If your glow’s got up & gone (raises hand), get it back by adding one of these new radiance-boosting additions to your skincare routine
From highlighters to radiant-finish foundations for dry skin, our make-up can be the perfect way to add an instant dose of luminosity to skin. This could be by sloughing off dead skin cells to reveal bouncy new cells underneath, a product that supports cell turnover, or a formula that helps balance out tone.
But what exactly are skin-brightening products? Think of them as pick-me-ups for dull skin to help it look healthier and more radiant. They’re all about giving skin its glow back by working above and below the surface. This could be by sloughing off dead skin cells (to reveal bouncy new cells underneath) or a build-up of product, supporting cell turnover or helping balance out tone.
Sounds just the ticket for helping to offset the effects of everything from pollution and environmental aggressors to general wear and tear from the stresses of modern-day life. Here’s our guide to the skin-brightening ingredients you need to know about, as well as some of the latest beauty launches for extra basket inspo.
What are the best skin-brightening products?
While it’s important to view the formulation of a product as a whole, there are some ingredients that are worth looking out for. Here’s the lowdown on the most common:
Vitamin C – an antioxidant that helps protect skin against free-radical damage, supports collagen production and the skin’s defences against environmental stressors. Vitamin C products often vary in their potency. As a general rule of thumb, serums deliver a more concentrated version, which is great if you’re looking to target specific issues such as uneven skin tone or firmness. It can also be found in other products, such as eye creams formulated for dark circles, as well as cleansers, micellar waters, toners, moisturisers and masks, to give your usual staples extra glow-giving benefits.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) – the most well-known AHAs are glycolic acid and lactic acid, which, when applied topically, can help resurface the epidermis, enabling the rest of your products to penetrate more deeply. They can also help even skin tone, aid in collagen production and are a particularly good choice for those with dry skin. If you have sensitive skin, try a low percentage option or a gentler AHA such as mandelic acid (helpful for oily skin and congestion) as its larger molecular weight (compared to other AHAs) allows it to penetrate more slowly.
Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) – BHAs are oil-soluble exfoliants and are a great choice for those with oily or combination skin, or if your key concerns are blemishes and/or clogged pores. The most well-known BHA is salicylic acid which, like AHAs, helps with cell turnover and exfoliation.
Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) – these exfoliating acids are particularly great for sensitive or dehydrated skin types as they attract moisture and their molecules penetrate more gradually than other exfoliating acids. Common examples are gluconolactone, lactobionic and maltobionic.
These, along with AHAs and BHAs, can be found in leave-on exfoliants that generally sit in between your cleanser and moisturiser, as well as masks. They can also be found in cleansers, which tend to offer a milder alternative for those who have more delicate skin. If you’re new to acids, try incorporating one into your routine once a week and see how your skin gets on. Be wary of overdoing it though as this can disrupt the skin’s protective barrier and lead to irritation.
Retinol – a derivative of vitamin A, retinol products can help take the edge off everything from the appearance of wrinkles to dark spots and sun damage in addition to helping support collagen and elastin production, retinol increases surface cell turnover. What’s more, it can help unclog pores, making it a good option for those who have blemish-prone skin.
If you’re new to a retinol product, it’s a good idea to go low and slow to keep skin irritation to a minimum (particularly if you’ve chosen a retinol serum). Opt for a low percentage option to begin with (0.01% to 0.03%), applying it once a week over a six-week period to see how your skin reacts. It can also be a good idea to layer it on top of a moisturiser (applied all over or on more delicate parts of the face, such as underneath the eyes and sides of the nostrils) to act as a buffer while skin gets used to it. To reduce the risk of sensitisation, avoid using it with exfoliating acids.
Niacinamide – a form of vitamin B3, niacinamide is an all-star all-rounder when it comes to skincare. As well as helping with texture and tone, it can help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and supports the skin barrier (skin’s first line of defence against moisture loss and environmental damage). From niacinamide serums to moisturisers, it can be found in a range of products – plus, it plays nicely with a variety of other ingredients, including retinols and peptides.
Mineral and chemical sun filters – sun damage can cause skin to look dull and lead to pigmentation. Also, exfoliating acids and retinols may cause skin to become more sensitive to sunlight, making sun filters all the more necessary. Look for a product that offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
What are the best skin-brightening creams & products to have on your radar?
From the new launches that are causing a buzz to the hero products you already love, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best radiance-boosting serums and most effective skin-brightening creams to provide some valuable shopping inspiration. Whether it’s a micellar water with brightening benefits, a new vitamin C serum to target tone and texture or a retinol serum to help increase surface cell turnover, we’ve got a range of skincare bases covered.
Cleansers
For a new skin-brightening face wash
Try: Garnier Skin Active Vitamin C Brightening Foam Cleanser
• Size: 250ml
• Microbiome-friendly & pH neutral
• Dermatologically tested
The first step in any skin-brightening routine is a great cleanser, and this one from Garnier ticks all the boxes. The gentle, foaming formula deeply cleanses while protecting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. As well as skin-brightening vitamin C, it’s enriched with hero ingredient glycerin to deeply hydrate skin. The result? A more even skin tone and a healthy glow.
