Applying a serum for skin brightening is one of the most effective ways to fade dark spots, even out skin tone, and light up your complexion. While serums generally target specific skin concerns, they also have other effects that your skin can benefit from!
However, picking one that would best suit your skin is not an easy task to accomplish. In this article, we will give you a list of 10 of the best skin brightening serums on the market, as well as a detailed buying guide, with insights and tips from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz, to walk you through choosing the right one.
Quick List - Top Serums for Skin Brightening
L'Oréal Paris
Fade Spots, Unleash Your Glow
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.
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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.
Although the "one size fits all" approach to skincare may be effective for some individuals, it is best to select a brightening serum that is tailored to your skin type, especially if you do not have normal skin. This will not only help your skin look more radiant but also address issues particular to your skin type.
Serums without harsh formula are recommended if you are prone to rashes and skin irritation. This indicates that they are devoid of any components that usually cause allergic reactions or other adverse effects. Examples of ingredients to avoid are artificial fragrances, parabens, preservatives, and essential oils.
When it comes to predicting a reaction or irritation, there's no 100% foolproof way! Your best bet is still doing a patch test and observing over the next 48 to 72 hours if the coast is clear for you to add that product into your routine.
If left unsolved, excess oil or sebum on your skin can be problematic. Oily skin can also lead to acne breakouts along with a greasy feeling. Thus, consider looking for a lightweight formula serum that will not strip your skin’s vital moisture.
Moreover, if you’re looking for serums that contain vitamin C, it’s best to go for those that use the L-ascorbic acid form rather than the oil-soluble ascorbyl palmitate. This is because L-ascorbic acid is not only lightweight but also water-soluble.
One of the challenges for those with oily skin is to choose products that don't aggravate the oiliness of their skin and also don't consequently clog their pores. In general, lightweight, water-based formulations are a good fit.
Your skin may be dry and in need of sufficient moisture and hydration if it is tight, itchy, and scales frequently. To counter this, it is advised that you select serums with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides.
In addition to providing the skin with the ideal quantity of moisture, hyaluronic acid also prevents fine lines and wrinkles. On the other hand, glycerin draws moisture to the skin while enabling it to absorb and retain water. Meanwhile, ceramides hydrate and safeguard the skin's protective layer.
How to incorporate that hydrating serum? You can opt to apply it on damp skin, mix it in with other actives, or even use it before the moisturizer. Take your pick and do what works for you!
Whether you want your dark spots to disappear or treat skin pigmentation, there are specific ingredients that are just right for these concerns. Below are some of the skin brightening ingredients you should look for in your serum.
Your skin might acquire dark spots for a variety of reasons, including acne scarring, UV damage, and hormone problems. Fortunately, you can pick serums with niacinamide or arbutin to reduce their appearance.
Vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide, offers many advantages for the skin. This includes brightening the skin tone, hydrating it, and fading dark spots. On the other hand, arbutin alleviates acne scars by removing unwanted pigments that darken the skin.
Fun fact! Arbutin is a naturally occurring compound derived from plants such as bearberry. It has been shown to fade hyperpigmentation. Warning, though! It is a derivative of hydroquinone, hence, it can cause rebound hyperpigmentation if used improperly. Thus, use it with guidance from your dermatologist.
Niacinamide, on the other hand, is the "jack of all trades." Aside from targeting dark spots, it strengthens the skin barrier and acts as an antioxidant too.
Ingredients like red algae extracts, glutathione, and vitamin C will assist you in achieving brighter skin as they prevent the pigment cells in your skin from producing melanin. This will make your skin appear lighter and less likely to have dark spots.
Vitamin C is known as a skincare superstar because it has numerous advantages. This includes enhancing skin texture, providing hydration, and defense against free radicals and sun damage. On the other hand, glutathione is known for promoting skin elasticity, while red algae extract helps clarify and cleanse the skin.
Vitamin C is a great ingredient for brightening. But mind you, it comes in many different forms. L-ascorbic acid is a good choice in terms of its antioxidant and brightening effects. However, it can be irritating to some. A less irritating alternative is tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.
In addition to skin brightening, you might also want to address other skin issues that you might be experiencing. If so, you should look for brightening serums that also have extra advantages for the skin, like relaxing, nourishing, or protecting it from external stressors.
