Zoom fatigue. Blue light. Stress breakouts. The all-nighter that turned into a week. Our skin wears every chaotic moment we pretend to have under control — and under our eyes? The receipts.
Brightening serums have become the new emotional support product in skincare kits, and for good reason. The latest formulas are ultra-targeted, feather-light, and powered by ingredients that do more than just promise radiance — they deliver it.
We’re talking stable vitamin C that won’t oxidize in your bathroom, niacinamide that evens tone without redness, caffeine to de-puff eyes faster than a double espresso, and new-gen actives like tranexamic acid and licorice root to fade stubborn shadows.
Below: the five serums you need to know — all available across Romania and the EU — each one clinically loved, cult-followed, and test-driven by the beauty-obsessed.
1. The Daily Glow Armor: La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum
Best For: Dull, tired skin and early signs of pigmentation
This French pharmacy staple is beloved for a reason: it combines 10% pure vitamin C with salicylic acid and soothing thermal spring water. The texture is silky, the glow is real, and it layers beautifully under SPF.
- TOUCH Tip: Use every morning under a high-factor sunscreen to fight off pollution and UV-triggered dullness.
- Available at: Notino, Farmacia Tei, Bebe Tei, and most EU retailers
2. The Undereye Brightener: Lumene Nordic-C [VALO] Glow Renew Eye Serum
Best For: Dark circles, dullness, and Scandinavian glow-seekers
This lightweight eye serum from Finland’s cult brand Lumene is packed with Arctic cloudberry extract (a vitamin C-rich fruit), energizing caffeine, and niacinamide. The metal rollerball applicator is a bonus — cold, de-puffing, and luxurious.
- Bonus: Doubles as a subtle makeup primer under concealer.
- TOUCH Tip: Store it in the fridge for an ultra-refreshing morning ritual.
- Available at: Douglas Romania, Elefant, and Notino
3. The Budget Bright-Eyed Hero: The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
Best For: Puffy eyes, dark shadows, and minimalist skincare budgets
This serum from The Ordinary may be under €10, but it’s stacked with performance. The 5% caffeine helps reduce puffiness and dark circles, while EGCG (from green tea) targets inflammation and oxidative stress.
Don’t expect miracles overnight, but with consistent use, this one makes a visible dent in late-night-induced shadows.
- TOUCH Tip: Use a half-drop only under the eyes — too much can lead to dryness.
- Available at: SEPHORA, Deciem EU, and Notino
4. The Radiance Booster: Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum
Best For: Uneven skin tone, stubborn dark spots, and post-acne pigmentation
This dual-chambered serum uses patented Thiamidol (a European innovation!) and hyaluronic acid to fade pigmentation and brighten the complexion without irritation. It’s particularly effective for hyperpigmentation around the eye socket or cheekbones.
- TOUCH Tip: Avoid combining with strong acids — this serum does the heavy lifting solo.
- Available at: Farmacia Tei, Sensiblu, HelpNet, and major European pharmacies
5. The Overnight Eye Revival: Apivita Bee Radiant Signs of Aging & Fatigue Eye Serum
Best For: Fine lines, dullness, and stressed-out under-eyes
This Greek gem blends white peony extract, patented propolis, and plant-derived glycoproteins to revitalize the eye area. It gently smooths out fine lines while subtly brightening — think more “I meditated” than “I had Botox.”
Texture: Lightweight gel-serum that absorbs quickly without pilling
- TOUCH Tip: Use with a gua sha or chilled jade roller at night for better absorption and a next-level calming ritual.
- Available at: Farmacia Tei, Notino, Apivita.ro, and Douglas EU
Bright-Eyed Rituals: How to Use Them Like a Pro
- Morning Musts: Vitamin C + peptides + SPF = your daily defence team
- Nighttime Rules: Use retinol or lactic acid-based eye serums at night only
- Cold Therapy Boost: Store eye serums with metal tips in the fridge for added de-puffing
- Avoid: Rubbing your under-eyes or mixing too many actives. Stick to a serum + moisturizer combo for max results
Post-Glow Philosophy: It’s About More Than Just Skin
Let’s be real — no serum can fix the chaos of modern life. But a bright, healthy glow can feel like a small rebellion. Like saying: “Yes, I may be tired, but I refuse to look like it.”
And in a world constantly demanding you to be ‘on,’ showing up with luminous skin isn’t vanity — it’s victory.
Glow is an inside job. But the right serum? That’s your secret weapon.
