We all know (and love) what strategically placed highlighter or a touch of bronzer can do. That lit-from-within glow that products can instantly provide has been the focus of many articles and makeup lines—and for good reason. It can transform you into an effervescent goddess, distract you from imperfections, and, perhaps most importantly, make it look like you really did get a full night of beauty sleep. But what if instead of creating that glow with makeup, you could wake up with naturally radiant skin?
Enter illuminating, radiance-boosting serums; your key to getting the perfectly toned, even skin that we all dream about. These formulas (which often contain potent antioxidants like vitamin C) can 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 moisturizing), you'll never have to rely solely on makeup to hide imperfections and deliver the glow you want.
With claims like these, it's no wonder that almost every brand has a stake in the radiance-boosting realm. To help you choose which illuminating serum will be your new holy grail, we researched the best ones on the market, assessing their ingredients and claims. After consulting with Dr Ife J. Rodney, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Eternal Dermatology in Fulton, Maryland, and considering dozens of options, we landed on these top-rated choices.
Best Overall
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum
Contains a high percentage of vitamin C
Also contains exfoliating PHAs
Pump bottle dispenses the perfect amount
May irritate sensitive skin
Read Full Review: Ole Henriksen’s Banana Bright Serum Gave Me a Younger-Looking Complexion in a Week
It may be the eye cream from this Banana Bright line that gets all the attention, but don’t sleep on this serum. Along with a potent amount of illuminating vitamin C, it contains exfoliating PHAs (polyhydroxy acid) and hydrating and plumping hyaluronic acid, too. We were big fans of the pump top bottle that dispensed the perfect amount and how well it hydrated our skin while also imparting plenty of glow. It also isn’t sticky or tacky and layers really nicely under other skincare products.
Who It’s For
Almost anyone can benefit from this multi-tasking formula, which actually addresses a variety of complexion concerns. Just take note that it may cause a bit of irritation if you have sensitive skin.
Benefits: Firm, plumps, reduces the appearance of dark spots | Skin Type: Oily, dry, combination, normal | Dosage: Once a day | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Budget
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
Easy to apply
Lightweight application
Affordable
Great for sun damage
Has a sticky feel
Coming in as our best-budget buy, this serum packs a huge punch without breaking the bank. It's formulated with a 2% concentration of alpha arbutin, a powerful skin illuminator known for being gentler than its counterparts. “This is a naturally occurring skin-tone evener that blocks the enzymes responsible for melanin production,” explains Rodney. The ingredient is supported by hyaluronic acid and slowly releases for an enhanced delivery, which sets it apart from other illuminating serums. We found it to be a game-changer, especially when used as part of a cohesive skincare routine.
Who It’s For
This is a great choice for anyone on a budget, as well as if you have dry skin, as it's not as harsh as its counterparts, thanks to the use of alpha arbutin.
Benefits: Reduces the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone | Skin Type: All | Dosage: Twice a day | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Read Full Review: I Tested The Ordinary's Alpha Arbutin Serum and My Skin Glowed
Best Splurge
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Good for sensitive skin
Remains effective for 72 hours
Adds a glow
Has a bit of an unpleasant smell
No list of our favorite serums would be complete without this offering from SkinCeuticals. We have sung its praises time and again. As its moniker suggests, it's a magical blend of vitamins C and E, plus ferulic acid that helps to transform and even skin tone both instantly and over time, leaving behind an impeccable glow. Dr. Rodney is a fan of this formula, too, lauding the brand’s unique formula that maximizes the stability and efficacy of vitamin C and yields “impressive results.” We agree, seeing a noticeable change in our skin after using this for six weeks—it was not only more illuminated and glowier, but our fine lines and wrinkles appeared less noticeable, too.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a splurge-worthy pick that’s guaranteed to deliver results and is dermatologist-approved, this is it.
Benefits: Protects against free radicals and aging | Skin Type: Dry, normal, sensitive | Dosage: Once a day | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Even Skin Tone
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum
Long-lasting usage
Adds a glow
Evens out hyperpigmentation
Might not work fast enough for some
The secret to this beloved serum is its active ingredient, viniferine, which comes from grapevine sap and, according to the brand, is 62 times more effective than vitamin C when boosting radiance. This recipe also hydrates without feeling greasy, thanks to the ingredient olive squalane. Lightweight and great for evening skin tone, you can rest assured that it's not lacking at all in efficacy.
Who It’s For
For those who want to both target spots and enhance their overall glow, this is an excellent choice.
Benefits: Tackles uneven texture, dark spots, and dullness | Skin Type: Normal, combination | Dosage: Twice a day | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
Read Full Review: Caudalie's Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Makes Sensitive Skin Glow
Best for Hyperpigmentation
Goodal Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum+
Contains skin-soothing ingredients
Relies on vitamin C as well as other illuminating actives
Often out of stock
There’s vitamin C in this pick—derived from green tangerines, per the name—but there’s also a high concentration of niacinamide (four percent, to be exact). It’s also nice and hydrating and contains soothing centella asiatica, always a boon if you have sensitive skin. We noticed that our skin looked healthier, luminous, and generally more even after a few weeks—and saw an improvement in texture after just a few days.
