9 Best Brightening Serums to Apply in Australia in 2025
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more
Skip the highlighter – here's how to get a radiant, glowing complexion using a brightening serum, no makeup required.
When it comes to the world of brightening serums, there are a few key ingredients you want to look out for – vitamin C is an obvious choice as the antioxidant works hard to brighten the look of the skin.
But don't overlook quiet achievers like niacinamide and exfoliating acids - they work wonders at refining skin texture and diminishing the look of dark spots, giving you that 'glow-from-within' look we all long for.
Thankfully we've done the hard work for you and curated a list of the best brightening serums, including one from Charlotte Tilbury that's been named a 'must have' and 'skincare staple' for bright, glowy skin.
OUR TOP PICKS
Charlotte Tilbury Dark Spot Correcting Radiance Recovery Serum
$139 at Charlotte Tilbury
Why we love it: This is a gentle yet high performing serum.
What to consider: High price tag.
Skin type: All skin types | Size: 30ml
What You Need To Know
When it comes to brightening serums, the Dark Spot Correcting Radiance Recovery Serum from Charlotte Tilbury takes the cake.
Offering all the benefits of a vitamin C serum while still helping to support your skin's natural moisture barrier, this gentle yet powerful serum focuses on brightening the skin all over - while limiting irritation.
It can even be used under the eyes to help brighten the look of dark circles.
After consistent use, you're left with a more even and radiant complexion. And with over 400 five-star ratings on the Charlotte Tilbury website, it seems like a popular pick among shoppers too.
'It really works!' said one reviewer, with another calling it a 'skincare staple' and 'must have' in your routine for a 'brighter' complexion.
Why we love it: It's a powerful brightening serum that's also designed to be suitable for sensitive skin types.
What to consider: High price tag.
Skin type: All skin types | Size: 50ml
What You Need To Know
Another top pick is the Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Clearing Serum, featuring a blend of powerhouse ingredients to work fast at reducing the look of dark spots and brightening the skin.
Containing a UP302 Brightening Molecule, plus vitamin C, niacinamide, salicylic acid, glucosamine, licorice extract and green tea extract – this oil-free formula is lightweight and designed to work well with other skincare and makeup products.
Rave reviews from Adore Beauty shoppers are also shocked by how it 'works fast'.
They continued, 'it seriously reduced the appearance of my dark spots faster than anything else I've tried'.
Why we love it: It's a vitamin C serum that's been made with sensitive skin types in mind.
What to consider: High price tag.
Skin type: All skin types | Size: 40ml
What You Need To Know
If you want your skin to glow, an easy way to do it is by using a vitamin C serum. The Banana Bright Serum from Ole Henriksen is a cult favourite for its potent formula of skin-loving, brightening ingredients.
Packed with 15 per cent vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and 5 per cent PHA, this daily serum works hard to brighten the skin while also helping give you a hydrated and smooth base.
It's also loved for its addition of banana powder-inspired pigments – a signature of Ole Henriksen – to really help brighten the skin and counteract any darkness.
Five-star rating Adore Beauty shoppers have named it their 'best friend', claiming they 'use this vitamin C serum every morning and my skin looks brighter.'
Why we love it: Contains a unique blend of brightening and hydrating ingredients.
What to consider: Slightly higher priced than other vitamin C serums on the market.
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Senior Shopping Writer
If you're looking for a K-Beauty serum with multiple benefits, the INNISFREE vitamin C serum is my favourite.
After hearing the cult serum sells every 15 seconds worldwide, I jumped at the chance to try it – and I'm seriously impressed with how well it works.
This gives you the ultimate glass skin look without compromising your skin barrier, perfect for all skin types.
It's expertly formulated with dual vitamin C to help brighten and target dullness, while green tea enzymes work hard to break down dead skin cells to really enhance the absorption of all that vitamin C goodness.
It's also got niacinamide to help even out your skin tone, hallabong peel extract for added antioxidants and five types of hyaluronic acid to really plump and hydrate your skin.
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin + HA, $18.30 at Myer
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin + HA
$18.30 at Myer
Other ways to buy:
$18.30 at The Ordinary
Why we love it: Sits at a great price point.
