10 best serums for glowing skin: Top picks for even-toned and bright skin
A serum for glowing skin can improve texture and contribute to healthier skin. Here are top picks for every skin type.
Our Pick
FAQs
Our Picks
| Product | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Derma Co 10% Vitamin C Face Serum|With Vitamin C,5% Niacinamide & Hyaluronic Acid|Fades Dark Spots|Reduces Pigmentation|Boosts Collagen|Brightens Skin|Suitable For All Skin Types|30 ml View Details  | ₹571 | |
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| Mamaearth Vitamin C Daily Glow Face Serum View Details | | |
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| Dr. Sheths Non-Irritating Ceramide & 10% Vitamin C Ampoule Serum | Reduces Dullness & Dark Spots | Brightens & Repairs Skin Barrier | For Beginners | 99% Pure Grade Vitamin C | All Skin Types | 30 ml View Details | ₹559 | |
| | | |
| Aqualogica Glow+ 30X* Vitamin C Hydrating Essence Serum- 50ml | Brightens Skin I Power of 30X* Vitamin C I Lightweight & Non-sticky | For Men and Women View Details | ₹551 | |
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| The Derma Co. 2% Kojic Acid Face Serum View Details | | |
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| LOreal Paris Glycolic Bright 8% [Melasyl + Niacinamide] Face Serum View Details | | |
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| Minimalist Dull Skin, Dark Spots & Uneven Tone Treatment 10% Vitamin C Face Serum | Formulated & Tested for Sensitive Skin with Ethyl Ascorbic Acid & Pha | All Skin Types|For Men & Women | 30Ml View Details | ₹664 | |
| | | |
| Deconstruct 10% Vitamin C Serum | Non-Irritating & Non-Sticky | Tested for Oily, Sensitive Skin | Beginner-Friendly| Brightens Dull Skin, Evens Tone | No Purging | With 0.5% Ferulic Acid| 20ml View Details | ₹458 | |
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| Garnier Skin Naturals Brightening And Anti-Dark Spots Bright Complete Vitamin C Booster Serum (7ml) View Details | ₹129 | |
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| LAKMÉ Vitamin C+ Day Cream 50 g, Night Cream 50 g and Serum 30 ml View Details | ₹1,370 | |
| | |
Luminous complexion is often the first sign of healthy skin. Face serums have become the go-to solution for achieving radiant skin with their concentrated ingredients and fast-absorbing formulas. From brightening dull skin to evening out pigmentation and boosting hydration, the right serum for glowing skin can deliver visible results with consistent use.
Vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid are among the most popular ingredients that help revive tired, lacklustre skin and bring back its natural glow. With so many serums targeting glow and radiance, finding the perfect one can feel overwhelming. But we have done the hard work for you. Explore this list of the best serums for glowing skin and boost your skin health.
10 serums for glowing skin
Face serum is a revitalising and invigorating treatment that can leave your skin feeling and look its best, as per the Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics. Here are top options for you:
Powered by 10% vitamin C and 5% niacinamide, this serum for glowing skin helps fade dark spots, correct pigmentation, and brighten dull skin. It contains hyaluronic acid and ferulic acid to boost hydration and enhances antioxidant benefits. Ideal for oily skin, it promotes collagen production and skin firmness over time. With regular use, this improves skin tone and texture, revealing a more even and radiant complexion that feels smooth and refreshed.
Reasons to buy
High-strength formula for glow and even tone
Reasons to avoid
May oxidise quickly
not ideal for very sensitive skin
Customers' feedback: This serum for glowing skin is great for brightness. Some mentioned that it felt greasy for very oily skin.
Enriched with 50x vitamin C and 5% niacinamide, this lightweight serum for glowing skin targets dark spots, dullness, and uneven skin tone. This serum contains turmeric and natural antioxidants to add anti-inflammatory benefits and boost skin radiance. The formula absorbs quickly, suits all skin types, and layers well under moisturiser and sunscreen. With daily use, it works to restore natural glow and improve skin clarity, which makes it a gentle pick for a beginner-friendly routine.
