22 Dark Spot Correctors For Every Budget
The best and the brightest, from $20 to $400
This lightweight serum is packed with powerful botanicals, like wild rose, sea fern and sand lily, that inhibit melanin from transferring to the surface of skin and gently reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Korres Wild Rose Brightening Targeted Tone Corrector, $43, sephora.com.
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A trio of acids (salicylic, ellagic and hydroxyphenoxy propionic) exfoliate dull skin cells from the surface while gradually fading discoloration
Skinceuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector, $90, dermstore.com.
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This 28-night system works to inhibit melanin oxidation and pigment buildup with proprietary TXC, the first Western brightening ingredient to earn Japan's equivalent of FDA approval.
Chanel Le Blanc Intensive Night Brightening Treatment, $400, nordstrom.com.
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A potent weekly mask for deep exfoliation and luminous skin—instantly and in the long run.
GlamGlow FlashMud Brightening Treatment, $69, sephora.com.
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Retinol SA—a sun-safe retinoid—works to speed cell turnover and eliminate dark patches.
Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector, $23, ulta.com.
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A three percent concentration of the gentle whitening ingredient arbutin to eliminate melanin-charged skin cells.
Orlane Soin de Blanc Whitening Essence, $350, neimanmarcus.com.
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Hydroquinone is a dermatologist go-to for its ability to give hyperpigmentation the boot. Here it's joined by glycolic acid to smooth skin and speed cell turnover.
Paula's Choice Resist Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser, $27, nordstrom.com.
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An anti-aging Bio-Copper Complex stimulates collagen production and elastin peptides for firmer, smoother skin while plant extracts and antioxidants brighten.
Christie Brinkley Inlighten Spot Corrector & Brightening Serum, $69, hsn.com.
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Used twice daily, the brand's testers found that dark spots lightened 1-2 shades in just a month.
Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, $145, nordstrom.com.
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A hydrating liquid that lightens with peony and licorice root extract, plus vitamin C glucoside.
Fresh Peony Spot-Correcting Brightening Essence, $67, nordstrom.com.
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Patented formulations of algae extracts go to work reducing melanin production to keep new spots from forming as well as softening existing splotches.
Algenist Genius White Concentrated Brightening Essence, $115, sephora.com.
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This 99% natural serum features an extract from daisies sustainably collected from the mountains of Macedonia to brighten skin. We feel Earthier already.
Burt's Bees Brightening Dark Spot Corrector, $20, ulta.com.
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This lightweight formula leaves skin matte while it works to erase dark spots making it perfect for oily types.
Dior Diorsnow White Reveal Ultra Purifying Fluid, $100, Sephora.com.
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A cooling metal tip delivers targeted application of eight active ingredients that address all three stages of skin discoloration—initial pigmentation, visible discoloration, and dulling.
Kate Somerville LumiWhite Dark Spot Corrector, $55, nordstrom.com.
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Chock full of botanical extracts like turmeric and gentian root, as well as exfoliating salicylic acid, this hydrating serum promises noticeable results in as littler as two weeks.
Estee Lauder Enlighten Dark Spot Correcting Night Serum, $96, sephora.com.
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Some skin types may find the common dark spot brightener hydroquinone overwhelming. Instead, sensitive types can opt for a hydroquinone-free version like this formula which uses niacinamide to send spots packing.
Peter Thomas Roth De-spot Skin Brightening Corrector, $75, sephora.com.
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Skin-brightening wunderkind vitamin C teams up with peony extract in this light serum.
Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution, $132, nordstrom.com.
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Fans of this brightening serum claim that it works even better than laser treatments. Considering smoothing this on twice a day is way cheaper than heading to a dermatologist's office, it's certainly worth a try for those looking to lighten up on a budget.
Shiseido White Lucent MicroTargeting Spot Corrector, $130, ulta.com.
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Sun damage is one of the major culprits behind dark spots. This oil-free sunscreen keeps UV away while Chromabright, a patented brightening ingredient, tamps down on the chemical processes in skin that lead to hyperpigmentation so you can stop dark spots before they start.
Rodial SPF 30 X-treme Dark-Spot Sun Filter, $56, ulta.com.
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The brand's secret ingredient, pitera, helps boost cell turnover that can make dark spots go away faster.
SK-II Whitening Source Clear Lotion, $75, sephora.com.
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Exfoliating lactic acid sloughs off dead skin cells and progressively wears away dark spots while also fending off fine lines.
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment, $158, sephora.com.
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From: Harper's Bazaar