What to consider: Formula may not feel as advanced as other picks on our list.
Skin type: All skin types | Size: 30ml or 60ml
What You Need To Know
When it comes to brightening serums from The Ordinary, the Alpha Arbutin + HA is a great choice. It's a water-based serum, formulated with hyaluronic acid to really hydrate the skin, while the unique addition of the 2 per cent alpha arbutin helps to target the appearance of uneven skin tone and fade unwanted dark spots.
It's also racked up over 200 five-star ratings on the Myer website, with happy shoppers claiming it 'works like magic'.
They continued, 'I have tried a lot of skin care products and only this one works. 1 week of using it you can already see the difference. It brightens the skin and fades dark spots. It also keeps the skin hydrated.'
Why we love it: This is a cult favourite with tens of thousands of five-star ratings.
What to consider: High price tag.
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Senior Shopping Writer
Formulated with 15 per cent L-ascorbic acid, this SkinCeuticals serum is a high potency blend of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, which all work together to hydrate, brighten and tighten the skin.
Packed with antioxidants, this serum helps visibly boost skin vitality and improve the look of tired, dull skin affected by modern environmental exposure.
It's ideal for all skin types and has a unique texture – it's not like your traditional gel-like serum, but rather feels like a super lightweight oil. I do love how quickly it absorbs into the skin and how easy it is to layer other products over the top.
Yes the price tag is high and while I don't think you need to spend big bucks on your skincare, there are times where you can see why the price is so high.
Why we love it: Lightweight lotion texture that works well on all skin types.
What to consider: High price tag.
Skin type: All skin types | Size: 30ml
What You Need To Know
A top pick for those who have been using vitamin C for years and are keen to use a more advanced formula is this one from Paula's Choice.
Boosted with a potent blend of 25 per cent off vitamin C, this intense serum is great for those who are concerned with stubborn discolouration.
It's also packed with glutathione and patented GAP technology from Paula's Choice (containing glutathione amino acid precursors) – these work to provide your skin with plenty of antioxidants.
The lightweight, lotion-like texture means its great for all skin types, whether you're dry or more on the oily side.
We also love that it offers highly stable blend of oil-and-water soluble vitamin C for optimal effectiveness.
Why we love it: Budget-friendly price tag.
What to consider: Some users may not like the oil-free texture.
Skin type: All skin types | Size: 30ml
What You Need To Know
The Byoma Brightening Serum is a powerful serum that's infused with the brand's tri-ceramide complex to support your skin barrier, while niacinamide works its magic to help brighten and even out your complexion.
There's also added hyaluronic acid to give your skin some hydration too.
Byoma's Brightening Serum has racked up an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of five on the Sephora website, with shoppers describing it as a 'nice, lightweight, fast-absorbing' serum that 'leaves my skin feeling smooth and hydrated. I've noticed a real glow and improved texture after just a few uses.'
Why we love it: This is an intense night treatment, where a little goes a long way, so it should last you a good amount of time.
What to consider: High price tag.
Skin type: May not be suitable for sensitive skin types | Size: 30ml
What You Need To Know
Formulated with a powerful 20 per cent blend of exfoliating acids – a nice balance of 10 per cent AHAs and 10 PHAs – Ole Henriksen's Dewtopia serum is going to completely renew your skin texture and leave you with a brighter complexion.
While it's technically a serum, think of it more a night treatment – this stuff is intense and should be used sparingly. It may also feel a little too much for those with more sensitive skin types.
The humble serum has also got over 1000 five-star ratings on the Sephora website, with happy shoppers naming it their 'holy grail'.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A BRIGHTENING SERUM
When choosing brightening serums to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Price: You don't have to break the bank for brighter skin – we've included serums on our list from as little as $18.
Ingredients: Brightening serums come in all sorts of forms, whether that be packed with vitamin C, niacinamide or even exfoliating acids.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds of brightening serums available, it's impossible to test every product out there. Our content is based on a range of different types of research – the team's first-hand experience with products, hours of research, scouring through pages of consumer reviews or information, and advice from experts we trust.
