Brightening Serum
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Brightening Serum
Brightening Serum

Brightening Serum

Dark spot corrector

1157 reviews

A concentrated brightening serum that targets dark spots and uneven tone while hydrating for a clearer, more luminous complexion.

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Brightening Duo
Brightening Duo
double trouble for glowing, radiant skin
$264
What’s Included

Liquid Gold

  • L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 15%: Brightens & defends
  • Vitamin E: Enhances antioxidant efficacy
  • Kakadu Plum Extract: Enhances radiance
  • White Mulberry Extract: Brightens & evens tone
  • Turmeric Extract: Fights premature aging & inflammation
  • Avocado Extract: Conditions & enhances radiance

Brightening Serum

  • Kojic Acid: Minimizes dark spots
  • Alpha-Arbutin: Evens complexion
  • Azelaic Acid: Fights breakouts & boosts radiance
  • Bearberry Leaf Extract: Lightens dark spots
  • Licorice Root Extract: Brightens & soothes
  • Sodium Hyaluronate: Deeply hydrates
Key Benefits

  • Helps fade dark spots + discoloration
  • Improves overall skin tone
  • Visibly reduces discoloration
  • Antioxidant support for skin clarity
  • Hydrates while improving dullness
  • Visibly brightens + boosts luminosity
  • Lightweight, daily-use formula

How to Use
  • Apply 1-3 pumps to face, neck, and chest AM and PM after Vitamin C (Liquid Gold)
  • Start every other morning to assess skin tolerance
  • After one week, increase to daily use, then twice daily as tolerated
  • Always follow with SPF during the day
Ingredients

  • Kojic Acid: Minimizes dark spots
  • Alpha-Arbutin: Evens complexion
  • Azelaic Acid: Fights breakouts + boosts radiance
  • Bearberry Leaf Extract: Lightens dark spots
  • Licorice Root Extract: Brightens + soothes

30 mL/ 1 fl oz

View Full Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Kojic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Extract, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Bisulfite, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Azelaic Acid, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Glycerin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Silica, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate

Jordan Harper, NP

From the Expert

Clinically Proven Results

88%

reported skin tone looks more even

88%

reported skin looks more radiant

82%

said their dark spots are less visible

Before

After

Age: 33-68 with normal skin
Concerns: Brightening, Texture

*Based on a 12-week consumer study conducted on 33 women ages 33-68 using Brightening Serum. Individual results may vary.

Clinically-Proven Ingredients You’ll Love

  • No parabens
  • No fragrance
  • No phthalates
  • No sulfates
  • No artificial dyes
  • No mineral oil
  • No formaldehyde donors
Ingredient Highlights
Kojic Acid

Minimizes dark spots

Alpha-Arbutin

Evens complexion

Bearberry Leaf Extract

Lightens dark spots

Licorice Root Extract

Brightens + soothes

See Full Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Kojic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Extract, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Bisulfite, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Azelaic Acid, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Glycerin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Silica, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate

Where it Fits in Your Routine

  • 01 CLEANSE
  • 02 TONE
  • 03 ANTIOXIDANT
  • 04 BRIGHTEN
  • 05 STRENGTHEN
  • 06 HYDRATE
  • 07 PROTECT
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FAQs

What does Brightening Serum do?

Brightening Serum helps visibly fade dark spots and discoloration for brighter, more even-looking skin. Its blend of brightening ingredients targets stubborn uneven tone while hydrating skin.
Who is Brightening Serum best for?

Brightening Serum is especially helpful if dark spots or uneven pigmentation remain a concern despite a consistent skincare routine. Think of it as a targeted booster alongside your daily vitamin C and SPF when discoloration needs extra attention.
What makes Brightening Serum different from a general brightening serum?

Brightening Serum combines kojic acid, alpha-arbutin, azelaic acid, bearberry, and licorice root in one hydrating formula. This combination provides targeted care for stubborn dark spots and uneven tone while helping keep skin hydrated.
What is the difference between Liquid Gold and Brightening Serum?

Liquid Gold is Barefaced’s vitamin C serum for antioxidant protection, brightness, hydration, and glow. Brightening Serum targets the appearance of dark spots and uneven tone. We recommend pairing them as the Brightening Duo for daily antioxidant support and targeted dark spot care to help skin look brighter and more even.
How much Brightening Serum should I use, and when should I apply it?

Apply 1–3 pumps of Brightening Serum to your face, neck, and chest after Liquid Gold, if used, and before Overachiever and moisturizer. Start every other morning, increase to daily after one week, then twice daily as tolerated. Always finish your morning routine with SPF.
Should I apply Brightening Serum all over or only to dark spots?

Apply Brightening Serum across your face, neck, and chest, rather than only dabbing it onto individual dark spots. Follow the recommended 1–3 pump application and increase frequency gradually as tolerated.
When should I expect results with Brightening Serum?

Brightening Serum works gradually with consistent use. Allow approximately 12 weeks to assess changes in the appearance of dark spots and uneven tone, and wear SPF daily. Individual results vary.
Can I use Brightening Serum with prescription treatments for dark spots?

Brightening Serum may fit into your routine alongside a prescription treatment, depending on your prescribed regimen. Consult your prescribing provider for any specific concerns about using them together.
How do I apply my products?

Apply skincare products from thinnest to thickest: cleanse, exfoliate if scheduled, apply serums, then moisturize. Finish with sunscreen in the morning, and follow each treatment product’s specific directions. For a step-by-step guide, read How to Layer Your Skincare Products.
Is this product considered pregnancy or nursing-friendly?

We recommend consulting your healthcare provider for any specific concerns.
What is your Shipping and Returns policy?

