A bright, even complexion is something we all covet. But, how exactly does one go from gloomy and grey to gloriously glowing? With winter being in full swing, now is the perfect time to introduce a brightening serum into your skincare regime to combat dull, dry and less-than-luminous skin.

Not to be confused with skin lighteners, which using prescription-strength ingredients such as hydroquinone to actively lighten pigmentation using a “bleaching” approach, brightening serums take a much gentler approach that’s more about evening out skin tone as opposed lightening it.

These powerful products often contain potent antioxidants, like Vitamin C, to help diminish dark spots, refine skin texture, and create an overall luminous complexion. By adding this one step to your routine (after cleansing but before moisturising), you’ll never have to rely solely on makeup to hide imperfections and deliver the glow you want.

Our pick for the Best of Brighteners is…

Tailor Skincare Renew

New Zealand skincare brand Tailor’s Renew is a lifesaver for all skin types, whether your concern is blemishes, sensitivity or ageing. One of their hero products, its ingredient deck includes a vegan probiotic lysate that stimulates natural skin cell regeneration, strengthens the skin’s protective barrier for enhanced resilience, decreases sensitivity and helps to clear blemishes. Antioxidant-rich grape seed extract is also in there to defend the skin against UV free radical damage, whilst improving elasticity and firmness for a baby fresh complexion.

Aeos Realive Serum

We love Aeos’s mission to create the best, next-generation advanced biodynamic skincare on the planet, and their Realive Serum is the perfect example of what they have achieved.

An age-defying, award-winning serum, it is an intensive fusion of nature’s most potent organic and biodynamic plant extracts and crystal essences – plus naturally-derived hyaluronic acid to encourage the smoothing of fine lines. So gentle that you can even use it around your eyes, it’s all about smoothing and revitalising and smells like a dream.

Nuori Supreme-C Treatment

A brightening and reviving 7.5% pure Vitamin C booster, this freshly blended, intensive treatment helps repair prior skin damage and delivers powerful antioxidant protection for brighter, revived skin. A unique dispensing mechanism allows 100% pure Vitamin C powder to be mixed into the serum immediately before the first application, bringing the formula to life while ensuring peak efficacy of the ingredients. Magic. Natural glycerin and hyaluronic acid, known for their hydrating action, are also included to help replenish and retain the skin’s inner water reservoirs, whilst plant-based ferulic acid neutralises free radicals and boosts the photoprotective properties of the Vitamin C.

Trilogy Vitamin C Booster Treatment

Another tried and tested Vitamin C-based brightening serum, Trilogy’s certified natural Vitamin C Booster Treatment is a freshly activated 2-week intense brightening treatment that has been cleverly designed to improve radiance and skin tone.  Suitable for all skin types but especially those looking for a radiance boost (seriously though, who isn’t?), its key benefits are its ability to boost your skin’s glow factor and improve its texture, as well as address pigmentation and even out skin tone.

Alder New York Brightening Face Mask

Okay, this isn’t strictly a serum… but its brightening qualities are just too good to ignore.

A skin-firming mud mask from the iconic US brand, it exfoliates and brightens skin for a radiant, toned complexion using a raft of amazing ingredients. Vitamin C fights free radicals and reduces dark spots, whilst Zinc oxide and kaolin clay smooth and tighten. Use it weekly or as a spot treatment as needed for best results.