11 Best Skin Brightening Creams for a Natural Glow

Written by Anoushka Sinha   |  Updated on Apr 27, 2023   |  11.5M
Skin Brightening Creams for a Natural Glow
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Our skin is exposed to dirt, dust, pollution, sun rays, and unpredictable climatic conditions that can take a toll on it. As a result, you may experience dark spots, freckles, blemishes, and pigmentation on your face. While dealing with such problems, the best skin brightening creams can be helpful. Skin brightening creams for the face are not just to attain a better complexion but they also help get rid of dark spots and pigmentation. These creams ultimately give you the even-toned skin of your dreams. 

A renowned cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Michele Green says, “Chemical peels are my go-to procedure to get rid of fine lines, melasma, facial discoloration, sun damage, and aging skin. It brightens the skin.” There are also various bleaching and laser treatments, creams, and chemical peels that combat the dark and dull patches of your skin. To start with, try your hands on one of the best brightening creams that we have listed below.

Best Skin Brightening Creams to Unveil Clear Skin

To reduce hyperpigmentation, dark spots, blemishes, and signs of aging, using The derma Co 2% Kojic Acid Face Cream that comes with vitamin C, turmeric, and glycolic acid can be helpful. These ingredients penetrate deeply into your skin. The cream corrects discoloration of the skin tone and minimizes its recurrence within three weeks of application. With daily use, this cream helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Since it is infused with clinically proven L-Ascorbic Acid, it also regulates pigmentation levels and accelerates the skin’s healing process.

Pros
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Free from mineral oil
  • Dermatologically tested
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Minimizes brown patches
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Less quantity
  • Best Oil-free Formula

    Neutrogena Bright Boost Gel Cream

    Neutrogena Bright Boost Gel Cream
  • In order to restore the lost glory of your skin and accelerate the skin brightening process, snag this Bright Boost Gel Cream from Neutrogena. It is a versatile gel that moisturizes your skin with the goodness of Neoglucosamine, PHA, AHA, and mandelic acid. This dermatologically-tested cream is a must-have skincare essential if you wish to even out your skin tone by using an alcohol-free formula.

    Plus, it suits all skin types.

    Pros
    • Oil-free formula
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Reduces redness
    • Boosts 10x surface cell turnover
    • Decreases hyperpigmentation
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Feels sticky
  • Best for Daily Use

    URBAN BOTANICS Advanced Skin Radiance Face Cream

    URBAN BOTANICS Advanced Skin Radiance Face Cream
  • This Advanced Skin Radiance Face Cream from Urban Botanics creates a protective layer on your skin. It is loaded with ingredients that aid in reducing the appearance of dark spots, signs of aging, uneven skin tone, pigmentation, and lack of skin elasticity. It comes with an effective blend of powerful ingredients and antioxidants that get quickly absorbed into the skin. In addition, it all promotes the growth of new skin cells.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Gender-neutral
    • Ideal for daily use
    • Reduces blemishes
    • Not tested on animals
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Helps block darkening pigments
    Cons
    • Greasy texture
  • Best for Night Time Regime

    Neoprosone BRIGHTENING CREAM

    Neoprosone BRIGHTENING CREAM
  • Smooth and even skin tone is just a brightening cream away. So, vouch for this Neoprosone Brightening Cream and let its hydrating and moisturizing powers uncover your skin’s natural glow. This cream evens out your skin tone with just one thin layer. It prevents pigmentation and avoids any further discoloration of your skin. With alpha arbutin complex, it has the ability to reduce dark spots and attain a youthful appearance. Also, it is one of the best brightening creams that suits all skin types.

    Pros
    • Quick absorption
    • Strengthens the skin
    • Best for night-time treatment
    • Promises uniform complexion
    Cons
    • Unpleasant smell
  • Blue Nectar SHUBHR SANDALWOOD Brightening Cream

    Blue Nectar SHUBHR SANDALWOOD Brightening Cream
  • Powered with Mysorean sandalwood, aloe vera, and cold-pressed almond oil, this Blue Nectar Shubhr Sandalwood Brightening Cream is the perfect moisturizer to maintain the buoyancy and structure of your skin cells. It is an effective radiance-boosting cream that also rejuvenates skin complexion. Formulated with ancient ayurvedic herbs such as mulethi, sandalwood, manjistha, and ashwagandha, this natural skin brightening cream improves the appearance of uneven skin tone. Yashad bhasma naturally protects your skin against sun damage, while aloe vera and sesame oil plump up your skin.