Orders are processed Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and major holidays. Standard shipping typically takes 5–7 business days; Alaska and Hawaii may take longer. Full-price items in new or gently used condition may be returned by mail within 30 days of purchase, with some returns subject to a $9.95 handling fee. Select products and merchandise are final sale. See our Shipping + Returns policy for full details.

Overall rating: 4.7994814 / 5 from 1157 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

This brightening serum is praised for its ability to visibly fade dark spots and improve skin texture, with customers noting its lightweight feel and noticeable results. The product's consistency and texture are also highly appreciated, contributing to its overall effectiveness in restoring skin's natural luminosity.

Summary topics

  • Feels (8%): Customers keep praising how this product feels on their skin, describing it as great, perfect, lightweight, and nice.
  • Liquid Gold (4%): Customers appreciated the Liquid Gold for its game changer and its ability to manage dark spots.
  • Results (9%): Customers appreciated the results, with many stating that they have seen noticeable improvements in their skin.
  • Consistency (4%): It was reported by customers that the consistency of the product is great, with many expressing their love for it.

Review topics: ["color","smell","weight","issues","results","feels","improvement","price","skin","packaging","texture","shipping","looks","spots","consistency","serum","face","glow","acne","difference","compliments","reduction","bottle","addition","complexion","patches","magic","use","redness","irritation"].

Review highlights

  • "I am loving the texture results, my skin is soft and feels more comfortable (ie not dried out)." — Caitlin Z.
  • "Skin feels smooth and can tell tone is more even after a few weeks, but looking forward to seeing long term results." — allison t.
  • "My skin is more bright and smooth and dark spots from the sun are nearly gone!" — Erica M.

Reviews

Helped lighten my sun damage and dark spots!

"This brightening serum has helped lighten my dark spots and sun damage along my cheeks, side of forehead, and chin!"

— Amanda W. (5/5)

New staple!

"With any breakout I get that annoying post breakout pigment that just stays there forever. This has been so helpful in combination with the vitamin C! It takes time but I am slowly seeing my dark spots starting to fade."

— Sara J. (5/5)

Improved skin tone

"I am not a makeup girly, so Barefaced has helped me to look my best and still avoid makeup. I like the brightening serum as it gives my skin a natural glow."

— Jessica D. (5/5)

The best!

"Love this serum, I’ve noticed a huge difference in my skin since I started using it."

— Lauren Q. (5/5)

Changing my skin by the day

"My skin is absolutely glowing since adding in brightening serum. I love it so much. I haven’t noticed lightening of dark spots just but it’s only been a few weeks."

— Lisa R. (5/5)

Brightening Serum is great!

"Brightening Serum is great. I would highly recommend over any other product. It makes a huge difference in my complexion."

— Amy B. (5/5)

Helping my dark spots

"Just finished my first bottle and repurchased immediately. I can tell already my dark spots are going away and improving."

— Hannah (5/5)

Brightening Serum

"I use this once a day. I use at night. Sometimes it is drying to the skin around my mouth. I definitely recommend adding it to your routine and if you need to skip a day that’s ok!"

— Jodi C. (5/5)

No breakouts

"I’ve tried hundreds of brightening products and this is by far my favorite! No breakouts"

— Kate H. (5/5)

LOVE THIS

"A little too early to see full results, but the results so far are looking great."

— Ashley R. (5/5)

Q&A

Does Brightening Serum contain essential oils?
Hi Amy! Brightening Serum does not contain essential oils. It’s formulated to be gentle and suitable for sensitive skin, focusing on brightening ingredients (like arbutin + antioxidants) without fragrance or essential oils. You can find a full list of ingredients on the product page for your reference as well. Please feel free to reach out to us at hello@barefaced.com with any additional questions, we're happy to help!
Does the Brightening Serum contain Vitamin C?
Hi Stephanie! No, Brightening Serum does not contain Vitamin C. It focuses on ingredients like arbutin + antioxidants to help even tone. Liquid Gold is our Vitamin C product.
is this more for acne scarring or will it help severe sun damage and melasma? what is the percent of arbutin
Hi Stacy! Thanks so much for your question! While the exact percentages of ingredients in our formulas are proprietary, we can share that our products are designed with clinically effective levels to help visibly improve the look of dark spots and uneven tone when used consistently. That said, for more severe pigmentation or melasma, we always recommend seeing a trusted local provider for in-office treatments that can safely target deeper discoloration. Brightening Serum is also best when used conjunction with Liquid Gold, one individual treatment product is not going to reduce pigmentation on its own. Please feel free to reach out to us at hello@barefaced.com with any additional questions, we're happy to help!
what is the perfect of kojic acid in this? is this the best option for severe sun damage and melasma?
Hi Mary! Thanks so much for your question! While the exact percentages of ingredients like kojic acid in our formulas are proprietary, we can share that our products are designed with clinically effective levels to help visibly improve the look of dark spots and uneven tone when used consistently. That said, for more severe pigmentation or melasma, we always recommend seeing a trusted local provider for in-office treatments that can safely target deeper discoloration. Brightening Serum is also best when used conjunction with Liquid Gold, one individual treatment product is not going to reduce pigmentation on its own. Please feel free to reach out to us at hello@barefaced.com with any additional questions, we're happy to help!
hi, what is the order for this serum, liquid gold , overachiever and retinal therapy and hydrating moisturizer thanks!
Hi Stacy! Thanks for reaching out! You'll apply your products thinnest to thickest, so cleanse, Toning Pads, Liquid Gold, Brightening Serum, Overachiever, RetinAL, and Hydrating Lotion. Please let us know if you have any other questions!

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