Trying to brighten dark spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma and sun damage doesn’t get any easier with age—in fact, it tends to get more complicated. Stubborn spots may have been settling in for years, which means they’ll need some serious formulas to help fade the appearance. We love multi-tasking skin care, so for mature skin, we look for products that have added aging benefits in addition to brightening, like firming, lifting, hydrating or calming. Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite brightening products for mature skin, from serums to toners and beyond.
The best brightening products for mature skin
RANAVAT Brightening Saffron Essence ($68)
This multi-tasking milky saffron essence hydrates, brightens and calms the skin at once, with 82 percent of users demonstrating a reduction in the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation after 28 days of use. The packaging and product itself are ultra-luxe and create an elevated skin-care routine.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($182)
If you’re clued into the skin-care scene at all, you probably know this is considered a gold-standard vitamin C serum. It improves various signs of aging, including the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration, loss of firmness, and brightness. It also strengthens skin and helps prevent future damage from occurring.
EADEM Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum ($68)
This milky serum is a powerful yet gentle way to even out and resurface skin. It’s specifically formulated to fade dark spots on skin of color, although anyone can benefit from it.
Tatcha The Brightening Serum ($89)
The dynamic duo, vitamin C and ferulic acid, link up in this serum that supports brighter, firmer skin in a week. It addresses dullness and hyperpigmentation for a more even, radiant complexion. For anyone experiencing skin laxity it also visibly firms skin and supports elasticity.
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Vitamin C Face Serum ($36)
This drugstore serum promises to brighten skin in a week. The formula features an optimal concentration of vitamin C to even skin tone, reduce wrinkles, and give skin a flattering matte look.
Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30% ($185)
Revision Skincare’s C+ Correcting Complex features 30 percent pure THD Ascorbate (the highest concentration of the superior form of vitamin C). The result is transformative brightening benefits and a welcome boost in collagen production.
StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum ($75)
Designed to restore radiance and clarity to dull, tired skin, this vitamin C-based serum boasts impressive results, with 100 percent of users showing improvement in skin firmness and 97 percent showing improvement in skin brightness after six weeks.
SUZANOBAGIMD Super Antioxidant Serum ($158)
This new super-powered serum is great for anyone with sensitive skin since it calms irritation and boosts hydration while treating skin. The antioxidant blend promotes a brighter complexion and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Rodan + Fields REVERSE Intensive Brightening Toner ($49)
Lactic and salicylic acid are the stars of this showstopper that boosts cell turnover, smooths texture, reduces the appearance of dark spots, and hydrates skin to keep it all balanced. After eight weeks, 100 percent of users saw less visible discoloration and dark patches.