    Pros
    • Penetrates deeply
    • Velvety soft texture
    • Intense moisturization
    • Hydrates the skin deeply
    • Naturally replenishes the skin
    • Reduces wrinkles and dark spots
    Cons
    • Strong fragrance
    • Might not suit oily skin
  • it COSMETICS CONFIDENCE IN A CREAM

    it COSMETICS CONFIDENCE IN A CREAM
  • Despite being called a moisturizer, this cream from it Cosmetics does a lot more than just moisturizing.  It is also a brightening cream that you can incorporate into your daily regime with ease. Specially created for mature skin, the cream promotes surface cell renewal seamlessly. It is a quick-absorbing moisturizer that nourishes your skin with the help of ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peony extract, chickpea extract, aloe leaf juice, collagen, and squalane. By soothing the skin, and reducing fine lines and pigmentation, you can attain ever-lasting bright skin just by sitting at home.

    Pros
    • Paraben-free
    • Revives complexion
    • Free from drying alcohol
    • Leaves behind a rosy tint
    • Smoothens uneven texture
    Cons
    • Very expensive
  • TruSkin vitamin C brightening moisturizer

    TruSkin vitamin C brightening moisturizer
  • Infused with vitamin B5, jojoba oil, and green tea, TruSkin vitamin C brightening moisturizer helps to keep your skin soft, smooth, and hydrated. With the goodness of hydrating ingredients, this moisturizer boosts radiance and prevents free radical damage. In addition, this cream strengthens the skin barrier and replenishes the skin beautifully. It helps diminish dark spots and encourages the production of collagen. In addition to clearing your skin tone, the skin brightening cream for dark skin also softens fine lines and wrinkles.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Hydrates the skin
    • Refines skin’s texture
    • Enhances skin elasticity
    • Nurtures the skin deeply
    Cons
    • Very greasy
  • LAKMÉ ABSOLUTE PERFECT RADIANCE CREAM SKIN BRIGHTENING DAY CRÈME

    LAKMÉ ABSOLUTE PERFECT RADIANCE CREAM SKIN BRIGHTENING DAY CRÈME
  • This Lakme Absolute Perfect Radiance Cream Skin Brightening Day Crème is formulated with a dash of mild sunscreen. With the ability to deeply moisturize and nourish your skin, it also provides 100 percent sun protection. It lends you radiant, glowing skin along with a cleaner look. The cream brightens the skin tone and makes the complexion even with the help of vitamins, glycerin, and micro-crystals. Plus, it replenishes your skin thoroughly for an illuminated look.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Mattifying finish
    • Floral fragrance
    • Penetrates easily
    • Best for daily use
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • GOOD VIBES Illuminating Face Cream

    GOOD VIBES Illuminating Face Cream
  • This face cream is infused with the goodness of wine, which is deeply nourishing and moisturizing. It imparts persistent hydration, moisturization, and nourishment, and keeps your skin plump and supple. It helps in fading away dark spots, and pigmentation, and brightens skin tone. Since it contains wine, which is known to prevent signs of aging, help brighten a dull complexion, while being a powerhouse of antioxidants, this cream is a blessing for the skin. The cream is free from parabens, mineral oil, and sulfates.

    Pros
    • Absorbs quickly
    • Imparts radiant skin
    • Ideal for all skin types
    • Reduces inflammation
    Cons
    • Unpleasant fragrance
  • SIRONA vitamin C face cream

    SIRONA vitamin C face cream
  • This SIRONA vitamin C face cream is formulated with a blend of nourishing ingredients like vitamin C and skin-friendly Tasmanian pepper fruit that imparts radiance every day. It effectively encourages melanin production and reduces dark spots. In addition, the cream amps up the skin's radiance with its hydrating and powerful blend of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. This actively promotes the production of collagen, leaving your skin hydrated, soft, and supple.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Best for daily use
    • Corrects discoloration
    • Sweet citrus fragrance
    • Suitable for sensitive skin
    Cons
    • Might not suit very dry skin
  • DERMA ESSENTIA SKIN BRIGHTENING CREAM

    DERMA ESSENTIA SKIN BRIGHTENING CREAM
  • Enriched with advanced bioactive phytoextracts, this skin brightening formula sinks deeply into the layers of your skin and effectively conceals dark spots, melasma, dullness, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging. This cream for brightening skin from Derma Essentia promotes cell renewal activity, thus making the skin clear and more even. It is formulated with an effective, safe, and quick skin brightener that protects from oxidative stress and reduces the appearance of spots. It also contains sabiwhite, alpha, niacinamide, and arbutin which evens the skin tone and protects the skin from UVB rays.

    Pros
    • Non-greasy
    • Best for AM to PM use
    • Dermatologically tested
    • Made from depigmenting agents
    Cons
    • Not strong for immediate results

    To help you vouch for the best cream for brightening skin, we have listed below everything that you ought to know. Right from a useful buying guide to introducing you to the potent ingredients, we have it all.

    How to Choose the Best Brightening Creams?

    The following are the aspects to consider while selecting the best creams to incorporate into your skincare regime.

    Type of Skin: Ensure that you check for whom the brightening cream is meant for. There are creams manufactured especially for oily, acne-prone, combination, normal, and dry skin. Make sure you set the frequency base of the cream depending on the tolerance levels of your skin. Do not apply a cream more than the advisable amount as it might cause adverse effects.  

