Orange Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum bottle and carton on a white background
BESTSELLER

Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum

BRIGHTEN + EVEN

4.4
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 Stars (2,025 Reviews)

A silky brightening serum combining two stable forms of Vitamin C to target dullness, dark spots, and uneven tone.

30 mL| 1 FL OZ

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Free shipping over $40

Free shipping over $40

Free & easy returns

Free & easy returns

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Super Soother Skincare Bundle

4.5
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 Stars (8,504 Reviews)

Why It’s Special

Lightens & brightens

If you’ve soaked up a little too much sun over the years, it might be time for a vitamin C brightening serum. Ours includes concentrated forms of Vitamin C, along with other powerhouse natural actives that brighten dull-looking skin and lighten stubborn dark spots.

Balances tone & texture

Active ingredients like Aspen Bark (a natural source of BHA) add a conditioning and gently renewing effect, while Aloe and Rose soothe skin and reduce redness. You’ll start to notice smooth, even, and all-around radiant skin.

Effective to the last drop

Not all Vitamin C serums are created equal. In fact, most lose their potency by the time they get to your shelf. Ours features highly stable forms of Vitamin C, to ensure peak freshness and potency over time.

A step you’ll never skip

Its silky, featherweight texture (and heavenly scent) makes it easy to work into your routine. Add it as a hydrating layer under SPF in the morning, beneath your heavier moisturizer at night, or both. Whatever works best for your skin.

Refreshingly different

Nothing to hide here. Just naturally awesome ingredients that help you achieve your healthiest, happiest skin.

Potent formula

Potent formula

Lightens dark spots

Lightens dark spots

Evens skin tone

Evens skin tone

Clean ingredients

Clean ingredients

Certified Plastic Negative

Certified Plastic Negative

Vegan & cruelty-free

Vegan & cruelty-free

“...a hydrating, brightening, skin-smoothing natural wonder…”

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“No joke: This is just as potent as the ones you’d get in a derm’s office.”

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“...combats dullness and hyperpigmentation like nobody’s business.”

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“Your friends will notice a visibly ‘brighter’ complexion.”

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“…retains its potency far longer than traditional vitamin C…”

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Pure, Powerful Ingredients

No petrochemicals. No sulfates. No parabens. No synthetic fragrances. Just pure, powerful ingredients your skin will thank you for.

  • Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate & Ascorbyl Glucoside

    Stable forms of Vitamin C that help skin look brighter, firmer, and more even-toned

  • Edelweiss

    A stem cell complex with potent antioxidant properties to help protect skin from visible signs of aging

  • Organic Rose Hip

    High in essential skin nutrients, like Vitamin C, that minimize the look of dark spots, scars, and fine lines

  • Aspen Bark

    A natural source of salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid) that gently exfoliates and soothes skin

  • Aloe

    Helps soothe and hydrate skin

  • Rose

    Helps reduce the appearance of redness

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helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil*, glycerin, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, populus tremuloides bark extract, ascorbyl glucoside, coco-glucoside, coconut alcohol, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter*, aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder*, rosa canina seed extract*, leontopodium alpinum meristem cell culture, hydrogenated lecithin, rosa damascena flower oil*, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil*, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract*, bisabolol*, sodium anisate, glyceryl caprylate, sclerotium gum, xanthan gum, arginine.

*Organic Ingredients

Massage 1-2 pumps into clean skin morning or night before applying your go-to moisturizer or SPF.

Pro Tip: Apply in the morning under SPF for an extra layer of defense against sun damage.

Q: Is this the serum for me?

A: Whether you use one, two, or all four of our serums is totally up to you and your skin needs!

Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum is our go-to for brightening dull-looking skin and targeting stubborn dark spots, uneven texture and tone.

Mountain Glow Serum is our go-to for an instant dewy boost. It restores moisture and supports collagen & barrier health, so skin looks youthful and firm.

Forest Water Hyaluronic Serum is our go-to for deep hydration. It plumps skin, helping it appear firmer with fewer visible fine lines.

