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 8 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
The Ordinary
A High-Strength Niacinamide Serum That Reduces Oil Production and Blemishes
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.
Table of Contents
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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop | ![]() | An Award-Winning Serum That Rejuvenates the Skin | |
2 | POND'S Bright Triple Glow Facial Serum | ![]() | A 3-in-1 Serum With Multiple Benefits for Dry Skin | |
3 | Good Molecules Daily Brightening Serum | ![]() | A Daily Serum That Gently Evens Out Skin Tone | |
4 | The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum | ![]() | A High-Strength Niacinamide Serum That Reduces Oil Production and Blemishes | |
5 | Garnier Bright Complete Vitamin C Booster Serum | ![]() | Targets Stubborn Spots for a Clearer, More Even Skin Tone | |
6 | By Wishtrend Pure Vitamin C 21.5 Advanced Serum | ![]() | Highly Concentrated Vitamin C Serum for a Radiant Complexion | |
7 | The Body Shop Drops of Light Brightening Serum | ![]() | A Lightweight Serum That Brightens and Cleanses the Skin | |
8 | Cos de BAHA Arbutin + Niacinamide Serum | ![]() | Organic Serum for Dark Spot Correction |
Notable for its numerous awards, this highly regarded and best-selling serum will definitely give you rejuvenated and brighter skin! This product earned the Best Skincare Product in the 2019 BeautyMNL awards and the Best Brightening Serum title in the 2019 HER Beauty Awards, among many others.
Formulated with a mild concentration of vitamin C with the help of Centella Asiatica extracts, this serum tightens the pores, fades stubborn spots, prevents hyperpigmentation, and even protects it from UV damage! It is also suitable for all skin types, especially for sensitive and oily skin, since it has a lightweight, non-sticky formula and has the right water-to-oil balance.
Your face cream might not be enough to brighten and hydrate your skin, but this serum might be! Containing three powerful skincare ingredients, this serum promises to transform your skin from dry and dull to dewy and bright. Its key ingredient, niacinamide, not only brightens dark spots but also helps minimize pores.
Moreover, it contains GlutaBoost+, made up of glutathione. This antioxidant helps fade dark spots, as well as brighten up the skin. It also has hyaluronic acid, which deeply hydrates the skin, giving it a dewy look. Not only that, but this serum is also notable for bagging the Best Brightening Serum award at Cosmopolitan Philippines Beauty Awards in 2021.
If you're having a problem with uneven skin tone and would like to solve this without irritating your skin, Good Molecule's serum has got you covered! This serum has beta arbutin, which inhibits the production of excess melanin to give you clear and even skin.
Moreover, it has hyaluronic acid that binds and draws moisture to the skin. With its minimal list of ingredients, you can also be sure that this serum can be used daily without irritating your skin while brightening it. And since it has a pH level of 5.32 or the right water-to-oil balance, it is an ideal option for those with oily skin.
Containing 10% niacinamide and 1% zinc pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), this serum is ideal if you want to rid your skin of pimples, lessen the visibility of blemishes, and control extra sebum. It also has a pH range of 5.50 to 6.50, which makes it perfect for those with oily skin.
Moreover, this serum is vegan and free of ingredients like alcohol, sulfates, and parabens that can dry out your skin or cause skin irritation. Thus, it is a decent choice for those with sensitivities to these ingredients. Its users also like how it doesn't feel sticky, especially in the hot weather.
Garnier's booster serum brightens skin and shows noticeable results in just three days! Infused with 30x vitamin C, the serum neutralizes free radicals and boosts collagen to target dark spots and uneven tone. It inhibits melanin production to help lighten skin and enhance your natural glow.
The serum also features salicylic acid to exfoliate, while lemon extract works to brighten your complexion. Plus, it locks in moisture with glycerin and hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide helps soothe the skin. Reviews confirm it effectively fades dark spots, leaving skin looking clearer and healthier.
If your skin is suffering from acne scars and pigmentation, this highly concentrated serum might be for you! Containing 21.5% vitamin C, this serum evens your skin tone and improves its texture by removing dead skin cells. It also has sea buckthorn water, which is known for preventing acne because of its oil-control properties.
More than that, this serum only has ten ingredients in total, making it fast absorbing. It is also free from parabens and other harsh ingredients that may irritate your skin. Just note that this serum may oxidize and leak when exposed to heat because of its high concentration, so it should be stored in a cool and dry place.
Made with vitamin C and red algae extracts from the North Atlantic, this lightweight and clinically tested serum ensures brighter skin with a reduced appearance of blemishes and acne spots. Its users also love how results are already visible within a week of continuous use!
Not only that, this product moisturizes the skin with glycerin, leaving it feeling plumper and smoother. With its red algae extracts, this serum will also help cleanse your skin to leave it looking luminous, clear, and healthier.
Made with 74% organic ingredients, this serum ensures a brightening effect without the side effects. It contains 5% beta-arbutin and 5% niacinamide, which are ideal ingredients for correcting dark spots and balancing out complexion.
This serum is also recommended for dry skin, as it contains hyaluronic acid, which hydrates the skin and makes it plumper. It is a good option for people with sensitive skin, too, because it does not have harsh chemicals like alcohol, parabens, sulfates, and fragrances, among others.
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 2022 | COSRX, Some by Mi, and More
10 Best Whitening Toners in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Retinol Products in the Philippines 2022 | Elizabeth Arden, Pond's, and More
10 Best Cleansers for Sensitive Skin in the Philippines 2022 | Cetaphil, CeraVe, and More
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: Dear, Klairs|Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop
No. 2: POND'S|Bright Triple Glow Facial Serum
No. 3: Good Molecules|Daily Brightening Serum
No. 4: The Ordinary|Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum
No. 5: Garnier|Bright Complete Vitamin C Booster Serum
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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