Best Brightening Serums (2026) Reviewed
Want to fade dark spots, even out skin tone, or add radiance to dull skin? Here are the best brightening serums for every budget and skin concern.
What to Look For
- Key brightening ingredients — Vitamin C, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, alpha arbutin, and kojic acid are proven to target discoloration and boost radiance
- Concentration levels — Higher percentages deliver faster results but may irritate sensitive skin; start lower if you’re new to actives
- Skin type compatibility — Oily skin handles vitamin C well; sensitive skin benefits from gentler derivatives or niacinamide-based formulas
- Texture and absorption — Lightweight, water-based serums layer well under moisturizer and sunscreen without pilling
- Stability — Look for air-tight packaging or stabilized vitamin C derivatives to prevent oxidation and maintain potency
Best Brightening Serums
TruSkin Vitamin C Serum — Best Overall
- ADVANCED BRIGHTENING FORMULA: Vitamin C helps fight free radical damage and support natural collagen while improving the look of uneven tone, dark spots, and fine lines for a brighter-looking complexion
- HYDRATION-BOOSTED FORMULA: Layers vitamin C with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, and Jojoba Oil to help balance moisture, support the skin barrier, and enhance comfort while delivering visible brightening
- SUPERIOR FORM OF VITAMIN C: Uses highly stable Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate to maintain potency over time while helping minimize irritation compared to harsher vitamin C serums
- NOURISHING DAILY CARE: Designed for daily use to help improve the look of uneven tone, dark spots, and dullness while supporting smoother-looking texture and a more refreshed complexion over time.
- CRAFTED FOR PERFORMANCE: Designed to deliver effective skincare without unnecessary ingredients, this unscented vitamin C serum is free from parabens, dyes, and harsh additives; Cruelty-free and made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients. Dermatologist and clinically tested
This vitamin C serum consistently delivers visible brightening results at an accessible price point.
TruSkin combines sodium ascorbyl phosphate (a stable vitamin C form) with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. The botanical-rich formula absorbs quickly and works on dark spots, fine lines, and uneven tone without the irritation that pure L-ascorbic acid can cause.
- Pros:
- Stable vitamin C form resists oxidation
- Botanical hyaluronic acid alternative for hydration
- Works for most skin types including sensitive
- Cruelty-free and made in USA
- Cons:
- Can feel slightly sticky before fully absorbing
- Results take 4-6 weeks of consistent use
Best for: Anyone wanting an effective, affordable vitamin C serum that works across skin types.
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum — Best for Dark Spots
- Targeted Dark Spot Remover for Face: Serum for face that targets a spectrum of skin discoloration, visibly reducing sun spots, age spots, and post-acne marks or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation for an even, revitalized complexion
- Promotes Radiant & Even Skin Tone: This dark spot corrector for face visibly corrects even stubborn dark spots, with long-lasting results, revealing brighter, more radiant skin over time. Face serum for women & men.
- Breakthrough Patented Ingredient Complex: Formulated with new, multi-patented Melasyl and a potent 10% Niacinamide (Vitamnin B3) this ingredient blend effectively targets dark spots while respecting your natural skin tone.
- Clinically Proven, Dermatologist-Backed Results: Born from 18 years of research, this serum is proven on all skin tones, with 85% of subjects showing significant reduction in persistent dark spots after 8 weeks of consistent use
- Ideal for All Skin Tones & Types: This discoloration treatment is designed to visibly correct and prevent persistent dark spots across all skin phototypes, ensuring a respected, natural tone of all skin.
This dermatologist-developed formula targets stubborn hyperpigmentation with patented Melasyl technology.
The Mela B3 Serum combines 10% niacinamide with Melasyl, an exclusive La Roche-Posay ingredient developed over 18 years of research. It tackles sun spots, age spots, and post-acne marks while respecting natural skin tone. Safe for sensitive skin and proven across all skin tones.
