With top picks from brands like SkinCeuticals, Versed, and more
Fading dark spots, sun spots, age spots, melasma, and hyperpigmentation is a common concern, especially among people of color. According to New York-based dermatologist Diane Madfes, MD, discoloration is often a result of sun damage, hormonal changes, or skin growths, but there are products you can use to reverse the damage.1
Discoloration on the skin occurs when “enlarged melanocytes or increased tyrosinase production causes dark spots,” she explains. Look for over-the-counter dark spot correctors containing “topical vitamins, retinol, arbutin, and other acids—whether glycolic, mandelic, kojic, or salicylic—in low concentrations are also ingredients to seek out.”
We conducted hours of research on the best dark spot correctors and took a few top-rated products out for a spin. We used spot correctors for several weeks, evaluating their effect on the skin, overall results, and value. We considered dozens of products for this roundup, combining our own research insights and dermatologist recommendations to name the best in show.
Best Overall: Hyper Skin Hyper Even Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum
Board-certified dermatologist Adeline Kikam recommends ingredients like azelaic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide to address hyperpigmentation in her patients. This treatment is loaded with kojic acid, which works in tandem with brightening vitamin C and hydrating hyaluronic acid to reduce the appearance of existing dark spots and prevent future marks from cropping up. Plus, we love that this formulation contains anti-inflammatory agents turmeric and salicylic acid, as the two work to heal and prevent breakouts throughout the process—a huge win.
During testing, we noticed that the formula made skin feel a bit tight after application, but after a couple of minutes, our skin felt smooth, supple, and soft-to-the-touch. We recommend applying it all over your face (rather than on just a spot) daily; doing so will encourage results that you’ll be able to notice in about a month.
Best Overall, Runner-Up: PCA SKIN Hydroquinone-Free Pigment Gel Face Serum
This is another very effective option. It’s a bit more aggressive, Kikam explains, as it contains an antioxidant blend of plenylethyl resorcinol, azelaic acid, and kojic acid to correct hyperpigmentation and promote an even tone. As the name suggests, it’s free of hydroquinone, a controversial skin-lightening ingredient that can cause unwanted side effects with long-term use.2 So whether you’re sensitive to the ingredient or simply don’t want to use it on your skin, this serum is a great pick.
The best part? It only takes two weeks to see results. We consistently applied the formula morning and night for 14 days and saw an improvement in the look of our dark spots. As the testing period progressed, dark spots and marks faded and eventually disappeared.
Just be sure not to use the product on open wounds; we experienced a burning sensation after accidentally getting the formula on an open cut.
Best Budget: Versed Out of Sight Dark Spot Gel
This formula from Versed proves you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get serious results. While you may have to wait a bit longer—we noticed changes after six to eight weeks of use—it’s easy on the skin and the wallet. The brightening gel features a blend of concentrated (yet safe!) ingredients that help fade dark spots and post-acne scars. Unlike hydroquinone (the controversial ingredient we touched upon previously), ingredients like tranexamic acid, kojic acid, licorice root, and niacinamide are less aggressive and work together to impede melanin production and even out skin tone without irritation or adverse effects. We loved how the simple formula helped reduce dark spots and redness lingering on our skin after breakouts and diminishing the look of hyperpigmentation, leaving us with a more even-toned complexion.
Upon application, you can expect a subtle cooling sensation, but it simmers down when the product sinks into the skin. (The consistency is very lightweight, so absorption happens within seconds.) We used this product daily and never once experienced irritation or unwelcome tingling; it’s gentle and pairs nicely with almost any existing skincare routine.
Best Gentle: Fenty Skin Watch Ya Tone 5% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum with Vitamin C
If you have sensitive skin, you’ll love this lightweight, non-greasy formula from Rihanna’s Fenty Skin. Watch Ya Tone is a concentrated cocktail of niacinamide, vitamin C, licorice root extract, and Barbados cherry, which is designed to boost the skin’s overall brightness and fade the look of dark spots and other forms of discoloration. We love that it’s non-comedogenic (so it won’t clog your pores), and it’s intended to be used by all skin types, including sensitive. Another plus: Because the consistency is silky smooth and non-sticky, it layers nicely underneath skincare and makeup.
Now, let’s get down to the results: Over the course of about three months, we noticed that dark spots and post-acne hyperpigmentation faded, and our complexion as a whole looks brighter and more even. Admittedly, it takes a bit longer to see results—and those results aren’t as glaringly obvious—but if you have sensitive or highly-reactive skin, you know that a tiny bit of progress is way better than opting for a more aggressive formula that causes more harm than good.
Best Spot Treatment: Hero Cosmetics Lightning Wand Dark Spot Brightening Serum
This small but mighty wand from Hero Cosmetics is pure magic—trust. This illuminating serum (which happens to be housed in a nifty, pen-like wand) combines the powers of an illuminator, which offsets the darkness of the spots, with gentle botanicals to minimize the look of blemish marks on contact. Over time, we noticed a huge difference in the spots on our complexion; each spot was significantly lighter at the end of the trial. Take it from us, don’t give up. We didn’t notice any change in the first month, but it works wonders if you give it a chance.