Aloe vera, blackberry extracts, and green tea extracts, among others, typically provide these benefits. Ingredients like zinc also have oil control properties, while sea buckthorn water and Centella Asiatica extract can hydrate and soothe the skin. You do not only gain extra advantages, but you are also confident that you are receiving your money's worth.
With so many serums available in the market, it's easy to find a multifunctional one suitable to one or more of your skin concerns. Choose one based on your identified skin concerns, and don't hesitate to check in with your dermatologist.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key Ingredients | Best For | Non-Comedogenic | Ingredient Concentration | Fragrance-Free | Packaging Type | Brightening Ingredients | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Face Republic Vita Capsule Luminous Serum | ![]() | Brighten Naturally, Glow Radiantly | Niacinamide | Oily Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin、Acne-Prone Skin、Normal Skin | Mild、Moderate | Bottle with dropper applicator. | Niacinamide | 45 mL | |||
2 | Garnier Bright Complete Vitamin C Serum | ![]() | Glow Bright, Fade Spots Fast – Powered by 30x Vitamin C | Niacinamide、Vitamin C、Yuja Extract | Oily Skin、Dry Skin、Acne-Prone Skin、Normal Skin | Moderate、Strong | Bottle with dropper. | Niacinamide、Vitamin C、3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid、Salicylic Acid | 30 mL | |||
3 | Klued 5% Niacinamide Serum | ![]() | Strengthen, Brighten, and Heal — Your Skin’s Daily Multi-Tasker | Niacinamide | Oily Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin、Acne-Prone Skin、Normal Skin | Moderate | Bottle with a dropper. | Niacinamide、Ceramide | 30 mL | |||
4 | L'Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright 8% [Melasyl + Glycolic + Niacinamide] Serum | ![]() | Fade Spots, Unleash Your Glow | Niacinamide | Oily Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin、Acne-Prone Skin、Normal Skin | Mild、Moderate | Bottle | Niacinamide、Ascorbyl Glucoside、Salicylic Acid | 30 mL or 15 mL | |||
5 | Mama's Choice Advanced Brightening Serum | ![]() | Brighten Naturally, Glow Confidently — Made Safe for Mamas | Niacinamide | Oily Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin、Acne-Prone Skin、Normal Skin | Mild、Moderate | Bottle | Niacinamide、3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid、Ceramide、Peony Extract | 30 mL | |||
6 | Belo Essentials Vitamin C Ultra Bright Complex Serum | ![]() | Triple Antioxidant Power to Brighten, Even Tone, and Protect Your Skin | Vitamin C | Dry Skin、Normal Skin | Strong | Glass Bottle | Vitamin C、3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid | 30 mL | |||
7 | Blk Cosmetics Skin Brightening & Soothing Supercharged Serum + Niacinamide | ![]() | Balanced. Bright. Better Skin – Supercharge Your Glow with Every Drop | Niacinamide、Alpha Arbutin | Oily Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin、Acne-Prone Skin、Normal Skin | Strong | Bottle with dropper. | Niacinamide、Zinc PCA、Alpha Arbutin | 30 mL | |||
8 | Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Perfecting Serum | ![]() | 7x Power for Radiant, Even-Toned Skin in Just 14 Days | Niacinamide、Vitamin C | Oily Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin、Acne-Prone Skin、Normal Skin | Mild | Pump Bottle | Niacinamide、Vitamin C、Sea Daffodil、3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid | 30 mL | |||
9 | Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution | ![]() | Brighten, Correct, Reveal Radiance | Vitamin C | Oily Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin、Normal Skin | Moderate | Clear bottle with a dropper. | Vitamin C、3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid、Peony Extract、Salicylic Acid | 50 mL | |||
10 | SNAILWHITE Double Boosting Brightening Serum | ![]() | Double the Power, Double the Glow: Reveal Spotless, Radiant Skin | Vitamin C、Alpha Arbutin、Pure Ascorbic Acid、Niacinamide | Oily Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin、Acne-Prone Skin、Normal Skin | Mild、Moderate | Two-compartment packet or bottle. | Niacinamide、Vitamin C、3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid、Alpha Arbutin | 40 mL + 40 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Most users praise the immediate brightening effect and glowing finish after use. The serum is reported to be lightweight, hydrating, and non-irritating, suitable for daily use. Some users with oily or sensitive skin noted that the serum could feel a bit heavy or oily due to the jojoba oil content and advised cautious use if prone to clogged pores or fungal acne.