- Pros:
- Patented Melasyl ingredient targets melanin production
- 10% niacinamide concentration
- Clinically proven on all skin tones
- Dermatologist and allergy tested
- Cons:
- Higher price point than drugstore options
- Contains fragrance
Best for: Those dealing with persistent dark spots, melasma, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
CeraVe Vitamin C Serum — Best for Sensitive Skin
- [ ANTIOXIDANT BENEFITS ] Antioxidant serum for face formulated with 10% t l-ascorbic acid, the purest form of vitamin C, to help brighten and even skin tone. Protective packaging helps prevent oxidation and maintain product performance.
- [ HYDRATING SERUM ] Facial serum formulated with Hyaluronic Acid to help improve skin tone, texture, and hydration for a healthy looking, radiant complexion.
- [ LIGHTWEIGHT TEXTURE ] This vitamin c serum for face has a gel texture with a non-greasy feel. If layering with an eye cream or facial moisturizer, apply serum in a thin layer and allow to fully absorb into skin before applying additional products
- [ 3 ESSENTIAL CERAMIDES ] Ceramides make up 50% of the lipids in the skin barrier. As you age, studies show that ceramide levels decrease. CeraVe products are formulated with 3 essential ceramides (1,3,6-II) to help restore and maintain the skin barrier.
- [ DERMATOLOGIST RECOMMENDED ] This face brightening serum is fragrance free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic, & allergy tested. CeraVe Skin Care is developed with dermatologists & has products suitable for dry skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, acne-prone, & more.
CeraVe delivers 10% pure vitamin C in a gentle, ceramide-enriched formula that won’t compromise the skin barrier.
Developed with dermatologists, this serum pairs L-ascorbic acid with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid. The protective packaging prevents oxidation, and the lightweight gel texture absorbs without greasiness. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
- Pros:
- Ceramides protect skin barrier while brightening
- Pure L-ascorbic acid for maximum efficacy
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
- Packaging prevents oxidation
- Cons:
- Some users report formula darkening over time
- May not be potent enough for stubborn discoloration
Best for: Sensitive skin types who want vitamin C benefits without irritation or barrier disruption.
Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum — Best Value
- BRIGHT AND BALANCED COMPLEXION: Refine tone and improve texture while nourishing your skin! Embrace newfound confidence with the Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum made with powerful ingredients to help your skin repair and replenish!
- ENJOY A BRIGHT AND EVEN SKIN TONE: This serum is hydrating and healing. It is designed to target hyperpigmentation, scars, sunspots, and other forms of discoloration with natural ingredients that help restore natural glow and even skin tone.
- PROMOTE CLEAR SKIN TONE: Containing 3% tranexamic acid and 4% Niacinamide, commonly known as B3, this formula is very helpful for those suffering uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, and dull texture.
- PERFECT ADDITION TO YOUR BEAUTY REGIMEN: Apply a few drops to your skin in the morning and at night before oils, moisturizers, and creams. Our serum is powerful enough to bring results and gentle enough for daily use. Every Good Molecules product is marked with a Period After Opening date, please find on the back label.
- GENTLE ENOUGH FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: This serum is suitable for all skin types, but can be particularly beneficial for those with combination/oily skin. Our serum has a pH of 5.5 and is vegan. It is free from fragrance, PEGs, mineral oils, alcohol and ethoxylated ingredients. Since everyone's skin is unique, we recommend performing a patch test before using this product to ensure compatibility and avoid any potential reactions.
This affordable serum packs serious brightening power with tranexamic acid and niacinamide at a fraction of luxury prices.
Good Molecules combines 3% tranexamic acid with 4% niacinamide to target hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and sun damage. The gentle formula works for daily use and layers well under other products. Vegan, fragrance-free, and cruelty-free.
- Pros:
- Exceptional value for ingredient quality
- Tranexamic acid effectively fades discoloration
- Gentle enough for daily AM and PM use
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Cons:
- Can pill under certain moisturizers
- Results require consistent long-term use
Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers who want proven brightening ingredients without overspending.
Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum — Best K-Beauty Option
- Radiant Revelation: Unveil the beauty secrets of Joseon with the Glow Deep Serum, a meticulously crafted blend of rice and alpha-arbutin for unparalleled radiance. Address dark spots, discoloration, and acne scars with a powerful formula enriched with rice and alpha arbutin.
