14 Best Brightening Skincare Products For Face & Body That Are Gentle Enough For Sensitive Skin

Having skin that's both sensitive and dull places me in quite a pickle. Vitamin C, the most well-known and common brightening skincare ingredient, can be rather harsh and drying on delicate skin. Nonetheless, having plenty of faith in ever-evolving skincare technology, I've scoured for highly raved brightening skincare products, both new and classic, to put to the test. Lo and behold, I found quite a number - serums, moisturisers, toners, makeup removers, body creams and even edible skincare - that are effective yet gentle on my easily irritated skin.

Here are 14 brightening skincare products for sensitive skin:

#1 Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter

Photo from Clinique

This powerful brightening serum is a cult favourite for a reason. Its hero ingredient is CL302 Brightening Complex with vitamin C which targets dark spots by correcting existing ones and interrupting the formation of future ones.

Exfoliating ingredients like glucosamine and salicylic acid help to brighten the overall complexion, while yeast extract helps break up large clusters of excess pigment so they're less visible. At the same time, soothing ingredients like rice bran extract calms the skin and defends it from damaging free radicals.

The result is visibly luminous skin and dark spots that noticeably fade away with each targeted dose.

Available in Clinique boutiques and online at sephora.sg for $120 (30ml).

#2 Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution

Photo from Kiehl's

Another potent and well-loved brightening serum, this dark spot corrector works to visibly reduces a broad spectrum of dark spots including those caused by age and UV exposure.

Activated C penetrates skin quickly to brighten dark spots and prevent the formation of new skin discolouration, and buffered salicylic acid works by exfoliating discoloured skin cells at the surface for a more even skin tone.

It can be used all over the face to boost radiance and on targeted areas of discolouration.

Available in Kiehl's stores and online at kiehls.com.sg for $106 (30ml).

#3 Shiseido Vital Perfection LiftDefine Radiance Serum

Photo from Shiseido

This rich, indulgent and intensive-care formula targets signs of ageing in the lower half of the face - an area that first shows signs of age-related change.

4MSK, a SHISEIDO-developed brightening ingredient, reduces the appearance of age spots for an even-toned complexion. Meanwhile, KURENAI-TruLift Complex has a firming effect and ReNeura Technology++ helps strengthen skin's internal sensory signals, which decline with age, while enhancing and accelerating effects that fight against signs of ageing. The combined effects of these three ingredients allow the skin to self-regenerate for a more lifted and youthful look.

Available in Shiseido boutiques and online at shop.shiseido.com.sg for $218 (40ml) and $338 (80ml).

#4 Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum

Photo from Drunk Elephant

This vitamin C serum is packed with a powerful antioxidant complex of 15% l-ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% vitamin E to create a brighter and firmer complexion. It's also potently formulated with pumpkin ferment extract, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, and C-Firma to enzymatically dissolve surface dead skin cells as it hydrates and soothes.

This serum also has a nifty design where the powder and liquid are packaged separately for you to mix together right before its first use to maximise the potency of its ingredients.

It may leave a slight tinge on the skin on its own, so it's recommended to make a skincare smoothie by mixing it with Drunk Elephant's moisturisers like the best-selling Protini Polypeptide Cream.

Available in Sephora stores and online at drunkelephant.sg and sephora.sg for $118 (28ml).

#5 Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum

Photo from Sulwhasoo

This targeted serum combines two potent proprietary effective agents to boost the skin's radiance and firmness. Ginsenomics, a 6,000 times concentration of a rare ginseng saponin, improves the skin's natural resilience from deep within, while Melasolv, a propietary brightening agent, delivers visible improvements in seven brightening categories. It reduces the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone, and also improves skin texture and radiance.

Its texture is luxurious yet light, and its characteristic ginseng aroma is subtle and soothing. The mild and hypo-allergenic formula is even suitable for acne-prone skin.

Available in Sulwhasoo boutiques and online at sephora.sg from $290 (50ml).

#6 Derma Lab Lumiclar Pure Vitamin C15 Serum

Photo from Derma Lab

With 15% vitamin C, one of the highest in the market, this hyper-potent serum works to penetrate into deep layers of the epidermis to rapidly even out the complexion and fight signs of UV-induced ageing. It's also formulated with a stable form of Ascorbic Acid and Ethyl Ascorbic Acid to brighten the skin.

Despite its high concentration of vitamin C, this serum is gentle on the skin, and boasts a lightweight and fast-absorbing texture to boot.

To temper any tingling sensation, layer on Derma Lab's other serums formulated for specific skin concerns like the Pink Vitamin B12 Serum that's made for sensitised and stressed skin.

Available at shopee.sg for $70.55.

#7 IREN Shizen Star Light Brightening Serum

Photo from IREN Shizen

IREN Shizen, a Japanese skincare line, blends traditional Japanese natural ingredients with modern science to create targeted serums. Every product contains Encapsulated BIYUSEN, a patented technology that allows active ingredients to absorbed faster and deeper into the skin. This rapid transfer means that the prodcuts' highly concentrated active ingredients won't irritate sensitive skin.

The Star Light Brightening Serum contains potent levels of glow-boosting ingredients like Yuzu Extract and Alpha Arbutin as well as Niacinamide to calm and repair the skin.

