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When it comes to skin care, it’s safe to say that we’re all after that illuminating glow. Whether your goal is to reduce hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and acne scars, or you’re just aiming for a radiant complexion overall, brightening ingredients can be a shining savior.
But with so many products on the market claiming to brighten skin, it can be confusing—and overwhelming—to know what will actually work for your skin.
One factor that plays a big role in determining which brightening ingredient is right for you depends on your skin tone. Here, we talked to top dermatologists to explain more and share their thoughts on the best brightening ingredients in the market for every skin tone.
Glenn Dale, MD dermatologist Valerie D. Callender, MD says that dull skin is a result of many factors including reduced skin exfoliation, dehydration, and UV damage.
The fix? In addition to using brightening ingredients, Dr. Callender recommends “microdermabrasion or superficial chemical peels, hyaluronic acid or ceramide containing moisturizers, sun protection, and drinking plenty of water.”
Before we dive into the details on brightening ingredients, there are a few key things to be aware of. Dr. Callender emphasizes the importance of using a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily—this is always a skin-care “rule” but even more so when using brightening ingredients as it protects your skin from further damage and helps maintain results of the product.
Keep in mind that everyone may experience different results. “It can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks of consistent use to see noticeable improvements in skin tone and the reduction of dark spots or hyperpigmentation,” says Aventura, FL dermatologist Dr. Bertha Baum. “However, it’s important to note that some people may see results sooner or later than this timeframe, and to be patient and consistent with the use of the product to achieve the desired results.”
Also, know that skin irritation can occur with all topical products. Dr. Callender notes, “In addition, individuals with darker skin can develop hypopigmentation (skin that is lighter than their normal skin). This side effect is reversible once the agent is discontinued.”
This ingredient is super popular, and for good reason. According to Dr. Callender, it protects the skin from oxidative stress caused by UV light and neutralizes the free radicals that are produced.
“Vitamin C lightens skin by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase and thus decreasing melanin synthesis or the production of pigment in the skin,” she says. What’s more: it’s also anti-inflammatory and is a cofactor used in collagen production, so it can also aid in the improvement of fine lines and wrinkles.
A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Dr. Baum notes it can also improve the overall texture and tone of the skin, and is safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
“This natural ingredient helps to lighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. Baum. Kojic acid is safe for most skin types, but can be irritating for those with very sensitive skin. Dr. Downie also recommends kojic acid to patients looking to brighten their complexion and improve their glow.
These acids exfoliate the skin, revealing brighter, smoother skin underneath. “Some AHAs, like glycolic acid, can be irritating for some skin types, so it’s important to start with a lower concentration and patch test before using on the entire face,” says Dr. Baum.
Arbutin is a natural ingredient that inhibits the production of melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color). “It can help to lighten dark spots and even out skin tone,” says Dr. Baum, who adds that it’s safe for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
Looking to lighten discoloration, acne scars, melasma, and sunspots? Hydroquinone is known to effectively tackle these but it shouldn’t be used for long periods. Through our research, it’s recommended to use a safe, doctor-approved formula, follow the instructions and stop using it after three months (switch to arbutin, niacinamide, or kojic acid to maintain your results). Dr. Downie also stands by hydroquinone for brightening and enhancing your radiance.
“In addition to its anti-aging and acne-fighting properties, tretinoin has also shown to have brightening effects on the skin,” says Dr. Baum. “It can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation by increasing cell turnover and exfoliating the skin, which can lead to a more even skin tone.”
“For darker skin tones, it’s important to be cautious as some ingredients can be too harsh and lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH),” says Dr. Baum. One of the ingredients that are gentle enough for most skin types is azelaic acid, which helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots and acne scars.
Dr. Baum notes, “This natural ingredient helps to brighten and even out skin tone, and is safe for all skin types.” Another benefit of licorice root extract: it can have potent anti-inflammatory effects on rosacea.
“One of the unique benefits of mandelic acid is that it has a larger molecular size compared to other AHAs like glycolic acid, which means it penetrates the skin more slowly and gently,” says Dr. Baum. “This makes it a great option for those with sensitive skin or darker skin tones, who may be more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or other forms of irritation.”
