The Laneige Radian-C Effector and Spot Serum might just be your next brightening BFF

I have not been so kind to my skin lately. Lately, my job finds me outdoors for most of the day, and even with sunscreen application and strategically finding shaded areas to stand in, the sun and its reflection on the pavement have led to unevenly tanned skin and sun spots galore. Will switching from a simple hydrating skincare routine to an actively brightening one help? That was my big question when I swapped my usual nighttime picks for a duo from the Laneige Radian-C line!

After cleansing, my regular toner was replaced with the Radian-C Advanced Effector (P2,300 for 150ml). Fun fact: This was the product formerly known as the Clear-C Advanced Effector. Aside from the sunny packaging revamp, this new iteration now contains Vitamin C and a Vitamin C derivative in addition to Niacinamide and the antioxidant-rich 92% Super Berry Complex.

The effector comes with a box of cotton pads that have a textured side on one end and a smooth side on the other. The bottle itself contains notches on the side that you can use as a guide to pump out the correct “dose”. The textured side is a form of mild manual exfoliation, while the smooth side is for tapping the formula onto the skin. Alternatively, the liquid can be dispensed directly onto the hands and patted on as you would a regular hydrating toner. This is my preferred application method as it is more economical.

While I’m used to essences and toners having a semi-gel consistency and a mildly tacky feel on the skin as it dries, the Radian-C Effector actually feels more like water. The formula is so runny that half a pump already feels like I’m washing my face with it! It dries without any residue or oily finish. No stinging or irritation. There’s also no noticeable scent.

Once the Advanced Effector is fully absorbed by the skin, I follow it up with the Radian-C Spot Serum (P1,600 for 10g). As well as the 15.2% Vitamin C content, this is also formulated with Niacinamide and a Vitamin C derivative. I was surprised to find out that the serum is pretty much just as runny as the effector! It is meant to be shaken prior to use, since it's a bi-phase formula (though not oily). Then the liquid is directly dripped over each cheek before being patted on with the hands.

NGL, I found the consistency a little tricky to work. This drip-on-cheeks application method as shown on the Laneige how-to video I found online feels a little messy. Unsurprisingly, the liquid immediately runs down the cheeks and I have to rush to spread before it runs down my neck. Ditto for the forehead, and I even accidentally got the serum in my eye. Perhaps it’s better to dispense the product onto the palms first instead.

That aside, the serum is instantly absorbed by the skin. I notice that there is a salty-sour scent to the liquid with a hint of ginger or citrus. I don’t know why, but it reminds me of broth. The scent doesn’t linger though, so it’s not bothersome once the Vitamin C serum has dried.

Before

After

After two weeks of nightly use and sunscreen + hats during the daytime, I did notice some mild improvement on some of the hyperpigmentation on my cheeks. I’d describe the progress as a very mild and gradual lightening, a blurring around the edges if you will. This line would probably work faster with someone who has less sun exposure. I also found both formulas to be pleasantly gentle and slightly hydrating. I did not experience any purging. There were even days when I forgot to layer a face cream over the duo, but I didn’t wake up with dry skin!. Not even with the Niacinamide content.

BTW, the Radian-C collection also includes an SPF50 Sun Cream and a non-SPF face cream. I’d recommend the line to anyone seeking mild and gradual skin brightening, because sometimes it’s just better to make a commitment and be in it for the long haul… And that’s my hugot for the day.