Available at Tangs, BHG Bugis, Ikeda Spa and irenshizen.com.sg for $68.

#8 ISDIN Flavo-C Melatonin

Photo from ISDIN

This triple-action cell renewal powerhouse is enriched with melatonin, an indirect antioxidant known for stimulating the skin's innate defences, effectively combating free radicals stemming from UV rays, oxidative stress, and environmental pollution.

VitA-Technology harnesses the potency of Vigna Aconitifolia extract, renowned for its remarkable anti-wrinkle properties, igniting cell renewal and visibly enhancing skin texture. Lastly, vitamin C acts as a shield against free radical damage and brightens the skin.

ISDIN Flavo-C Melatonin is available at Guardian, Novela,and Shopee for $40.90 (10 x 2ml).

#9 Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Brightening Vitamin C Moisturizer

Photo from Peter Thomas Roth

This scentless and lightweight moisturiser is packed with 10% THD Ascorbate Vitamin C, an advanced form of vitamin C that helps to brighten the skin while improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It's also supercharged with an Antioxidant Superfood Complex to help maintain and enhance brightening results.

It's also rich in Calcium, Zinc and vitamins A, C and B3 to combat the ageing effects of environmental stress. The skin is also locked in with moisture with Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide NP, Hydrolyzed Collagen, and Trimoist KMF.

Available in Sephora stores and online at sephora.sg or $120 (50ml).

#10 AHC Niacin Biome Mela Scissors Max Essence

Photo from AHC

This refreshing essence preps and boosts the skin with the brand' star ingredient, Niacin Biome Complex, that reduces the appearance of dark spots and reinforces the skin barrier. Besides that, Lucent Biome works to improve skin transparency, high-purity Niacinamide (99% purity) reduces any dull, yellowish tones in the skin, and Mela Scissors Enzyme lightens existing blemishes.

It's also formulated with Focus Shot Technology that effectively delivers all these brightening ingredients deep into skin.

Use it before your go-to serum and moisturiser, or with the rest of AHC's Niacin Biome range to double down on the brightening effects.

Available at all Watsons stores and AHC official stores on Shopee and Lazada for $66.90 (30ml).

#11 Glow Recipe Cloudberry Bright Essence Toner

Photo from Glow Recipe

This toner's star ingredient is the cloudberry, a superfruit abundant in antioxidants and three times the vitamin C found in an orange. Its also naturally enriched with vitamin E, omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids, and ellagic acid. This skin-loving combination safeguards the skin from harmful free radicals and external stressors while promoting brightness.

Fermented rice water helps to hydrate, calm and nourish skin, and amino acids work to maintain skin’s overall healthy appearance. This toner is also alcohol-free and acid-free.

Available in Sephora stores and online at sephora.sg for $62 (75ml).

#12 Bifesta Micellar Cleansing Water Perfect Glow

Photo from Bifesta

This 3-in-1 makeup remover, cleanser and toner is infused with vitamin C derivatives, Japanese Yuzu Extract and Hyaluronic Acid. With each swipe, the skin is thoroughly cleansed while being moisturised and brightened. As with all of Bifesta's makeup removers, no rinsing required after.

It also comes in a convenient Cleansing Sheet version!

The Bifesta Cleansing Water Perfect Glow is available at all major retail stores including Watsons and Guardian as well as Mandom Official Store on Shopee and Lazada for $18.20.

#13 Vaseline Gluta-Hya Series

Photo from Vaseline

Everyone wants the skin tone on their body and face to match, amirite? So give your body some TLC with brightening moisturisers like Vaseline's new Guta-Hya range.

Glutathione is known for its brightening properties, but Vaseline's patented GlutaGlow technology takes this ingredient's efficacy to a whole new level as it supplies the skin with three micro-amino acids that the skin can use as precursors to create its own Glutathione from within.

For comparison, it's 10 times more powerful than vitamin C! The lightweight cream glides on smoothly for a hydrating, non-sticky finish. Over time, the skin becomes more dewy and bright.

The Vaseline Gluta-Hya range is available in stores and online at Watsons and Guardian for $4.95 - $15.35.

#14 Heliocare Luminance

Photo from Heliocare

Besides creams, lotions and potions, edible skincare can also help improve skin clarity from the inside out, and not just on your face but the rest of the body too! One of the most well-loved oral sunscreen brands, Heliocare, has revamped its Heliocare Luminance capsules and they're now even more effective for brightening and protecting the skin.

Specially formulated for the Asian market, each of these halal certified and vegan-friendly brightening supplements contain 240mg of Fernblock. This photoimmunoprotection technology stimulates the skin's natural defence, repairs damage, and provide antioxidant and anti-ageing benefits.

It also contains glutathione to suppress the formation of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, rosemary extract to neutralise free radicals, and nicotinamide to strengthen the skin barrier and improve moisture retention.

Two capsules a day - one in the morning and one at night - helps ensure round-the-clock protection and improve skin radiance.

Heliocare Luminance is priced at $163.50 for a box of 60 capsules and is available at selected leading dermatological clinic, plastic surgery clinics and aesthetic clinics. View the full list of clinics here.