We spoke to Sarah Lamb, Director of Global Dermatological Education and Services at Clinique Laboratories and Tim Fall, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Paula's Choice, about the best ways to incorporate a brightening serum into your skincare routine.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT KIND OF SERUM IS BEST FOR BRIGHTENING THE SKIN?
If you want brighter skin, you're going to want to consider adding key ingredients like vitamin C into your routine.
Tim shares, 'the best way to address skin brightening is to use the gold standard ingredient, which of course is vitamin C (Ascorbic acid). This strong natural antioxidant improves multiple visible signs of ageing, brightens and evens skin tone and improves dullness.'
Sarah recommends the Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Clearing Serum, and it just so happens to be one of our top picks.
'This is a powerful dermatologist-developed solution for hyperpigmentation. The advanced formula balances more potent brightening actives – two types of vitamin C, pure niacinamide, and our proprietary molecule UP302 with more soothing ones – gyokuro and a licorice extract to help visibly reduce irritation that could trigger dark spots.'
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO USE A BRIGHTENING SERUM IN YOUR ROUTINE?
Trying to understand when and how to layer all the different serums in your skincare routine is no easy feat.
According to Sarah, 'pairing a serum that includes potent antioxidants such as vitamin C along with daily sunscreen is imperative to protecting skin against the dulling effects of UV rays, pollution, and environmental aggressors.'
For best results, Tim also recommend another step when it comes to achieving brighter skin.
'Exfoliation is really important for brightening. First, because dead skin cells amplify dullness and uneven tone and secondly because you need to remove all barriers between your skin and vitamin C to maximise benefit. That means exfoliate away dead skin cells, unclog pores, and remove pollution.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Australian
a day ago
- The Australian
ILA completes Galidesivir anti-viral drug acquisition
ILA completes antiviral drug acquisition ahead of schedule Drug has a broad spectrum across viruses FDA submissions and a meeting request anticipated this quarter Special Report: Island Pharmaceuticals has finalised its acquisition of the Galidesivir antiviral program from BioCryst Pharmaceuticals after completing due diligence ahead of schedule. Galidesivir is a clinical-stage antiviral molecule with a broad spectrum of activity in more than 20 RNA viruses, including high-priority threats such as Ebola, Marburg, MERS, Zika and Yellow fever. Notably, these are all viruses with significant unmet medical needs that may contribute to national security threats. Island Pharmaceuticals (ASX:ILA) is confident in the drug's potential, thanks to its robust development history and more than US$70m R&D spend from the US government to date. The company is now focused on fast tracking regulatory initiatives, including potentially leveraging the FDA's Animal Rule, which allows for drug approvals in indications based on animal efficacy data, when human trials are unethical or not feasible, provided safety is shown in humans and the disease is well modelled in animals. Drug dossier planned to FDA this quarter Island intends to submit documentation on the Galidesivir program to the FDA in the short term and seek a meeting with the regulator, possibly during the December quarter. Pending positive feedback, this may allow for the commencement of an animal study before the end of the year. 'We are very pleased to have completed this transaction with BioCryst ahead of schedule,' CEO and managing director Dr David Foster said. 'Following the asset purchase agreement and a final review of the program, we have gained considerable confidence in Galidesivir and the potential to fast track a New Drug Application and the opportunity for a Priority Review Voucher. 'Work will now focus on collating a relevant data package to submit to the FDA, alongside a meeting request to discuss Galidesivir's eligibility under the Animal Rule. 'We expect to submit this dossier this quarter, allowing for a potential meeting next quarter, prior to initiating an animal study in Marburg shortly thereafter.' This article was developed in collaboration with Island Pharmaceuticals, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing. This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
News.com.au
2 days ago
- News.com.au
Health Check: Cancer drug developers drive further positive Car-T results
