Products with Brightening Actives

Brightening Actives help improve the look of dullness and uneven tone for a more radiant, even-looking complexion. Browse ELLEMES products formulated with brightening actives.

Brightening actives for the appearance of uneven tone and dark spots

Brightening, in cosmetic terms, means improving how evenly light reflects off the skin — softening the look of sun spots, post-blemish marks and general dullness rather than bleaching anything. The actives grouped on this page get there by different routes: vitamin C and its derivatives, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, licorice root and alpha arbutin all appear across these formulas. Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex and DEJ Daily Boosting Serum are the two our clients reach for most; Obagi Hydrate Luxe and Nectifirm Advanced fold brightening actives into richer textures. Revision Skincare, Obagi and SkinBetter Science supply most of this category at ELLEMES.

Do brightening products work without sunscreen?

Not really. Daily SPF is what keeps new pigment from forming while a brightening active works on existing discoloration, which is why we pair the two in nearly every plan — see EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46.

How to shop at ELLEMES

Our providers use these same products in the treatment room, and everything ships from authorized professional stock.

Browse more

Featured Products with Brightening Actives Reviews

SkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream 1 oz
SkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream
4.0 (2 reviews) 4.0 out of 5 stars based on 2 reviews
$145.00
Shop Now
Read all SkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream reviews →
SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Cream
SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Cream
4.3 (3 reviews) 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 3 reviews
$92.00
Shop Now
Read all SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Cream reviews →
SkinMedica Even and Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment
SkinMedica Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment
4.6 (8 reviews) 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 8 reviews
$178.00
Shop Now
Featured review

“I used this product for about 3 weeks consistently and didn't see too much of a change. Its supposed to brighten and even out skin tone. Which I didn't see, it did give a Lil bit...”

— Jaclyn M.
Read all SkinMedica Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment reviews →