This top-rated Alpyn Beauty PlantGenius Brightening Survival Serum ($68) is a hardworking serum with brightening vitamin C, lactic acid, and other plant extracts to tackle dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It also uses azelaic and glycolic acids to gently exfoliate skin's texture so it feels softer afterward.
I personally like this serum's slight shimmer, which is great for subtle highlighting (even on top of makeup). But since it also smooths skin's surface, my favourite way to wear it is under makeup as a primer or alone for a dewy, bared-faced glow.