Who It’s For
This is a nice pick for anyone with serious spots since it relies on several different skin-tone-evening ingredients.
Benefits: Hydrates, brightens soothes | Skin Type: Oily, dry, combination, normal | Dosage: Once or twice a day | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Anti-Aging
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C Face Serum
Unique, tube-like packaging makes it easy to dispense
Fragrance-free
Not cruelty-free
There’s an impressive 10 percent concentration of pure vitamin C in this formula, making it super effective both for illuminating skin as well as delivering overall anti-aging benefits; it helps to smooth out the look of fine lines and wrinkles, too. We really like that it came in a metal tube, making it easy to dispense just the right amount. But that tube has an added benefit; it also keeps that potent vitamin C from being exposed to light or air so that it doesn’t break down. While we didn’t necessarily see instant results, it did definitely leave our skin more luminous and firmer in the long run—so much so that we could even start wearing less makeup.
Who It’s For
This is a great choice for those on a budget, as well as those who have more mature skin and want a serum that delivers generally good anti-aging benefits.
Benefits: Evens skin tones, reduces wrinkles, boosts radiance | Skin Type: Oily, dry, combination, normal | Dosage: Once a day | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Vegan
Yes To Grapefruit Brightening Serum
Has a pleasant, lightly citrusy scent
Leaves skin instantly glowy
Works quickly
Contains fragrance
We couldn’t get over both the price point and how well this serum worked. It left our complexion glowy and hydrated right away, improved texture after a day, evened out our skin tone, and boosted overall radiance after a few weeks. What more could you ask for? Credit the vitamin C and exfoliating PHAs in the formula. While we did like the light grapefruit scent, it does bear mentioning that this does contain fragrance.
Who It’s For
For those in the market for an affordable, vegan formula that delivers, this can’t be beat.
Benefits: Firm, plumps, reduces the appearance of dark spots | Skin Type: Oily, dry, combination, normal | Dosage: Once a day | Size: .95 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Hydrating
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
Oil formula is very moisturizing if you have dry skin
Packaging is recyclable
Oil texture may not be the top choice for certain skin types
Clear glass packaging means it’s important to keep this away from light to keep the vitamin C stabilized
If you have dry skin, try this oil. It’s fast-absorbing but still leaves our skin super glowy. So much so that we even skipped foundation on the days we used it, and we always got tons of compliments about how radiant our complexion was after using it. Vitamin C is responsible for that, while lightweight squalane does the hydrating duties.
Who It’s For
Those who have dryer skin and/or love skincare oils should try this winner.
Benefits: Brightens, firms, and hydrates | Skin Type: Dry, combination, normal | Dosage: Once a day | Size: 1.01 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for All Skin Types
Klur Brilliant Light Repair Serum
Contains several different types of antioxidants
A little bit goes a long way
Made without parabens, fragrance, phthalates, or dyes
Sustainably manufactured in the United States of America
Bottle could be bigger, given the price point
No matter your skin type or tone, this is ideal for helping to target hyperpigmentation and illuminate the skin. Vitamin C works synergistically with other antioxidants (Vitamin E, rosehip seed oil) for both corrective benefits and protective ones, too. We were big fans of how beautifully it absorbed into the skin, as well as how soft, smooth, and hydrated our complexion looked and felt after using it regularly.
Who It’s For
Great for all skin types, skin tones, and ages, this pick isn't harsh, and it makes a noticeable improvement in the texture and tone of the skin.
Benefits: Brightens, protects, corrects skin damage | Skin Type: All | Dosage: Once every other day | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Where We Stand
Overall, our favorite radiance-boosting, illuminating serum is the derm-beloved SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic thanks to its use of vitamin C. Alpha-arbutin is another great ingredient, and you can find it in The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% HA, a super affordable and effective pick.
How We Tested & Reviewed
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We tested several options for days at a time and then collaborated with a board-certified dermatologist to ensure we made the best picks for all skin types and needs.
Attributes we evaluated each conditioner for curly hair on:
- Ingredients that illuminate, even skin tone, exfoliate, and hydrate
- Absorption and overall feel
- Product value and price
- Customer reviews
- Brand promises
- Overall results
What to Look For In a Radiance-Boosting Serum
- Vitamin C: Rodney says this is one of the best illuminating ingredients out there. It’s both a powerful protective antioxidant but also works to inhibit the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme needed for melanin (aka, pigment production). Find it in many of our winning products, like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C Serum and Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil.
- Alpha hydroxy acids: These help to slough off dead, discolored cells, revealing healthy, more even-toned skin underneath, Rodney explains. You can also look for their slightly gentler counterpart, PHAs, which are found in the OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Serum.
- Kojic acid: Rodney also likes this natural ingredient, which helps reduce dark spots by slowing down melanin production in target areas.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has nearly fifteen years of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She’s written for Byrdie since 2020, covering hair, makeup, skin, health, wellness, fashion, and more, and has been using an illuminating serum since she was in her early 20s.
Team Byrdie worked with an expert to best understand how to identify the top radiance-boosing serums:
- Dr Ife J. Rodney, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Eternal Dermatology in Fulton, Maryland.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any radiance-boosting serums from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.