    Formula: Make sure that your cream is free from cruelty, parabens, sulfates, or any harsh chemicals. Stay away from highly concentrated chemicals, preservations, artificial additives, or acids that your skin isn’t comfortable with. This may worsen your skin condition. The cream that you are planning to buy should be GMP certified and backed with a hypoallergenic formula. 

    Reviews: Reviews are of utmost importance to understand the effectiveness of the product as a whole. The honest feedback of the people who invested their money in it will help you analyze the fruitful results that it will give you. Also, feedback, reviews, or comments help in predicting your skin’s response to the new cream and the ingredients you are planning to buy. 

    Skin Concerns: Always understand the purpose of buying one brightening cream. Pen down your concerns so that you know what type of cream or ingredients are you supposed to look for. There are creams crafted especially for repairing the types of hyperpigmentation such as freckles, acne scars, melasma, or any kind of spots post-pregnancy or hormone therapy. On the other hand, some creams help to reverse the signs of aging. Scroll down to see what ingredients are you supposed to look for targeting your skin concerns. 

    As per your skin type and make sure you target your concerns with the most effective ingredient. Read further to check out what will work best for you.

    Must-have Ingredients in the Best Skin Brightening Creams

    Another important aspect to consider, while purchasing a brightening cream, is its ingredients. There are various ingredients promising a wide range of results. Take a look!

    Effective Skin Brighteners: Ingredients like glutathione, kojic acid, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, alpha arbutin, and decapeptide-12 work well to enhance your skin and repair discoloration with ease. 

    For Rejuvenating the Skin: You need to vouch for a cream that works just like a chemical peel. Make sure your cream is infused with various acids such as glycolic acid, malic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid. These acids uncover glowing skin by fading away dark spots, freckles, pigmentation, fine lines, acne marks, scars, sun damage, etc. 

    For Reversing the Signs of Aging: For reserving and soothing your skin, make sure your cream is loaded with anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. Retinol, PmGF-Placenta Mimetic Growth Factors-complex peptides, green tea extract, azelaic acid, cucumber extract, zinc oxide, vitamin B5, and hyaluronic acid are the most effective ingredients that help you to get rid of spots and plump up your skin from within.

    For Utmost Moisturization: Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are the two vital ingredients that accelerate your skin’s turnover and unveil natural radiance. 

    For Sun Protection: Zinc oxide and vitamin C also known as ascorbic acid shield your skin and prevent sun damage. 

    After glancing through the buying guide and the list of ingredients, we are sure you must be wondering how to apply a skin-brightening cream to achieve desirable results. Don’t think much! We have got you covered! Scroll down and check out the steps.

    How to Apply a Skin Brightening Cream?

    For quick and better results, make sure you are well-versed in the application method. Read the directions of usage to prevent any harmful reactions. Keep scrolling to know the steps involved in applying the cream. 

    Step 1: Cleanse your face thoroughly with a face wash or face cleanser. Make sure that you apply the cream in the evening at least once a day or as instructed. You may also apply it twice a day if required. Firstly, patch test the cream by applying a thin layer. Wait for 24 hours to see if there is any reaction, itchiness, or redness.

    Step 2: Once you confirm the skin’s reaction to the cream, begin applying the cream only once daily. When your skin builds sufficient tolerance, increase the application frequency by applying the cream twice a day. 

    Step 3: Apply a moisturizer and massage your face until absorbed. 

    Step 4: Seal your skin by applying SPF-infused sunscreen. Reapply the sunscreen for maximum sun protection. 

    If you are someone who is tired of dealing with dull skin, dark spots, pigmentation, and blemishes, then these brightening creams will come to your rescue. Choose one of the best brightening creams that will compliment your skin type and attain luminous, healthy-looking skin in no time! Applying or selecting one of the best brightening creams is not much of a difficult task if you know what you are supposed to look for. Once you understand your skin type, skin concerns, and the ingredients, you are good to go with your purchasing decision. 

    Author BIO
    author
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More

    FAQ's

    Which cream is the best for brightening dark skin?
    Ebanel DR LIGHTENING ULTRA-POTENT FACIAL CREAM and The derma Co 2% Kojic Acid Face Cream are the two best creams for brightening dark skin.
    What’s the difference between skin brightening and lightening?
    Brightening creams fade away dark spots, pigmentation, freckles, discoloration, etc. whereas lightening creams amp up your radiance.
    Can I get brighter skin in 2 weeks with brightening cream?
    No. A brightening cream shows off its effectiveness a maximum after 4 weeks of application.

    Why Trust select

    Anoushka Sinha, the writer of this article, is a skincare expert who loves to indulge in new skincare regimens. She likes to try out new products and share her genuine reviews and experiences with the readers. Here she has listed her top choices of brightening creams which may help you make your skin healthier and glowing!

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!