Dr. Callender notes TXA can be used orally off-label to treat melasma or topically and intradermally to treat hyperpigmentation. She adds, “TXA is a plasmin inhibitor and tyrosinase inhibitor. Topical TXA is typically found in combination with other cosmeceuticals. It can be used daily or twice daily.”
“Cysteamine, which is a naturally occurring biological compound found in human tissues, is thought to work through two mechanisms,” begins Omaha, NE dermatologist Daniel Schlessinger, MD. “First it acts as a powerful antioxidant and second, it blocks various stages of the melanogenesis pathway, preventing new melanin production. These two mechanisms work together to correct the look of existing discoloration and prevent the formation of new pigmentation. Generally, cysteamine is ideal for all skin types and tones with proper acclimation.” Fellow Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD adds that “Cysteamine does have a unique scent, but since it is designed to be washed off the face after 15 minutes, it dissipates quickly. Additionally, cysteamine does not require cycling off, so it can be used in perpetuity and during summer months.”
Cysteamine is a naturally occuring substance in mammals and humans, with the highest concentration found in milk, according to Dr. Callender. “The exact mechanism of action on how it works is incompletely understood, however it acts as a scavenger of free radicals (potent antioxidant), tyrosinase inhibitor (blocks the production of melanin), and has been shown in clinical studies to be equivalent to hydroquinone (the gold standard for skin lightening),” she says. Cysteamine can be applied daily or nightly to the face for 15 minutes then washed off.
While the ingredients discussed by our experts above are crucial players in securing a routine that helps brighten your complexion, Dr. Downie reiterates the importance of adequate SPF use when trying to enhance your glow. “One must put on sunscreen with SPF 30 and reapply it every two hours to really have a glowing, beautiful complexion,” she explains. “Sunblock is the most important thing.”
“It also goes without saying that when using any kind of ingredient that brightens skin, you should be extra vigilant with sun exposure,” continues Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “In some cases, these ingredients can make skin more susceptible to sun damage (and that means more discoloration to correct) so you’ll always want to protect your skin every single day, rain or shine, with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.”
Now that you have an expert-backed guide to what brightening ingredients will work best for your specific skin-brightening needs, here is a shoppable guide to some of the best brightening products on the market. While some ingredients like tretinoin and hydroquinone can require a prescription, we’ve got you covered on the best-of-the-best in the world of OTC brightening products.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic has made a name for itself as one of the gold-star vitamin C products amongst dermatologists, celebrities, beauty lovers and more. With 15 percent pure vitamin C, 1 percent vitamin E and .5 percent ferulic acid, this hero product brightens, firms, evens tone and is even clinically proven to reduce combined oxidative damage from free radicals generated by UV, ozone and diesel exhaust by up to 41 percent.
While vitamin C is known to be one of the most effective skin brighteners, it is also known to be irritating to sensitive skin. That’s why Paula’s Choice reformulated their best-selling C15 Super Booster to be safe and effective for all skin types, packed with 15 percent vitamin C as well as ferulic acid and ergothioneine to boost glow in as little as 15 minutes.
With 30 percent THD ascorbate, vitamin E, microbiome technology and patent-pending MelaPATH technology, Revision Skincare’s C+ Correcting Complex 30% brightens and evens skin tone while defending and correcting the skin-damaging effects of free radicals, for an all-around more youthful glow.
Niacinamide
If you’re looking for a product that will improve skin brightness while also tackling excess oil, pore size, breakouts, redness and hyperpigmentation, this wallet-friendly serum is for you. With 10 percent niacinamide and 1 percent multi-molecular hyaluronic acid, this wonder serum banishes excess oil while also plumping, hydrating and soothing.
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum ($42)
A great option for those with sensitive skin, First Aid Beauty’s Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum is formulated to be non-irritating, with niacinamide, licorice root, golden kiwifruit and undecylenoyl phenylalanine working together to protect the skin from free radical damage while soothing, brightening and restoring bounce and youthfulness to the complexion.
One of the latest innovations from renowned skin-care brand La Roche-Posay, Mela B Dark Spot Serum combines the powerhouse ingredients of niacinamide, anti-aging melasyl and thermal spring water to visibly reduct the appearance of dark spots, fade discoloration and reveal an overall brighter and more radiant complexion.
A best-seller on Amazon—20K bottles sold in its first month on shelves—this K-beauty serum packs brightening niacinamide, hydrating ceramides and hyaluronic acid, plus barrier-boosting ceramides into one affordable (and seriously efficacious) bottle.