For a nourishing cleanser with brightening benefits
Try: Superfacialist Vitamin C+ Skin Renew Cleansing Oil
• Size: 100ml
• Suitable for all skin types
Prefer an oil cleanser to melt the day away? Superfacialist has you covered with this vitamin C-packed formula. The innovative oil transforms as soon as it mixes with water to create a light, milky texture that effortlessly lifts away end-of-day impurities and make-up. Plus, with nourishing olive, grapeseed and rosehip oils, alongside vitamin E, it’s a great way to smooth and retexturize skin while adding a touch of radiance, too.
Toners
For a radiance-boosting toner
Try: BYOMA Brightening Toner
• Size: 150ml
• Dermatologist tested & approved
• Non-comedogenic
• Vegan* & cruelty-free
• Free from soap, alcohol & fragrance
Elevate your skin-brightening routine by adding a toner, and watch your skin transform from lacklustre to luminous. This gentle formula from BYOMA is a great place to start, with exfoliating lactic and mandelic acids, urea and birch extracts. It’s effective on a wide range of skin concerns beyond dullness alone, helping to clear the appearance of pores, control oiliness and target the look of pigmentation and dark spots.
For a brightening vitamin C toner
Try: No7 Radiance+ Vitamin C Glow Toner
• Size: 200ml
Toners, particularly vitamin C toners, can be a great choice if you’re looking for something that feels especially lightweight. This energising tonic fits the bill perfectly thanks to its formula containing 2% vitamin C and a beta hydroxy acid to help brighten and smooth. Those with oily or combination skin with occasional blemishes or blackheads will particularly love it.
Moisturisers
For radiance-protecting daily SPF
Try: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50
• Size: 50ml
• For all skin types including sensitive skin & contact lens wearers
• Dermatologically tested
• Allergy tested
• Protects from UVA & UVB rays
• Perfume-free
Shielding skin from the sun is one of the best ways to prevent dullness and long-term damage, so it’s important to choose a facial sunscreen that you’re happy to wear every day. Luckily, this pick from La Roche-Posay fits the bill beautifully. As well as offering very high UVA and UVB protection, it’s formulated with an exclusive new filter, MEXORYL400, which protects skin from ultra-long UVA. Tired of sticky sunscreens that leave a cast? Not to worry: the invisible, lightweight texture melts into the skin without greasiness, making it ideal for layering underneath make-up.
Eye creams
For a brightening effect under the eyes
Try: Liz Earle Instant Brightening Eye Cream
• Size: 15ml
• Suitable for all skin tones
• Fragrance free
• Not tested on animals
Complete your glow-getting regime with a brightening eye cream. This option from Liz Earle brightens, hydrates and visibly reduces the appearance of dark circles to leave your eyes looking refreshed. Not only is it chock-full of skin-loving ingredients – such as smoothing horse chestnut flower and soothing echinacea extract – it’s also formulated with light reflecting pigment to give tired eyes an instant transformation.
For a de-puffing eye cream to banish dark circles
Try: Bubble Morning Rays Brightening Eye Cream
• Size: 15ml
• Suitable for all skin types
• Vegan*
Looking for an antidote to hide the signs of late nights or early mornings? This clever eye cream is is your answer. With brightening vitamin C, soothing green tea and redness-reducing resveratrol, it helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles while de-puffing the entire area so you can look well-rested and wide-awake (even if you don’t feel it).
Facial oils
For an indulgent, skin-illuminating face oil
Try: Milani Prep + Brighten Rose Face Oil 01 Rose Oil
• Size: 30ml
• Can be used on hair, face, nails & body
When you really want to ramp up the radiance, opt for a facial oil to intensely nourish skin. We love this option from Milani, designed to brighten and balance while replenishing moisture for a youthful, dewy glow. The blend of sunflower, apricot kernel, sweet almond and crambe abyssinica oils sinks effortlessly into the skin, while vitamin C works to give you that glow.
For a botanical glow-getting face oil
Try: Botanics All Bright Bi-Phase Glow Facial Oil with Natural AHAs & Vitamin C
• Size: 25ml
• Vegan* & cruelty-free
• Not suitable for sensitive skin
When it comes to glowing skin, the Botanics All Bright range is hard to beat, and this facial oil is no exception. The unique, bi-phase formula gives skin all the benefits of a super-nourishing oil, while harnessing the brightening power of water-soluble vitamin C and natural AHAs, too. The gorgeous mandarin oil fragrance is a wonderful addition to any daily skincare ritual, helping you feel uplifted and ready to take on the day.
Some products, particularly alpha hydroxy acids and retinol, can increase skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, so SPF should be worn. Always check the label.
