




Having fair and bright skin is a common dream among Filipinas, and the first step to achieve that is to build a good skincare routine with high-quality face whitening products. From whitening face washes to brightening serums, it’s important to get the right skincare to see visible results as soon as possible.
In this article, we will help you choose the best ones by showing you our top 10 picks for the best face whitening products. We also prepared a comprehensive buying guide with comments from dermatologist Dr. Katrina to teach you all that you need to know before checking out.
Quick List - Top Face Whitening Products
Belo Essentials

Whiten Deeply, Protect Boldly, Rejuvenate Daily

Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.

Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
The most important thing to consider when looking for a face whitening product is its active whitening ingredient. This is what allows the product to lighten your skin and give you a bright radiant complexion. Here are some common whitening ingredients that you will encounter.
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant and is a very popular skin whitening ingredient. Aside from lightening your skin, glutathione also protects it by fighting off free radicals that cause pigmentation, dark spots, and blemishes. If you have some problem areas on your face that you want to lighten, we recommend getting a face whitening product with glutathione.

Glutathione is an overly hyped whitening ingredient incorporated into a lot of skincare products. It is mainly known for its role as a powerful antioxidant.
Fun fact! Did you know its role as a skin-lightening agent was discovered accidentally as a side effect of large doses of glutathione? Despite its hype, more studies are needed to ensure its effectiveness and safety as a lightening agent.
Kojic acid whitens your skin by preventing the production of melanin, a natural skin pigment that your body produces. It does this by blocking the formation of tyrosine, which is an essential building block for melanin. Kojic acid is a common skin whitening ingredient and can be found in many face washes and creams.

Kojic acid is a great option for reducing unwanted pigmentation. It inhibits the enzyme tyrosinaseーknown for regulating melanin production. Simply put, kojic acid works by preventing the pigment releasing skin cells from overproducing, thus, giving you more even-toned skin.
Aside from inhibiting melanin production, vitamin C also brightens your skin by reducing hyperpigmentation, including age spots and stubborn dark marks. It also leaves your skin with a firmer texture, giving you a youthful complexion. This is best for those with dull skin or mature skin.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant; hence it's one of the go-to's for brightening and/or lightening the skin. To know if a product contains vitamin C, check if the ingredients list has L-ascorbic acid and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.
Some face whitening products also make use of natural ingredients like papaya extract and tomato. Papaya extract promotes the removal of dead skin cells, gradually reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Meanwhile, tomato acts as a natural bleaching agent because of the antioxidants and vitamin C in it.
Other natural ingredients for skin lightening that face whitening products may use are white lupin seed, white daisy flower extract, Anastatica, and milk essence. These products combined with each other or other active whitening ingredients will surely result in a fairer and more glowing and radiant complexion.

Carica papaya has been found to counteract oxidative stress via its potent antioxidant properties. However, more studies are needed to substantiate its claims for skin whitening and/or lightening.
From cleansers to creams, there is a variety of face whitening products in the market. You can either choose one to try out or get one of each product to build a whole new face whitening skincare routine.
Face washes or facial cleansers are the first step of any skincare routine. They come in different formulas like soaps, foams, or gels, but they all do the same thing: cleanse your face of any bacteria or impurities. Some of them can also slough off dead skin and gently exfoliate your skin for a brighter and lighter complexion.

Whitening face washes are formulated with active ingredients that give them their proposed whitening and/or brightening abilities. However, given the short contact time with the skin, it's good to manage one's expectations with the level of improvement from using a wash alone.
Toners are usually applied after washing your face. Not only do they nourish the skin, but they also bring back moisture and soothe the skin. Newer formulations of toners may also help get rid of any dirt and dead skin cells that weren't cleansed away by your face wash. It helps deep clean your pores and deliver much-needed nutrients and active ingredients to your skin, including those for skin whitening.

Toners are a nice add-on to any skincare routine. Some benefits of toners include balancing the pH of your skin, hydrating your skin, removing impurities missed by your cleanser, or just pampering yourself. Some toners have also been incorporated with lightening ingredients as well!
Face creams nourish your skin to ensure that you stay hydrated all day or all night. They contain different moisturizing ingredients that help your skin stay soft and smooth, like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or glycerin. Usually, day creams also contain SPF to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun, so that your skin whitening efforts don’t go to waste.