Imugene and Chimeric have unveiled further promising results for their Car-T immune-oncology assets Rhythm Biosciences shares soar 18% on kit validation results While investors are picky, equity dollars continue to flow There's a long drive ahead, but Imugene (ASX:IMU) and Chimeric Therapeutics (ASX:CHM) are heading in the right direction with their Car-T therapies that trick up the body's T-cells to be better cancer fighters. Imugene shares this morning leaped 10%, after the company reported two additional 'partial responses' in its phase 1b trial. The study aims to combat relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), an aggressive blood cancer. Imugene's Car-T therapy, azer-cel, could result in the first 'off the shelf' Car-T treatment derived from donor cells (rather than the patient). The trial tally now stands at six 'complete responses' and five partial responses. A complete response is disappearance of signs of cancer – tentatively known as a cure. A partial response is a cancer reduction of at least 50%. In all, the trial has achieved an overall response rate of 79%. On July 14 Imugene said nine out of 12 patients had responded, prompting a circa $37 million capital raising. The first patients dosed (last year) remain cancer free at 15 months. They had not responded to several therapy attempts. The trial is underway at ten US sites and six local sites, including Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Cells are 'hard at work' Chimeric reports 'encouraging early results' after moving to a stronger dose in its phase I/II study. The trial tests the company's Car-T candidate CHM CDH17. Chimeric reports one patient with stable disease and "anti-tumour activity", with the lesion shrinking by 12%. The boffins define stable disease as no change in tumour size, or up to 30% shrinkage. One patient from the first dose cohort remains with stable disease eight months after dosing, with an 18% shrinkage. 'This is great progress,' says Chimeric CEO Dr Rebecca McQualter. 'We can see the cells are hard at work to more data'. The trial has enrolled patients with advanced colorectal cancer, gastric cancer and intestinal neuroendocrine tumours. CHM CDH17 targets CDH17, a cancer biomarker 'associated with poor prognosis and metastases in the most common gastrointestinal tumours'. Chimeric expects to enrol 15 patients in the phase I part of the study, with an expanded cohort for phase II. Rhythm's test validation is in the groove Rhythm Biosciences (ASX:RHY) shares today surged a sector-leading ing 18%, on further validation results of the company's Colostat bowel cancer assay. Having received its first kits from the manufacturer for final internal testing, the company tested them on new blood samples from patients with no bowel cancer at any of the stages (one to four). 'This study was critical as the initial intended use of Colostat is for symptomatic patients who could well have early and late-stage disease,' the company says. While Rhythm will complete further studies, the data on 300 patient samples shows that Colostat is equally effective at detecting bowel cancer across all stages. Rhythm will apply to the local National Association of Testing Authorities to have Colostat approved under the common-used laboratory-developed route. Lung imager breathes easier with deep-pocketed backer Friday's keen investor response to lung imager 4D Medical's 4D Medical's (ASX:4DX) funding arrangement with ProMedicus (ASX:PME) no doubt has to do with the mere 'vibe' of the latter taking an interest in the market minnow. In its first tie up with a listed peer, the $30 billion market cap Pro Medicus has extended a $10 million 'hybrid debt and equity loan' to 4D Medical. The duo don't compete with each other. 4D Medical will use the funds to develop its product pipeline and advance a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) marketing application. This is for the company's ventilation perfusion product, for use in computed tomography. The loan attracts 12.5% interest and is repayable in cash and 'shares valued at the same amount as the cash repayment'. The deal is non-dilutive if the share price remains where is it, with 'upside alignment' for both parties if they perform strongly over the next two years. 4D also reported customer receipts of $1.61 million for the June quarter, up 19%, taking full-year receipts to $12 months to $5.38 million (up 87%). The company undertook 74,000 scans for the quarter, up 105% year on year. 4D had outflows of $9.47 million, down 16% compared with the March quarter. The company ended June with cash of $9.9 million, with a $6 million R&D tax refund due 'in coming weeks'. 