Everyone desires to have glowing skin — a youthful glow that reflects light at the cheeks, nose, temples and other high points of the face. The reliability and efficacy of the best skin-brightening products has managed to raise eyebrows because dullness is one common skin problem that people often complain about when the overall health of one's skin is concerned.  Our investigation has demonstrated that the reasons for skin dullness are many, we may blame our superiors at work, our families, spouses or even our building neighbours for causing stress and triggering melanogenesis, and making us more susceptible to environmental degradation. 

The lack of protection and the implementation of skin defense products into one's regime is chiefly one of the reasons for dullness. Protecting our skin is similar to paying an insurance premium. You may not reap the benefits immediately but you will definitely thank yourself in the long run.  

One such ingredient which is a cult-favorite in dermatology is vitamin C. According to Dr. Nirupama, “ vitamin C contains ascorbic acid that is a great antioxidant, which helps fight free radicals, boost collagen, and reverse signs of premature aging, it also eliminates pigmentation by regulating melanin production”. In addition, they are numerous other products that help in rectifying and enhancing the health of your skin — salicylic acid and glycolic acid that work as great exfoliants to reveal a brighter complexion, whereas niacinamide and retinol help improve the tone and texture of the skin.

Finding a skincare product that addresses multiple concerns can be a tough task which is why after meticulous research and experimentation, we have curated a list of the 12 best skin-brightening products that would help combat dullness. 

• 1
  Best Overall

  TruSkin vitamin C facial serum

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The TruSkin Vitamin C facial serum tops the list of our recommendations when it comes to skin-brightening products. It helps to get rid of those dalmatian-like patches on your face and provides an even skin tone with regular use. Based on your firsthand experience we have deduced that it also assists in the formation of collagen and eases fine lines and wrinkles (1). 

It also contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E that help retain moisture. For best results, it is advisable to use 2-3 drops of the serum on a daily basis and rub it gently with your palms all over the face and neck in upward movements. 

2

Best For Oily Skin

CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

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Another remarkable product from the CeraVe’s skincare range is this renewing serum that helps brighten your skin. It contains 10% ascorbic acid, which is potent form of vitamin C  that helps reverse the damage done by photoaging and is best known to fight hyperpigmentation. With the goodness of ceramides fortified in it, this serum helps replenish the lipid barrier of your skin and keep it healthy. Furthermore, it is paraben-free, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free thus making it an ideal choice for sensitive skin.

3

Best For Dry Skin

TruSkin vitamin C brightening moisturizer

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This product  by Truskin is an undefeatable fusion of a vitamin C serum and rich emollients to improve your overall skin health. It contains sunflower extracts that help combat UV radiation and prevents the invasion of harmful skin bacteria (2). In addition, it contains green tea extracts that soothe inflammation and curb redness (3). These benefits make this product an ideal take for those who wish to include the goodness of natural and man-made ingredients into their skincare routine. 

 

4

Divine Derriere Dark Spot Corrector Serum

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The potent blend of depigmenting agents in this brightening serum by Divine Derriere offers multi-faceted benefits in improving the complexion. While the infused kojic acid helps gently exfoliate dead skin cells and grime from the skin’s surface, alpha arbutin, tyrostat, and other plant extracts help inhibit melanin to brighten the skin from within. The formula delivers oodles of nourishment and moisture to the skin to support it and alleviate inflammations. To boot, the product is mainly composed of natural ingredients and is free of nasties such as phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, etc.

5

Best Vitamin C Formula

Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum

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Show your skin some TLC with the amazing skin brightening serum by Perricone MD. It is packed with vitamin C, an essential skincare ingredient that fades dark spots, treats the signs of pigmentation, protects skin from sun damage, promotes healing, prevents acne, and makes the skin radiant. You can use this serum two times a day to get brighter and more even-toned skin. Its gentle formula will leave you asking for more and using the product again and again. 

6

Best Soothing Formula

Mario Badescu Skincare AHA Botanical Body Soap

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This soothing soap by  Mario Badescu has a remarkable fusion of skin-nourishing ingredients like Fruit enzymes, Ginseng, Grapefruit, and Glycolic Acid — all of which are known to make the skin healthier. Formulated with gentle ingredients, this body soap will help exfoliate the skin gently, alleviate redness, treat puffiness, fight acne, and bring natural shine to your skin. Plus, it has an energizing botanical scent that makes bathing a luxe and relaxing experience. So, get your daily dose of hydration and exfoliation with this remarkable body soap. 

7

I DEW CARE BRIGHT SIDE UP Brightening Vitamin C Serum

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Most people often wish to keep their skincare routine in close coordination with nature for nature-loving folks the I Dew Care skin brightening serum is here. It consists of grapefruit extracts that are known for their anti-proliferative properties (4). It is also formulated with the goodness of niacinamide that helps regulate oil production thus preventing pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads (5). It is lightweight in texture and absorbs easily and is thus make-up friendly. It is a great choice for beginners who wish to include vitamin C in their skincare routine.

 

8

VIBRIANCE Where Science Meets Skincare SUPER C PENETRATING SERUM

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The search for a product that provides an unmatched vibrance ends here, as the Vibriance super c penetrating serum does provide an unmatched vibrance to your  skin.  It has a watery texture that makes it easily absorbent and is best suited for sensitive skin.  It contains vitamin C that reduces the appearance of freckles and sunspots occurring due to overexposure to the sun. It also contains pro-vitamin B5, which helps calm redness due to fine lines, wrinkles, crows feet and reduces inflammation. The product is thus an ideal choice for those who wish to wave goodbye to all unwelcomed signs of aging. 

