Brightening serums are skincare products specifically formulated to address uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and dullness. These serums contain potent ingredients that work together to diminish the appearance of dark spots, enhance overall radiance, and promote a more luminous complexion. Whether you struggle with sun damage, age spots, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a brightening serum can help you achieve a more even and glowing skin tone.
The key to the effectiveness of brightening serums lies in their powerful ingredients, such as vitamin C, licorice extract, niacinamide, and alpha arbutin. These serums work by inhibiting melanin production, the pigment responsible for dark spots, promoting collagen synthesis and providing antioxidant protection. With regular use, brightening serums can help fade existing dark spots, prevent new ones from forming, and leave your skin looking revitalized and radiant. Here are the 10 best brightening serums in Malaysia.
Who Should Use Brightening Serums?
Brightening serums can benefit individuals with various skin concerns, including sun damage, age spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or an overall dull complexion. Whether you have specific dark spots you want to fade or you want to achieve a more radiant and even skin tone, incorporating a brightening serum into your skincare routine can help you achieve these goals. Still, it is always recommended to check the specific product instructions or consult a dermatologist for personalized advice based on your skin’s needs.
Which Ingredients Are Commonly Found in Brightening Serums?
Brightening serums often contain various ingredients that work wonders to address skin discolouration and promote a more even complexion. Some common ingredients found in brightening serums include:
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is beneficial for brightening the skin because it inhibits melanin production, the pigment responsible for dark spots and uneven skin tone. It also promotes collagen synthesis, improving skin texture and giving the complexion a more radiant and youthful appearance. - Licorice Extract
Licorice extract contains compounds that help inhibit the enzyme involved in melanin production, reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It also has soothing properties that can help calm and even out the skin tone, resulting in a more luminous and even complexion. - Niacinamide
Niacinamide is good for brightening the skin as it helps to reduce the production of melanin, leading to a more even skin tone and a reduction in hyperpigmentation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help smooth the skin, promoting a brighter and more radiant complexion. - Alpha Arbutin
Alpha arbutin is a skin-brightening ingredient derived from the bearberry plant. It works by inhibiting melanin production in the skin, effectively reducing the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Due to its gentle nature, it is often used in skincare products to address pigmentation concerns without irritation.
Find out more products that can help brighten your skin tone:
10 Best Brightening Serums in Malaysia 2025
1. Eucerin Spotless Brightening Booster Serum
Eucerin Spotless Brightening Booster Serum is formulated with patented Thiamidol, which has been clinically proven to reduce dark spots by 75% without laser treatment. You can expect a visibly more radiant and even complexion in as little as two weeks. The upgraded formula features a Pro-Brightening system to help prevent the return of dark spots, while the non-greasy and fast-absorbing serum leaves a light fragrance.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Aqua, Alcohol Denat, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Octocrylene, Isopropyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Distarch Phosphate, Methylpropanediol, Isobutylamido Thiazolyl Resorcinol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract, Tocopherol, Glucosylrutin, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Dimethicone, Isoquercitrin, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Trisodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
- Size: 30ml
- Country Of Origin: Germany
Pros:
✅ Non-greasy formula
✅ Prevents the return of dark spots,
✅ Radiant skin in 2 weeks
Price: RM188.10 – RM209.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
2. La Roche-Posay Pure Niacinamide 10 Serum
La Roche-Posay Pure Niacinamide 10 Serum is formulated with 10% pure Niacinamide to address various skin concerns such as dark spots, marks, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. It works by targeting micro-inflammation, a common trigger for pigmentary disorders, and helps regulate melanin production. This hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic serum is suitable for all skin types, including oily skin, and has been rigorously tested under dermatological control.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Aqua / Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Dimethicone, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Octyldodecanol, Peg-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Tin Oxide, Sorbitan Oleate, Dimethiconol, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Isohexadecane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Poloxamer 338, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Disodium Edta, Isopropyl Myristate, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 80, Acrylamide/sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Ci 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, Parfum / Fragrance
- Size: 30ml
- Country Of Origin: France
Pros:
✅ Tackles uneven skin tone
✅ Helps regulate melanin production
✅ Suitable for all skin types
Price: RM169.90
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
3. Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster is a potent serum with a high vitamin C concentration along with antioxidants and nourishing ingredients. This powerful combination works synergistically to enhance the appearance of uneven skin tone, revive a dull complexion, and protect the skin from environmental damage. It is suitable for all skin types and quickly absorbs into the skin, leaving it with a radiant and healthier complexion.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Water, Ascorbic Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, PPG-26 Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Tocopherol, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Glycerin, Panthenol, Sodium Metabisulfite, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol
- Size: 20ml
- Country Of Origin: United States
Pros:
✅ Quickly absorbs into the skin
✅ Protects the skin from environmental damage
✅ Revives a dull complexion
Price: RM229.50
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
4. Biotherm Life Plankton Elixir Anti-Aging Serum
Biotherm Life Plankton Elixir Anti-Aging Serum is a brightening serum that combines vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and Life Plankton to hydrate and revitalise the skin. This serum focuses on addressing dehydration and reducing the visibility of fine lines, providing intense hydration and promoting smoother, firmer, and more resilient skin. Suitable for all skin types, it has clinically proven results, showing a 52% increase in radiance after just one week.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Aqua, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat, Dimethicone, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Octyldodecanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Vitreoscilla Ferment, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, Peg-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Dehyded Ethylenediamine Trisodium, Pentylene Glycol, Faex Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Salycyloyl Phytosphingosine, Tocopherol, Parfum Hyaluronic Acid