Lunar Bloom Retinal Serum (for PM use only) is our go-to for dialing back the look of fine lines & wrinkles by promoting collagen production and skin renewal.

Still need some help making a decision? Check out our Serum Quiz or send us a message.


Q: How and when do I use this product?

A: Lightweight and easy-layering, Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum is easy to work into your daily lineup. Use it in the morning and/or at night after cleansing and toning, then follow with your favoritemoisturizeror SPF.


Q: Is this safe for sensitive skin?

A: Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum is formulated just below the maximum active ingredient dosage to deliver visible results without unnecessary irritation. Unlike many vitamin C serums, it does not cause photo-sensitivity—but we encourage pairing with an SPF for best results.

Of course, as with any product, if you have extra-sensitive skin, we suggest doing a patch test on the inner wrist before applying to the full face for extra precaution.


Q: Is this product pregnancy-safe?

A: Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum does contain a very small amount of natural salicylic acid (a type of BHA) from Aspen Bark. While some healthcare providers recommend avoiding salicylic acid during pregnancy, it is included in this formula at a very low amount (less than 0.5%).

That said, we always recommend checking in with your healthcare provider about ingredient lists and any new products during pregnancy.

Q: Does this contain fragrance?

A: Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum has a fresh-squeezed citrus aroma that comes entirely from real plant extracts—never synthetic fragrances.

Q: What if I don’t love it?

A: We totally understand that skincare is not one-size-fits-all and that everyone’s skin is unique. If you are not satisfied with your Ursa Major products, you may return your product for a full refund or store credit within 30 days of receiving your order.

Q: Do you offer free shipping?

A: We happily offer free standard shipping via DHL/USPS for all domestic orders $40+ placed on our website. Orders below $40 will ship via DHL/USPS for a flat $7 fee. 

Q: How do I start a return?

A: Super easy! Just head on over to our Returns Portal, where you’ll just need your order number (the one starting with UM) and your email address or zip code to get started.

Carton + Carton Liner: Recycle in your curbside bin.

Glass Bottle: Rinse and recycle in your curbside bin.

Pump: Rinse and drop off at your nearest specialty recycler—we recommend a Pact collection bin.

Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum Reviews

4.4
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars
Based on 2,025 reviews
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2,025 reviews
  • Dorothy B.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    AGE RANGE 50's+
    SKIN TYPE Sensitive
    SKIN CONCERN Fine Lines
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    7/27/26
    Love this

    This serum is so light and airy. It smooths on nicely and evenly. I have sensitive skin, and so far I’ve had no problems with this product. A bonus, It has a light uplifting scent.

    Was this helpful?
  • Robin G.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    7/20/26
    Truly lightens my sun/age spots on face and hands

    I'm a 58-year-old woman who fortunately found Ursa Major years ago and have been benefitting from their fabulous skin care products including this awesome vitamin C serum. I definitely see a difference in the darkness of my age/sun spots on my cheeks, backs of hands and décolletage when using this serum. Earlier this year I ran out and tried another vitamin C serum I found in a local store and was disappointed -- not only by the scent and feel/absorption, but also the results. The Ursa Major serum smells lovely, has a nice light texture and absorbs quickly into my skin. I took a couple "before" pictures before receiving my current bottle and will take "after" pictures in a month or so to compare, but I feel this serum lightens my spots.

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  • Rita H.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    7/18/26
    Skincare bundle

    Love the way it feels on my face! I have dry skin & I can see the glow!

    Was this helpful?
  • Terri G.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    AGE RANGE 50's+
    SKIN TYPE Dry
    SKIN CONCERN Fine Lines
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    7/17/26
    Love the Vitamin C Serum

    It’s perfect blend goes on light, not sticky love the brightness it gives my face

    Was this helpful?
  • Colleen W.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    AGE RANGE 50's+
    SKIN TYPE Dry
    SKIN CONCERN Dryness
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    7/11/26
    Good stuff

    I love all your products

    Was this helpful?
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