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NEW FORMULA

Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum

BRIGHTEN + EVEN

4.4
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 Stars (1,938 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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Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum

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Super Soother Skincare Bundle

4.5
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 Stars (8,151 Reviews)

After 15 years in the beauty world, I was fed up. Toxic ingredients, false promises, and over-priced products. So we moved to Vermont and started Ursa Major: skincare that uses clean, forest-infused ingredients for real results, without all the BS of traditional beauty.

Emily Ursa Major Co-Founder
Emily

Powered by clean actives like a potent Vitamin C blend and Rose Hip, Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum is high-impact, low-maintenance skincare—proven to perform.

Lightens & brightens

Blends Vitamin C and other powerhouse plant actives to target stubborn dark spots and brighten dull-looking skin.

Evens tone & texture

Reduces the look of redness and texture, supporting a smoother, more even-toned, and radiant complexion.

Effective to the last drop

Formulated with two highly stable Vitamin C to maintain maximum potency from the first drop to the last.

Sunshine in a bottle

Lightweight with a silky feel, it layers effortlessly under other skincare with a sunny, citrusy scent.

Brightens
Brightens
Smoothes
Smoothes
Evens
Evens
Clean ingredients
Clean ingredients
Certified Plastic Negative
Certified Plastic Negative
Vegan &  cruelty-free
Vegan & cruelty-free
Key Ingredients

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

    Provides instant hydration and soothes skin

  • Rose

    Helps reduce the appearance of redness

Full Ingredients

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.

*Certified Organic Ingredients

How To Use

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

Aroma

A fresh-squeezed citrus aroma topped with herbaceous Rose Hip and a hint of sour Rose.

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“If I could give this 10 stars, I would. Very hydrating and brightening. With regular use, it’s helping make my skin tone more even.”

Kim

“It’s brightened my skin and helped fade sun spots and scarring. My mature skin looks and feels healthy and younger.”

Cathryn A.

“Wow! [This] really is pretty amazing: light, smooth, disappears in seconds (and feels like it’s not even there). I genuinely see a difference in my skin.”

Alan R.

“Really brightens and nourishes my skin. My age spots are less noticeable, my skin feels smoother, and I love the citrusy scent.”

Camille W.

“I’m on my third bottle. My face is noticeably brighter, with reduced sun spots and a much more even color. I’m hooked!”

Robin S.

FAQs

Is this the serum for me?  

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.

How and when do I use this product?  

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 favorite moisturizer or SPF.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?  

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.

Does it contain fragrance?  

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

What if I don’t love it?  

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.

Do you offer free shipping?  

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. 

How do I start a return?  

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.

MADE FOR SKIN AND SPIRIT

The Ursa Major Difference

Powerful, forest-infused formulas

Powerful, forest-infused formulas

Our pristine ingredients are tapped straight from the forest, with proven benefits to deliver maximum efficacy.
Clean, healthy ingredients

Clean, healthy ingredients

No harsh chemicals or hidden junk—just safe, quality ingredients that meet our (and your) sky-high standards.
Sublime experience

Sublime experience

From lightweight textures to subtle (never synthetic) aromas, every product is a treat for your skin—and your senses.
Love It Guarantee

Love It Guarantee

If you don’t love your experience within 30 days of receiving our products, we’ll offer you a full refund or exchange.

Make it a ritual and save

$110 VALUE

Super Soother Skincare Bundle

Soothe stressed, dehydrated skin.
4.5
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 Stars (8,151 Reviews)
2 items
$136 VALUE

Emily’s Daily Glow Bundle

Support healthy, glowing skin daily.
4.5
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 Stars (9,569 Reviews)
3 items

Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum Reviews

FYI, we improved this product’s actives, scent, and texture as of 11/23/2024

4.4
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars
Based on 1,938 reviews
1,938 reviews
  • Melissa
    Reviewing
    Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1/21/26
    5 Stars

    Only moisturizer I use!

  • Tanya
    Reviewing
    Emily's Daily Glow Bundle - Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1/16/26
    5 Stars

    Love, love!!

  • Maren E. F.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Emily's Daily Glow Bundle - Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1/11/26
    I look forward to the time I get to use this each day

    This with the golden hour cream is divine! I love everything about it…the smell, how it feels going on, and how it keeps my face fresh throughout the day. I’ve only used it for a month but can see a difference and feel like this is one of the best skin products I’ve ever tried!

  • Amy L.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum
    I recommend this product
    AGE RANGE 50's+
    SKIN TYPE Balanced
    SKIN CONCERN Fine Lines
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1/5/26
    Feels great on my skin!

    I don’t necessarily see any major results, but LOVE the way it makes my skin feel! This is only my second time purchasing this product.

  • Meghan L.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum
    I recommend this product
    AGE RANGE 20's
    SKIN TYPE Combo
    SKIN CONCERN Breakouts
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1/5/26
    Great new product for my routine!

    Started incorporating this into my routine a couple weeks ago - so far really enjoy the product. It does have a scent (which is something I usually avoid in skincare products) but its quite light and isn't irritating.