 

9

Best Face Cleanser

IMAGE VITAL C hydrating facial cleanser

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Most people often complain about their skin feeling tight after the process of cleansing, it is because of the skin being stripped of its natural oils, for which The Image Vital C hydrating cleanser is a non-negotiable choice for people with dry skin and don't enjoy the after-feel of the cleansing process. It comes in a refreshing citrusy scent to provide a joyous cleansing experience. 

Also, it contains vitamin A which is vital for reversing anti-aging effects like fine lines, wrinkles, and crow's feet, and also contains vitamin E which gives the skin a plumper youthful fuller and shinier appearance. 

 

10

Best Exfoliating Properties

REVISION SKINCARE Brightening Facial Wash

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The process to reboot your skincare regime is possible through the Revision Skincare Brightening Face Wash does revise the entire skin care regime of an individual. The product is formulated with vitamin C and extracts of licorice — widely used as a powerful depigmenting agent in the cosmetic industry along with lilies which are known for their cell regenerative properties (6). The face wash is free from parabens and sulfates, and  hence is an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin. It is a great choice for teens and a messiah for their nascent skin.

11

Best For Aging Skin

Nella Oneday Brightening Cream

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A dewy pearl-like natural finish at the cheekbones is desired by all. To provide the same the Nella One Day Brightener Tone-up Cream is here. The product contains niacinamide which helps regulate oil production.

It is also formulated with the UV-resistant properties of bifida ferment filtrate, which helps to strengthen the skin's intrinsic barrier to fight photosensitivity, and pseudoalteromonas ferment extract, which helps to keep the skin elastic and maintains skin laxity. It also contains macadamia oil that has superb anti-aging properties and helps reduce puffiness around the eyes (7). 

12

Best For Acne Scars

SHISEIDO Deep Cleansing Foam

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The Shiseido Deep Cleansing Foam is the savior cleanser for oily skin. It is much more than a skin brightening product as it also diligently helps to remove stale make up. This product has effective cleansing properties and gives the skin a smooth texture without being too harsh on the epidermal layers of your skin. It fights against environmental toxins and ensures no residue is left behind on your skin thus making it an ideal choice for prematurely ageing skin. To boot, it comes in a flowery peony scent that enhances its gentle cleansing experience. 

 

13

Best Choice to Combat Dullness

IMAGE SKINCARE ILUMA intense brightening serum

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One of the most unanimous choices among both men and women to fight photodamage is this brightening serum by Image Skincare. After putting the product to test we found that it is a great choice to treat discolouration as it sloughs off dead skin cells. It not just provides an unmatched radiance but also minimizes the chances of whiteheads, blackheads, and acne. The powerful formula makes it unquestionably, one of the best skincare products for dull skin.If you wish for a brighter complexion within a short period, this product is your take. 

 

Given below are a few factors that you should consider before deciding to buy skin-brightening products. 

 

1. Percentage of Skin Brightening Agents - Vitamin is a strong de-pigmenting and an antioxidant that helps to fight ROS formed due to the constant exposure to UVA and UVB light of the sun. It also helps in fighting free radicals which accelerate the process of aging. However, the ideal percentage of vitamin C should be somewhere around 15-25% as overexposure to it can cause itchiness, redness, and scarring.

Ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid and fruit enzymes such as papain and bromelain are effective skin brightening agents that you can look for in the product. 

2. Presence of Humectants - The presence of humectants and emollients like hyaluronic acid, squalene, allantoin, avocado oil and petroleum is vital while using a product for dull skin is a must as it should not over-dry the skin while treating the skin for photodamage and discolouration. 

As hyaluronic acid and vitamin C complement best with one another it is best to have a standard percentage of 5-10% of hyaluronic acid to prevent the skin from feeling tight. The presence of niacinamide and ceramides is useful strengthening the lipid barrier of your skin and resurfacing it.

3. Packaging of the Product - The packaging of the skin brightening product should be robust and durable so as to prevent the product from getting oxidized. Vitamin C which happens to be a major ingredient once oxidized is of little use. While products containing a higher percentage of glycolic acid tend to cause skin rashes and peeling and should come with additional protective equipment.

Skin-brightening products come in various forms, such as creams, cleansers, serums, etc. Hence, the steps to use them vary. Here are a few ways you can make the best of your favorite brightening product:

Vitamin C Serum: 

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and follow up with a toner if you wish. Then, apply 4-5 drops of your favorite brightening serum on your face and neck till the product absorbs completely. Unlike hyaluronic acid, vitamin C serums are ideally applied when your skin is not damp but patted dry. Next, top it up with a sunscreen if using the product during the day. 

Moisturizer: 

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Follow up with any toner or serum that you use in your routine. Then, apply a pea-sized amount of the moisturizer onto your skin and gently massage it in upwards, circular movements till the product seeps in completely. 

Facial Cleanser: 

First, dampen your face and then apply a coin-sized amount of cleanser onto your palms. Add a few drops of water and rub it till it lathers a bit. Then, apply the product on your skin and massage in circular motions. If the formula is sulfate-free, then allow it to sit on your skin for at least a minute before washing off, to ensure the active ingredients get time to work on your skin. Rinse it off with water 

Conclusion 

The changing environment has accelerated the process of aging due to the constant release of free radicals around us. Including a proper skin-brightening product with a decent percentage of vitamin C can help boost skin radiance, illuminate dull skin and fight free radicals and oxidative stress. Listed above are some of the best skin-brightening products to help you achieve that flawless, radiant complexion. Do check at our buying guide before making a purchase. Happy shopping!