Pigmentation can be a stubborn issue, often a souvenir of too much sun or a reminder that our skin changes as we age.
Enter the world of facial serums – the high achievers of the skin care realm. Unlike their skin care counterparts, serums are known for their ability to deliver a high concentration of active ingredients directly into the skin. This makes them particularly effective in addressing specific concerns like pigmentation. They’re like precision tools in your beauty arsenal, designed to target problem areas with potent ingredients and innovative formulas.
In this guide, we’ll explore a curated selection of serums that are specifically designed to combat pigmentation. Whether you’re looking to fade sun-induced dark spots, even out hormonal skin discolourations, or simply achieve a more radiant complexion, there’s likely a serum here that’s tailored to your needs.
2024’s top 3 serums for pigmentation
Aspect Pigment Punch, $155, Adore Beauty
No7 Radiance+ 15% Vitamin C Serum, $34.99, Priceline
Aesthetics RX Ultimate Serum Brightening Exfoliant, $119, Adore Beauty
Dr. LeWinn’s Serum Series Glow
Enriched with antioxidants and vitamins, this serum is formulated to boost skin radiance and combat dullness. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to restore a youthful, glowing complexion.
Key features:
- 30mL size
- Vitamin C is combined with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid for a gentle brightening effect
Available at:
- $74.95 from Adore Beauty
- $74.95 from Activeskin
- $74.95 from Dr LeWinn’s
Aesthetics RX Ultimate Serum Brightening Exfoliant
This serum boasts a blend of powerful AHAs and BHAs, which exfoliate and help to remove dead skin cells to reveal a brighter complexion. It is especially effective in reducing dark spots and enhancing overall skin luminosity.
Key features:
- 30mL size
- Cruelty-free
- Brightening niacinamide
- Exfoliating AHA and BHAs
Available at:
- $119 from Adore Beauty
- $119 from AestheticsRX
No7 Radiance+ 15% Vitamin C Serum
This serum boasts a high concentration of vitamin C, which is known for its brightening properties. It helps improve overall skin tone and is particularly effective in enhancing skin radiance. Bonus: you can’t beat its affordable price tag!
Key features:
- 30mL size
- 15 per cent vitamin C concentration
- Cruelty-free
Available at:
- $34.99 from Priceline
Image Skincare ILUMA Intense Brightening Serum
A formulation rich in botanical lighteners and vitamin C, this serum targets dark spots and uneven skin tone. The powerful antioxidant helps to enhance radiance over time, leaving skin with a luminous glow.
Key features:
- 27mL size
- Cruelty-free
- Vectorize Technology® delivers a slow release of ingredients over 48 hours
Available at:
- $109.95 from Image Skincare
- $109.95 from Oz Hair & Beauty
- $129.95 from Skinmart
Viviology Niacinamide HA Serum
Combining niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, this serum not only addresses uneven skin tone,it also provides deep hydration. It’s ideal for anyone looking to treat pigmentation while keeping their skin moisturised and supple.
Key features:
- 30mL size
- 7 per cent niacinamide concentration
- Cruelty-free
Available at:
- $55 from Adore Beauty
- $49 from Viviology
Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Serum
Infused with niacinamide and shiitake mushroom, this serum stands out for its ability to diminish dark spots and promote a uniform skin tone. It offers noticeable results in reducing pigmentation and enhancing skin clarity.
Key features:
- 30mL size
- Cruelty-free
- Niacinamide and hexylresorcinol help to lighten dark spots
Available at:
- $117.66 from Activeskin
- $144.10 from Adore Beauty
- $121.63 from Skinmart
- $159 from Dermalogica
NeoStrata Enlighten Illuminating Serum
This serum combines neoglucosamine, a non-acid amino sugar, with brightening agents to help reduce the appearance of existing dark spots and prevent new ones. It is particularly effective for those seeking to combat hyperpigmentation.
Key features:
- 30mL size
- 6 per cent neoglucosamine and 4 per cent niacinamide
Available at:
- $65.49 from Chemist Warehouse
Aspect Pigment Punch
A blend of vitamin C, peptides, and botanical extracts make this serum a formidable weapon against hyperpigmentation. It aims to brighten the skin and address various forms of discolouration.
Key features:
- 30mL size
- Tyrostat-11 (blend of vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid, and rumex occidentalis) targets pigmentation
Available at:
- $155 from Adore Beauty
- $155 from Skinmart
Olay Luminous Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum
A synergistic blend of niacinamide and vitamin C characterises this serum. It is designed to reduce the appearance of dark spots and enhance overall skin brightness, making it a versatile choice for various skin types.
Key features:
- 30mL size
- 99 per cent pure niacinamide concentration
Available at:
- $35.99 from Chemist Warehouse
- $59.99 from Priceline
- $26.06 from Amazon Australia
How often and when to apply vitamin C?
When incorporating a vitamin C serum into your skin care routine, it’s important to use it consistently and correctly to reap the maximum benefits. Generally, vitamin C serums can be applied once or twice daily. However, if you have sensitive skin or are using a particularly high concentration, you might want to start with a night time application to assess how your skin reacts.
Always apply the serum to clean, dry skin, and follow it with a moisturiser to lock in the serum and hydrate the skin.
Related articles:
- An Expert Guide To Fading And Treating Skin Pigmentation
- 7 Ways To Effectively Prevent And Treat Hyperpigmentation
- 5 Easy Ways To Improve Skin Pigmentation
Main image credit: Getty
Vitamin C and niacinamide are great ingredients.
I am finding that.
Pigmentation is not an issue for me, but it’s good to know how to fight against it
Oh I didn’t know that no.7 has a 15% Vit C serum. They seem to be doing good things with actives
These look like great products but are all pretty expensive.
Yes most outside my budget
I am currently using the Olay one and loving it.
Vit C takes a long time to fade pigmentation. I prefer to use stronger ingredients. Some of these are probably still worth checking out.
What stronger ingredients do you suggest please?
Hydroquinone
I can’t seem to tolerate vit c on my skin and most of these serums are expensive
these are exciting serums to know about!!
I should add this as an extra step
I currently use John Plunkett’s Supa Fade when I get a mark that I want removed. My pale skin marks after a breakout.
I’ve just finished a bottle of Jojoba Glow Potion which I really liked. I now have two bottles in my stash to choose from – Liberty Belle Rx and also RoC 20% Vitamin C.
I’ve recently begun wondering if my serums are effective at all.
Sometimes it is difficult to tell, just hope for the best.
Yes I am the same
Not an issue for me but I do use a vitamin C serum in the morning
I’d love to try all of these. I have some pigmentation and freckles from not wearing SPF when younger, which don’t look cute. I’ve only tried the Olay serum out of these but hated it. Love the Garnier Vitamin C serum for a nice glow. Currently trialing Neutrogena Hydro Boost Niacinamide Serum and a sample of SkinCeuticals Vitamin C serum. I’d pour bleach on my face if it lightened my skin back to normal without damage lol 😂
I’ve had good results with Paula’s Choice in the past too, but forgot which products I used now 😔 L’Oreal serum was nice too.
I love DrLe Winns products but a little on the expensive side.
Luckily not an issue for me.
Some of these might come in handy, noticed a bit of pigmentation
Of all the Vitamin C serums I’ve tried, only the Essano one doesn’t make my blemish-prone skin breakout, so I’m not game to try anything else.
Dr Lewinns looks new and exciting
I’m using a VitC serum every morning at the moment
I think all of these needs to go in my cart right now!
My problem is more uneven skin tone than pigmentation per se.
I really need such products in my skin care routine
I have tried Olay Vitamin C Super serum. My skin love it.