4D Medical shares surged 30% on Friday and edged up a further 10% today. Spare us a dime? Other life companies are bringing in the dollars via traditional equity means. The developer of a non-radiation-based imaging for breast and other cancers, Imagion Biosystems (ASX:IBX) has raised $3.5 million in a two-tranche institutional placement. The price was 1.5 cents per share, a 10% discount. The funds will support Imagion's proposed phase II US trial for Her-2 breast cancers. Nyrada (ASX:NYR) has raised $8.25 million via a placement. The company is developing Xolatryp, which blocks a certain ion channel to protect key cells in vital organs when under stress. This could be after a blood clot or reperfusion (the sudden flow of blood returning to an organ or tissue). Nyrada is preparing for a phase IIa acute myocardial infarction trial and has nearly finished a phase I cardioprotection study. Kiwi diagnostics house Pacific Edge (ASX:PEB) has raised NZ$20.7 million in a placement and share purchase plan, having targeted NZ$20 million. US authorities recently cancelled reimbursement of the Pacific Edge's bladder cancer test Cxbladder, but the company is challenging the decision. Finally, foetal monitoring house HeraMED (ASX:HMD) has raised $1.98 million 1.2 cents a share, a 4.8% discount. Reporting latecomers: please wait to be seated Companies needed to lodge their quarterly reports within a month. But the ASX 'ushers' will still see them to their seats if they're not too late. The bourse on Friday suspended Syntara (ASX:SNT) for non-lodgment – but not for long. The myelofibrosis drug developer was allowed to resume trading, having lodged before the opening of Friday's trading. The quarterlies were due on Thursday. Syntara reported receipts of $78,000, cash outflow of $3.7 million and a $15 million cash balance. By the end of September, investors should expect final results from the company's phase II program that evaluated its drug candidate amsulostat, in 16 patients. An interim readout showed eight of 11 evaluable patients (73%) achieved a reduction of 50% or more in their myelofibrosis symptoms. Syntara awaits an FDA review of its application to start a follow-on phase II/III trial. Meanwhile, Syntara will seek shareholder approval to grant 4.769 million of incentive shares to CEO Gary Phillips, at nil consderation.
News.com.au
5 days ago
- News.com.au
‘World's oldest baby' is born from embryo frozen before either of his parents even started school
The world's 'oldest baby' has been born from an embryo frozen before either of his parents even started school. Thaddeus Daniel Pierce was delivered on July 26 to parents Lindsey and Tim Pierce, of Ohio – over three decades after his embryo was frozen. The tot, who has broken the record for the oldest baby, even has a 30-year-old sister – who is now a mum herself to a 10-year-old girl, The Sun reports. The title was previously held by twins who were created from embryos frozen 30 years before their birth. Lindsay told MIT Technology Review: 'We didn't go into it thinking we would break any records. We just wanted a baby.' Thaddeus's embryo was created along with three others during a course of IVF in the 1990s for Linda Archerd and her then-husband. One of the embryos was implanted into Linda who conceived her now 30-year-old daughter. The remaining embryos were put in long-term storage before being put up for embryo adoption when Linda and her partner separated. Embryo adoptions are more typical in the US – particularly at Christian clinics – to help families struggling to conceive. After seven years trying for a baby, Lindsey and Tim signed up for the same program and were offered Thaddeus's embryo. 'We had a rough birth, but we're both doing well now,' Lindsey said. 'He is so chill. We are in awe that we have this precious baby,' she added. 'Snow babbies' In 2017, a baby girl was born from a 25-year-old embryo in what was then a world first in the US. Little Emma Wren Gibson weighed 6lbs 8oz (about 2.9kg) and measured 20 inches (about 50cm) long when she was born. Her parents, Tina and Benjamin Gibson, said their daughter's record status was their last priority, focusing only on her health, adding they felt 'thankful and blessed' to have her. They said they were surprised when they were told the exact age of the embryo, thawed on March 13 at the National Embryo Donation Center (NEDC). 'Do you realise I'm only 25? This embryo and I could have been best friends,' Tina told CNN. Tina, who was 26 at the time, said she just wanted a baby and didn't care if it was going to be a world record or not. 'We're just so thankful and blessed. She's a precious Christmas gift from the Lord.' Baby Emma was created via IVF for another couple but had been left in storage for someone else. Embryos like this are called 'snow babies' – potential human lives left on ice waiting to be born. Seven years ago Tina and Benjamin got married knowing they would not be able to have biological children as Benjamin has cystic fibrosis. They had fostered several children and were planning on adoption before having the embryo implanted.
