Whether you're dealing with a dark mark left behind by a blemish, spots that indicate sun damage, or hormone-induced melasma, these typically unwanted changes in the skin all fall under the umbrella of hyperpigmentation. Caused by the cells responsible for your skin's color, melanocytes, depositing excess pigment into deeper levels of the skin, these forms of discoloration can be incredibly frustrating for those who strive for an even-toned complexion — especially since it can be tough to reverse. Show
"In general, hyperpigmentation is tough to treat and a chronic condition," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, tells Allure, noting that he explains to his patients that it must be taken seriously because it's so easy for it to recur. Although some patients choose to undergo laser treatments for their dark spots to address their hyperpigmentation with customized prescription compounds — Dr. Bhanusali often blends a high dose of hydroquinone with kojic acid and vitamin C for his patients — there are ways to combat discoloration without often-expensive in-office procedures and medications. That's where these over-the-counter options come in. Often made with the same active ingredients that dermatologists use in prescription compounds, these serums and creams contribute to more even-toned skin and reduced hyperpigmentation with consistent use. "When targeting hyperpigmentation, you want to use multiple ingredients that have different functions," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist David Kim, MD, tells us. "For example, you want to use a vitamin A derivative to increase cell turnover, alpha hydroxy acids to enzymatically exfoliate, and incorporate azelaic acid, kojic acid, or arbutin to reduce melanin production," Dr. Kim explains, adding that tranexamic acid is particularly beneficial for melasma. But there is something else dermatologists recommend across the board to get dark spots under control: sunscreen. "Before you spend your money on antioxidant serums and retinoids to improve the tone and texture of your skin, the most important first step is diligent daily sun protection, which is key to reducing the appearance of brown spots," says board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD, also based in New York City. "Otherwise you are literally throwing your money away investing in other skin-care products," she adds. Dr. Kim backs this up, adding that SPF combined with vitamin C in the morning minimizes UV damage, prevents excessive melanin production, and contributes to a brighter complexion overall. Got your sunscreen checked off? Good. Here are some of the best dark spot correctors and hyperpigmentation-fading products to pair with it. Just ensure that you're consistent with using these products — every day, folks — and you'll see amazing (but gradual) results in as little as a month. All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication. There’s likely little you wouldn’t do or try to fade dark spots on your skin, be it using foundation and concealer or trying unusual skin care tactics like slugging. Hyperpigmentation—also known as dark spots, age spots, or liver spots—may be caused by acne scars, excessive sun exposure, or hormonal changes. They occur when your skin revs up its production of melanin, the pigment that controls skin color. When melanin production is in overdrive, you may develop dark patches of skin. There are lots of products out there that promise to help you fade dark spots, but which is the best dark spot corrector for you? The key is knowing what ingredients to look for, says dermatologist Rebecca Marcus, MD. What is the most effective dark spot corrector?Any over-the-counter topical lightening product takes time to work. Be patient, according to Dr. Marcus. “The effects usually start to appear after about two weeks of consistent use and continue to improve over time,” she says. Sun exposure makes dark spots worse and can undo all the benefits of your lightening product, she adds. “Even a tiny bit of sun exposure can erase all your hard work and cause dark spots to recur,” she says. Remember to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every single day. (Try these expert-approved face sunscreens.) While creams and face serums are great, sometimes bigger guns like chemical peels, intense pulsed light (IPL), or lasers may be needed for full correction. Hydroquinone —the bleaching agent used to lighten dark patches of skin—is another option, and it works really well…until it doesn’t. “This popular skin lightening ingredient is very effective, but if overused, it can cause darkening of the skin,” says Dr. Marcus. For this reason, it’s important to only use hydroquinone under a doctor’s close supervision and instruction, for limited periods of time. What do dermatologists recommend for dark spots?There are many gentle, effective ingredients that can help fade your dark spots—alone and in combination, Dr. Marcus says. Ingredients to look for include: tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C. Tranexamic acid blocks the interaction between the melanocytes and the skin cells on your skin’s surface called keratinocytes. Kojic acid and vitamin C inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase, which is instrumental in the synthesis of melanin, Dr. Marcus explains. “Once melanin is no longer being formed in excess, the skin has a chance to return to a more even coloration.” Another effective dark spot corrector, niacinamide works by interrupting the cell pigmentation process. Retinol speeds up cell turnover to peel away dark spots. How we chose the best dark spot correctorsOur picks for best dark spot correctors are based on expert recommendations from top dermatologists, aestheticians, and plastic surgeons. We combined their know-how with user reviews and ratings to develop a comprehensive list of the best dark spot correctors for every skin type at every price point. via merchantBest for melasmaSkinCeuticals Discoloration DefenseThis hydroquinone-free serum includes three of Dr. Marcus’s favorite ingredients for fading dark spots: tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide. One reviewer was very satisfied: “This has been a game changer! I have had terrible melasma, and this has been the only serum that has completely faded it!” Characterized by brown or blue-gray patches or freckle-like spots, melasma is also known as the “mask of pregnancy” because it often occurs with hormonal changes during pregnancy. Pros:
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Shop Now Best for acne scarsDifferin Dark Spot Correcting SerumThis serum contains 4 percent niacinamide, which has been shown in several studies to help with the appearance of hyperpigmentation, says dermatologist Camille Howard, MD. “This serum paired with a good sunscreen is chef’s kiss,” she says. If you still struggle with acne, try these foundations for acne-prone skin. Pros:
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Shop Now via merchantBest for quick resultsSkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting SerumThis hydroquinone-free serum is packed with tranexamic acid, phytic acid, niacinamide, and many more powerful brightening and lightening ingredients, says Taylor Worden, celebrity aesthetician and founder of Taylor Worden Skin. “You will see results in as little as two weeks,” she says. Until then, learn the right way to apply concealer. Pros:
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Shop Now via merchantBest for vitamin CMaya Chia Super Lift Vitamin C-More TreatmentThis product has all the key ingredients, including three types of vitamin C, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, the antioxidant ferulic acid, and peptides to help brighten the skin, says dermatologist Hadley King, MD. “It diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles, immediately (with a temporary tightening/smoothing effect) and in the long-term.” Try it with this vitamin C serum for even more effect. Pros:
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Shop Now Best budget pickNeutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot CorrectorThis cream contains a stable form of vitamin C plus Neutrogena’s Accelerated Retinol SA (sustained action), a combination of retinol, glucose complex (a retinol booster), and moisturizing hyaluronic acid, says dermatologist Vivian Bucay, MD. “With consistent daily use as well as daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen, people can expect to see skin that looks smoother, brighter, and more hydrated, with a reduction in the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles, thanks to retinol,” she says. Pros:
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Shop Now via merchantBest splurgeBioeffect EGF Power CreamThis cream contains barley EGF, a powerful growth factor known for its role in skin health, plus niacinamide and other potent plant-based ingredients, says dermatologist Anetta Reszko, MD, PhD. “In a three-month product efficacy study, findings showed a clear improvement of skin pigmentation following application twice a day of Bioeffect EGF Power Cream for 90 days,” she says. Looking for other skin-soothing products? Check out these foundations for dry skin. Pros:
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Shop Now via merchantBest for stubborn dark spotsClinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector & OptimizerDark spots don’t stand a chance against Clinique’s Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer. As one verified Amazon reviewer puts it: “After using hundreds of creams and treatments, this serum is the only thing that took away the stains.” Powered by the CL302 Brightening Complex plus vitamin C, this serum penetrates 21 layers into the skin’s surface, stopping dark spots in their tracks while a green tea extract soothes skin. Pros:
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Shop Now Best for evening skin toneImage Skincare Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging SerumPowered by vitamin C, moisturizing hyaluronic acid, and soothing green tea extract, Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum brightens and improves uneven skin tone, says dermatologist Jenny Liu, MD. “Expect improvement in overall skin radiance, skin tone, texture, and hydration within four weeks,” she says. Another important step in your skin care routine is exfoliating regularly with a quality face scrub. Pros:
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Shop Now via merchantBest for targeted dark spot reductioniS Clinical Brightening SerumSome acne treatments zero in on blemishes—this serum takes that same super-targeted approach for dark marks, Dr. Marcus says. It contains a blend of Norwegian sea kelp extracts and other botanical acids that work together to lighten and brighten age spots. Pros:
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Shop Now via merchantBest for the bodySpot Fade Dark Spot Body Correcting SerumThis serum evens out skin tone and fades dark spots anywhere on the body, says dermatologist Susan Van Dyke, MD. It contains a cocktail of ingredients, including kojic acid, retinol, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide. “These four extraordinary ingredients reduce hyperpigmentation on their own, but when combined, produce even better results,” she says. Improvements are noticeable in as little as two weeks. Another important product for your body? Hand cream. Pros:
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Shop Now Best for all skin typesIsdinceutics Melaclear Dark Spot Correcting SerumThis hydroquinone-free serum is packed with phytic acid, vitamin C, green tea leaf extract, and grape seed extract, which all work together to brighten, even, and correct discoloration on your skin, says Worden. “It can be used all year, and all skin types can use it.” Don’t forget to follow it with moisturizer, another year-round product. Pros:
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Shop Now Best tinted dark spot correctorPÜR 4-in-1 Correcting Primer Dark Spot CorrectorThis peach-toned dark spot corrector contains an encapsulated blend of retinol, lactic acid, shea butter, and a ceramide that all work together to fade dark spots and blur fine lines and wrinkles. Because it’s tinted, it also functions as a primer or concealer. Pros:
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Shop Now via merchantBest stick dark spot correctorOlay Skin Brightening Serum Stick with Vitamin C and Vitamin B3This serum comes in stick form, making it super easy to apply, and includes both vitamin B3 and vitamin C to brighten skin tone. Amazon reviewer Pensters says, “This serum is awesome—my face looks so bright after applying! Plus, it works well with moisturizer and other face products!” Try it with one of these foundations for mature skin. Pros:
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Shop Now Best for redness reductionSente Dermal Repair CreamThis dark spot corrector actually bills itself as a repair cream, but is powered by heparan sulfate analog, which cools inflammation and reduces redness, along with dark-spot fighting niacinamide, says dermatologist Eva Simmons-O’Brien, MD. “Some dark spots may have vascularity running through the brown pigment, so anything that can reduce redness can improve pigment.” Pros:
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Originally Published: May 22, 2022 What is the best product to remove dark spots on face?"Olay's Vitamin C and Peptide 24 moisturizer is one of my favorite budget-friendly dark spot correctors to recommend to clients," Robinson says. "It's not only available at most drugstores, but also uses vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, and lactic acid to even tone and support collagen rejuvenation."
What is the very best dark spot remover?Best Overall: Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum. ... . Best Value: Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector. ... . Best Splurge: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. ... . Best Peel Pads: Dr. ... . Best Exfoliator: Drunk Elephant T.L.C. ... . Best With Retinol: Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform. ... . Best With Vitamin C: Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum.. What do dermatologists recommend for dark spots?A dermatologist may recommend one treatment option over another based on the size and pigmentation of the dark spot. Some of the most common solutions include laser therapy, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion.
Is there a dark spot remover that works?Some of the most effective active ingredients to treat dark spots are acids — like tranexamic, glycolic and kojic acids. “Retinoids can also treat dark spots by accelerating cell turnover,” he adds.
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