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Home → Fresh Series → Sapphō’s Brightening Serum

Phaedra Botanicals Sappho’s Brightening Serum 30ml dropper bottle on white background.

Sapphō's Brightening Serum​

Brightening and Toning Gel-Serum Powered by 17 Bio-Actives

★★★★★ 17 REVIEWS

Key benefits

Supports a brighter, more radiant-looking complexion.

Helps refine the look of uneven tone and dullness.

Smooths the appearance of texture and fine lines.

Suitable for

All skin types, especially dull skin with uneven tone that requires gentle brightening.

Vegan and cruelty-free. Freshly made to order during our production window.

Fresh Series products are available by bimonthly production window. Explore the dates here.

Close-up aof a glass dropper dispensing an emerald-green serum onto a glossy pool of product on a white background.

Fresh Series formula

Fresh Series: made to order in bimonthly production windows.

  • Glycerin offers immediate hydration and supports a soft feel.

  • Aloe barbadensis leaf juice soothes and hydrates.

  • Trehalose: offers osmoprotective comfort.

  • Caprylic/capric triglyceride improves slip and reduces the feel of moisture loss.

  • Lysolecithin supports comfort.
  • Camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract is a polyphenol-rich antioxidant that soothes the skin. It is the formula’s central antioxidant base.

  • Ginkgo biloba leaf extract soothes stressed skin.

  • Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) fruit extract offers anthocyanin-rich antioxidant support.

  • Arthrospira platensis extract (spirulina) combats dullness and visible stress.

  • Equisetum arvense (horsetail) extract is a mineral-rich botanical with antioxidant and sebum-regulating activity.

  • Glycyrrhiza uralensis (licorice) root CO₂ extract is a key brightening and soothing active for tone support.

  • Schisandra sphenanthera fruit CO₂ extract is an adaptogenic antioxidant that supports resilience and tone clarity.

  • Acerola fruit extract (freeze-dried) is a vitamin-rich antioxidant to improve glow.

  • Citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) fruit extract + citrus limon (lemon) fruit extract are the key brightening components.

  • Croton lechleri (dragon’s blood) resin extract is our signature repair-botanical for barrier comfort, firmness, and resilience.

  • Sugar-derived AHA complex (Acer saccharum + Saccharum officinarum extracts) provides a gentle surface renewal support for smoother-looking texture and clarity.
sappho's brightening serum by phaedra botanicals

Aroma

Sapphō’s Brightening Serum carries a refreshing neroli aroma, softened by warm, light honey undertones.

pH: ~3.5.

Citrus Aurantium Amara (Neroli) Flower Water1 · Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice1 · Glycerin2 · Aqua2 · Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride · Maltodextrine · Parfum3 · Schisandra Sphenanthera Fruit Extract4 · Lysolecithin · Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract · Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract1 · Malpighia Punicifolia (Acerola) Fruit Extract1 5 · Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract1 · Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Extract · Arthrospira Platensis Extract1 · Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract · Croton Lechleri (Dragon’s Blood) Resin Extract6 · Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract · Citrus Limon Fruit Extract · Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract4 9 · Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract · Saccharum Officinarum Extract · Myroxylon Pereirae Oil/Extract8 · Xanthan gum · Vanillin8 · Benzyl Alcohol · Dehydroacetic Acid · Potassium Sorbate2 · Sodium Benzoate2 · Citric Acid2 · Trehalose7 · Sodium Citrate · Benzyl Benzoate8· Geraniol8 · Linalool8 · Benzyl Cinnamate8

1 Certified organic.

2 Not added to our serums but a residue resulting from extended maceration of our botanicals in a hydro-glycerin solution.

3 Exclusive fusion of slow-distilled botanicals and Essential Oils · Compliant with IFRA (International Fragrance Association) Guidelines.

4 CO2 extract – one of the cleanest ways to extract botanicals.

5 Obtained through a freeze-drying process to maintain the maximum amount of vitamins.

6 In vitro studies have shown that it helps protect cells against oxidation and enhances the metabolism of fibroblasts; Ex vivo studies have shown that it enhances the expression of collagen I, III, and IV.

7 Trehalose is a natural sugar found in plants that helps to hydrate the skin by drawing water into the skin cells.

8 Residual traces from the extraction of our aroma from flowers and botanicals.

9 Deglycyrrhizinated licorice extract

This product is freshly prepared to order and never held in stock by Phaedra Botanicals.

For optimal freshness and longevity, we recommend storing your Sapphō’s Brightening Serum in the refrigerator.

Close-up of hands holding Sapphos Brightening Serum, as a drop of its pale turquoise formula glides from the pipette.

Packaging

Miron biophotonic glass helps protect light-sensitive bioactives; secondary packaging uses recycled materials.

Application

Dispense about a quarter of a pipette into the palm of your hand.

Gently press onto face, neck, and décolletage.

Follow up immediately with the application of one of our creamy serums or moisturizers, such as Hana Defies Time Phytotherapy Serum and Transcendent the Lotion or our beauty oils.

FAQs

Yes. Start once daily, then increase to morning and night if your skin feels comfortable.

It’s not expected to. Sapphō’s Brightening Serum is formulated as a gentle brightening and toning treatment, balancing brightening fruit acids with soothing botanicals such as aloe vera, green tea and cucumber. If you have a sensitive skin, always patch test first.

Yes. All products with fruit acids make sun protection more important. Always use daily SPF.

Yes. Many of our acne-prone clients choose it for toning and brightening. If your skin is sensitive or you use prescription acne treatments, consult your dermatologist before use.

You can apply it around the orbital bone only if you tolerate acids well, and keep a safe distance from the lash line.

Yes, you can layer it with our more complex serums. For example, pair it with Hana Defies Time Phytotherapy Serum, our bestselling formula with 21 bio-actives, for a more intensive treatment ritual.

Because of its lighter texture, Sapphō’s Brightening Serum should be applied first.

Phaedra Botanicals treatments are designed to work gently and non-aggressively. We avoid synthetic retinoids and instead use bio-actives that support visible renewal without irritation, such as bakuchiol. For a complete treatment that works synergistically with Sapphō’s Brightening Serum, pair it with Hana Defies Time Phytotherapy Serum.

Store it in the fridge. This will help to keep the serum fresh for use.

Difference

We create Sapphō’s Brightening Serum with French organic actives only in designated ordering periods, so it reaches you fresh and at its most potent.

Its blend of brightening AHA fruit acids, vitamin C, and deeply soothing botanicals supports all skin types while delivering visible radiance.

During production, we never apply any heat to our serums, protecting the formula’s integrity and its sensitive bioactives.

Pairs Well With

Phaedra Botanicals Ente plum oil from France that is rich in antioxidants photographed in the studio

Botanical Oils

After applying your serum, seal the treatment in with one of our oils.

Find your favorite oil
Sapphō's Brightening Serum in 30ml size by Phaedra Botanicals
Sapphō's Brightening Serum​

Brightening and Toning Gel-Serum Powered by 17 Bio-Actives