Best and Worst Skin Brightening Products

If radiant skin is your goal, see which products will get you there (and which ones won't get you past the starting line)

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Ever wonder how celebrities get such beautiful, glowing healthy skin? If they're not lucky enough to be born with it, like this Hollywood mother-daughter duo, they must have some tricks up their sleeves … right? Yup.

And though we don't claim to be geniuses or anything, from what we've seen on the red carpet (and learned from the many skin care experts, celebrity makeup artists and top dermatologists we've chatted with), we know that healthy-looking skin starts before you ever pick up your foundation brush. Before you ever try to cover up those dark circles and red or brown spots (aka sun damage and acne). You must first nip imperfect skin in the bud by first addressing something else: your uneven skin tone.

That's right. An even skin tone is the difference between skin that looks flawless and skin that, well, doesn't. We've all seen it. Heard about it. Wished for it. Now, you can get it -- with help from a skin lightening/brightening product like the ones on this list. Readers say these products gave them a brighter, more radiant complexion without harming their skin. That is, unless they tried one of the five worst products.

So try one of these "best" products and once your skin is smoother, brighter and more even-toned, then you can complete that final, flawless glow using makeup (maybe even one like Jennifer Garner is wearing here)

And, if your misbehaving skin won't straighten up despite all of the products you try, including the ones on this list, consult these hard-working skin tips for your skin problems.

See Next Page: The Worst: No. 4: Ambi Fade Cream, $4.99

By Jane Chung

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Member Comments

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have have uneven skin tone and acne scar, so I've used half of the products listed plus others not on the list. I haven't seen any real results expect for Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector. It's pricy but it did lighten my acne scars. I'm using Philosophy miracle Dark spot corrector (i think that's the whole name) And It's getting there. Hope i can review that soon.

by Minimisfit Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 02:45PM Report as inappropriate

I live near the coast and I know many, many women of all ages who should read this article, me included! Great price points all the way around.

by islands4me Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 07:58AM Report as inappropriate

I might try Obagi. I've head good things about it also.

by grass Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 11:02PM Report as inappropriate

want to try these

by LittleBunny Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 02:10PM Report as inappropriate

NICE website... i learn how to care my skin..

by jheleigh Saturday, July 9, 2011 at 02:27AM Report as inappropriate

omg I hate my even skin tone I'm trying to find the one for me and I was going to the "Ambi" collection and I'm so happy that I did not do that yah!

by doglova Sunday, May 29, 2011 at 09:34AM Report as inappropriate

Majority of women in Asian countries are crazy about even, bright and fair skin tone, so I would advice Asian brands for these purposes (like Shiseido, Missha, Rohto Hadalabu). Kojic acid is great natural skin brightener and a lot of Asian skincare products contain it. They're a bit pricey, but very effective. American brand that I absolutely love for evening skin tone is Elizabeth Arden, Visible Whitening and White Glove Extreme (and, unfortunately, these series are being sold only in Asia as well, how unfair! :( but you can always use something like Amazon or eBay). Don't be scared by the word "whitening", they may lighten the skin tone a bit (which is not bad at all in my opinion) but they're excellent in making skin really beautiful and flawless.

by datura Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 11:33AM Report as inappropriate

I never thought about using any skin brighteners, but after my second pregnancy I found a brown spot develop on my cheek. I usually stick to Origins but didn't see it listed here. The Avon Anew sounds like it could work well with my skin and my budget.

by Madrigaliv81 Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 02:55PM Report as inappropriate

I want to try the Aveeno now!

by volta Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 03:10AM Report as inappropriate

I've never tried any skin brighteners but I think I'm going to now...

by RoleModel Sunday, March 6, 2011 at 04:31PM Report as inappropriate

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