Looking to boost radiance, even out skin tone, or fade dark spots? Vitamin C and niacinamide are among the most studied, effective ingredients for brightening — and at Clinique, we’ve designed formulas that use them thoughtfully and safely. Here are some of our top picks (guided by real skin science, not hype) to build a brightening routine you can trust.
Top skin-brightening products with Vitamin C and Niacinamide
1. Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Clearing Serum — helps visibly reduce dark spots, including post-acne marks, for a brighter, more even tone
This serum blends two forms of vitamin C with pure niacinamide and our proprietary brightening molecule UP302 for a powerful, brightening effect.
Why we recommend it
· Targets stubborn dark spots, sun spots, and post-acne marks while helping prevent future discoloration.
· Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
· With consistent use, helps skin look brighter, more radiant, with a more even-looking tone.
When to use
After cleansing — morning and night — on clean skin before your moisturizer. In the morning, follow with SPF to protect your results.
2. Clinique Moisture Surge™ Active Glow Serum — helps exfoliate, hydrate, and brighten for radiant skin
This serum combines vitamin C with hyaluronic acid and exfoliating lactic acid to refresh dull or tired-looking skin.
Why we recommend it
· Gives an instant boost in radiance and helps improve skin texture over time.
· Hydrates deeply while brightening — ideal for dull, dehydrated, or dry skin.
· Safe for all skin types, tested on all skin tones.
When to use
Apply morning and night on clean skin. Follow with a moisturizer. In the morning add SPF.
Quick Tip: Because this serum gently exfoliates, avoid layering other exfoliating actives at the same time to reduce risk of irritation.
3. Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter — helps visibly reduce dark spots and prevent new discoloration
This formula uses vitamin C, our CL302 Brightening Complex, and salicylic acid to resurface skin gently and help even out tone over time.
Why we recommend it
· Targets existing dark spots and uneven skin tone.
· Helps prevent new discoloration from forming — useful if dark spots tend to return with sun exposure or acne.
· Suitable for all skin types, fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested for safety.
When to use
Apply twice daily on clean skin before moisturizer. In the morning, layer with SPF to help protect results.
4. Clinique Even Better™ Brightening Moisturizer — helps improve radiance, smoothness and overall tone while hydrating skin
Used after your serum, this moisturizer supports skin’s brightness and helps even out discoloration over time.
Why we recommend it
· Includes brightening molecules, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid to boost radiance and hydration.
· Helps improve the appearance of dark spots and uneven tone with regular use.
· Suitable for all skin types, fragrance-free and allergy tested.
How to include it in your routine
Use morning and night after serum — smooth gently with upward strokes. For best results: serum → moisturizer → SPF (daytime).
Quick Tip: Hydration supports brightening — well-moisturized skin reflects light better, so don’t skip moisturizer even when focusing on dark-spot correction.
5. Clinique Fresh Pressed™ Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10% — helps brighten, even skin tone, and add antioxidant protection
This booster delivers pure, fresh vitamin C for maximum potency, to help brighten complexion and defend against environmental stressors.
Why we recommend it
· As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C helps restore radiance, even out tone, and protect against daily environmental aggressors.
· Easy to integrate into your routine — just a few drops mixed into your moisturizer for a daily boost.
· Great for anyone looking for a simple way to strengthen brightening efforts, especially if skin looks dull or tired.
How to use
Morning and/or night — mix 2 drops into your moisturizer before applying. Follow with SPF in the morning.
Putting it all together: a Brightening Routine for Real Life
Here’s a simple brightening routine you could follow:
1. Cleanse your skin with a gentle Clinique cleanser (choose one suited to your skin type).
2. If you like, start with Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10% — mix it into your moisturizer to begin your brightening process.
3. Apply a brightening serum: for dark spots and uneven tone, use Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Clearing Serum or Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter; for dullness or dehydration, try Moisture Surge™ Active Glow Serum.
4. Follow with Even Better™ Brightening Moisturizer to lock in hydration and support radiance.
5. In the morning, always finish with sunscreen — protecting skin from UV exposure is vital to prevent new dark spots and preserve brightening results.
Summary
Bright, even skin doesn’t happen overnight — but by integrating targeted Clinique formulas with trusted ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide into your routine, you can gradually reduce dark spots, boost radiance, and even out complexion. Whether you’re dealing with post-acne marks, uneven tone, or dullness, there’s a Clinique product designed to meet you where you are.