Kojic Acid
When it comes to brightening skin-care products, SkinCeuticals’ Discoloration Defense is pretty much a no-brainer. With kojic acid working in cohesion with niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and HEPES, this formula is proven to reduce the appearance of stubborn brown patches by as much a 60 percent, with an 81 percent improvement in the appearance of post-acne marks seen in clinical trials, too.
Peace Out Skincare products have been used on the faces of stars like Megan Fox, so we know they’re the real deal, and the brand’s Dark Spots Serum combines powerhouse brightening ingredients and boosters like kojic acid, tranexamic acid and AHAs to visibly fight signs of discoloration from age spots, sun spots, pollution damage and more.
Suitable for all skin types, The Ordinary’s Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA is a water-based serum that combines 2 percent alpha arbutin with hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate to help brighten uneven skin tone while adding hydration and combatting excessive dryness.
If you prefer your brightening treatments without harsh exfoliating, Allies of Skin Tranexamic and Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum is a great option. With 5 percent mushroom complex, 5 percent niacinamide, 3 percent tranexamic acid, 2 percent Alpha Arbutin, and six additional skin brighteners and peptides, this serum is your one-stop destination for that sought-after, lit-from-within glow.
Hydroquinone
This dermatologist-formulated prescription dark spot cream uses 12 percent hydroquinone, 2 percent niacinamide and 1 percent hydrocortisone (for the first 2 months of use) to prevent the formation of excess melanin while reducing inflammation and improving skin’s overall structure.
As you can probably tell by the name, Skin Fix’s Acne+ packs a punch with tons of skin-brightening ingredients, including 1 percent azelaic acid, 2 percent niacinamide and 2 percent salicylic acid to help banish and prevent breakouts while controlling oiliness and brightening the complexion, making it a great option for acne-prone users looking for added brightening benefits.
Cruelty-free, suitable for all skin types and tones and formulated without parabens, Farmacy Beauty’s Brighten Up 3% TXA Dark Spot Toner uses azelaic acid and PHA to gently resurface, and is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of dark spots in as little at seven days.
A leave-on mask that is proven to visibly improve radiance while clarifying, evening tone, fading dark spots and reducing redness, Drunk Elephant’s Bouncy Brightfacial uses azelaic acid and salicylic acid for your brightest, bounciest skin yet.
Licorice Root Extract
Suitable for all skin types and tones, clinically and dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, and non-irritating, Dr. Idriss’ Major Fade Hyper Serum Dark Spot Treatment uses licorice root extract, alpha arbutin, kojic acid and niacinamide to dramatically reduce the appearance of stubborn discoloration.
This vegan formula uses licorice root extract, tranexamic acid, niacinamide and azelaic acid to visibly brighten, improve uneven tone and texture, fight breakouts and post-acne marks, and even provides antioxidant support for skin that is both healthier and more radiant.
An updated take on Paula’s Choice’s cult-classic BHA Liquid Exfoliant, the brand’s new liquid exfoliant adds mandelic acid and lactic acid to the mix, improving marks from sun damage, reversing a damaged skin barrier and enhancing cell turnover and all-over radiance.
Formulated with an 8 percent exfoliating blend of mandelic acid and polyhydroxy acid, NeoStrata’s Mattifying Serum not only clarifies and minimizes the appearance of pores, it also reduces shine, making it perfect for wear under makeup or by itself.
Tranexamic Acid
If you just can’t choose a brightening ingredient to stick to, Naturium’s Tranexamic Topical Acid 5% is a great option, as the product combines skin-brightening heroes tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide and licorice root in one concentrated formula to improve skin tone and texture no matter your skin type.
Cysteamine
Created with an innovative, patent-pending Cysteamine Isobionic-Amide Complex—”a synergistic blend of ingredients that targets, corrects and prevents all types of pigmentation, including dark spots and brown patches”—Csypera’s Cysteamine Pigment Corrector is proven to dramatically improve the look and feel of the skin in just 28 days, with 70 percent of participants noting a brighter complexion and more radiant skin after the less-than-a-month timeline.
In SENTÉ’s Cysteamine HSA, patented Heparan Sulfate Analog and Cysteamine HCl work together to visibly even the complexion and improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots is an little as 8 weeks.
