Best Brightening Serums: A Guide to Glowing Skin

Dull skin is often referred to as lacking radiance, clarity and luminosity. It can appear patchy, uneven, dry or lacklustre. Dullness is caused by a number of factors including:

• Skin dryness
• Lack of exfoliation
• Under moisturising
• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Environmental factors
• Smoking
• Diet

This can lead to skin appearing tired and lacking uniformity. The key to restoring luminosity in the skin is by implementing products with brightening properties. A brightening serum is an effective targeted treatment to help restore luminosity in the skin to reveal a glowing complexion. They are ideal for evening the skin tone, reducing the appearance of dark spots, and lightening the skin.

When looking for brightening serums, keep in mind the key ingredients for brightening the skin: Kojic Acid, Vitamin C, Azelaic Acid, Arbutin and Niacinamide.

If you experience skin dullness, consider adding a brightening serum into your skincare routine. Keep reading to find out more on some of the best brightening serums in Australia.

Best brightening serums

Dermaceutic Tri Vita C Serum

The Dermaceutic Tri Vita C Serum is an innovative brightening serum with a combination of 3 different forms of Vitamin C. The Vitamin C penetrates deep into the skin, providing long lasting protection against environmental damage, and leaves the skin more rejuvenated than before. 

This Vitamin C serum also has Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E which provide antioxidant benefits to protect the skin, and stimulate collagen production. You can expect your skin to be brighter, smoother, firmer and more radiant than before.

The Dermaceutic Tri Vita C Serum is ideal for all skin types, except those with very sensitive skin. It is best applied in the morning or evening, on cleansed skin. When using this serum, pair it with a sunscreen in the day time for optimal results, we recommend the Dermaceutic K Ceutic SPF50.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum

With similar ingredients to the Dermaceutic Tri Vita C Serum, the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum is a highly potent antioxidant serum that protects the skin against atmospheric ageing.

This Vitamin C serum also has Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E. These ingredients protect against environmental aggressors and premature signs of ageing caused by free radicals from pollution, UV rays and infrared radiation. They also help improve fine lines and wrinkles, skin laxity and brightens the complexion for more glowing skin.

The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum is ideal for normal and dry skin. It can also be used on the neck and chest. It’s best applied in the morning after cleansing, by gently patting in 4-5 drops to a dry face. For best results, follow through with SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF50.

Aspect Dr Active C Serum

For moisturised skin and increased collagen, the Aspect Dr Active C Serum is a powerful antioxidant serum that keeps the skin looking its best and brightest. 

This Vitamin C serum protects and brightens the skin, Panthenol for hydration and Peptide Complex to encourage skin elasticity. It also aids in plumping and firming the skin, minimising fine lines and wrinkles, treating pigmentation concerns and brightens dull and uneven skin tones. 

The Aspect Dr Active C Serum is suitable for all skin types, including ageing skin, acne skin, sensitive skin, oily skin and dry skin. It is also safe for use when pregnant or breastfeeding. This serum can only be used in the morning, by applying a pea sized amount all over dry, cleansed skin. Follow through with Aspect Sun Envirostat On The Go SPF50 for optimal results.

Biopelle KNR Serum

An all-rounder product, the Biopelle KNR Serum contains three powerful ingredients: Kojic Acid, Retinol and Niacinamide. 

Kojic Acid is ideal for lightening sun damaged skin, age spots and scars. In addition to these benefits, it also has antimicrobial properties. Niacinamide helps reduce inflammation, minimises pores and keeps the skin looking smooth. Retinol helps diminish fine lines and increases collagen production to reveal smoother, brighter skin.

Biopelle KNR Serum is best applied after cleansing to the entire face, once or twice a day. When applying in the morning, combine with a high protection sunscreen for best results. 

Biopelle XCP Brightening Serum

Combining 10% L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) with Phytic Acid, a form of Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), the Biopelle XCP Brightening Serum not only can brighten your complexion, but can also gently exfoliate the skin and improves skin tone. 

The addition of Green Tea and Grape Seed Extract, provides the benefits of antioxidants to enhance uneven skin and fight free radicals. 

When first opening the product, the cap must be removed and replaced with the dropper. The serum can be applied twice a day onto dry skin, by using half a dropperful after cleansing. 

Cosmedix Simply Brilliant

The Cosmedix Simply Brilliant is a gentle, lightweight serum that improves uneven skin tone, dull skin and discolouration. It also aids in firming the skin, smoothing wrinkles and fine lines, reduces the appearance of acne scars, hyper pigmentation and dark spots.

The combination of Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid and ten other plant based ingredients help achieve an even complexion. Potent antioxidants help protect the skin from environmental stressors that can damage elastin and collagen, and cause inflammation.

This serum can be used twice a day by applying a small amount onto cleansed skin. For day time use, follow through with sunscreen. For night use, follow through with moisturiser.

FAQ

How to choose the best brightening serum?

As there are many serums on the market, it can be hard to find the right one for your skin. When it comes to choosing a brightening serum, it is best to focus on the ingredients.

Some key ingredients to look out for include Vitamin C, Arbutin and Niacinamide. 

What serum is best for brightening?

This depends on your skin type, the active ingredients in the serum and how consistently you use the serum. As cell turnover occurs roughly every 28 days, it is best to trial a serum for at least 4 weeks, before deciding whether it works for your skin or not.

Does retinol brighten skin?

Retinol does not directly lighten the skin but it does aid in removing dead skin cells, to reveal an even and glowing complexion. Over time, retinol can also aid in diminishing hyperpigmentation.

Does Vitamin C brighten skin?

Vitamin C does have brightening properties, it also promotes new collagen formation, diminishes fine lines, protects the skin from free radical damage, inhibits hyperpigmentation and dark spots, and evens skin tone.

Can I use brightening serum everyday?

It is safe to use a brightening serum everyday, unless directed otherwise by a skincare professional. It is highly recommended to use sunscreen in the daytime to protect your skin and receive the best results.

Brightening serums have many benefits for the skin including improved collagen production, reduced age spots and dark spots, minimised hyperpigmentation, brighter and smoother skin and decreased wrinkles and fine lines. When choosing the right serum, it is best to look for the right ingredients that suit your specific concerns and needs. It is important to use sunscreen daily, to protect the skin.

Patch test before use and discontinue use when irritation occurs.

Shop our Vitamin C range and topical vitamin range here.

We'd love to help!

Do you have a skin concern you'd like assessed by our Skin Therapists? Book online or call 1300 863 824 to schedule a consultation with one of our Skin Therapists to receive advice tailored to your skin concerns.