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Beauty/Skin/Moisturizers/Face Creams & Oils
Top 10 Brightening Face Moisturizers

Tackle Two Steps In One With These Beloved Moisturizers That Brighten While They Hydrate

Tackle Two Steps In One With These Beloved Moisturizers That Brighten While They Hydrate

We’ve all had that moment where we have to ask ourselves, “Is it the harsh bathroom lighting, or does my skin really look like that?” Sometimes bad lighting really is the culprit, but on other days, we have to face the fact that we might need to make some changes to our skincare routine.

From dehydration and sleep deprivation to stress and pollution, there are many things to blame for dry and dull skin. Fortunately, you can get your glow back—it just requires finding that perfect moisturizer that works well with your skin type and skincare routine. Now, we know that’s a tall order, so we set out to find the best brightening face creams.

How We Found The Best Brightening Moisturizers

When it comes to skincare, we don’t settle. That’s why we used our algorithm (a data-powered tool that factors in things like editorial selections and real user reviews) to create a vetted list of the best brightening moisturizers you should try stat. Below, you’ll find 10 products that meet our standards—which are undoubtedly high. From well-known brands like Drunk Elephant to drugstore gems like Neutrogena, scroll on to discover 10 brightening moisturizers that serve a variety of skin concerns and budgets.

Next up, check out the 10 Best Tinted MoisturizersOpening image: sephora.com

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March 23, 2022

Written By:Rank & Style

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Photo-Brightening Moisturizer
Rank & Style Approved

lovelyskin.com

Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Photo-Brightening Moisturizer

Overall Score

4.35

10

Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Photo-Brightening Moisturizer

4.49

707 User Reviews

3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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STAR INGREDIENTS: Three powerful components come together in Perricone’s brightening moisturizer: Vitamin C for a smoothing and lifting effect, alpha lipoic acid (the world’s most powerful antioxidant), and a mineral-based sunscreen that provides SPF 30.

BEST FOR: Because this is an oil-free moisturizer, it works best for those with oily, acne prone, or combination skin.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Bright Plump Moisturizer

Overall Score

4.35

09

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Bright Plump Moisturizer

4.23

690 User Reviews

2.9

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

STAR INGREDIENTS: As you may have guessed from the name, the primary ingredient in this brightening face cream is a super potent form of vitamin C called THD ascorbate. Hydrolyzed collagen is also present in this formula, which helps give this serum its moisturizing and plumping power.

BEST FOR: This moisturizer works best for those concerned with fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, and dullness.


Korres Wild Rose Night-Brightening Sleeping Facial

Overall Score

4.35

08

Korres Wild Rose Night-Brightening Sleeping Facial

4.51

2225 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

STAR INGREDIENTS: We’re starting to pick up on a pattern of all of the best brightening moisturizers including vitamin C, which is, once again, a leading ingredient in Korres’s Sleeping Facial. However, wild rose and rosehip oil both make an appearance in this formula as well, resulting in unmatched glow-giving power.

BEST FOR: If you struggle with an uneven skin tone or texture, this product is for you, and luckily, it’s approved for all skin types (normal, dry, combination, and oily). 

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Lancôme Absolue Revitalizing & Brightening Soft Cream

Overall Score

4.35

07

Lancôme Absolue Revitalizing & Brightening Soft Cream

4.58

8516 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

STAR INGREDIENTS: Pro-Xylane, a sugar protein that defends the skin against water loss, is the powerhouse ingredient behind Lancôme’s Revitalizing & Brightening Soft Cream. They also added hand-harvested grand rose extract for its skin regenerating effect, as well as shea butter for its deeply hydrating qualities.

BEST FOR: This product is highly moisturizing, so it’s best for those with dry or combination skin.


Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting & Brightening Moisturizer

Overall Score

4.5

06

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting & Brightening Moisturizer

4.48

11538 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

STAR INGREDIENTS: Surprise, surprise: vitamin C is back in a big way in Bliss’s Bright Idea Moisturizer. This time it's accompanied by tri-peptide, an elasticity booster, and green tea extract, which reinforces your skin's natural defenses against free radical damage.

BEST FOR: Bliss used a gentle, non-irritating version of vitamin C for this formula, so it’s a great candidate for those with sensitive skin. 

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Ole Henrikson C-Rush Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer

Overall Score

4.55

05

Ole Henrikson C-Rush Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer

4.49

5320 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

STAR INGREDIENTS: There are four (!) sources of vitamin C in Ole Henrikson’s C-Rush Gel Moisturizer, so you know it has to be one of the best face moisturizers for glowing skin. Plus, it also has rose of winter extract, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

BEST FOR: This gel moisturizer is approved for every skin type, but it's best for those who experience dullness or dryness.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Neutrogena Bright Boost Gel Cream

Overall Score

4.6

04

Neutrogena Bright Boost Gel Cream

4.37

13390 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

STAR INGREDIENTS: A tongue twister of an ingredient, neoglucosamine is the primary building block of Neutrogena’s Bright Boost Gel Cream. Neoglucosamine is an element of hyaluronic acid that helps firm, exfoliate, and plump the skin.

BEST FOR: Those with dry, normal, or combination skin will see the best results from this oil-free brightening gel face cream. And it targets hyperpigmentation, so if that’s something you experience, we recommend adding it to your cart. 


Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Overall Score

4.65

03

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

4.55

9733 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

STAR INGREDIENTS: Lady's Mantle, a perennial plant known for its skin-nurturing properties, is the main component of Belif’s Aqua Bomb. There’s also ceramide 3 and glycerin, both of which help maintain the skin’s moisture level. 

BEST FOR: There are 5-star reviews from Sephora users with normal, oily, combination, and dry skin types, so we’re pretty sure anyone would benefit from using this brightening moisturizer.


Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream

Overall Score

4.7

02

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream

4.74

9377 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

STAR INGREDIENTS: The first two ingredients listed in Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream are water and glycerin—a comforting sight for clean beauty gurus. Cucumber and sunflower extract are also part of this dermatologist-developed formula, adding to its skin-smoothing and softening abilities.

BEST FOR: Fragrance-free with delightfully simple ingredients, this is the perfect face cream for sensitive skin.


Tula Skincare 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream

Overall Score

4.75

01

Tula Skincare 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream

4.74

9990 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

STAR INGREDIENTS: Tula’s 24-7 Day & Night Cream has a probiotic and superfood-packed formula with ingredients like yogurt extract, chicory root, and milk proteins. Despite the fact that those all sound more like breakfast ingredients than skincare elements, the combination results in a hydrating effect that beats back irritation and redness.

BEST FOR: According to Tula’s website, this brightening face cream is best for those with oily, combination, dry, blemish-prone, sensitive, or mature skin.

Made In Usa

Made In Usa

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

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