- Size: 30ml
- Country Of Origin: France
Pros:
✅ Revitalises the skin
✅ Reduces the visibility of fine lines
✅ Increases radiance after one week
Price: RM270.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
5. Uriage Dépiderm Brightening Corrective Serum
Uriage Dépiderm Brightening Corrective Serum is designed to address multiple skin concerns effectively. It works to smooth facial features and visibly reduce wrinkles and fine lines while providing essential hydration for a revitalised and comfortable feel. This serum also targets dark spots, promoting a radiant and even-toned complexion. It can be applied morning and/or night on clean and toned skin.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Aqua (Water, Eau), Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Ptfe, Butylene Glycol, Diglycerin, Glycerin, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Peg,20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Maltodextrin, 1,2,Hexanediol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Creatine, Dimethicone, Peg,40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Sucrose Dilaurate, Chlorphenesin, Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Hydroxide, Acrylates/C10,30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Niacinamide, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, O,Cymen,5,Ol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract, Biosaccharide Gum,1, Mica, Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Citric Acid, Tocopherol
- Size: 30ml
- Country Of Origin: France
Pros:
✅ Smoothens facial features
✅ Visibly reduce wrinkles
✅ Targets dark spots
Price: RM142.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
6. Melvita Nectar De Lumiere Brightening Expert Serum
Melvita Nectar De Lumiere Brightening Expert Serum is infused with iridescent algae, which provides a brightening effect and helps illuminate the complexion by targeting dark spots. The activated vitamin C treats spots at all stages of their formation and fades existing spots, addressing issues like brown spots, sun spots, acne traces, and age spots. It offers benefits such as correcting and fading dark spots, increasing brightness by 27%, improving the uniformity of the complexion by 28%, and reducing the appearance of dark spots by 18%.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Silica, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Cystoseira Tamariscifolia Extract, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xanthan Gum, Laur Oyl Lysine, Sodium Citrate, Arachidyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Caprylate, Xylitol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Glucose, Citric Acid, Perfume/fragrance – Behenyl Alcohol, Linalool, Limonene, Citronellol
- Size: 30ml
- Country Of Origin: France
Pros:
✅ Provides a brightening effect
✅ Fades existing dark spots
✅ Increases brightness
Price: RM270.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
7. NEOGEN DERMALOGY Real Niacinamide 15% Serum
NEOGEN DERMALOGY Real Niacinamide 15% Serum has a strong 15% niacinamide concentration, known for effectively dealing with skin freckles. Combined with arbutin, ferulic acid, and vitamin B, it works together to target skin imperfections on the surface and within deeper layers. This leaves your complexion even and vibrant by smoothing out uneven skin tone. The serum also uses niacinamide and zinc to control oil, minimising pores and reducing blackheads and whiteheads.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Water, Niacinamide (150,000Ppm), Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polysorbate 60, Propanediol, Bisabolol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Tromethamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Ceramide NP, Riboflavin, Arbutin, Thiamine Hcl, Panthenol, Zinc Pca, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pyridoxine Hcl, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Silica
- Size: 30ml
- Country Of Origin: South Korea
Pros:
✅ Targets skin imperfections
✅ Smooths out uneven skin tone
✅ Minimises pores
Price: RM108.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
8. Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency 9.8% Glycolic Acid
Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency 9.8% Glycolic Acid is formulated to enhance the skin’s radiance and reduce the appearance of pores. With a concentrated 9.8% Glycolic Acid, this potent formula helps refine the skin’s texture, resulting in a glowing complexion. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, and is free of fragrance and colourants for optimal skin absorption and efficacy. It can also renew skin in three days and visibly reduce pores in four weeks.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat. , Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethylcellulose
- Size: 30ml
- Country Of Origin: United States
Pros:
✅ Enhances the skin’s radiance
✅ Reduces the appearance of pores
✅ Free of fragrance
Price: RM126.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
9. dermalogica AGE bright clearing serum
dermalogica AGE bright clearing serum is a two-in-one serum that targets breakouts and visible signs of ageing. It contains Salicylic Acid to clear and helps prevent breakouts while also exfoliating the skin and accelerating cell turnover to reduce the appearance of ageing. The serum’s AGE Bright™ Complex works with the skin’s natural microbiome to promote clearer and brighter skin, while Phytoactives from Resurrection Plant provide hydration and smoothness.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Salicylic Acid (2.0%), Water/Aqua/Eau, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Lentinus Edodes Mycelium Extract, Glyceryl Glucoside, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Phytic Acid, Terpineol, Thymol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Polydextrose, Glycerin, Dextrin, Amylopectin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Isoamyl Laurate, Phenoxyethanol
- Size: 50ml
- Country Of Origin: United States
Pros:
✅ Targets breakouts
✅ Reduces the appearance of ageing
✅ Promotes brighter skin
Price: RM379.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
10. skincode Essentials Alpine White Brightening Total Clarity Serum
skincode Essentials Alpine White Brightening Total Clarity Serum is a lightweight and hydrating serum that addresses multiple skin concerns, including age spots, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone. It combines the healing properties of CM-Glucan, the brightening effects of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), and an Alpine Plant Derived Complex to effectively treat problem areas and improve the appearance of pigmentation and other imperfections. This multi-tasking serum promotes a clearer and more even complexion.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, Peg-8, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-glucan, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Primula Veris Extract, Veronica Officinalis Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Sodium Polyacrylate, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Cetyl Alcohol, Caffeine, Disodium Edta, Trideceth-6, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Phospholipids, Pentadecalactone, Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin
- Size: 30ml
- Country Of Origin: Switzerland
Pros:
✅ Lightweight
✅ Contains brightening effects
✅ Promotes even complexion
Price: RM300.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.asia. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
