Best Brightening Face Serums of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 6, 2025

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Brightening face serums have become a staple in many skincare routines, celebrated for their ability to enhance radiance and even out skin tone. Formulated with potent ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, these serums work to reduce dark spots and improve overall skin texture. Users often notice a more luminous complexion after consistent use, making them a popular choice for those seeking a youthful glow. With various options available, individuals can find a serum tailored to their specific skin needs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Vitamin C Face Serum - Dark Spot Remover Facial Serum, Vit C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, Ferulic Acid, & Vit E - Anti Aging and Skin Brightening Serum Cover #TOP 1
Vitamin C Face Serum - Dark Spot Remover Facial Serum, Vit C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, Ferulic Acid, & Vit E - Anti Aging and Skin Brightening Serum
ftb score rating icon 9.9
TruSkin Vitamin C Serum - Anti Aging Facial Serum with Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E & More - Brightening Serum Cover #TOP 2
TruSkin Vitamin C Serum - Anti Aging Facial Serum with Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E & More - Brightening Serum
ftb score rating icon 9.8
CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid Cover #TOP 3
CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Brightening Face Serums

Vitamin C Face Serum - Dark Spot Remover Facial Serum, Vit C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, Ferulic Acid, & Vit E - Anti Aging and Skin Brightening Serum

EC-VITAMINC
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Vitamin C Face Serum - Dark Spot Remover Facial Serum, Vit C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, Ferulic Acid, & Vit E - Anti Aging and Skin Brightening Serum Cover
Vitamin C Face Serum - Dark Spot Remover Facial Serum, Vit C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, Ferulic Acid, & Vit E - Anti Aging and Skin Brightening Serum, Pure Vitamin C Serum Skin Care 30 ml

PURE Vitamin C Serum for Face is a scientifically optimal 20% concentration of the most potent pure vitamin C, sodium ascorbyl phosphate. It is cold processed at 1-4°C and packaged in FrostProtect glass that blocks destabilising light & oxygen. It is vegan and cruelty free, and is made without parabens & silicones. It is formulated with 5 synergistic ingredients – retinol, jojoba oil, vitamin E, aloe vera & MSM – that doubles vitamin C's photoprotective qualities and accelerates skin renewal and new cell turnover. In a study of 47 users, 94% said dark spots had faded, and 91% saw more radiance in just 2 weeks.

What We Like
Effective anti-aging formula
Hydrates and nourishes the skin
Absorbs easily without greasy residue
Improves skin texture and reduces hyperpigmentation
Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

TruSkin Vitamin C Serum - Anti Aging Facial Serum with Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E & More - Brightening Serum

Best Vitamin C Serum
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
TruSkin Vitamin C Serum - Anti Aging Facial Serum with Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E & More - Brightening Serum Cover
TruSkin Vitamin C Serum – Anti Aging Facial Serum with Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E & More – Brightening Serum for Dark Spots, Even Skin Tone, Eye Area, Fine Lines & Wrinkles, 1 Fl Oz

TruSkin Vitamin C Serum is a plant-based formulation designed to improve wrinkles, dark spots and under eye dark circles. It is certified cruelty free and is formulated, manufactured and bottled in the USA for guaranteed freshness. Customers have reported smoother skin, brighter skin, and reduced dark spots and wrinkles. However, some customers have reported issues with the packaging and the product's alkaline PH.

What We Like
Smooths and hydrates the skin
Brightens the skin and evens out skin tone
Reduces the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles
#TOP 3

CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

CeraVe
White
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid Cover
CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid | Skin Brightening Serum for Face with 10% Pure Vitamin C | Fragrance Free | 1 Fl. Oz

CeraVe Vitamin C Serum is a fragrance-free, lightweight gel-textured serum for face with 10% pure vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. It helps to brighten the complexion, improve skin tone, texture, and hydration for a healthy looking, radiant complexion. Formulated with 3 essential ceramides, it is dermatologist recommended, non-greasy, and suitable for dry, oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin.

What We Like
Brightens your complexion and evens out your skin tone
Improves your skin texture and hydration for a healthy looking, radiant complexion
Lightweight gel texture with a non-greasy feel
Restores and maintains the skin barrier with 3 essential ceramides
Dermatologist recommended, fragrance-free, and suitable for various skin types

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C Serum

1003-30009
1 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C Serum Cover
Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Brightening Face Skincare Serum - Anti Aging, Reduces Dark Spots, Boosts Skin Elasticity - Clean - Vegan & Cruelty-Free - 1 Fl Oz

The Bliss Bright Idea Serum is your go-to solution for achieving a radiant complexion. This serum combines the power of Vitamin C and peptides to enhance brightness and improve skin elasticity. By using this product daily, you can reduce the appearance of dark spots while protecting your skin's collagen levels. Additionally, it features a potent blend of green tea extract, adding antioxidants to your skincare routine. With just one application, you can enjoy a youthful glow and firmer skin, making it a convenient choice for your daily skincare regimen.

What We Like
Brightens complexion
Reduces dark spots
Improves skin elasticity
Contains antioxidants
#TOP 5

Good Molecules Daily Brightening Serum

810019610516
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Good Molecules Daily Brightening Serum Cover
Good Molecules Daily Brightening Serum - Hydrating Facial Serum with Beta Arbutin and Hyaluronic Acid to Moisturize - Anti-Aging Skincare for Face

The Good Molecules Brightening Serum is designed to enhance your skin's appearance by hydrating, smoothing, and brightening. With its powerful ingredients, this serum helps you achieve a more youthful complexion. It effectively targets issues like dullness and uneven skin tone while providing essential moisture. The formula includes beta arbutin, which helps reduce dark spots and excess pigmentation, and hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture to keep your skin plump and vibrant. Suitable for all skin types, you can easily incorporate this serum into your daily routine for visible improvements.