- Korean Skincare Essential: Elevate your skincare routine with the Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum, a commitment to timeless k-beauty secrets that unlocks the path to glowing, flawless skin.
- Key Ingredients: Rice Water 68%: Moisturizing, hydration and glowing. Alpha-Albutin 2%: Radiance, dark spots, skin protection and pigmentation. Niacinamide: Skin tone, skin barrier and acne care.
- Deep Hydration, Rice Bran: Rice bran water moisturizes, enhances suppleness. Experience intense hydration alongside pigmentation correction for ultimate skin health.
- Tackle Skin Concerns: Suited for all skin types, even sensitive. Tackle uneven tone, dark spots, and dryness. Reveal luminosity and confidence in your skin's journey.
This Korean beauty favorite combines rice bran water with 2% alpha arbutin for a natural, dewy glow.
Inspired by traditional Korean beauty rituals, this serum uses 68% rice bran water for hydration and niacinamide to refine skin tone. Alpha arbutin gently inhibits melanin production without irritation. The lightweight texture absorbs instantly and leaves skin luminous.
- Pros:
- 2% alpha arbutin for gentle brightening
- Rice bran water provides deep hydration
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
- Fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin
- Cons:
- Best used in evening routine only
- Alpha arbutin works slower than vitamin C
Best for: K-beauty enthusiasts and those who want gentle, hydrating brightening without harsh actives.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum — Best Drugstore
- CLINICALLY SHOWN RESULTS: Our vitamin C complex serum instantly hydrates skin and clinically shown to improve the appearance of fines lines and wrinkles in just 4-weeks, based on an 8-week clinical study on 32 subjects
- CONCENTRATED, POWERFUL FORMULA: The high concentration of our complex including highly stable, pure l-ascorbic acid and Kakadu plum, one of the richest sources of vitamin c, helps address signs of aging, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- MOST SKIN TYPES: Appropriate for those with sensitive skin, though a patch test prior to use is advised. Apply even layer onto face, neck and chest morning/night, avoiding eye area. For best results, follow with moisturizer and use sunscreen in the morning
- PROUDLY FORMULATED: All of our products are formulated to be pH level appropriate, made in the USA, Vegan, Cruelty Free, Paraben Free, Gluten Free, Skin Compatible, & Dermatologist Tested. Most of our skincare is Synthetic Fragrance Free
- SKINCARE THAT WORKS: At Naturium, we are committed to providing affordable skincare essentials that use only ingredients directly benefiting the skin’s health, which support the integrity and effectiveness of our formulations
Naturium delivers a potent vitamin C complex with Kakadu plum at drugstore prices.
This serum combines stable L-ascorbic acid with sodium ascorbyl phosphate and Kakadu plum, one of the richest natural vitamin C sources. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin E round out the formula for hydration and antioxidant protection. Clinically shown to improve fine lines in four weeks.
- Pros:
- Multiple vitamin C forms for layered benefits
- Kakadu plum adds natural antioxidants
- Vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free
- Clinically tested formula
- Cons:
- May be too potent for very sensitive skin
- Slightly oily texture on some skin types
Best for: Those wanting high-quality vitamin C performance at an affordable price point.
ANUA Niacinamide 10 + TXA 4 Serum — Best for Hyperpigmentation
- [Daily Dark Spot Care] Infused with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to keep skin feeling comfortable and moisturized while targeting the appearance of break out prone marks and uneven-looking tone. Fragrance-free and suitable for morning and night use, suitable for sensitive skin.
- [Korean Glass Skin] Containing 10% Niacinamide, 4% Tranexamic Acid, and 2% Arbutin, a concentrated trio to help improve the look of dullness, dark spots and enlarged pores.—Korean Skincare serum made for a radiant-looking complexion.
- [Lightweight Hydrating Texture] Non-greasy watery lightweight texture that absorbs easily and leaves skin feeling hydrated—layers well with other skincare, including moisturizer and sunscreen.
- [Made For All Skin Types] Fragrance-Free, No Artificial Coloring, Cruelty-Free.
- [Pro Tip] Extend your glow beyond the face to the body. Apply to rough- or dull-looking areas like elbows, knees, or hands to reveal smoother-looking skin.
