Best Brightening Face Moisturizers of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2026

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Brightening face moisturizers are a popular product in the skincare world. They provide hydration while also helping to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Many of these moisturizers contain ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, and licorice root extract, which are known for their brightening properties. These products are great for those with dull or uneven skin who want to achieve a brighter, more radiant complexion. They can be used daily as part of a regular skincare routine and are suitable for all skin types.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Olay Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide MAX Hydrating Moisturizer Cover #TOP 1
Olay Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide MAX Hydrating Moisturizer
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Vitamin C Face Cream by Eclat Cover #TOP 2
Vitamin C Face Cream by Eclat
ftb score rating icon 9.8
No7 Radiance+ Vitamin C Moisturizer Cover #TOP 3
No7 Radiance+ Vitamin C Moisturizer
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Brightening Face Moisturizers

Olay Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide MAX Hydrating Moisturizer

Vineen
Olay Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide MAX Hydrating Moisturizer Cover
Olay Vitamin C MAX Face Moisturizer, Brightening Cream for Women, Hydrating, Evens Tone, Dark Spot & Hyperpigmentation Reduction, Glowing Skin Care - Niaciniamide, Peptides 1.7 Oz

This face moisturizer from Olay is formulated without phthalates and parabens, and is also dye-free. It contains Vitamin C to help brighten and even out skin tone, while peptides help to hydrate and firm the skin. The cream comes in a 1.7 ounce jar.

What We Like
Phthalate-free, paraben-free, and dye-free
Contains Vitamin C for brightening and evening out skin tone
Peptides help to hydrate and firm the skin

Vitamin C Face Cream by Eclat

dndf-28
Vitamin C Face Cream by Eclat Cover
Eclat Skincare Vitamin C Moisturizer for Face with Hyaluronic Acid & Squalane - Face Brightening Cream - Anti Aging, Firming & Hydrating Vitamin C Cream for All Skin Tone 50 ml

The Eclat Vitamin C Cream is designed to rejuvenate your skin effectively. With a dermatologist-recommended 2.5% concentration, it helps avoid irritation while revitalizing your complexion. This cream addresses ten common skincare issues, including firmness and uneven skin tone, ensuring a comprehensive approach to skincare. Enhanced with antioxidants like jojoba and white peony, it promotes faster anti-aging results. Additionally, the inclusion of 2.5% hyaluronic acid and 2% squalane aids in moisture retention and collagen production, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful look.

What We Like
Lightweight texture
Non-greasy feel
Soothing and refreshing
Good hydration
Pleasant scent
#TOP 3

No7 Radiance+ Vitamin C Moisturizer

No7
VO-I5ZC-II0T
No7 Radiance+ Vitamin C Moisturizer Cover
No7 Radiance+ Brightening Vitamin C Moisturizer Face Cream - Skin Nourishing Face Moisturizer - Fast-Absorbing + Lightweight Formula & Suitable for Dry Skin, 1.69 fl oz

No7 Radiance+ Moisturizer is your go-to solution for achieving brighter skin. This lightweight cream absorbs quickly, so you won't have to deal with any greasy feel. With its powerful Vitamin C, it enhances your skin's natural glow and improves your complexion, leaving you looking refreshed. You can enjoy an instant radiance that makes a noticeable difference with each application. Designed for daily use, this moisturizer is perfect for anyone looking to nourish and brighten their skin effortlessly.

What We Like
Lightweight and fast-absorbing
Enhances natural radiance
Provides instant glow
Oil-free formula
#TOP 4

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C & Tri-Peptide Moisturizer

1003-30009
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C & Tri-Peptide Moisturizer Cover
Bliss Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Brightening Moisturizer | Squalane & Hydration Boosters | Anti-Aging Face Cream for Collagen and Elasticity | Clean Vegan & Cruelty Free 1.7 fl oz

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C & Tri-Peptide Moisturizer is a hydrating and illuminating face cream that brightens and boosts elasticity with clinical-grade vitamin C and tri-peptide. It is powered by the most effective, non-irritating form of vitamin C that protects collagen and boosts skin elasticity. The antioxidants help defend from future free radical damage. This moisturizer is 100% free from parabens, phthalates, SLS, and more, as well as vegan, PETA-certified, and cruelty-free.

What We Like
Boosts brightness and elasticity in one use
Contains clinical-grade vitamin C and tri-peptide
Powered by the most effective, non-irritating form of vitamin C
Antioxidants help defend from future free radical damage
100% free from parabens, phthalates, SLS, and more

TruSkin Vitamin C Face Moisturizer

TSN-DF-CM-2OZ
White
2 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
TruSkin Vitamin C Face Moisturizer Cover
TruSkin Vitamin C Face Cream – Brightening & Hydrating Daily Moisturizer with Vitamin E, B5, Jojoba Oil & Green Tea – Smooth, Radiant-Looking Skin, 2 Fl Oz

TruSkin Vitamin C Face Moisturizer is a lightweight, ultra-effective daily facial lotion formulated with Vitamin B5, Vitamin E, Jojoba Oil, Organic Aloe Vera and Green Tea to promote skin's natural health. This powerhouse antioxidant is known to brighten skin tone, diminish signs of sun damage, refine skin texture, and fade the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Cruelty-free and manufactured in the USA, this nutrient-rich blend offers a 90-day money-back guarantee.