What We Like
Hydrates and brightens skin
Reduces dark spots
Suitable for all skin types
Easy to use

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum For Post Acne Marks, Formulated With Licorice Root Extract & Niacinamide, Brightening Serum & Pore Minimizer

B07VWSN95S
White
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum For Post Acne Marks, Formulated With Licorice Root Extract & Niacinamide, Brightening Serum & Pore Minimizer Cover
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum For Post Acne Marks, Formulated With Licorice Root Extract & Niacinamide, Brightening Serum & Pore Minimizer For Face, Post Acne Skin Barrier Repair, Non-Comedogenic

CeraVe Retinol Serum is a lightweight gel serum that helps to refine skin's texture over time and helps to visibly reduce the appearance of post-acne marks. It is formulated with encapsulated retinol, licorice root extract, and niacinamide to help brighten the appearance of skin. It also contains three essential ceramides to help maintain the skin's natural barrier. Customers have reported that after using this product for a few days, their skin is clearing up, their pores seem smaller, and their bumps are flatter. They have also reported that their skin feels like brand new skin and that it is worth the money.

What We Like
Improves skin texture
Diminishes fine lines and wrinkles
Suitable for sensitive skin

Pacifica Beauty Glow Baby Booster Serum

30397
Glow Baby
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Pacifica Beauty Glow Baby Booster Serum Cover
Pacifica Beauty, Glow Baby Booster Serum For Face, Vitamin C and Glycolic Acid, Brightens and Supports, For All Skin Types, Fragrance Free, Clean Skin Care, Vegan & Cruelty Free , 1 Fl Oz

Pacifica Beauty Glow Baby Booster Serum is a concentrated bioactive serum that moisturizes and improves skin texture and brightness for all skin types. It contains natural and vegan ingredients such as vitamin C and glycolic acid to bring back the skin's youthful glow. This serum can be used day and night and reapplied to clean skin whenever extra hydration is needed or added to your favorite moisturizer for an extra boost. It is also free of harsh chemicals including parabens, phthalates, SLS, mineral oil, and petrolatum, as well as sulfate-free and silicone-free.

What We Like
Luxurious formula
Brightens and improves skin texture
Natural and non-toxic

Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum

g23t04
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum Cover
Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum - 10% Niacinamide Balancing B3 Facial Serum for Acne, Tone, Texture - Brightening and Hydrating Skincare for Face

The Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum is designed to enhance your skin's appearance by refining its tone and texture. You can expect a brighter and healthier complexion, boosting your confidence. This soothing serum is perfect for acne-prone skin, as it helps reduce moisture loss without drying you out. With its 10% Niacinamide content, it effectively addresses issues like breakouts, uneven skin tone, and enlarged pores. Incorporating this product into your daily routine is easy—just apply a few drops in the morning and evening before your other skincare products.

What We Like
Brightens complexion
Soothes acne-prone skin
Improves skin texture
Gentle for daily use

Tree of Life Vitamin C Brightening Facial Serum

ToL0000001
Vitamin C Serum
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Tree of Life Vitamin C Brightening Facial Serum Cover
Tree of Life Beauty Vitamin C Skin Care Set, Skin Brightening Face Oil for Dark and Age Spots, Facial Serums for Dry and Sensitive Skin with Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin E for Soft Smooth Skin, 1 Fl Oz

The Tree of Life Vitamin C Brightening Facial Serum is a clean and effective formula that brightens, firms, and smooths the skin. With its antioxidant-rich formula of Vitamin C, aloe, jojoba, witch hazel, and Vitamin E, this serum hydrates and soothes your skin, leaving it looking positively radiant. It is lightweight and wears well under makeup, making it a great addition to your daily routine. Also, it is certified cruelty-free, certified vegan, and free of parabens.

What We Like
Brightens, firms, and smooths the skin
Lightweight and wears well under makeup
Certified cruelty-free, certified vegan, and free of parabens

RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Vitamin C Serum

RoC
210100800
SILVER
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Vitamin C Serum Cover
RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow 10% Active Vitamin C Serum for Face, Daily Anti-Aging Wrinkle and Skin Tone Skin Care Treatment, Brightening Serum, Stocking Stuffers for Men & Women, 1 oz

The RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Vitamin C Serum is a multi-tasking glow serum that reveals visibly smoother, luminous skin with a lightweight formula. It contains a 10% active Vitamin C Blend and energizing nonapeptides that combat the visible effects of environmental stressors. Clinically proven to provide instant radiance, brighter skin, and visibly improved texture within a week, this serum is perfect for those looking for a solution to deep wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles, crow's feet, uneven skin tone or dry skin. RoC is recognized by beauty industry leaders & dermatologists for their best-in-class effectiveness.

What We Like
Visibly smoother and luminous skin
10% active Vitamin C Blend and energizing nonapeptides combat visible effects of environmental stressors
Clinically proven to provide instant radiance and visibly improved texture within a week
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our brightening face serum research, we found 48 brightening face serum products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,392,572 customer reviews through our big data system to write the brightening face serums list. We found that most customers choose brightening face serums with an average price of $19.01.

The brightening face serums are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of brightening face serums, including Eclat Skincare, TruSkin Naturals, CeraVe, Bliss, Good Molecules. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,566 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

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.