The 8 Best Skin Lightening Creams (without Hydroquinone) in 2024

A powerful moisturiser that gently brightens the skin. This vegan moisturiser delivers some pleasing surprises along with its outstanding hydration abilities. The C-Tetra technology coined by Medik8 combines Vitamin C and Vitamin E to protect skin from factors that cause premature ageing. The lightweight texture of this moisturiser penetrates the deep layers of skin to deliver hydration and antioxidants. What it won't deliver is phthalates, parabens, and alcohol, as it's free of these ingredients. And because this brightening moisturiser has a breezy citrus scent, you’ll have no problem using it regularly for best results.

Powerful Peony makes this a safe choice if you’re after a lightening cream without hydroquinone. Here’s a skin-lightening solution that will suit the temperament of oily skins as well as normal and combination complexions. This cream contains antioxidants sourced from Grape Seeds and Kiwi Fruit, which help repair the effects of sun damage and scarring. An enzyme from Peony flowers also promotes pigment lightening. The pretty Peony has a history to back this up: it’s been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to lighten skin. That makes Antipodes Manuka Honey Skin Brightening Day Cream a safe alternative if you’re after a lightening cream without hydroquinone.

Pigmentation can lead to an overall darkening effect on the skin and needs to be fought from multiple angles to keep skin looking light and bright. Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturiser does a sterling job of protecting the skin from environmental aggressors that can lead to premature ageing and hyperpigmentation. A Vitamin C Complex encourage collagen production, while Squalane and Hyaluronic acid are great for daily skin hydration, protection, rejuvenation, and lightening benefits. It’s a lightweight, all-rounder face cream you’ve been dreaming of.

Lighten, brighten, and detox your skin while you sleep. ‘Beauty sleep’ takes on new meaning thanks to this lovely detoxing moisturiser from Murad. Applied to your skin before bed, this moisturiser works to neutralise environmental damage overnight with a high concentration of antioxidants. These are sourced from Marrubium Plant Stem Cells, which promise to fight and repair free-radical damage, and help detox and strengthen your skin’s barrier. You’ll probably want to consider this product for your skin if you live in the city and are exposed to many pollutants daily. Pollution can be equally ageing as the sun.

Is your skin making you look tired and wiped out? That's dullness. SK-II has formulated what may be the best lightening cream without hydroquinone to return luminosity and brighten your skin: Cellumination Deep Surge EX. Let’s take a closer look at the brand’s Advanced Whitening Complex, which brightens dark spots and pigmentation. It's a blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids that work together to boosts the skin's ability to self-rejuvenate. This lightening cream is also primed to inhibit the production of skin pigments.

Brighten and protect the skin with this smart daily moisturiser. There are no surprises here: Laneige Radian C Cream is a mighty warrior against dull skin and pigmentation. Its hero ingredient, a Vitamin C derivitave, is a popular brightening agent. This antioxidant vitamin inhibits the production of melanin, gently fading brown spots and patches. It is also infused with Vitamin E to condition and repair the skin. The result? Lighter, firmer, smoother skin, thanks to this lightweight formula you can use every day. Everything you need for a beautifully, balanced skin.

Skin types and needs vary wildly. Hormonal changes, stress, and other factors can also have you reeling from normal to dry or oily within weeks. That's why we love this lightweight, but deep penetrating hydration base. Slow release Vitamin C and E help this moisturiser work all day for bright and brilliant results. Copper and purple pigments to readjust skin’s balance of light and colour, while Hyaluronic Acid offers intense hydration.

Tackle dull, dark skin head-on with this intense Vitamin C solution. One of the most annoying signs of premature ageing is dark patches and pigmentation. Mesoestetic harnesses the power of a high concentration of stable Vitamin C to beat these skin bullies. The antioxidants in this cream also give your skin superpowers to overcome the effects of ultraviolet rays from the sun. Naturally, other signs of ageing such as fine lines and dehydration are also addressed—all necessary steps in achieving an even and bright skin tone.

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel is oil-free gel with anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and skin-lightening ingredients. This skin lightening treatment contains nautral alternatives to hydroquinone and other chemical skin lighteners to help diminish the appearance of brown spots and promote a clear, fresh-looking complexion.

Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel is an overnight skin lightening treatment that contains a unique combination of active ingredients that work to give you a renewed, glowing complexion. Whether you struggle with acne and congested pores, or wrinkles, pigmentation and sun-damaged skin this skin lightening treatment is a must have in your beauty arsenal.

SK-II Genoptics Aura Essence contains the latest breakthrough in Brightening technology. This skin-lightening treatment reduces your skin's hidden and visible spot formations to reveal a spot-less aura glow.