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide |
---|---|
Best For | Oily Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin、Acne-Prone Skin、Normal Skin |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Ingredient Concentration | Mild、Moderate |
Fragrance-Free | |
Packaging Type | Bottle with dropper applicator. |
Brightening Ingredients | Niacinamide |
Net Weight | 45 mL |
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide、Vitamin C、Yuja Extract |
---|---|
Best For | Oily Skin、Dry Skin、Acne-Prone Skin、Normal Skin |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Ingredient Concentration | Moderate、Strong |
Fragrance-Free | |
Packaging Type | Bottle with dropper. |
Brightening Ingredients | Niacinamide、Vitamin C、3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid、Salicylic Acid |
Net Weight | 30 mL |
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide |
---|---|
Best For | Oily Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin、Acne-Prone Skin、Normal Skin |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Ingredient Concentration | Moderate |
Fragrance-Free | |
Packaging Type | Bottle with a dropper. |
Brightening Ingredients | Niacinamide、Ceramide |
Net Weight | 30 mL |
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide |
---|---|
Best For | Oily Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin、Acne-Prone Skin、Normal Skin |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Ingredient Concentration | Mild、Moderate |
Fragrance-Free | |
Packaging Type | Bottle |
Brightening Ingredients | Niacinamide、Ascorbyl Glucoside、Salicylic Acid |
Net Weight | 30 mL or 15 mL |
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide |
---|---|
Best For | Oily Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin、Acne-Prone Skin、Normal Skin |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Ingredient Concentration | Mild、Moderate |
Fragrance-Free | |
Packaging Type | Bottle |
Brightening Ingredients | Niacinamide、3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid、Ceramide、Peony Extract |
Net Weight | 30 mL |
Key Ingredients | Vitamin C |
---|---|
Best For | Dry Skin、Normal Skin |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Ingredient Concentration | Strong |
Fragrance-Free | |
Packaging Type | Glass Bottle |
Brightening Ingredients | Vitamin C、3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid |
Net Weight | 30 mL |
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide、Alpha Arbutin |
---|---|
Best For | Oily Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin、Acne-Prone Skin、Normal Skin |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Ingredient Concentration | Strong |
Fragrance-Free | |
Packaging Type | Bottle with dropper. |
Brightening Ingredients | Niacinamide、Zinc PCA、Alpha Arbutin |
Net Weight | 30 mL |
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide、Vitamin C |
---|---|
Best For | Oily Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin、Acne-Prone Skin、Normal Skin |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Ingredient Concentration | Mild |
Fragrance-Free | |
Packaging Type | Pump Bottle |
Brightening Ingredients | Niacinamide、Vitamin C、Sea Daffodil、3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid |
Net Weight | 30 mL |
Key Ingredients | Vitamin C |
---|---|
Best For | Oily Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin、Normal Skin |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Ingredient Concentration | Moderate |
Fragrance-Free | |
Packaging Type | Clear bottle with a dropper. |
Brightening Ingredients | Vitamin C、3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid、Peony Extract、Salicylic Acid |
Net Weight | 50 mL |
Key Ingredients | Vitamin C、Alpha Arbutin、Pure Ascorbic Acid、Niacinamide |
---|---|
Best For | Oily Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin、Acne-Prone Skin、Normal Skin |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Ingredient Concentration | Mild、Moderate |
Fragrance-Free | |
Packaging Type | Two-compartment packet or bottle. |
Brightening Ingredients | Niacinamide、Vitamin C、3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid、Alpha Arbutin |
Net Weight | 40 mL + 40 mL |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Katrina.
Acne, dry skin, dark spots, and more skin issues can be quite unsettling, especially if you desire a clear, glass-looking complexion. If you're looking for products that will pamper and clarify your skin, check out these links below!
10 Best Korean Toners for Oily Skin in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Whitening Toners in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
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Author: Kate Basa
Editor: R. Victoriano
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.
For expert-reviewed articles, we ask experts to check and review our buying guide to make sure there aren't any false, misleading, or outdated information. Our experts do not participate in choosing the recommendations, and they do not endorse any of the products we mention.
No. 1: Face Republic|Vita Capsule Luminous Serum
No. 2: Garnier|Bright Complete Vitamin C Serum
No. 3: Klued|5% Niacinamide Serum
No. 4: L'Oréal Paris |Glycolic Bright 8% [Melasyl + Glycolic + Niacinamide] Serum
No. 5: Mama's Choice |Advanced Brightening Serum
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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