Best K-Beauty Products for Brightening Your SkinNobody likes feeling like their skin is dull or tired looking. The good news is, now, you don’t have to! 

Korean beauty has products to target almost every skin issue under the sun but one of the most popular K-Skincare trends is skin brightening. It’s a buzz word that you’ve most likely heard pop up but may be confused about what it actually means.

 

So what is skin brightening?

When we say "brightening", we don’t mean whitening or ‘bleaching’ the skin. Instead, we're talking about evening the complexion and creating radiant, glowing skin. Think removing sunspots, acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. 

SIDE NOTE: if you’ve ever come across K-Beauty products that use the term ‘whitening’, it’s simply a direct translation of the word "Mi Baek (미백)" in Korean. The proper term to describe what these products really do in English should be ‘brightening’.

None of the K-Beauty products we stock contain bleaching agents which strip the skin of pigmentation and ‘whiten’ the skin)

 

Why Would You Brighten Your Skin?

If you suffer from dark spots (whether it be from acne, sun exposure, skin damage or scarring) then brightening skincare might be just what your routine is missing.

Brightening products are also a great one to add in post pregnancy if you suffered from melasma.

Another bonus?

These kinds of products are often infused with anti-oxidants so they also work to leave the skin looking hydrated and plump.

 

 

What are the main skin brightening ingredients? 

The ingredients you are most likely going to come across in your K-Beauty skin brightening formulas are:

1. Vitamin C;
2. Licorice Root;
3. Niacinamide;
4. Propolis;
5. Pearl; 
6. Rice extract; 
7. Glutathione

These products work to improve the appearance of dark spots on the skin, even out the skin tone and increase skin cell turnover. This in turn improves the appearance of fine lines.

 

So, what are our favourite products to brighten your skin?

 

Subi Brightening Powder Cleanser

As the name suggests, this cleanser was designed to clean and brighten the skin. Made from a beautifully fine powdered texture this ultra-versatile cleanser has a low PH balance which is perfect for all skin types and a dream for those with sensitive skin.

It contains antioxidant rich Centella asiatica, combined with nourishing ceramides and brightening licorice extracts. 

Its powdered formulation make it a perfect travel companion, and a little really does go a long way. We love to pair it with the Subi Bare Skin Balm for the perfect double cleanse.

 

Jelly Ko Bubble Tea Steam Cream

This best-selling moisturiser cream is a deliciously hydrating drink for your skin!

Ideal for those with dull, dehydrated and rough skin, it is packed with star ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin E, beta glucan, pearl, squalene, sodium hyaluronate and allantoin.  

For those who haven’t tried a steam cream before, they are made with a special formula designed to lock moisture into the skin more efficiently and help the skin more easily absorb the product.

The result?

Deliciously hydrated and plump skin. It's no wonder it's our most reviewed K-Beauty product ever. 

 

Subi Holo Dream Brightening Pore Minimizing Mask

Another skin brightening dream!

This beautifully textured mask works to brighten, tighten, and refine the skins texture and overall appearance.

Packed to the brim with Kakadu Plum, ceramides, sodium hyaluronate and kaolin, this mask strengthens your skins barrier while sealing in moisture, leaving you with an even skin tone that’s glowing.

If you have oily skin, then this is great to add in 2 – 3 times a week to your routine. Those with dry skin only need once a week to see (and feel) those amazing results.

 

APLB Glutathione Brightening Tone Up Cream

It might be a tricky one to get your mouth around first thing in the morning but this cream was designed especially for the AM.

It's exactly what your skin needs during the day to provide that natural glow up and give a boost of brightening. Infused with one of K-Beauty’s star brightening ingredients, Glutathione, this formulation works to banish dull, dark patches while simultaneously brightening your complexion. The result is clearer, cleaner skin. 

 

One Thing Niacinamide 10% 

Made from 100% plant-based ingredients, this vegan and cruelty free formula reduces melanin, balances sebum and boosts hydration.

As the name suggests, it is packed with 10% niacinamide, a natural ingredient that helps control oil, prevent breakouts, tackle pores and even out skin tone.

We love pairing this with the Jelly Ko Blossom Sleeping Maskfor a luxurious night-time routine.

  

Tosowoong Propolis Sparkle Ampoule

Tosowoong Propolis Sparkle Ampoule is a cult K-Beauty product. Rich in minerals, this by-product made by bees helps to both soothe and nourish the skin.

It comes in an extremely generous 100ml size, compared to the standard 30ml serum. 

  

Want to Learn More about Brightening in K-Beauty?

If you want to learn more about skin brightening then tune into this episode of the podcast:

 

Got Questions?

If you are still unsure about what products would be perfect to add into your skincare routine, simply reach out to one of our team members. We love chatting to you and are always around to help you create the perfect story for your skin!

 

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