Some serums try to do everything at once and end up doing very little.

These four take a more focused approach: pigmentation, dullness, uneven tone and dehydration are the main targets, with formulas ranging from high-strength niacinamide blends to antioxidant-rich, soothing options.

Anua + SKIN1004

Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum — €22

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule — €12.39

These two look similar on paper because both focus heavily on uneven tone, but they feel like very different products in a routine.

Anua is the stronger, more targeted option. The formula combines 10% niacinamide, 4% tranexamic acid and 2% arbutin, making it especially interesting when post-blemish marks, dull patches and uneven-looking pigmentation are the main concerns. I like that it feels like a proper treatment serum rather than simply another hydrating step.

SKIN1004 feels gentler and more soothing. Its formula contains 4% niacinamide and 2% tranexamic acid alongside centella-based ingredients, so you still get that brightening focus without the same high niacinamide concentration. The capsule-like texture also makes it feel slightly more cushioning on the skin, and it absorbs without an overly sticky finish.

If my skin were feeling sensitive but still needed help with lingering marks, I would lean towards SKIN1004. For a more concentrated brightening routine, Anua would be my pick.

Mary&May + KAINE

Mary&May Idebenone + Blackberry Complex Serum — €11.95

KAINE Vita Drop Serum — €17.95

This pair is much more about restoring that healthy, rested glow.

Mary&May combines idebenone with a 20% blackberry complex, giving the serum a strong antioxidant angle. I would reach for this one when skin looks tired, flat or generally in need of a little more life. The texture is light enough to layer comfortably and works especially well in routines where you already have separate products targeting pigmentation or texture.

KAINE Vita Drop Serum takes a softer brightening-and-hydrating route. It contains 73% vitamin tree fruit extract, 3% niacinamide, panthenol and multiple forms of hyaluronic acid. The result is a formula that feels more nourishing than a typical watery brightening serum while still sitting comfortably under moisturiser or sunscreen. Its ingredient profile also includes vitamin C derivatives and sea buckthorn extract.

For antioxidant care I would choose Mary&May, while KAINE makes more sense when dehydration and dullness seem to arrive together.

Different Routes to Glow

There is no single formula here doing exactly the same job. Anua feels the most treatment-focused, SKIN1004 balances brightening with soothing care, Mary&May brings antioxidants into the picture, and KAINE adds noticeably more hydration. That difference is precisely what makes this group useful: “glow” is not one skin concern, and sometimes choosing the right route matters more than adding another serum just because everyone else is using it.