Get Brighter, Glowing Skin With These Dark Spot Correctors

Whether a by-product of an aggressive breakout, sun damage, or a greater skin condition, dark spots and hyperpigmentation are a common issue. "Any inflammation in the skin can also lead to a light or dark mark, which can subsequently be worsened following sun exposure," Robert Finney, a board-certified dermatologist at Entière Dermatology in New York City, tells BAZAAR.com. "So the most common cause of discoloration depends on age, with acne of past reigning supreme in younger patients, UV damage in older patients, and many other factors in between."

Most dark spot correctors use a powerful combination of active ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and kojic acid to effectively brighten skin. Erica Stevens, a dermatologist at a medical center in Buda, Texas, says one of the most potent brighteners is hydroquinone—available over the counter or through a prescription from your dermatologist—which is the "gold standard" in dark spot correction. And for sensitive or combination skin types dealing with hyperpigmentation, acne, or rosacea, a product containing powerful yet gentle azelaic acid is key.

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While topical treatments can help drastically fade an uneven complexion over time, experts also recommend accompanying your serum or cream of choice with a sunscreen containing at least SPF 30 to keep skin protected. "One of the least acknowledged truths about treating hyperpigmentation is that sunscreen is the very first step in improving them," Caroline Robinson, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Tone Dermatology in Chicago, says. "Sunscreen is extremely important in protecting the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays and also visible light, which drives hyperpigmentation in melanin-rich skin more than other skin tones. In these cases, sunscreen is more than just protective, it is essential in the treatment of hyperpigmentation."

Some sunscreens are better than others too. "Sunscreens that contain iron oxide and carry a tint tend to provide better protection against visible light," Robinson explains. Then comes next steps: "After consistent sunscreen, I recommend topical tone correctors that contain a blend of antioxidants and proven actives and in-office treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, and laser. As always, pigment is tricky, and stubborn pigment is reason to see a board-certified dermatologist."

To help you fade hyperpigmentation and lingering marks even faster, here, we've rounded up a few of the best dark spot correctors that are worth adding to your daily (or nightly!) range of skincare staples.

Most Popular Dark Spot Corrector On Amazon

Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector

PROS

• Suitable for daily use

CONS

More than 8,500 Amazon shoppers swear by this popular dark spot corrector from Neutrogena, which combines retinol and vitamin C to even skin's tone.

Customer review:

"I've now gotten this a second time and love it! The smell is amazing and smells expensive and the product itself works so well. I use it daily after my cleanser before my moisturiser/SPF. Will be buying again and again!" —Drake M.

Best Dark Spot Corrector For Sensitive Skin

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum

PROS

• Fragrance-free

CONS

Just two to three pumps of this potent, fragrance-free formula, which features 10 percent vitamin C, plus white shiitake mushroom and vegan squalane, is all that's needed for your face and neck.

Customer review:

"I have been struggling with dark spots on my face for about 7 years, I used this serum about a year ago along with a glycolic acid wash and both made a big change on my skin I will keep using it again and again thanks to Biossance." —Neila N

Best Hydroquinone-Free Dark Spot Corrector

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

PROS

• Paraben-free

CONS

This hydroquinone- and paraben-free skin-brightening serum from SkinCeuticals contains a blend of tranexamic and kojic acids as well as niacinamide to minimise the appearance and reoccurrence of hyperpigmentation.

Customer review:

"I have used this for over 30 days with no expectations. Wow, I am so pleased. Brown spots are diminished. I am sold!" —Fitz

Best Fast-Acting Dark Spot Corrector

Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum

PROS

• Top-rated

CONS

This correcting serum is gentle enough to use day and night before your moisturiser, and has earned close to a five-star rating from a number of satisfied Dermstore customers.

Customer review:

"I have tried many Med Spa dark spot corrector serums and lotions, but Murad seems to finally be working. The others didn't work quite as fast as Murad. I use it morning and night. After five weeks or so, have noticed a reduction in dark spots." —Anonymous

Best Dark Spot Corrector For Glowing Skin

Zo Skin Health Brightalive Skin Brightener

In addition to reducing the appearance of dark spots, Zo Skin Health's coveted skin brightener is also ideal to boost luminosity and overall skin clarity.

