8 best brightening serums for clear and luminous complexion

Glow from within

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Pop quiz: What is one of the top skin concerns among Asian women? If you guessed dull skin and dark spots, you're right.

And British research company, Euromonitor, says the skincare industry in Asia is worth nearly $85 billion in 2017, up nearly 20 per cent from just three years ago. That's big business. Which is why more and more companies are coming up concentrated brightening serums to help you get glowing skin free from pesky hyperpigmentation.

Here are some brightening serums worth trying out (or check out the best anti-aging serums from Her World Beauty Awards).

ALSO READ: FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO ACHIEVE ALL DAY-LONG RADIANT SKIN

Lancome Absolue White Aura Regenerating Whitening Serum, $420 for 30ml

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Combining the regenerative powers of Absolue’s Grand Rose extracts and brightening active, Actyl-C, this silky serum is readily absorbed by the skin to fight dark spots and unevenness. Over time, the complexion looks brighter and more even-toned.

 

ALSO READ: HER WORLD BEAUTY AWARDS 2019: ANTI-AGEING SERUMS

SK-II GenOptics Aura Essence, $199 for 30ml

3/10

This fan-favourite essence is no newcomer to the skincare scene. Expect a gentle, lightweight formula that reduces the appearance of age spots, dull skin tone, and uneven pigmentation for a brighter, more even-looking complexion. 

With its skin-smoothing and brightening capabilities, the essence promises to give you a more radiant and clearer complexion with eight weeks of continuous use. 

 

ALSO READ: FACE MASKS THAT WILL GIVE YOU A GLOW JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum, $136 for 30ml

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With two forms of vitamin Cs and AHAs from seven fruits, you can count on this serum for its brightening, protective and renewing benefits. With each application, skin is bathed in antioxidants and gentle resurfacing AHAs so it becomes brighter, more resilient, smoother and softer to the touch.

 

ALSO READ: DO DARK SPOTS OR ACNE SCARS BOTHER YOU? HERE ARE THE BEST PRODUCTS TO HELP

Clarins White Plus Tri-Intensive Brightening Serum, $130 for 30ml

5/10

Acerola extract is the key in this glow-inducing formula. Rich in vitamin C, it combats melanin right at the source to reduce the uncontrollable synthesis of this pigment. With regular use, dark spots are gradually diminished as your complexion looks clearer and more translucent.

 

ALSO READ: 5 COMMONLY USED BRIGHTENING INGREDIENTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

Allies Of Skin Vitamin C 35% Rebuilding Serum, $185 for 30ml

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Featuring an impressive 35 per cent concentration of two forms of vitamin C combined, this waterless formula also packs powerful antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase and gluthathione. When absorbed into your skin, this powerful cocktail not only regulates melanin production, it also repairs photo-damage, neutralises free radical damage and protects the skin against pollution for a plump and radiant complexion.

 

ALSO READ: REVIEW: 13 TRIED-AND-TRUE FACE MISTS THAT WILL LEAVE YOUR SKIN GLOWING LIKE A KOREAN STAR

Kanebo Illuminating Serum, $280 for 50ml

7/10

Formulated to take a three-pronged approach in brightening, this serum controls melanin proliferation, protects skin against further pigmentation and improves cellular renewal to diminish the appearance of existing spots. Plus, it has a lightweight and luxurious texture that glides over skin to leave it silky smooth.

 

ALSO READ: DERM IN THE HOUSE: CAN YOU ACTUALLY MAKE YOUR SKIN FAIRER?

Pixi Overnight Glow Serum, $36 for 30ml

8/10

For those with a dull and rough complexion, consider this your heaven-sent solution. Formulated with glycolic acid to renew skin while you sleep, it helps to fade spots, lines and tighten pores. Plus, it is also fortified with cucumber and aloe vera extracts to soothe skin and prevent irritation. Expect to wake up to smoother, brighter skin every morning.

 

ALSO READ: REVIEW: LASER TREATMENT FOR ACNE AND PIGMENTATION WOES

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Complexion Correcting, $93 for 30ml

9/10

With Viniferine at the heart of this formula, it helps reduce the appearance of existing dark spots, including acne scars, to reveal a more even-toned complexion. This lightweight serum is also boosted with vitamin E, glycerin and squalane to nourish dryness and plump skin all at once.

 

ALSO READ: 8 NEW BRIGHTENING PRODUCTS FOR RADIANT SKIN THAT YOU NEED TO TRY RIGHT NOW

Kate Somerville + Retinol Vita C Power Serum, $145 for 30ml

10/10

Made with two of the most widely recommended ingredients by dermatologists, it’s inevitable that you’ll have high hopes for this serum. And you won’t be disappointed as both vitamin C and retinol work in synergy to resurface, rejuvenate and repair the complexion. You don’t even have to worry about irritation or dryness as this serum is also enriched with soothing botanicals and hyaluronic acid to keep skin calm and plump.

 

ALSO READ: THE LOWDOWN ON PIGMENTATION AND HOW SKIN-BRIGHTENING INGREDIENTS WORK THEIR MAGIC