TL; DR
Our favorite dark spot serum is the Hyper Skin Hyper Even Vitamin C Serum thanks to its hydrating formula that helps fade existing dark spots while preventing future ones from appearing. If you're looking for a more affordable option that you can buy at your local drugstore, we recommend the Versed Out of Sight Dark Spot Gel.
Fading dark spots, sun spots, age spots, melasma, and hyperpigmentation are common concerns, especially among people of color. New York-based dermatologist Diane Madfes, MD, told Byrdie that discoloration is often the result of sun damage, hormonal changes, or skin growths. It occurs when “enlarged melanocytes or increased tyrosinase – an enzyme responsible for controlling the production of melanin – causes dark spots,” she explains.
Thankfully, there are products you can use to reverse the damage. 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 because of their exfoliating effects” says Madfes.
We conducted extensive research on the best dark spot correctors on the market before taking 30 options for a spin. We tested these spot correctors for eight weeks, evaluating their dark spot-fading capabilities, timeliness of effects, and additional skin benefits. We narrowed it down to nine stand-out products for this roundup with the help of our research insights and dermatologist recommendations to highlight the ones worth your hard-earned money.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Best Overall, Runner-Up:
Best Budget:
Best for Sensitive Skin:
Fenty Skin Watch Ya Tone 5% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum at Amazon$38
Best Spot Treatment:
Best Splurge:
Best for Acne-Prone Skin:
Dr. Barbara Sturm Untinted Clarifying Spot Treatment at Amazon$55
Best Brightening:
What We Like
Fades existing dark spots
Prevents future dark spots from forming
Includes hydrating hyaluronic acid
What to Consider
Takes about one month to notice results
Active Ingredients:Vitamin C,hyaluronic acid, kojic acid| Size:1.0 fl. oz.
Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. 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. 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.
Who It’s For
This product is a great option for all skin types with dark spots. 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 Face Serum
What We Like
Fast results
Potent blend of antioxidants target free radical damage
Dark spots fade and disappear
What to Consider
Can be drying
Active Ingredients: Azelaic acid, kojic acid | Size: 1 fl. oz.
This is another very effective option. Kikam says it contains an antioxidant blend of plenylethyl resorcinol, azelaic acid, and kojic acid to correct hyperpigmentation and promote an even tone. 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 even disappeared in some cases. 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.
Who It’s For
PCA SKIN Hydroquinone-Free Pigment Gel Face Serum is particularly great for anyone who is sensitive to Hydroquinone or simply doesn’t want to use it on their skin.
What We Like
Supports a more even skin tone
Subtle cooling sensation upon application
Reduces appearance of redness and spots
What to Consider
Takes a bit longer to see results
Active Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, licorice root extract | Size: 0.5 fl. Oz.
This formula from Versed proves you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get serious spot-correcting results. The brightening gel features a blend of concentrated ingredients that help fade dark spots and post-acne scars. Brightening ingredients like tranexamic acid, kojic acid, licorice root, and niacinamide (AKA brightening, clearing vitamin B3) work together to impede melanin production and even 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.
Who It’s For
If you want to tackle hyperpigmentation on a budget, the Versed Out of Sight Dark Spot Gel is a solid option. 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.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Fenty Skin Watch Ya Tone 5% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum
What We Like
Fades dark spots effectively
Doesn’t irritate or aggravate sensitive skin
Layers nicely underneath skincare and makeup
What to Consider
Results could be more significant
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C, licorice root extract, Barbados cherry | Size: 1 fl. oz.
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 skin brighteners like niacinamide, vitamin C, licorice root extract, and Barbados cherry (a vitamin C-packed nod to Rihanna’s roots)—designed to boost the skin’s overall luminosity 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 on all skin types, including sensitive ones. 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.
Who It’s For
This is a winning formula for anyone with skin that’s easily irritated. It provides a more gentle approach to fading dark spots, but with a bit of patience, you’ll be pleased with the visible results.
What We Like
Designed specifically for post-acne spots
Easy to use while traveling
Works like an illuminator to hide dark spots instantly
What to Consider
Roller ball tip can be hard to control
Active Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, acetyl glucosamine, vitamin C, licorice root | Size: 0.33 fl oz
This small but mighty wand from Hero Cosmetics is pure magic—trust us. The illuminating serum the wand carries 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.
