5 Brightening Serums to End Your Dull Skin Woes

It’s safe to say that radiant, healthy-looking skin is the ultimate skin care goal. Even if dull skin has become your new normal, there are many ways to get the skin of your dreams. With a quick Google search on how to brighten your skin, you’ve probably already discovered that adding a face serum — more specifically, a brightening serum — to your skin care routine is a must.

That being said, if you’re on the hunt for the best serum for glowing skin, we’ve got you covered. In fact, we have more than one option to choose from so you can transform your skin and rock the glowy visage you’ve dreamed of. Below, we’re sharing five of the best skin-brightening serums to add to your arsenal.

The Best Skin-Brightening Serums

Ready to have the glowing skin of your dreams? Take a pick from these serums to do just that.

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 12% Pure Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Acid Serum

If you don’t already have a vitamin C serum in your bathroom cabinet, we recommend you add one to your collection ASAP. Vitamin C is a vital antioxidant naturally found in skin, proven to boost radiance and neutralize free radicals that lead to skin aging. 

This serum contains a high percentage of vitamin C alongside salicylic acid, working together to brighten the skin and refine skin texture to create a younger-looking complexion. You can use it in your routine morning and evening.

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum

This serum also contains brightening superhero vitamin C — so it’s no wonder it’s included in the list of best serums for glowing skin. This lightweight, yet highly potent serum contains 10 percent pure vitamin C.

It’s specially formulated without water, packaged in an air-tight metal tube sealed until ready to use, and produced in controlled conditions to minimize oxygen exposure — which allows for optimal potency. The formula also works to restore skin’s radiance in one week while reducing wrinkles. Not to mention it’s fragrance-free, paraben-free, and free of mineral oils or synthetic dyes. To use, apply a dime-sized amount onto your fingertips and apply to the face and neck, gently smoothing into the skin morning and night. 

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum

In case you weren’t already aware, glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) recognized by dermatologists as an effective resurfacing agent for younger-looking skin. Aside from leaving you with a fresh complexion, this serum also helps to visibly even skin tone and dark spots over time.

This nighttime serum is specially blended with aloe, a botanical extract renowned for its soothing benefits. Immediately after using, skin feels smoother and visibly refined and resurfaced, with wrinkles being visibly reduced. The serum is also fragrance-free, paraben-free, mineral oil-free, dye-free, and allergy-tested.

Editor’s tip: Keep in mind that products with glycolic acid may increase photosensitivity, so be sure to apply an SPF the following morning. We recommend using a face moisturizer formulated with SPF, like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30 the morning after use.

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum

If you don’t already have a vitamin C serum in your bathroom cabinet, we recommend you add one to your collection ASAP. Vitamin C is a vital antioxidant naturally found in skin, proven to boost radiance and neutralize free radicals that lead to skin aging — so it’s no wonder why this serum is included in the list of best serums for glowing skin. This lightweight, yet highly potent serum contains 10 percent pure vitamin C.

It’s specially formulated without water, packaged in an air-tight metal tube sealed until ready to use, and produced in controlled conditions to minimize oxygen exposure — which allows for optimal potency. The formula also works to restore skin’s radiance in one week while reducing wrinkles. Not to mention it’s fragrance-free, paraben-free, and free of mineral oils or synthetic dyes. To use, apply a dime-sized amount onto your fingertips and apply to the face and neck, gently smoothing into the skin morning and night. 

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

There’s nothing worse than dry skin that takes away your natural radiance and shine. That’s where a hyaluronic acid serum comes into play. Hyaluronic acid is a potent hydration-attracting molecule naturally found in skin that enhances the skin’s moisture-retention. As we mentioned, the more hydrated your skin is, the more it’ll glow. This serum absorbs quickly to replenish hydration and reduce wrinkles in two weeks for visibly plumped, youthful-looking skin. 

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Night Serum, 0.3% Pure Retinol

While retinol is known first and foremost for its wrinkle-fighting powers, it certainly deserves attention for its ability to make your complexion glow.  

This dermatologist-validated serum is formulated with a high concentration of pure retinol to address common signs of aging, such as fine lines and dull-looking skin. This formula leaves you with skin that feels moisturized and refined, and over time, skin will also appear brighter and more luminous. This serum should only be used at night (as the name suggests) as retinol can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun — so SPF is a must the next morning. 

Next: The Best Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizers for Plump, Hydrated Skin

Edited by: Shannon Stubbs, Design by: Crystal Simone