrinkles. Many reviewers further added that it hydrates and softens their skin effectively. 

Pros:

• Cica extract and hyaluronic acid to provide the skin with hydration for balanced skin 
• Has many antioxidant-rich ingredients, including vitamin C, anise fruit extract, and golden chamomile extract to protect the skin and fight blemishes 
• Effectively brightens the skin and reduces dark spots 

Cons:

• Texture is slightly sticky
• Some buyers experienced breakouts after using

This serum is enriched with anti-aging ingredients, such as vitamin C, lavender oil, anise fruit extract, and golden chamomile extract. These promote collagen production and reduce blemishes, like dark spots, giving you a youthful, radiant look! Moreover, the addition of cica extract and hyaluronic acid helps hydrate the skin.

Some people complain that the serum feels a bit sticky, while some warn that it causes breakouts. Nevertheless, many people love that it lightens dark spots, even their skin tone, and brightens their overall complexion. Many also say that after using the serum, their skin becomes smoother and more hydrated.

Pros:

• Formulated with 10 percent glycolic acid to eliminate dead skin cells for healthy and glowing skin
• Calms irritation with aloe vera
• Hydrates and smoothes the skin 
• Gentle on the skin

Cons:

• Texture is sticky

This allergy-tested, dermatologist-validated serum is formulated with 10 percent glycolic acid to help exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce blemishes. Also, unlike other glycolic acid serums that might be harsh on sensitive skin, this product is blended with soothing aloe vera to calm skin irritation.

Some reviewers are disappointed with the sticky texture. On the other hand, many compliment that the serum helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, making their skin noticeably smoother and brighter. Reviewers also love that it doesn't cause any irritation or burning. 

Pros:

• Vitamin C is the lightening agent to help reduce age spots and fade hyperpigmentation 
• Enhances the skin's radiance and diminishes wrinkles with rice bran, licorice root, and marshmallow root 
• Contains argan oil, which is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, to moisturize and nourish the skin  

Cons:

• Not suitable to be worn under makeup
• Greasy texture

Infused with stabilized vitamin C, this serum seeps into your skin quickly to erase dark spots and fight hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, the addition of pure argan oil, rice bran, marshmallow root, and licorice root helps hydrate the skin while healing the effects of free radicals, thus boosting your skin's luminosity. 

Some reviewers complain that the serum feels a bit oily and doesn't wear well under makeup. On the other hand, many reviewers love that it can effectively blur blemishes and improve their complexion. Others also say that the product doesn't irritate their sensitive skin. 

Pros:

• The blend of vitamin C and turmeric root extract neutralizes harmful environmental aggressors and evens out the skin tone 
• Hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and squalane alleviate inflammation and provide moisture to the skin
• Fruit stem cells fight signs of premature aging while firming the skin
• Lightweight, fast-absorbing consistency
• Pleasant citrus aroma 

Cons:

• Some buyers with sensitive skin got allergic reactions after using this serum

Infused with vitamin C and turmeric, this serum helps support your skin's health and fight free radical damage for a brighter, youthful complexion. The product also contains aloe vera to keep your skin hydrated and soothe inflammation. 

Some reviewers complain that the serum is mildly irritating. Meanwhile, many reviewers are satisfied that this serum can effectively eliminate dark spots, acne scars, and other blemishes. Many are also happy that their skin tone became brighter and more even with consistent usage. 

Pros:

• Formulated with 10 percent niacinamide to effectively brighten the skin and prevent signs of aging 
• The combination of hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera effectively enhances the elasticity of the skin
• Zinc helps protect the skin and calm inflammation 
• Not irritating to sensitive skin

• Feels a bit greasy on the skin

Formulated with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this serum helps protect your skin from free radical damage and heals blemishes. Niacinamide is also effective in shrinking your pores, improving the elasticity of your skin, and enhancing your complexion. There's also zinc, a powerful antioxidant, to soothe inflammation. 

Some reviewers find that this serum leaves a greasy residue on the skin. Yet, the majority like that it keeps their skin hydrated, eliminates blemishes, and brightens their complexion. Many reviewers further mention that they don't experience any allergic reactions from the serum despite having sensitive skin. 

Pros:

• Formulated with cultured plant stem cells to fight aging signs and encourage skin cell turnover for plump and healthy skin
• Moisturizes the skin effectively 
• Contains niacinamide to brighten the skin's complexion 
• Glycolic acid and lactic acid slough off dead skin cells 

Cons:

• Not suggested for sensitive skin

This serum is crafted with NASA stem cell technology that aims to slow down the aging process. This serum helps promote collagen production to improve your overall skin tone. It's also made with niacinamide, which helps reduce hyperpigmentation and scarring. The combination of glycolic acid and lactic acid helps remove skin debris for healthier, more glowy skin. 

There are some reports saying that this serum irritates sensitive skin. On the other hand, many reviewers praise that it effectively heals their blemishes and improves their complexion. Others further note that the product has a lightweight, slightly viscous consistency and goes on smoothly.