In terms of addressing pigmentation, creams are an effective choice, particularly because it is a leave-on product. This allows the active ingredient to be absorbed into the skin and carry out its desired effect.
Serums deliver higher doses of active ingredients to your skin, so you can see visible results sooner. A popular face serum for skin whitening is vitamin C serum, which delivers high doses of vitamin C to your face to help brighten your skin and lighten dark spots or blemishes for a radiant complexion.

Serums typically contain a higher percentage of active ingredients enabling them to deliver the desired results faster.
In order to get clear, smooth, and fair skin, don't forget to double-check if the face whitening product that you're going to buy is good for your skin type. Some of them may contain extra ingredients that may aggravate certain skin issues like acne, while others have extra components that are nourishing for particular skin types.
For those with acne-prone skin, consider getting a face whitening product with healing ingredients like zinc, centella asiatica, and xylitol that will work with its active whitening ingredients to help you achieve clearer and whiter skin.
On the other hand, for those with dry skin, opt for a face whitening product with moisturizing ingredients like niacinamide, beta-glucan, bambusa vulgaris, aloe vera, and shea butter for nourished fair skin. You can also get products with vitamin E, alpha arbutin, rose hips, and goat's milk as they're both nourishing and whitening.

Multifunctional products are a great option as they are able to not only target your primary skin concern but also address secondary concerns or prevent unwanted side effects as well.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Best for | Active Whitening Ingredients | Additional Notable Ingredients | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Belo Essentials SunExpert Whitening Sunscreen SPF50 | ![]() | Shield That Evens Tone Without the Weight | Cream | Normal Sin, Dry Skin, Combination Skin, Sensitive Skin | Niacinamide, Brightening Essence | Niacinamide, Shea Butter, Bee Venom, Titanium Dioxide, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Panthenol | 50 mL | |
2 | Belo Essentials Intensive Whitening Face & Neck Cream | ![]() | Whiten Deeply, Protect Boldly, Rejuvenate Daily | Cream | Oily Skin, Normal Skin | Tranexamic Acid, Kojic Acid | Niacinamide, Glycerin, Panthenol, Sodium PCA, Allantoin, Bisabolol | 50 mL | |
3 | Belo Essentials Pore Minimizing Whitening Face Wash | ![]() | Shrink Pores and Slay Shine While You Cleanse | Gel | Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Combination Skin | Glutathione, Kojic Acid, Gigawhite, Niacinamide | Glycerin, Panthenol, Allantoin | 100 mL | |
4 | Camou 7-Day Niacinamide Brightening Soap | ![]() | Lightweight, Non-Greasy Care for Brighter-Looking Skin | Bar Soap | Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin | Vitamin C, AHA + BHA, Kojic Acid | Niacinamide, Vitamin E | 135 mL | |
5 | Luxe Organix Whitening Repair Ultra Light Glow Toner | ![]() | Glow Brighter, Repair Smarter | Toner | Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin | Niacinamide | Licorice Root Extract | 150 mL | |
6 | Garnier Bright Complete 30x Vitamin C+ Booster Serum | ![]() | Conquer Dark Spots Fast | Serum | Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin | Vitamin C | Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Lemon Fruit Extract | 30 mL, 60 mL | |
7 | Myra Fresh Glow Whitening Facial Moisturizer | ![]() | Light Feel but Bright Results | Cream | Normal Skin, Oily Skin | Vitamin C, Niacinamide | Vitamin E, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Lumina Complex, Moisture Boosters, Double UV Protection | 40 mL | |
8 | Dermorepubliq 10% Niacinamide + 3% Tranexamic Acid + 2% Alpha Arbutin Ultra White Serum | ![]() | Unveil Your Ultra White | Serum | Oily Skin, Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin | Papaya Extract, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Alpha Arbutin | Licorice Root Extract, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Glycerin | 15 mL, 30 mL | |
9 | POND'S Instabright Tone Up Milk Cream | ![]() | Milk-Powered Radiance Without Makeup | Cream | Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin | Niacinamide, Milk Essence | Titanium Dioxide, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol | 6 mL | |
10 | Olay Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum | ![]() | Your Best Skin Yet: Closer Than Ever | Serum | Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin | Vitamin C, Niacinamide | Glycerin, Panthenol, Vitamin E, Hexyldecanol | 30 mL | |
| Type | Cream |
|---|---|
| Best for | Normal Sin, Dry Skin, Combination Skin, Sensitive Skin |
| Active Whitening Ingredients | Niacinamide, Brightening Essence |
| Additional Notable Ingredients | Niacinamide, Shea Butter, Bee Venom, Titanium Dioxide, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Panthenol |
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
| Type | Cream |
|---|---|
| Best for | Oily Skin, Normal Skin |
| Active Whitening Ingredients | Tranexamic Acid, Kojic Acid |
| Additional Notable Ingredients | Niacinamide, Glycerin, Panthenol, Sodium PCA, Allantoin, Bisabolol |
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
| Type | Gel |
|---|---|
| Best for | Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Combination Skin |
| Active Whitening Ingredients | Glutathione, Kojic Acid, Gigawhite, Niacinamide |
| Additional Notable Ingredients | Glycerin, Panthenol, Allantoin |
| Net Weight | 100 mL |
Helps cleanse while maintaining a lightweight, non-greasy feel suitable for daily use
Formulated with niacinamide to support brighter-looking skin and a more even tone over time
Aims to improve overall skin clarity and radiance with regular use
Gentle enough for both face and body, including areas prone to dullness or uneven tone
Designed for consistent use rather than instant results, as brightening benefits build gradually
| Type | Bar Soap |
|---|---|
| Best for | Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin |
| Active Whitening Ingredients | Vitamin C, AHA + BHA, Kojic Acid |
| Additional Notable Ingredients | Niacinamide, Vitamin E |
| Net Weight | 135 mL |
| Type | Toner |
|---|---|
| Best for | Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin |
| Active Whitening Ingredients | Niacinamide |
| Additional Notable Ingredients | Licorice Root Extract |
| Net Weight | 150 mL |
| Type | Serum |
|---|---|
| Best for | Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin |
| Active Whitening Ingredients | Vitamin C |
| Additional Notable Ingredients | Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Lemon Fruit Extract |
| Net Weight | 30 mL, 60 mL |
| Type | Cream |
|---|---|
| Best for | Normal Skin, Oily Skin |
| Active Whitening Ingredients | Vitamin C, Niacinamide |
| Additional Notable Ingredients | Vitamin E, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Lumina Complex, Moisture Boosters, Double UV Protection |
| Net Weight | 40 mL |
| Type | Serum |
|---|---|
| Best for | Oily Skin, Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin |
| Active Whitening Ingredients | Papaya Extract, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Alpha Arbutin |
| Additional Notable Ingredients | Licorice Root Extract, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Glycerin |
| Net Weight | 15 mL, 30 mL |
| Type | Cream |
|---|---|
| Best for | Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin |
| Active Whitening Ingredients | Niacinamide, Milk Essence |
| Additional Notable Ingredients | Titanium Dioxide, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol |
| Net Weight | 6 mL |
| Type | Serum |
|---|---|
| Best for | Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin |
| Active Whitening Ingredients | Vitamin C, Niacinamide |
| Additional Notable Ingredients | Glycerin, Panthenol, Vitamin E, Hexyldecanol |
| Net Weight | 30 mL |

Applying your products in the right order is key to reap its maximum benefits. Typically, the order is as follows:
As a general rule, applying the product with the thinnest to the thickest consistency is best.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Katrina.
The frequency of using whitening products depends on the type of pigmentation being addressed as well as the tolerance to the product, amongst others.
Yes, using face products on the body shouldn't be a problem. Extra care should be taken around sensitive areas such as the underarms and inguinal (best to avoid these!).
This depends on a lot of factors. Individual factors such as skin tone, duration of pigmentation, lifestyle (e.g. sun exposure), and consistency of use contribute to the response. Product factors such as the ingredient, and overall formulation are just as important in delivering the desired result.
If you want to check out more whitening products to build the best routine for your skin, we've got you covered! Check out our other articles below for more product recommendations that will help you achieve fairer skin for both your face and body.
Author: Bianca Angela Dela Cruz
Editor: R. Umlas
10 Best Glutathione Supplements in the Philippines 2026 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Underarm Whitening Products in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Whitening Soaps in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Whitening Lotions in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Belo Essentials |SunExpert Whitening Sunscreen SPF50
No. 2: Belo Essentials|Intensive Whitening Face & Neck Cream
No. 3: Belo Essentials|Pore Minimizing Whitening Face Wash
No. 4: Camou|7-Day Niacinamide Brightening Soap
No. 5: Luxe Organix |Whitening Repair Ultra Light Glow Toner
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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