Customer review:

"It doesn’t get any better than Zo!! Brightalive has been a game changer for dark spots and my over all complexion!I have never stuck to a skin care routine before…until now!" —Jacqueline S.

Best Dark Spot Corrector For Acne-Prone Skin

Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration

PROS

• Vegan

CONS

Sephora customers are raving about this buzzy dark spot serum from Topicals that aims to fade stubborn acne marks and sun-damaged, uneven skin in just two weeks with daily use.

Customer review:

"I have pretty bad acne, not only is this preventing some spots, it clears them up soooo much faster. I found myself replacing my Vit c, because this is so much more effective and erasing those spots quickly!" —Madelyn Joy

BEST VALUE DARK SPOT CORRECTOR

Olay Vitamin C + Peptide Hydrating Moisturiser

PROS

• Contains lactic acid

CONS

"Olay's Vitamin C and Peptide 24 moisturiser 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."

Customer review:

"I'm a big fan of Olay, and this Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Hydrating Moisturiser is awesome. It is super moisturising and makes my skin feel very glowy." —sabrina_ny_9ttrc

Editors' Choice Dark Spot Corrector

Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum

PROS

• Ideal for melanated skin

CONS

Beauty experts and BAZAAR editors agree: This cult-favorite, fragrance-free dark spot serum—which is optimised for melanated skin—is a must-have in any skin care rotation.

Customer review:

"I already see my dark spots fading and it has been a week using Milk Marvel in the AM and PM. This stuff leaves my skin feeling so hydrated and moisturised, and I wake up with my skin glowing!" —Mae M.

Best Dark Spot Corrector For Dullness

Hyper Skin Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum

PROS

• Contains 15 percent vitamin C
• Oil-free

CONS

This brightening serum contains 15 percent vitamin C, plus a blend of ingredients like kojic acid, bearberry, licorice, and salicylic acid to brighten dark spots while preventing future breakouts.

Customer review:

"I’ve been using this for over a year and genuinely see the difference in my skin. Also I love the packaging!! The serum never goes bad because of how it is packaged." —emily3266

Best Vegan Dark Spot Corrector

Dr. Dennis Gross Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum

PROS

• Prescription-grade formula

CONS

This powerful serum uses 10 percent L-ascorbic acid (the purest form of vitamin C) combined with lactic and kojic acids, plus plant-based arbutin to improve the appearance of discoloration.

Customer review:

"I have been using this just for just almost two weeks, so I haven’t seen a major improvement yet. But i know that KOJIC acid is know for skin lightening so i have high hopes that it will help me with my sun spots/hyperpigmentation on my face. But i’m noticing slight improvement in my facial skin tone. Will update maybe after 2 months." —Lorielyn

Best Intensive Dark Spot Corrector

BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner Serum

PROS

• Features a lightweight gel-cream formula

CONS

Here's another vitamin C-based serum that editors and beauty enthusiasts love, featuring 20 percent of the ingredient paired with a green tea compound to brighten dark spots while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles over time.

Customer review:

"As a woman of color, hyperpigmentation has been a problem with my skin . This is the only vitamin c serum that has lightened and gotten rid of my dark spots . Other than the price, this product is beyond AMAZING. Highly recommended!" —niasymonee

Best Azelaic Acid Dark Spot Corrector

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

PROS

• Oil-free

CONS

Because azelaic acid is often used to treat acne and rosacea, Stevens also recommends this best-selling moisturiser (which contains 10 percent of the ingredient) to combat post-breakout marks.

Customer review:

"This is the only azelaic acid serum that I've used thus far. As someone with oily skin, this product featuring alpha arbutin really packs a nice punch to create matte skin, kill bacteria, and lighten dark spots. Love the price point for the size." —wanderlust

Best Dark Spot Corrector With Salicylic Acid

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution

PROS

• Great for acne-prone skin

CONS

This best-seller from Kiehl's is powered by vitamin C and peony extract to help minimise hyperpigmentation and uneven tone. One devoted customer even writes that with this potent solution, a "little goes a long way," which means more bang for your buck.

