Top 10 Serums for Glowing Skin: Achieving glowing skin begins with choosing the right serum. Serums are highly concentrated formulas that penetrate deeply into the skin, targeting dullness, uneven skin tone, dehydration, pigmentation, and signs of aging; all essential for a brighter, more radiant complexion. Choosing the best serum can be overwhelming, so we’ve researched the top-performing serums based on ingredients, user ratings, dermatological insights, and popularity.
Here’s the 2026 definitive list of the Top 10 Serums for Glowing Skin, including benefits, who they’re best for, and why they stand out.
List of Top 10 Serums for Glowing Skin
1. BEAUTY OF JOSEON Glow Serum
Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum is a fan-favorite that hydrates deeply and enhances luminosity. Its botanical-rich formula is a powerful yet gentle option for those looking to restore a healthy glow without the greasy feeling. Ideal for dry, combination, and normal skin, it provides long-lasting hydration while improving the overall texture of the skin. With regular use, your skin will look visibly plumper, brighter, and more radiant, making it a great option under makeup or sunscreen for added glow.
Best for: Dry, combination & normal skin
Why choose it: Highly reviewed for its balanced formula that hydrates while enhancing your skin’s natural glow, without feeling greasy or heavy.
2. HYPHEN 10% Vitamin C Serum
Packed with 10% Vitamin C, this serum is a true brightening powerhouse. Vitamin C helps to even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and protect the skin from environmental stress. The addition of Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid enhances the serum’s antioxidant properties, making it an effective choice for those wanting to target pigmentation while achieving glowing skin. Its lightweight texture makes it easy to incorporate into your daily skincare routine.
Best for: Uneven tone, pigmentation
Why choose it: A beginner-friendly option for those new to Vitamin C, delivering noticeable results in terms of brightness and smoothness.
3. The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Face Serum
Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is one of the best ingredients for controlling oil production, reducing dark spots, and boosting hydration. The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Face Serum is formulated to tackle acne-prone skin while evening out your complexion. It also helps strengthen the skin barrier and locks in moisture, making it a must-have for those with oily and combination skin. Users report smoother, more balanced skin with consistent use.
Best for: Oily & combination skin
Why choose it: An affordable, multi-benefit serum that addresses acne, oil control, and pigmentation all while keeping skin hydrated.
4. Anua Niacinamide Brightening Serum
Anua Niacinamide Brightening Serum is a lightweight, non-sticky formula that’s popular in Korean skincare routines. It works wonders in brightening up dull skin and reducing the appearance of dark spots, making it ideal for those struggling with pigmentation. It also provides hydration, ensuring that your skin feels fresh and balanced. If you’re looking for a serum that gives your skin a natural, radiant glow, this one is a great choice.
Best for: All skin types, especially oily/dull skin
Why choose it: A highly rated formula that offers great value with a focus on brightening, hydration, and evening out skin tone.
5. Chemist At Play Brightening Face Serum
Chemist At Play offers a serum packed with antioxidants, perfect for those looking to brighten and smooth their skin. The serum helps reduce pigmentation, giving your complexion an even and radiant glow. The formula is designed for daily use and works for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Regular application promises visibly smoother skin with enhanced luminosity, leaving you with a fresh, radiant complexion.
Best for: Normal to dry skin
Why choose it: A balanced serum that brightens and smoothens while remaining gentle enough for daily use, even for sensitive skin.
6. Garnier Bright Complete Overnight Booster Serum
This overnight serum is designed to work its magic while you sleep. The Garnier Bright Complete Overnight Booster Serum is formulated with Vitamin C to brighten skin, reduce dark spots, and hydrate. It’s a great option if you’re looking to wake up to visibly radiant skin every morning. Its creamy texture absorbs easily, providing deep hydration and a glowing complexion.
Best for: Seasonal dullness & dehydrated skin
Why choose it: The perfect overnight serum that targets dullness and boosts radiance while you sleep, leaving your skin refreshed by morning.
7. L’Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright Skin Brightening Serum
L’Oreal’s Glycolic Bright Skin Brightening Serum features glycolic acid, an exfoliating acid that works at the cellular level to remove dead skin cells and reveal smoother, brighter skin. This serum is excellent for those dealing with uneven texture or pigmentation. The regular use of this serum will leave your skin looking brighter and more refined, with visible improvements in tone and texture.
Best for: Uneven texture & pigmentation
Why choose it: An effective formula that combines glycolic acid to exfoliate and brighten, improving skin texture and pigmentation over time.
8. Foxtale Brightening Serum
Foxtale’s Brightening Serum is a popular choice for achieving a dewy glow. It’s known for its gentle, hydrating properties that brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation. The serum contains ingredients that nourish and restore the skin, leaving it radiant without any greasy residue. It’s a solid choice for an everyday glow and can easily be added to both your morning and night skincare routines.
Best for: Everyday glow
Why choose it: An excellent serum for boosting radiance with a gentle, lightweight formula that works for all skin types.
9. Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop
Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop is a cult-favorite serum known for its pure Vitamin C content. It’s designed to provide brightening benefits while maintaining a gentle formula, perfect for sensitive skin. The serum improves skin texture over time, leaving it smoother, brighter, and more even-toned. If you have sensitive skin but still want to brighten and refresh your complexion, this is a great option.
Best for: Sensitive skin needing brightening
Why choose it: A gentle yet highly effective Vitamin C serum that helps brighten and smooth the skin without irritation.
10. Clinique Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum
Clinique’s Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum is a premium serum infused with hydrating agents that provide an instant glow. This serum works wonders for dry skin, offering both deep hydration and an illuminating effect. It’s designed for those who need extra moisture and glow, making it a top choice for dry and mature skin types.
Best for: Dry skin & mature skin
Why choose it: A high-quality serum that combines intense hydration with an instant glow, leaving skin looking plump, fresh, and luminous.
What Makes a Serum Great for Glowing Skin?
Choosing the right serum depends on your skin’s unique needs. Here are some key ingredients dermatologists and skincare experts often recommend:
- Vitamin C: Brightens and evens tone by inhibiting melanin formation.
- Niacinamide: Reduces dullness, controls oil, and boosts hydration.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts moisture for a dewy, plumped look.
- Glycolic Acid: Exfoliates to reveal smoother, luminous skin.
Pro tip: Apply serum after cleansing and toning, then lock in benefits with a moisturizer. Always follow with sunscreen in the morning, especially when using active ingredients like Vitamin C or glycolic acid.
How to Use Your Glow Serum for Best Results
- Cleanse your face to remove dirt and excess oil.
- Tone to prep the skin barrier.
- Apply 2–3 drops of serum evenly on face and neck.
- Pat gently — do not rub harshly.
- Follow with moisturizer to lock hydration.
- Sunscreen every morning to protect your skin and maintain glow.
Conclusion
Serums are power-packed tools in your skincare arsenal to amplify radiance, smooth texture, and boost your skin’s natural glow. Whether you’re a skincare newbie or a seasoned enthusiast, there’s a serum on this list tailored for every skin type and concern. Remember, consistent use paired with hydration, SPF, and a balanced routine is the secret to that coveted luminous complexion in 2026 and beyond!
You must also check: Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin | Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin