How to Diminish Uneven Skin Tone & Get Your Glow Back

6 min read

Mercedes Santaella-LamApril 21, 2026

In this article:
Top ingredients for glowing, even skin tone
Niacinamide + acetyl glucosamine
Ascorbic acid: vitamin C
Azelaic acid
Kojic acid
Why sun protection is a must

The appearance of uneven skin tone on the face, chest, and hands is a clear sign of ageing skin, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. With the right mix of products, you really can get your youthful glow back! We’ll share the most effective skin-brightening formulas and help you narrow down the choices by skin type.

Top ingredients for glowing, even skin tone

Today, we know from research even more about the ingredients proven effective for achieving a more even-toned complexion, and there are more options than ever before. Unfortunately, that doesn't make it any easier for you to sort through the parade of products that often rely on gimmicky, unproven, and sometimes even skin-aggravating ingredients.

That's where we can help... backed by research, we highlight below the ingredients that are considered among the most effective for improving the appearance of uneven skin tone while also addressing visible signs of ageing. These are multi-taskers you’ll want to get to know!

Niacinamide + acetyl glucosamine

The two ingredients in this duo—niacinamide and acetyl glucosamine—have impressive research showing their ability to alleviate the appearance of uneven skin tone and red areas! (1).

All skin types can benefit from this ingredient coupling, found in our CLINICAL Niacinamide 20% Treatment. This innovative serum also includes potent antioxidants to support skin health and give skin an overall youthful, hydrated glow.

Ascorbic acid: vitamin C

High concentrations of ascorbic acid (the technical name for pure vitamin C) and vitamin C derivatives have been proven to significantly improve the appearance of uneven skin tone (3). Research has also shown that combining vitamin C or its derivatives with other skin-brighteners, such as antioxidants, licorice extract and bearberry extract, produces even more powerful results for a glowing complexion and more even skin tone (4).

For everyday brightening, apply our C5 Super Boost Moisturizer and C5 Super Boost Eye Cream, each featuring a 5% concentration of vitamin C for lightweight hydration and a smoother, more radiant complexion.

For an all-over solution, apply our C15 Super Booster before your serum and moisturiser. Its light-as-water formula contains 15% ascorbic acid with a unique blend of ferulic acid and ergothioneine for skin that will appear dramatically more even, firmer and healthier.

For targeting stubborn concerns, try our most potent vitamin C treatment, 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum. This potent, lightweight serum for advanced skin concerns pairs vitamin C derivatives with glutathione, a peptide and antioxidant that also improves the appearance of dark spots, for increased skin radiance.

For an overall uneven tone and to boost skin’s protection from environmental factors try the 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer. This lightweight tinted base features a multi-active formula including 5% vitamin C, acetyl zingerone and special algae-derived amino acid compounds to brighten dullness and even tone as it protects and defends against sun damage.

Azelaic acid

High concentrations of azelaic acid (10% or greater) can bring about a remarkable difference for a blotchy, uneven skin tone (5). Azelaic acid's refining abilities also allow it to progressively brighten a dull skin tone, restoring a more youthful look. Azelaic acid can be used by all skin types and is even suitable for sensitive and blemish-prone skin.

Our 10% Azelaic Acid Booster combines this multi-tasking ingredient with plant-derived soothing and skin-brightening ingredients, plus 0.5% salicylic acid for a pore-refining nudge, and energising adenosine for its added anti-ageing benefits.

Kojic acid

Kojic acid is an ingredient that’s gained traction recently for its ability to brighten skin. It’s a byproduct of the fermentation of rice that’s used in making sake (Japanese rice wine).

Kojic acid’s skin brightening properties come from its ability to help hinder dark spot formation by preventing enzymes integral to their production (6). It’s especially useful at stepping in and helping prevent and tackle dark spots caused by sun damage.

Research demonstrates that kojic acid might have benefit in particular for darker skin tones (7). Tests using kojic acid to tackle dark spots have been done on subjects with Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype (FTS) 4 and 5 with successful results. It’s certainly worth considering a kojic acid serum if you fall into this category and are looking to even and brighten your skin tone.

Why sun protection is a must!

Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is the number one way to stave off the appearance of uneven skin tone. If used as directed with other sun protection measures, it also decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin ageing caused by the sun. If you aren't using sunscreen 365 days a year, you aren't going to be able to maintain an even skin tone, no matter what else you do—sun protection is a must!

For oily, combination, or breakout-prone skin try our RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30, which provides a sheer tint of colour and gentle mineral-derived protection.

For normal to dry skin consider our SKIN RECOVERY Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 15. Mineral sunscreen, anti-ageing peptides and hydrating ceramides come together in this rich cream for daily use.

For skin prone to sensitivity try our CALM Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 15. The soothing, creamy formula helps calm skin and prevent signs of ageing with allantoin, Centella asiatica (AKA Cica) and mineral-based sunscreen.

For your hands, décolletage and body, check out our EXTRA CARE Non-Greasy Sunscreen, a synthetic sunscreen that absorbs quickly into skin so you can go about your day—no slick, creamy residue left behind.

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