Customer review:

"I got this product and it’s the best serum i’ve ever used! All other serums I try never worked, but my scaring was really bad, and made me self conscious. Now after using this serum, my face is literally glowing. Many people compliment how bright my face looks, and how clear as well. This serum targeted all of my scars. I still have some small ones, but they are not really dark, and are going away. I definitely recommend, this doesn’t irritate skin, and is such a nice light scent!" —Marshmallow

Most Popular Dark Spot Corrector

Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

PROS

• Contains 15 percent vitamin C

CONS

This highly popular brightening serum from Sunday Riley has close to five stars and nearly 75,000 loves at Sephora, with one customer describing how the product "really changed my skin texture from dry and dull to hydrated and bright."

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Customer review:

"The texture is beautiful and moisturising and not oily, it instantly makes a difference in my skin. I got so many compliments. I have NEVER had a product make my skin look so bright and glowy!" —meganomalley421

Best Dark Spot Corrector For Uneven Texture

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF 30 Sunscreen

PROS

• Contains broad-spectrum SPF 30

CONS

This Amazon's Choice product isn't just any regular moisturiser with sunscreen: In addition to featuring broad-spectrum SPF 30, it also contains a blend of glycolic acid and vitamin C to even skin's tone while protecting it from future sun damage.

Customer review:

"I have been looking for a skin care regimen that actually delivers on its promises and bright reveal has done just that. My skin is smoother and my fine lines are visibly less noticable. I have tried some more expensive brands and was disappointed with the results. I use all the products in this line and will continue to do so due the great results. Even my husband noticed a difference in my skin which really says something to me!" —Robin16

Best Drugstore Dark Spot Corrector

RoC Multi Correxion 5-in-1 Daily Moisturiser

PROS

• Contains broad-spectrum SPF 30

CONS

This skin-evening moisturiser is top-rated at Ulta, and features a featherweight formula that contains broad-spectrum SPF 30 to prevent spots from getting even darker.

Customer review:

"Highly recommend!!! I'm in my 40s. I've been using Roc for a couple of years. No one thinks I'm 40. Helps with fine lines and skin tone, delivering promised results, and it's budget friendly! I use all their products and am happy with them all." —Alison

Best Dark Spot Corrector For A Healthy Skin Barrier

SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum

PROS

• Can be used twice daily

CONS

For clients looking to avoid products with hydroquinone, Stevens also recommends this serum, which combines tranexamic acid and niacinamide to brighten skin.

Customer review:

"This product is excellent!! It does what it says! I could tell the difference immediately! " —Shannon W.

Best All-Round Dark Spot Corrector

Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter Serum

PROS

• Helps prevent future dark spots

CONS

All that's needed is a pump or two of this dual brightening serum and anti-irritant complex per day to improve the look of dark spots, age spots, and acne scars overtime.

Customer review:

"It’s been a week I purchase this corrector and seen results, my acne scars are lighter and not too pigmented. Very happy with this purchase, so happy to exactly see results after just one week." —BeatrizBea

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best treatment for dark spots?

According to professionals, there are a number of formulas and ingredients available—from retinol to vitamin C—that help minimize the appearance of dark spots and discoloration.

Which dark spot corrector works best?

Since consistency is always key when it comes to skincare, the best dark spot corrector is the one you use on a regular basis. If you're new to dark spot correctors or have sensitive skin, we recommend slowly incorporating new products into your beauty routine at lower concentrations until figuring out what works best for you.

Meet the Experts

• Robert Finney is a board-certified dermatologist at Entière Dermatology in New York City.
• Caroline Robinson is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Tone Dermatology in Chicago, Ilinois.
• Erica Stevens is a board-certified dermatologist based in Buda, Texas.

This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.