The best radiance serums to brighten dull skin | Our top picks
Skin acts as the body's first line of defence, protecting it against many external factors. Therefore, taking good care of our skin and striving to keep it healthy and radiant is vital. We all aspire to have glowing skin and this is partly due to its strong connection within the health and beauty industry, and the world of celebrity.
Radiance serums are beneficial in this regard, as they focus on brightening dull skin to create a healthy glow. However, when choosing brightening and radiance serums, it is important to be aware of certain characteristics, their key ingredients (known as active ingredients), and potential side effects to find one suitable for your skin type.
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How does serum brighten skin?
Face serums, such as radiance and hydrating serums, are lightweight, concentrated formulas concocted to deliver active ingredients topically. With a high concentration of ingredients such as vitamin C, these serums target certain issues due to their molecular structure and penetrate the deepest layers to create a smooth complexion.
Brightening serums contain key ingredients targeting discolouration or pigmented areas that dull the skin, including common issues like redness. These hydrating elements can help soothe and improve skin tone, creating a youthful, healthy-looking glow and reducing blemishes on the face.
What are the key ingredients to look for in radiance and brightening serums?
With various options available, understanding the active ingredients can help you choose a serum. To help brighten dull skin and create a glow, look for these key ingredients in your next radiance serum:
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Vitamin C: This ingredient keeps the skin bright and clear by blocking further pigment production. Vitamin C is a common ingredient in radiance and other serums for different purposes. Try this Murad Vita-C Brightening Serum, featuring vitamin C and glycolic acid.
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Niacinamide: A construct of vitamin B3, niacinamide targets redness and enlarged pores, making it an ideal hero for those with oily skin. Similar to hyaluronic acid, this is a water-soluble moisturiser that helps correct uneven skin tone and promotes skin elasticity to make skin appear youthful. Try this Niacinamide Serum by The Inkey List if you have oily skin.
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Retinol: Perfect for anti-ageing in addition to dull skin, retinol helps increase cell turnover and prompts an exfoliation effect to make skin brighter and clearer. Try this La Roche-Posay Retinol Serum.
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Azelaic acid: This active ingredient has anti-inflammatory properties and is a natural skin brightener. Serums containing azelaic acid are often good for treating acne and rosacea, evening skin tone, and decreasing pigmentation.
Our top picks for brightening and radiance serums
At Meaghers Pharmacy, we stock the latest and greatest serums that tackle various skin types, address common skin issues, and overall help enhance a natural glow. Here are our top picks for brightening and radiance serums:
1. IMAGE ILuma Intense Brightening Serum 27ml
IMAGE Skincare offers a variety of products, including moisturisers and cleansers, that are popular amongst skincare experts and enthusiasts. IMAGE Skincare’s ILuma Brightening Serum addresses skin discolouration and redness to provide a soothing solution whilst brightening dull skin.
Price: €64.50
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2. La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Serum 30ml
La Roche-Posay's brightening serum is a top pick for all skin types, particularly those with sensitive skin. Their Vitamin C Serum helps keep skin looking radiant and creates even complexions no matter the concerns.
The hero ingredient of this radiance serum is ascorbic acid, also known as Vitamin C. This component helps boost the skin’s collagen production to create a more even tone, where Vitamin C and E work in harmony to provide protection and maintain a youthful glow.
Price: €46.00
Customer rating: 5/5
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3. Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Serum 30ml
Caudalie’s Vinoperfect Serum is a facial serum that helps prevent dark spots and improves radiance in the skin. Made with Viniferine, a Caudalie patented ingredient extracted from grapevine stalks, this serum tackles concerns, such as acne marks, scars, and sunspots, while hydrating and brightening the skin for a healthy glow.
This Brightening serum also contains Glycerin, a natural ingredient already present in the skin. Glycerin helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture into some of its deepest layers, adding further protection and creating a healthy-looking glow.
Price: €52.00
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4. Clarins Double Serum 30ml
If you would like to combine a radiance serum with anti-ageing properties, the Clarins Double Serum is perfect for you. This serum from Clarins contains 21 active plant extracts, including turmeric (a supreme anti-ageing agent), to make skin firmer and smooth out any signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Price: €130.00
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The best radiance serums for different skin types
With the huge variety of radiance serums available, you are guaranteed to find the perfect option for your skin. To find what skin type you have, wash your face and wait for 30 minutes, then inspect your skin in the mirror.
Browse through the different skin types below to find your perfect brightening and radiance serum:
Oily skin
Brightening serums are beneficial for creating a youthful appearance and helping those with oily skin types. Serums often contain water-based ingredients and can help keep the skin hydrated and soothed to reduce breakouts and enlarged pores.
Serums are also great for oily skin when applied during a night-time skincare regime. They can help reduce excess oiliness throughout the day.
Make sure to look for radiance serums containing hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid and niacinamide.
The best radiance serum for oily skin
Dry skin
Dry skin is common, and symptoms of dry skin include scaling, itching, and cracking. A serum can help add hydration, reduce redness, and create glowing skin. Avoid serums with harsh ingredients, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid.
Find out more about creating a routine for dry skin here.
Make sure to look for radiance serums containing anti-inflammatory properties and hyaluronic acid.
The best radiance serum for dry skin
Sensitive skin
Serums are extremely light on the skin, which is ideal for those with sensitive skin or those who suffer from issues like eczema, acne, and rosacea. Brightening serums can help reduce redness, soothe irritation, and help even out skin tone.
Look for serums containing aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and bisabolol.
The best radiance serum for sensitive skin
Frequently asked questions
How do you apply a face serum?
Dispense a small amount (pea-sized) into your palms and lightly press your face and neck, making outward and upward motions. Remember that a little goes a long way.
What other skincare products can be used along with radiance serums?
Finding a skincare routine that complements your skin type and the specific concerns you are looking to address can be difficult. Apply a cleanser and a water-based toner before a brightening serum to help hydrate and prepare the skin for the serum.
Ensure you give enough time after applying a serum for it to absorb into the skin and follow this with a moisturiser.
When should you use a radiance serum?
This simple routine can be used both in the morning and at night with slight adjustments. In the morning, follow the serum with a moisturiser and SPF to protect the skin from UV damage.
However, it is important to remember that certain active ingredients should not be mixed, as they can counteract each other. Make sure you check the ingredients of your skincare products carefully.
