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18 Best Dark Spot Correctors That Really Work, According to Dermatologists

Shop a range of serums, oils, creams, and more.

Headshot of Genesis RivasBy Genesis Rivas
best dark spot corrector

You can spend years diligently attending to your skin regimen—the right cleansers, the right moisturizers, the right anti-aging serums, the right SPF—only to have your smooth complexion struck down almost overnight by hyperpigmentation, more commonly known as dark spots.

“In fair-skinned individuals, hyperpigmentation is often caused by sun damage and often accumulates with age,” says Omar Ibrahimi, MD, founder and medical director of the Connecticut Skin Institute. “In skin of color, hyperpigmentation can be caused by anything that irritates or injures the skin. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Acne is a common source of PIH in melanated skin and is sometimes more disruptive than the actual acne itself.” Then of course, there’s melasma, a special type of pigmentary condition, which tends to occur during pregnancy or during other times of hormonal change (think menopause or the start of taking birth control pills), Ibrahimi adds. “Sun exposure drives the melasma to darken.”

Our Top Picks

  • 1
    Dark Spot Correcting Serum

    Best for Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

    Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum

    $22 at Ulta Beauty
    Read more
  • 2
    Glycolic B5 Dark Spot Corrector

    La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Dark Spot Corrector

    Read more
  • 3
    Even Dark Spot Control Facial Serum

    Mele Even Dark Spot Control Facial Serum

    Read more
  • 4
    Revitalift Vitamin C Vitamin E Salicylic Acid Serum

    Best Drugstore

    L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C Vitamin E Salicylic Acid Serum

    Read more
  • 5
    Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum

    Best for Melasma

    SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum

    Read more


Dermatologists have plenty of tools to help patients deal with darks spots. “We use laser resurfacing treatments and other light-based devices such as IPL to ‘remove’ the damaged skin and simultaneously heat the second layer to promote the formation of new skin cells with a more even texture and tone,” explains Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University. “Chemical peels with ingredients such as glycolic, salicylic, lactic, carbolic, or trichloroacetic acids may be used to resurface and refresh as well.” The good news? You don’t have to run to the dermatologist and shell out thousands of dollars on pricey laser treatments. There are a wide variety of dark spot correctors that really work—and are available over the counter, at every price point.

What to look for in a dark spot corrector

To make sure you pick the best (and most effective) product for removing dark spots, our experts recommend looking for a cream or serum that contains ingredients like vitamin C (an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and brightens skin), niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3 that slows pigment production), hydroquinone (a lightening agent that inhibits the pigment-forming enzyme tyrosinase), retinol (a vitamin A derivative that evens tone and texture), or glycolic or lactic acid (which are alpha hydroxy acids that exfoliate dead skin cells). And remember: Sunscreen is a non-negotiable. Gohara recommends applying a daily sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that uses mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or iron oxides. Ahead, we asked to dermatologists to recommend the best dark spot correctors.

1
Best for Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum

Dark Spot Correcting Serum
1
Best for Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum

$22 at Ulta Beauty
Credit: Differin
Pros
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Contains fragrance

“In terms of over-the-counter treatment options, this is a great choice for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” says Melissa K. Levin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of Entiere Dermatology in NYC. “It should be applied to spots daily, morning or night, and can be used under sunscreen.”

2

La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Dark Spot Corrector

Glycolic B5 Dark Spot Corrector
2

La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Dark Spot Corrector

Credit: La Roche-Posay
Pros
  • Gently exfoliates for a brighter complexion
Cons
  • Some reviewers report a strong smell

Glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, and kojic acid visibly reduce the appearance of existing spots, but what makes this serum unique is the inclusion of lipo-hydroxy acid, a mild exfoliant to resurface skin and brighten. Gohara thinks it’s a great bang for your buck.

3

Mele Even Dark Spot Control Facial Serum

Even Dark Spot Control Facial Serum
3

Mele Even Dark Spot Control Facial Serum

Credit: Mele
Pros
  • Great for darker skin tones
Cons
  • Not available at major beauty retailers

Designed specifically for dark skin, this serum was “created exclusively by dermatologists of color,” says Gohara. Its combination of retinol, hexoresorcinol, and niacinamide make it hyperpigmentation’s worst nightmare.

4
Best Drugstore

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C Vitamin E Salicylic Acid Serum

Revitalift Vitamin C Vitamin E Salicylic Acid Serum
4
Best Drugstore

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C Vitamin E Salicylic Acid Serum

Credit: L'Oréal Paris
Pros
  • Visibly improves the look of dark spots, large pores, and fine lines
  • Available at the drugstore
Cons
  • Contains fragrance

The newest serum of the L'Oréal Paris collection is one of its best. It contains 12 percent derm-grade vitamin C to brighten and even out skin tone, vitamin E to moisturize, and salicylic acid to reduce breakouts and the look of large pores.

5
Best for Melasma

SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum

Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum
5
Best for Melasma

SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum

Credit: SkinMedica
Pros
  • Reduces the look of stubborn spots and discoloration
Cons
  • It's a splurge compared to other options

“Using the combined power of skin brighteners niacinamide and tranexamic acid, this fades discoloration,” says Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of LM Medical in NYC.

6

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

Discoloration Defense
6

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

Credit: SkinCeuticals
Pros
  • Highly concentrated
Cons
  • It's a splurge compared to other options

“Packed with ingredients such as tranexamic and kojic acid along with niacinamide, this elegant serum is easy to layer and highly concentrated, so a little bit goes a long way,” says Gohara.

7

Hyper Skin Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum

Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum
7

Hyper Skin Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum

Credit: Hyper Skin
Pros
  • Available in a mini-size so you can try before committing to full-size
  • Reduces the look of acne scars and sun damage
Cons
  • Some reviewers report pilling under makeup

Try this powerhouse serum, which is formulated with 15 percent vitamin C, kojic acid, turmeric, vitamin E, and fruit enzymes—all of which work together to brighten skin, even texture, reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and acne scars, and prevent future breakouts.

8
Best for Dull Skin

Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Serum

PowerBright Dark Spot Serum
8
Best for Dull Skin

Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Serum

Credit: Dermalogica
Pros
  • Brightens skin and evens tone
Cons
  • It's a splurge compared to other options

Niacinamide, hexylresorcinol, and shiitake mushroom come together to help reduce the look of dark spots in as little as one week. It also contains antioxidants to protect against environmental stressors.

9
Best for Face and Body

Bushbalm Bermuda Oil Dark Spot Treatment

Bermuda Oil Dark Spot Treatment
9
Best for Face and Body

Bushbalm Bermuda Oil Dark Spot Treatment

Credit: Bushbalm
Pros
  • Gentle enough to use on bikini line
  • Formulated with natural oils
Cons
  • Some reviewers don't like the scent of the oils

It's safe to use this gentle oil to reduce dark spots all over your body, including intimate areas, like the bikini line and underarms. It contains a nourishing and brightening blend of jojoba seed, tea tree, lemon peel, and grapeseed oils.

10
Best for Hands

Goldfaden M.D. Hands to Heart Brightening Hand Treatment

Hands to Heart Brightening Hand Treatment
10
Best for Hands

Goldfaden M.D. Hands to Heart Brightening Hand Treatment

Credit: Goldfaden MD
Pros
  • Moisturizing
Cons
  • Not suitable for face

We often forget about areas like our neck, chest, and hands when it comes to hyperpigmentation and aging. This super-nourishing formulation locks in moisture and reduces the appearance of sun damage. It also has a silky texture that will immediately penetrate the skin without leaving a greasy residue.

11

Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Facial Serum

Regenerist Retinol24 Night Facial Serum
11

Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Facial Serum

Credit: Olay
Pros
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Retinol is an irritating ingredient for some

“This is a relatively inexpensive and well-tolerated dark spot remover,” says Anthony Youn, MD, board-certified dermatologist. It has niacinamide, an effective but gentle pigment lightener, and is lightweight and great for skin of all types.

12

Ghost Democracy Lightbulb Vitamin C Serum

Lightbulb Vitamin C Serum
12

Ghost Democracy Lightbulb Vitamin C Serum

Credit: Ghost Democracy
Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Bakuchiol is a gentle alternative to retinol
Cons
  • Derm says it's better for mild spots

“Ghost Democracy Lightbulb Vitamin C Serum is a great option if you’re starting to notice dark spots and fine lines,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Its anhydrous formula maintains potency of the vitamin C. Plus, it contains bakuchiol oil (a natural form of retinol), which enhances cell turnover and strengthens the skin’s foundation to fight off lines and wrinkles."

13
Best for Anti-Aging

Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream

RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream
13
Best for Anti-Aging

Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream

Now 20% Off
Credit: Eau Thermale Avène
Pros
  • Evens skin tone
  • Firms skin
Cons
  • Some reviewers report irritation on sensitive skin

“It not only evens skin tone but also promotes exfoliation and treats and prevents blemishes, which can lead to dark spots,” explains Segal. “And it's great for anti-aging as well—a welcome added benefit!”

14
Best Cleanser

Neostrata Resurface Foaming Glycolic Facial Cleanser

Resurface Foaming Glycolic Facial Cleanser
14
Best Cleanser

Neostrata Resurface Foaming Glycolic Facial Cleanser

Now 25% Off
Credit: Neostrata
Pros
  • Great for acne-prone skin
Cons
  • Takes longer to work than a leave-on formula

“With 18 percent glycolic acid and grapefruit extracts, this wash works amazingly to brighten the skin and lighten dark spots. It allows you to do almost a mini chemical peel without any downtime and can be used on a daily basis after you build up tolerance,” says board-certified dermatologist Sapna Palep, MD, of Spring Street Dermatology in New York City. “It’s great for someone who is prone to acne.”

15
Best for Sensitive Skin

Glytone Enhance Brightening Complex with Azelaic & Glycolic Acids

Enhance Brightening Complex with Azelaic & Glycolic Acids
15
Best for Sensitive Skin

Glytone Enhance Brightening Complex with Azelaic & Glycolic Acids

Now 20% Off
Credit: Glytone
Pros
  • Prevents breakouts from forming
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
  • Some reviewers say it's heavy on the skin

Jennifer M. Segal, MD, a dermatologist at the Metropolitan Dermatology Institute, says, "This contains both azaleic and glycolic acids to promote exfoliation and is great for treating and preventing acne breakouts and the dark marks that come from them. This is a gentler yet effective exfoliating agent than retinols, so a great choice for more sensitive skin types.”

16
Best Retinol

Skin Better AlphaRet Overnight Cream

AlphaRet Overnight Cream
16
Best Retinol

Skin Better AlphaRet Overnight Cream

Credit: SkinBetter Science
Pros
  • Gentle formula
Cons
  • It's a splurge compared to other options

“To get rid of hyperpigmentation with very little irritation, I recommend using this cream before bed and the brand’s Even Tone Correcting Serum in the morning,” says Connecticut-based dermatologist Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD. “AlphaRet is a retinoid that’s gentle on your skin.”

17
Best with Vitamin C

BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner

Universal C Skin Refiner
17
Best with Vitamin C

BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner

Credit: BeautyStat
Pros
  • Long-lasting
Cons
  • Some reviewers report irritation on sensitive skin

Created by cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, this option does it all. Packed with 20 percent L-ascorbic acid (the most potent form of vitamin C), moisturizing squalane, an active compound from green tea, and tartaric acid, this gel-cream evens tone and texture, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, and gives your complexion a lit-from-within glow.

18
Best for Acne Scars

Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform

Retinol Reform
18
Best for Acne Scars

Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform

Credit: Shani Darden Skin Care
Pros
  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Cons
  • Retinol is an irritating ingredient for some

This lightweight serum from expert aesthetician Shani Darden delivers a healthy dose of encapsulated retinol as well as lactic acid and fruit extracts to increase cell turnover, generate collagen, exfoliate dead skin cells, and reduce the appearance of dark spots and acne scars, so your complexion is smoother and more radiant.

Headshot of Genesis Rivas
Genesis Rivas

Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok

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