I’m no stranger to hyperpigmentation. Ergo, brightening serums abound in my skin care stash—though few are worthy of a spot in my medicine cabinet, home to a curated collection of formulas I’ve deemed inimitable.

Moreover, even the formulas that have delivered on their brightening claims have fallen short in other respects. (My favorite vitamin C serum smells like boiled hot dogs, for instance, and feels  stickier than the floor of a fraternity house.)

Recently, Tatcha—a Korean-founded, Japanese-inspired brand used by the likes of Oprah and Meghan Markle—released its own brightening elixir, which I acquired for testing purposes prior to its official launch. In the month or so since, my skin—formerly sallow in light of my atrocious sleep patterns—appears well-rested; radiant, even. Plus, evidence of past skin care mistakes—two dark marks, borne from injudicious extraction techniques—have lifted significantly. Heck, I’m finally going barefaced (around my apartment, at least).

The Brightening Serum is an ultra-gentle illuminating solution for dull, uneven, skin. Specifically, it addresses dark spots, including post-inflammatory and UV-induced hyperpigmentation—via a blend of brightening ingredients.

Additionally, the serum shields against aging environmental factors, many of which can contribute, or even cause, hyperpigmentation in the first place. Ferulic acid, for instance, fends off dark spots—including those caused by UV damage. Vitamin C—also present in Tatcha’s serum—doubles down on defense against skin-aging environmental elements.