What We Like
Lightweight and suitable for all skin types
Powerhouse antioxidant to brighten skin tone
Plant-powered ingredients
Cruelty-free and manufactured in the USA
90-day money-back guarantee
#TOP 6

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Vegan Cream

The Face Shop
56001379
Pink
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Vegan Cream Cover
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Vegan Cream - Instant Moisturization Quick-Absorbing Formula - Vegan, Brightening - Rice Water, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid - Moisturizer Face Cream - Korean Skin Care

The Face Shop Rice Cream offers a silky and lightweight formula that quickly absorbs into your skin, providing instant hydration and nourishment. This cream is designed to boost your skin’s moisture levels right from the first use, making it ideal for dry or dull skin. It contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, ingredients known for improving skin tone and locking in moisture, so your complexion looks bright and healthy. Plus, this vegan formula is gentle and dermatologist tested, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. If you want a simple yet effective moisturizer with brightening benefits, this cream is a great choice.

What We Like
Instant hydration
Brightening ingredients
Gentle vegan formula
Quick absorption
#TOP 7

TruSkin Vitamin C Face Moisturizer

TSNC-M-4-OZ-T
White
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
TruSkin Vitamin C Face Moisturizer Cover
TruSkin Vitamin C Face Cream – Brightening & Hydrating Daily Moisturizer with Vitamin E, B5, Jojoba Oil & Green Tea – Smooth, Radiant-Looking Skin, 4 Fl Oz

The TruSkin Vitamin C Face Moisturizer is an ultra-effective and lightweight daily facial lotion designed to promote all skin types' natural health. It is formulated with plant-powered ingredients such as Aloe, Green Tea, Shea Butter, and Organic Sunflower alongside Vitamin B5 to promote hydrated, healthy-looking skin. The cream's main ingredient, Vitamin C, is a powerhouse antioxidant known for brightening skin tone, diminishing signs of sun damage, boosting skin's natural sun protection, refining skin texture, and fading the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The product is cruelty-free and manufactured in the USA, and the manufacturer offers a 90-day money-back guarantee if users are not satisfied with the product.

What We Like
Ultra-effective and lightweight daily facial lotion
Formulated with plant-powered ingredients for hydrated, healthy-looking skin
Vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant that brightens skin tone and diminishes signs of sun damage

The Face Shop Rice Ceramide Moisturizing Emulsion

The Face Shop
56000622
White
5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
The Face Shop Rice Ceramide Moisturizing Emulsion Cover
The Face Shop Rice Ceramide Moisturizing Emulsion - Rice Extract - Lightweight Face Moisturizer - Brightening - Hydrating Targets Dryness - Strengthens Skin Barrier - Face Lotion - Korean Skin Care

This emulsion contains ceramide, lecithin, and rice extracts to deeply moisturize and protect skin. The rice extracts also provide a whitening effect, while the ceramide forms a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss. It is suitable for all skin types and made from naturally grown vegetable ceramides to reduce skin irritation.

What We Like
Deeply moisturizes skin
Provides a whitening effect
Forms a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss
Suitable for all skin types
Made from naturally grown vegetable ceramides to reduce skin irritation
#TOP 9

Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter SPF 30 Face Moisturizer

XCA05830
Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter SPF 30 Face Moisturizer Cover
Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter SPF 30 Face Moisturizer with Vitamin C, 2.5 Fl Oz (75mL), 1 Count (Packaging May Vary)

Garnier Brighter Moisturizer with SPF 30 is an anti-aging face lotion that helps reduce the look of sun damage and aging. It contains Vitamin C, which helps brighten the skin, and Vitamin E, which moisturizes and hydrates the skin. The gentle exfoliating Lipo Hydroxyl Acid (LHA) in the formula helps improve skin texture, leaving the skin looking smoother, more radiant, and refreshed. This non-greasy moisturizer is perfect for daily use as it protects your skin from the harmful effects of the sun while keeping it hydrated and moisturized. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, Garnier SkinActive has a moisturizer for you.

What We Like
Contains Vitamin C
SPF 30 protection
Non-greasy formula

Olay Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening + Whip Face Moisturizer Gift Set

075609201370
1.7 Fl Oz
Olay Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening + Whip Face Moisturizer Gift Set Cover
Olay Vitamin C Face Moisturizer, Brightening Cream for Women, Instant Hydration, Evens Tone, Dark Spot & Hyperpigmentation Reduction, Glowing Skin Care - Niaciniamide, Lactic Acid, 1.7 Oz

Olay Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening + Whip Face Moisturizer Gift Set is a light and refreshing citrus-scented, silky, lightweight cream that melts into skin, does not clog pores, and leaves no greasy residue. It is crafted with Vitamin C, Niacinamide/Vitamin B3 and Lactic Acid to visibly brighten and hydrate skin. In 1 week, you will have skin that looks less tired and 1 month in, your skin will look brighter, more even and smoother. The set includes a trial size of Olay Regenerist Whip Fragrance Free Face Moisturizer.

What We Like
Lightweight and non-greasy
Visible brightening and hydrating
Smoothes and evens skin tone
Includes trial size
Citrus scent
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our brightening face moisturizer research, we found 48 brightening face moisturizer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 340,003 customer reviews through our big data system to write the brightening face moisturizers list. We found that most customers choose brightening face moisturizers with an average price of $18.37.

The brightening face moisturizers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of brightening face moisturizers, including Olay, Eclat Skincare, No7, Bliss, TruSkin. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.