This K-beauty powerhouse combines 10% niacinamide, 4% tranexamic acid, and 2% arbutin to tackle stubborn discoloration.
ANUA’s viral serum delivers a triple-threat approach to hyperpigmentation. The formula also includes ceramides and hyaluronic acid to protect the moisture barrier while brightening. The naturally pink-tinted, lightweight texture absorbs quickly without residue.
- Pros:
- Triple brightening actives in one formula
- Ceramides protect skin barrier
- Lightweight, non-greasy texture
- Fragrance-free and gentle for daily use
- Cons:
- Pink tint may concern some users (it’s natural)
- Higher niacinamide concentration may cause flushing initially
Best for: Anyone battling stubborn dark spots, post-acne marks, or melasma who wants multiple actives in one product.
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% — Best Budget
- BRIGHTENING VITAMIN C SERUM: Targets signs of aging by brightening and visibly evening out skin tone, and provides with antioxidant protection.
- WATER-SOLUBLE VITAMIN C: Formulated with Ascorbyl Glucoside, a derivative of vitamin C that converts into the active form once applied to the skin, which helps minimize the irritation potential.
- LIGHTWEIGHT, WATER-BASED FORMULA: Offers a less potent but more stable alternative to direct vitamin C in a gentle, non-irritating formula.
- APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Apply a few drops to the face in the morning and evening. Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes.
- PROTECTS AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE: Antioxidant properties help reduce the effects of environmental stressors on the skin.
The Ordinary delivers a stable, gentle vitamin C derivative at an unbeatable price.
Ascorbyl glucoside converts to active vitamin C when applied, making it gentler than direct forms while still delivering brightening benefits. The water-based formula works well for vitamin C beginners or those who’ve experienced irritation with stronger formulas.
- Pros:
- Extremely affordable entry point
- Stable formula resists oxidation
- Gentle enough for daily use
- Layers well under other products
- Cons:
- Sticky texture that takes time to absorb
- Less potent than direct vitamin C forms
Best for: Vitamin C beginners, sensitive skin types, or anyone on a strict budget.
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster — Best for Pores and Tone
- 10% NIACINAMIDE FOR MULTI-TARGETED IMPROVEMENT: This high-strength booster visibly reduces enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines, redness, dryness, and other signs of aging. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) works alongside vitamin C and licorice extract to naturally calm, hydrate, and restore youthful radiance and glow.
- MULTI-PURPOSE, CUSTOMIZABLE FORMULA: Designed to be used alone as a potent face serum or mixed into your favorite moisturizer, this serum. for face easily integrates into any morning or evening routine for a personalized, targeted treatment that addresses multiple concerns at once.
- ANTIOXIDANT-RICH, SKIN-REPLENISHING COMPLEX: The formula blends antioxidants and skin-replenishing plant extracts to rejuvenate, protect, and strengthen the skin barrier, supporting lasting improvements in clarity, texture, and tone.
- CLINICALLY DEVELOPED FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: Ideal for dryness, sensitivity, acne, fine lines, or dullness, this booster is fragrance-free, cruelty-free, and proven effective for a wide range of skin concerns and types.
- Paula's Choice Skincare makes products that work. No fragrance, no fluff. Just effective, science-backed formulas that target any concern from wrinkles to breakouts.
This concentrated booster tackles enlarged pores and uneven tone while soothing and hydrating.
Paula’s Choice combines 10% niacinamide with vitamin C, licorice extract, and allantoin. The liquid formula can be used alone or mixed with moisturizer or other serums. It visibly refines pore appearance while evening skin tone and reducing fine lines.
- Pros:
- Versatile booster format mixes with anything
- Licorice extract calms redness
- Fragrance-free and cruelty-free
- Works for all skin types
- Cons:
- Small bottle size for the price
- Watery texture can drip
Best for: Those dealing with enlarged pores, uneven texture, and dullness who want a flexible addition to their routine.
Verdict
For most people, the TruSkin Vitamin C Serum offers the best combination of effectiveness, gentleness, and value. If dark spots are your primary concern, the La Roche-Posay Mela B3 delivers targeted results backed by clinical research. Budget shoppers should grab the Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum for serious brightening power under $15.