Reasons to buy
Gentle formula with natural actives
Absorbs well
Reasons to avoid
Small bottle
May not suit acne-prone skin
Customers' feedback: This best serum for glowing skin is appreciated for smooth texture. However, results may vary for sensitive skin.
Combining 99% pure-grade vitamin C with 1% ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this serum for glowing skin is ideal for brightening and barrier repair. It reduces dark spots and pigmentation while reinforcing skin’s moisture barrier. The stable Ethyl Ascorbic Acid form ensures potent results without irritating sensitive skin. Clean, fragrance-free, and beginner-friendly, this product works well for those seeking a balanced serum that hydrates, evens tone, and improves overall skin texture.
Reasons to buy
Perfect for sensitive skin
Perfect for beginners
Reasons to avoid
May offer slower results on deep pigmentation
Customers' feedback: Customers reported that this face serum for glowing was gentle and helped in improving texture. It was found to be good for dry skin types.
Infused with papaya and 30X vitamin C, this water-based essence serum for glowing skin, brightens skin, reduces dark spots, and leaves your face hydrated and fresh. This essence contains hyaluronic acid that adds a plumping effect while locking in moisture. Its lightweight, non-sticky formula is ideal for daily use and absorbs effortlessly. Made for all genders and skin types, this best serum for dry skin for glow is vegan, cruelty-free, and layers beautifully with other products in your routine.
Reasons to buy
Great value hydrating + brightening combo
Reasons to avoid
Not very effective for stubborn pigmentation
Customers' feedback: Customers loved the effectiveness and feel of the best face serum for glowing skin.
The Derma Co Serum is formulated with kojic acid and alpha arbutin to tackle pigmentation, dark spots, and acne marks. It penetrates deeply to brighten and even out skin tone without feeling greasy. Moreover, quick absorption makes it ideal for oily and combination skin types. With daily use, this serum for glowing skin improves clarity and skin texture. The minimalist formula delivers visible results, especially on patchy or post-acne discolouration with consistent application.
Reasons to buy
Ideal for pigmentation and uneven tone
Reasons to avoid
May cause irritation on sensitive or damaged skin
Customers' feedback: Customers mentioned that this serum works for many on-sites. However, it is important to perform patch tests before using if you have sensitive skin.
L'Oreal Paris Bright 8% Serum is packed with 1% glycolic acid and 2% niacinamide, which can target dullness, melanin buildup, and uneven tone. It gently exfoliates, encourages cell turnover, and visibly reduces dark spots within four weeks. Ideal for daily use, this serum brightens skin and promotes radiance while keeping the texture smooth and refined. Its lightweight formula suits most skin types and works well under moisturiser for a fresher, more luminous look.
Reasons to buy
Fast-acting spot corrector
Dermatologist-backed
Reasons to avoid
Some users reported rashes or acne
Customers' feedback: Customers loved the glow and texture of the best serum for glowing skin in India. However, it received mixed views on smell and price.
Minimalist offers a serum for glowing skin that contains 10% ethyl ascorbic acid and Centella water, which may deliver stable, non-irritating vitamin C to brighten skin and fight dullness. It also contains acetyl glucosamine that enhances hydration and exfoliation for smoother texture. It's hypoallergenic, oil-free, and fragrance-free, which makes it perfect for sensitive skin types. Regular use of this serum may help fade pigmentation and improve tone without harsh side effects, offering a balanced solution for those new to actives or prone to irritation.
Reasons to buy
Great for sensitive skin
High-quality ingredients
Reasons to avoid
May cause breakouts on acne-prone skin
Customers' feedback: Customers mentioned that this product may brighten skin well. However, some found it underwhelming for dark spots.
With a thoughtful blend of vitamin C and ferulic acid, this water-based serum brightens dull skin, fades pigmentation, and offers antioxidant protection. This lightweight and non-sticky formula suits oily, sensitive, and beginner skin types. It helps even out skin tone while shielding against environmental stressors. The gentle formulation may reduce the risk of purging and leave your skin feeling hydrated, clear, and refreshed with consistent and daily use.
