The Brightening Serum

Tatcha's The Brightening Serum is a vitamin C serum built on a time-release delivery system, paired with ferulic acid. Tatcha positions it against dark spots, dullness and uneven tone, and says it also visibly firms. The texture is ultra-light and absorbs fast, so it layers under the rest of your routine.

Skin types	Normal, dry, combination and oily
Targets	Dark spots · dullness · uneven skin tone
Texture	Ultra-light serum, non-sticky, quick to absorb
Key actives	12-hour time-release vitamin C · ferulic acid · Japanese plum · pro-glutathione antioxidant booster
When to use	Morning, evening, or both

What it actually does

• Releases vitamin C gradually. Tatcha chose a stable, time-release form of vitamin C over 12 hours, both to help absorption and to keep brightening going through the day rather than in one hit.
• Goes after hyperpigmentation and post-acne marks. The brand describes the serum as targeting hyperpigmentation and reducing the look of marks left behind after breakouts.
• Firms and supports elasticity. Tatcha credits ferulic acid and vitamin-C-rich Japanese plum with visibly firming the skin and adding antioxidant protection.
• Antioxidant boost. A pro-glutathione booster in the formula delivers, per Tatcha, 13 times more antioxidant power and works on hyperpigmentation.
• Layers well. Light, non-sticky and fast-absorbing, so skincare and makeup sit on top of it without pilling.
• Gentle enough for twice daily. Tatcha says it can be used morning and night for continuous care.
• Brand clinical study. In a Tatcha study with 18 panellists, all participants showed brighter, visibly firmer skin and improvement in post-acne marks within one week, and all agreed it absorbed quickly and felt gentle. Small panel, brand-run — your own results will vary.

How to use

1. Fit it into your morning or evening routine — or both, which is what Tatcha suggests for around-the-clock brightening.
2. Dispense one to two pumps and massage it gently into the skin.
3. Layer on top. It absorbs quickly, so moisturiser and makeup follow without waiting long. In the morning, always finish with SPF — brightening work is undone by unprotected sun exposure.

Packaging note: Tatcha says the full-size unit is all plastic and the whole thing, cap and pump included, can be recycled — check your local recycling rules.

Is it right for you?

Questions

What does "time-release" vitamin C mean here?

Rather than delivering the vitamin C all at once, Tatcha uses a stable form that releases over 12 hours. The brand's reasoning is better absorption and brightening that continues through the day.

Can I use it morning and night?

Yes — Tatcha describes it as effective but kind to skin and suitable for both. If vitamin C is new to you, start once daily and build up.

Will it pill under makeup?

Tatcha describes it as ultra-light, non-sticky and quick to absorb, and says it layers well under skincare and makeup. Give it a few seconds to sink in before the next step.

How long does delivery take, and how can I pay?

Delivery takes 3 to 21 working days, depending on availability. We accept credit card, debit card, Instapay and mobile wallets — there is no cash on delivery. See our Shipping Policy.

What if the bottle arrives damaged or expired?

Contact us within 1 day of delivery with a photo of the issue. We accept returns for defective, damaged or expired items only, and once verified the refund is issued to your original payment method within 15–30 days. See our Return & Refund Policy.