8 best brightening serums for clear and luminous complexion

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).

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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.

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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. 

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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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