Even if your skin is clear and firm, there’s something to be said when it’s simply lackluster, as if a veil of thunder clouds has descended onto your face. It usually sneaks up on the best of us when we’re stressed, tired or skipping our normal skincare routine. Not only does dull skin mean your complexion could use a little TLC, but it also can make you look less youthful. Dull skin is a problem makes you look older, but you can treat it using brightening products.

Fortunately, you don’t have to live with dull skin, and this is one skin problem that is fairly simple to remedy. Let’s find out how you can identify dull skin and then take a look at some of the best products to brighten dull skin to restore your glow.

How Do You Know If Your Skin Is Dull?

Skin that’s dull may look rough, lackluster, flat or even gray. This is the opposite of glowing, hydrated and smooth skin that can make you look younger.

It’s not uncommon for skin to appear more dull in the winter when indoor heating and plunging humidity levels and temperatures can suck the moisture out of the skin and make it appear less than dewy.

One of the best ways to know if you have dull skin is to see if your skin reflects light. If it doesn’t, chances are it’s more dull than it should be. If, however, you see your skin glowing in natural or artificial light, you likely have nothing to worry about.

The Best Products to Brighten Dull Skin

The good news is that you can brighten dull skin with the right skincare routine and products. Now that you know how to identify dull skin and what you can do about it, it’s time to look at some of the best products to brighten dull skin. With these beauties, soon you’ll be glowing into spring!

Versed Sunday Morning Antioxidant Oil-Serum

This hybrid oil-serum delivers nourishing plant-based oils to dull skin for instant brightening with powerful antioxidants from sea buckthorn extract and vitamin E. Give it a quick shake before using on clean skin—you can even use it in place of your moisturizer or layer it over or under your lotion or cream. It also contains turmeric. It has been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation and potentially brighten skin in research. 

Earth Harbor Glow Juice

This easy three-minute mask from Earth Harbor contains AHAs and BHAs via fruit enzymes and white willow bark to naturally exfoliate skin and leave you glowing. With antioxidants, vitamin C, turmeric and aloe, this mask is an easy way to gently exfoliate skin. This also reveals your glowing complexion underneath. It also contains rice powder, which helps refine skin and has anti-inflammatory effects. 

True Botanicals Vitamin C Booster

This powder from True Botanicals contains the most potent form of vitamin C for skin, ascorbic acid, along with ferulic acid to help combat dullness, brighten skin and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Ferulic acid has been shown to reduce free radicals. It also protects skin against photoaging and brighten skin. 

As a powder, the vitamin C in this product is more stable than liquid serums and allows you to give your skin a powerful dose of antioxidants, making it one of the best products to brighten dull skin. Simply use one to two shakes of powder with any water-based serum or moisturizer.

Mad Hippie Corrective Peptide Serum

For a dose of hydration to foster dewy skin, this serum from Mad Hippie delivers. Packed with ingredients to nourish tired, dull skin—including peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and silver ear mushroom extract. This serum can also help shrink pores and combat wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid especially can help restore moisture to the skin and smooth rough skin. This product can be layered with a vitamin C serum or used on its own just after cleansing to help brighten dull skin.

100% Pure Brightening Serum

Brighten dull skin with this Brightening Serum from 100% Pure. Specifically formulated for dull-looking skin, it contains vitamin C, Kojic acid and lemon juice to naturally brighten skin. It also contains licorice, which has been shown to help hyperpigmentation and naturally brighten skin in research. Press into damp skin after cleansing and allow to sit for 90 seconds before moisturizing in the evening.

Alpyn Beauty Triple Vitamin C Brightening Bounce Cream Moisturizer

Transform dull skin with this gel-cream from Alpyn Beauty, which contains 50% organic aloe and three forms of vitamin C to gently brighten dull skin. Aloe is a master at improving skin hydration. This also has anti-inflammatory and protective benefits, making this one of the best products to brighten dull skin.

Hyaluronic acid, licorice and plant-based oils such as jojoba and avocado mingle in this blend to create a deluxe moisturizer that supports glowy skin. For best results, use after exfoliating. It can be used both morning and night on the face and neck to combat dull skin.

OSEA Vitamin C Enzyme Polish

Quickly brighten dull skin with this Vitamin C Enzyme Polish from OSEA. It is a water-activated powder that helps remove dead skin cells. With 50% vitamin C, and fruit enzymes from pomegranate and rice flour, you can transform dull skin with just one use. Use about a quarter teaspoon of powder with a few drops of water. Then mix, and apply in circular motions, massaging for about one minute before rinsing.

Tata Harper Illuminating Moisturizer

This Hyaluronic Acid Diamond Illuminator is designed to help improve dry, dull and mature skin with aloe, probiotics and real diamond dust for an instant illuminating effect. Jojoba and olive oils, rice extract, hyaluronic acid, shea, and mango seed butters also appear in this formula to smooth and hydrate dull skin. Lightly press into the skin morning and night for best results. It can also be used on top of your foundation for a more pronounced sparkle.

Let’s Find Out Your Skin Type

Did you know using the wrong skincare products can cause dull skin? Find out YOUR skin type now by taking our free easy assessment and learn what the best products to brighten dull skin would be for your particular complexion.