Reasons to buy
Beginner-friendly and gentle
Non-sticky finish
Reasons to avoid
May take time for stubborn pigmentation
Customers' feedback: Customers praised the calming texture of this serum for glowing skin. It is good for daily use for people with oily skin.
9.
Garnier Skin Naturals Brightening And Anti-Dark Spots Bright Complete Vitamin C Booster Serum (7ml)
Powered by 30X vitamin C, 2% niacinamide, and lemon extracts, this budget-friendly serum for glowing skin tackles dark spots and uneven skin. Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly and works well for both men and women. When used twice daily, it delivers a visible glow within a week. Moreover, it is suitable for most skin types, which may improve tone and brightness, especially when used alongside the Garnier Bright Complete skincare range.
Reasons to buy
Affordable and fast-acting on spots
Reasons to avoid
Can cause pimples on oily/acne-prone skin
Customers' feedback: Customers liked how this serum offered quick results. However, some reported active breakouts.
Lakme 9to5 Vitamin C+ Serum contains kakadu plum, a superfruit rich in vitamin C, which may reduce dullness, smoothen skin, and defend against pollution and sun damage. The non-greasy, lightweight formula absorbs fast and layers easily under make-up or sunscreen. Ideal for those seeking a beginner-friendly glow-booster, this serum for glowing skin supports skin barrier health and delivers hydration without irritation, which makes it a reliable everyday serum for nourishment and glow.
Reasons to buy
Great starter vitamin C serum
Good for daily use
Reasons to avoid
May be too mild for heavy pigmentation
Customers' feedback: Customers appreciated the feel and non-irritant formula of this serum for glowing skin. It is well-loved for its scent.
What are the benefits of using a serum for glowing skin?
1. Boosts radiance: The best face serum for glowing skin are packed with active ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide that help brighten dull skin and enhance natural glow.
2. Even skin tone: Regular use of the best serum for glowing skin can fade dark spots,
pigmentation, and blemishes. This can lead to a more uniform complexion.
3. Hydrates deeply: Many serums for glowing skin contain hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which draw moisture into the skin to improve suppleness and glow.
4. Improves texture: Most of the serums are lightweight and fast-absorbing, which can smooth rough patches and refine pores for a soft, polished look. The serum, wash, and moisturiser combo improves photodamaged skin, fine lines, and wrinkles with visible results in four weeks, as per the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
5. Fights free radical damage: These antioxidant-rich serums can protect the skin from environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution to prevent dullness.
6. Supports collagen production: Enriched with ingredients like vitamin C and retinol, these serums can stimulate collagen to improve skin firmness and youthful appearance.
How to choose the best serums for glowing skin?
1. Identify your skin type:Before choosing the right serum for glowing skin, understand your skin as it can help you pick the best base-gel for oily skin, creamy for dry and fragrance-free option for sensitive skin.
2. Check for ingredients: Look for active ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, or licorice extract, which can reduce pigmentation and enhance skin’s natural glow.
3. Look for hydrating agents: Serums with hyaluronic acid and glycerin attract moisture to skin, which can keep it plump, smooth, and radiant throughout the day.
4. Choose the right concentration: Beginners should start with lower concentrations of actives (5-10%) to avoid irritation and allow the skin to build tolerance gradually.
5. Avoid harsh additives: Stay away from serums with alcohol, synthetic fragrances, or
parabens, especially if your skin is sensitive or acne-prone.
6. Pick stable packaging: Choose serums that come in dark glass bottles or airtight pumps, especially for vitamin C, to prevent oxidation and preserve potency.
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- Which ingredients should I look for in a glow-boosting serum?
Vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid are key ingredients that brighten skin, fade spots, and deeply hydrate. These help to achieve glow skin.
- Can I use a serum daily for glowing skin?
Yes, most glow serums are safe for daily use in the morning or night, if they suit your skin type and condition.
- How do I know if a serum suits my skin type?
Always perform patch tests first. Choose gel-based for oily skin, creamier textures for dry skin, and fragrance-free for sensitive types.
- Do serums work better than creams for glow?
Serums have smaller molecules and higher actives, which allow deeper penetration for faster, visible glow compared to most face creams.
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