Oh, and not only is the product affordable, but it lasts a long time. We were able to get through three months of treatment with one wand. Our only complaint: We wish the applicator tip was a squeeze tube rather than a roller ball. A squeeze tube would allow the user to control the amount of product a bit easier. As it is, you have to roll the tip across the skin, but a nozzle applicator would help deposit the right amount of serum every time.
Best for Sensitive Skin: SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense
If you want to treat your skin to the top-shelf stuff without freaking your skin out in the process, SkinCeuticals won’t let you down. This little tincture is chock-full of ingredients that are clinically proven to minimize the appearance of dark spots, even out discoloration, and brighten your complexion. The price is undoubtedly steep, especially for such a small bottle, but if it’s within your budget (or you’re looking for something to splurge on), the results are worth it. After testing, our skin had a more even, consistent tone and appeared beautifully radiant.
Best with Retinol: Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector
To put it plainly, this targeted treatment fades dark spots. Formulated with retinol and vitamin C, this super serum leans on two of the most effective tone-correcting ingredients on the market. Dermatologists often recommend retinol for those looking to eradicate fine lines, unwanted skin texture, and even acne. How does it fit in here? Well, retinol helps promote renewed skin cells, therefore brightening the skin and fading hyperpigmentation. It’s worth noting, however, that retinol can only be used in the evening since it makes the skin more sensitive to the sun. During testing, we found that only a pearl-sized amount was needed to cover the entire face, and it helped to dramatically reduce dark spots, especially those that were from acne scarring.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Dr. Barbara Sturm Untinted Clarifying Spot Treatment
Those with acne-prone skin will rejoice having found this clarifying treatment from German doctor, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s eponymous brand. In addition to treating breakouts, this serum helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, blemishes, and overall redness on the skin. The transparent gel addresses impurities at the source, thanks to a potent blend of tea tree oil, zinc oxide, and macular biofluids. It took about two weeks of use to notice a difference in the overall look of our skin, but from then on, the results were undeniably getting better and better.
Best Brightening: Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Treatment Serum
We could all use a little skin brightening, are we right? This serum from Glow Recipe is the perfect choice for those looking for an all-over, radiant glow. It’s potent—thanks to five forms of vitamin C, guava, tranexamic and ferulic acids—and it works overtime to fade dark spots and even out the look of your complexion. Unlike other vitamin C serums on the market, it delivers effective ingredients in a stable formula (vitamin C tends to be unstable on a molecular level). You can expect this non-sticky gel to absorb into the skin on contact, helping to plump, firm, and brighten the skin over time. It took about a month for dark spots to fade, but the overall look of our skin (aka radiant as heck) is what really sold us.
Final Verdict
Our number one choice is Hyper Skin Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum, a hardworking hyperpigmentation treatment and vitamin C serum that targets the look of dark spots for a more even tone and brighter-looking complexion. For a more budget-friendly pick, you can’t go wrong with the Versed Out of Sight Dark Spot Gel a gentle yet intensive serum that works to fade dark spots and post-acne scars.
What to Look for in a Dark Spot Corrector
Azelaic Acid
Board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi recommends products with azelaic acid, which is an exfoliant known to banish breakouts, reduce inflammation, and even out the skin tone—all while being less harsh than hydroquinone. “Azelaic acid inhibits tyrosinase and prevents pigmentation, but it’s much more gentle,” she explains. If you’re interested in the ingredient, try out the PCA SKIN Hydroquinone-Free Pigment Gel Face Serum, which contains azelaic acid.
Retinol
Retinol is another ingredient that works wonders when it comes to fighting dark spots. “Retinol helps to brighten the skin and fade pigmentation by renewing skin cells,” she says. “Retinols also help with fine lines and firming the skin.” The Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector, one of our favorite formulas, contains the ingredient.
Niacinamide
Another ingredient to look out for is niacinamide (aka vitamin B3), a radiance-boosting, cell-renewing ingredient commonly found in dark spot correctors. Niacinamide fades discoloration and works best when combined with antioxidants like vitamins C and E. As far as niacinamide-rich formulations go, the Fenty Skin Watch Ya Tone 5% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum with Vitamin C is a great one.
FAQ
How do you use a dark spot corrector?
How you use a dark spot corrector will depend on the product and formulation. “Hydroquinone is potent and can be irritating, so it’s best to use only as a spot treatment,” she says. “Azelaic acid and retinol, on the other hand, should be used all over the face, as they help prevent pigmentation on the entire face.” Azelaic acid, she explains, is anti-inflammatory and helps reduce redness, so it’s used to treat acne and rosacea during the daytime. Retinol, on the other hand, should be used at night.
Do dark spot correctors work on freckles?
According to Shirazi, you can use dark spot correctors to fade freckles. “Freckles form as a result of overproduction of melanin due to UV exposure, so yes, bleaching agents can help lighten them as they reduce pigmentation,” she explains. Retinol serums can also effectively address dark spots, freckles, and other signs of photoaging by encouraging cell turnover.
How We Researched & Tested
To compile this list, our team of editors spent hours researching the best dark spot correctors on the market, evaluating features like ingredients, size, and design, before landing on about 30 formulas to try out for ourselves. We tested each formula over the course of eight weeks, taking into account how well each serum absorbed into our skin, whether or not the formula left a residue behind, and how our skin looked and felt after the testing period. We then assigned each serum a rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to all of the products we tested. The highest-rated products made the list.
