Trust Us—These Are the 10 Brightening Serums That Beauty Editors Swear By

Using a combination of brightening niacinamide, tranexamic acid and bakuchiol, this serum is a triple threat for brightening discolouration and preventing them from appearing in the first place.

SkinCeuticals' C E Ferulic Serum is a beauty editor’s kryptonite. It is expensive, but if you’re looking to invest in a brightening serum, this is one of the best that money can buy. It has 15% vitamin C, as well as vitamin E and ferulic acid that work in tandem to protect the skin from environmental damage and reveal a brighter complexion. The water-like texture makes it great for all skin types and sinks in quickly.

This serum is a trusted favourite for evening the skin’s tone. It has a patented antioxidant that helps brighten dark spots from sun damage, right through to fading stubborn post-acne dark spots. It has a lightweight formula that doesn’t feel sticky on the skin, making it great to wear under makeup and it won’t irritate sensitive skin.

Much like SkinCeutical’s C E Ferulic serum, this product also has a loyal following. It uses glycolic and lactic acid to brighten dark spots and improve skin texture and scarring. It is quite punchy (expect some tingling upon application) so proceed with caution if you’re prone to irritation. It has more of a cream consistency than other serums so if you’re after something heavier than a traditional serum, this might be more up your street.

If you’re wanting to brighten up on a budget, this is a great purse-friendly option. It contains niacinamide (a winner for evening skin tone), vitamin C for radiance and liquorice root extract that helps to fade skin discolouration to reveal a luminous complexion.

This retinal serum is a great all-rounder if you’re new to retinoid products. This is the lowest strength in the range, so it is a great starting point to help brighten the skin, as well as smooth wrinkles and skin texture in one hit. Once your skin is used to it, you can level up to the next highest strength. Use this one at night as retinoids can make skin more sensitive to the sun, and always follow up with an SPF during the day.

This serum is packed with brightening vitamin C and gives the skin a sought-after glow. This formulation is oil-free yet very hydrating, so it’s great if your skin is on the oiler side. It does have a citrus fragrance so if that’s not your bag – or if your skin is sensitive – you might prefer a fragrance-free brightening serum.

Full throttle brightening doesn’t necessarily equal best results. Sometimes a gentle approach works best if your skin is particularly reactive, and this serum is case in point. It has brightening niacinamide, but is coupled with hydrating hyaluronic acid and skin-reinforcing ceramides to protect the skin barrier and reduce irritation, and at a great price-point too.

The Ordinary is famed for its budget yet effective skincare formulations. This contains ascorbic acid (a form of vitamin C) and brightening alpha arbutin to reduce dark spots and reveal an even, bright complexion.

If your looking for a probiotic-powered brightening option, then this Tula serum is one to add to your skincare rotation.This formulation is packed with a10% triple vitamin C complex, alongside chicory root prebiotics that help to maintain skin balance. And tt's fruiter ingredients - mango, lychee and Japanese mandarin- are far from a vanity addition as they work to even out skin tone and boost the skin’s radiance.