5 Brightening Creams & Serums
If you’re searching for a skincare hero that targets pigmentation and spots, evens out dull skin and brightens the overall complexion, try one of these five products.
Kumuya Illuminate Nutri-Serum Concentrate, $119 kumuya.com
I was excited to try this product, especially as it promises to brighten dull skin and target inflammation (great when we’re wearing masks all day!), amongst other benefits.
The serum is packed with loads of active plantderived ingredients to keep your skin healthy and looking good, including niacinamide (also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid) that’s great for blemishes, and alpha arbutin that has brightening properties. It’s also free from nasties such as parabens and preservatives. You won’t need to apply much – I just use one or two drops and it leaves my skin feeling plump and well-hydrated. Everything absorbs well and it doesn’t leave a sticky layer. Since I started using the serum, I’ve noticed that my skin looks more fresh and healthy and any irritations are kept under control. Lindsay Yap
Dermedics Meso White BB Glow, $299 xmedicimports.com
Sunshine has always been my therapy. I live an active lifestyle and love to be outdoors. Unfortunately, what’s good for the soul isn’t always good for skin! I’m constantly battling with freckles and sunspots, so I’m always on the lookout for solutions for a more even skin tone.
This intensive set of skin-whitening serum is aimed at lightening skin tones and reducing the appearance of freckles and discolouration caused by acne and excessive sun exposure. Free of parabens and alcohol, each box is a complete set of 10 vials that include active ingredients such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and hyaluronic acid. Each vial goes a long way – I managed to stretch one across three days with morning and night-time application. I combined the treatment with the Dermedics Cream White Deluxe ($185) and Dermedics Oil White Deluxe ($82) and have seen undeniable results. My freckles and sunspots are lighter and my overall skin is brighter. Leanda Rathmell
LUXE Botanics Camu Brightening Serum, $160 luxebotanics.com
After six weeks of use, I’m on the last drops of my LUXE Botanics Camu Brightening Serum. Its core ingredient, camu camu (or Myrciaria dubis), is the latest superfood buzz on the market. Native to the Amazon rainforest, this cherry-like berry is said to be one of the highest naturally occurring sources of vitamin C in nature (40 times more than an orange!). Ideal for mature and lacklustre skin, the serum targets dull and sun-damaged skin with its potent vitamin C content and freeradical fighting CoQ10, ferulic acid and tea extracts.
Light, non-sticky and long-lasting, this product seamlessly fits into my skin regime and is slowly but surely giving my skin the radiant boost it needs. I love the sexy and sleek packaging too! Leanda Rathmell
Bema White Organic Lightening Face Cream, $90 aldha.com
I really enjoyed using this super cream from Italian skincare brand Bema. It promised brightening and hydrating effects, and boy, did it deliver!
Just after a week of using it, I could see my spots slowly shying away. The cream contains a special brightening phyto complex comprising pomegranate, betaine, arbutin and bearberry extracts; these work to counteract excess melanin production, minimising the appearance of pigmentation. It’s also vegan, gluten-free and formulated without any added nasties like parabens or mineral oils. I like using it together with the lightening facial toner (from the same range) for a better result.
Do take note that the cream is very moisturising. If you’re in an air-conditioned environment all day, it’ll be perfect for both day and night use. However, when running around outside in Singapore weather, I felt that it was too heavy for me to use as a daytime moisturiser; so I’d recommend using it in the evening only, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Susan Knudsen-Pickles
Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense, $159 skinceuticals.sg
Formulated with brightening ingredients like tranexamic acid and niacinamide, this awardwining serum promises to correct stubborn spots and discolouration to reveal a more even complexion. Each active ingredient targets a different step of the pigmentation cycle, thus preventing and treating the problem from its root. I’m a huge fan of Skinceuticals for their science-backed skincare, so I was excited to try this out! After using it for three weeks and counting, I’ve started to notice a slight improvement in my post-inflammatory acne marks and sunspots. My skin looks a little brighter than before, but I think I need to continue with it for more visible results. I love how thin and lightweight the consistency is; the serum sinks into my skin easily and doesn’t leave behind a tacky finish, so it’s also suitable for daytime use. Thankfully, it doesn’t break me out either! It’s gentle yet effective with consistent use, and I can’t wait to see the full effects 12 weeks on. Anthia Chng