Who It’s For
If you’ve got a couple of localized dark patches or spots, Hero Cosmetics Lightning Wand Dark Spot Brightening Serum provides precision targeting of the affected areas. It’s also great for on-the-go application, with its conceal-and-treat formula contained in a compact wand.
Best Splurge
SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense
What We Like
Clinically-backed ingredients
Addresses discoloration
Leaves skin looking brighter
What to Consider
Small amount of product for the price
Active Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide | Size: 1.0 oz
If you want to treat your skin to the top-shelf stuff, SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense is worth the splurge. This oil-free, lightweight serum is chock-full of ingredients like tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide, that are clinically proven to minimize the appearance of dark spots, even out discoloration, and brighten your complexion. The addition of HEPES, a molecule used to adjust the pH in cosmetic formulas, helps break down the bonds that bind dead skin cells to the surface, meaning it helps exfoliate, too.
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 for several weeks, our skin had a more even, consistent tone and appeared beautifully radiant.
Who It’s For
This premium dark spot correcting serum has a great track record of clinically proven results and bills itself as the perfect complement to professional skin discoloration treatments, such as laser and chemical peels. We think it’s worth the price tag.
Best with Retinol
Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector
What We Like
Helps reduce dark spots and acne scarring
Promotes a more even skin tone
Can help address acne and fine lines
What to Consider
Should only be used at night
Active Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid | Size: 1 oz
Formulated with retinol and vitamin C, this super serum leans on two of the most effective tone-correcting ingredients on the market to fade dark spots. Dermatologists often recommend retinol for those looking to eradicate fine lines, unwanted skin texture, and even acne. But, retinol also helps promote renewed skin cells which brightens the skin and fades hyperpigmentation.
It’s worth noting, though, 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 dramatically reduce dark spots, especially those from acne scarring.
Who It’s For
Retinol fans will love this product. If you’re new to retinol, expect a settling-in period when your skin may be more irritated than usual. Follow with a soothing moisturizer to counteract any drying.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Dr. Barbara Sturm Untinted Clarifying Spot Treatment
What We Like
Gradual improvement starting after two weeks
Treats blemishes and breakouts
Fades old acne scars
What to Consider
Not intended for use on the entire face
Active Ingredients: Zinc, vitamin B3, jojoba oil, panthenol, vitamin E, tea tree oil | Size: 0.5 oz.
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 ingredients including antibacterial tea tree oil and zinc oxide.
It took about two weeks of use to notice a difference in the overall look of our skin, but from then on, the results undeniably got better and better.
Who It’s For
Dr. Barbara Sturm Untinted Clarifying Spot Treatment is a skinsaver for anyone who's in the process of treating acne. The powerful product helps target blemishes while also fading the scars and dark spots left behind from past breakouts.
Best Brightening
Glow Recipe Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
What We Like
Firming and plumping
Contains five forms of vitamin C
Visible brightening effect
What to Consider
Results can take a while to see
Active Ingredients: 5 forms of vitamin C, guava seed oil, tranexamic acid, ferulic acid, vitamin E | Size: 1 oz.
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 (full of vitamins A + C ), tranexamic acid (a potent brightening ingredient), and ferulic acid (an antioxidant used to target the signs of aging) —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 (radiant as heck) is what really sold us.
Who It’s For
All the products on our list boast brightening effects, but Glow Recipe’s Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Treatment Serum was the most potent of them all in that regard. Use this when you need a radiance boost.
What to Look for in a Dark Spot Corrector
- Azelaic Acid: Board-certified dermatologist Dr. 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.
- 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. She also explains that retinol helps with smoothing fine lines and firming the skin.
- 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.
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.
Why Trust Byrdie
Caitlyn Martyn is a commerce writer on staff at Byrdie, where she covers all things beauty and style. She gathered insights and testimonials from our experienced team of editors and in-house lab testers to curate this list of dark spot correctors that actually do what they say they will.
Byrdie contributor Theresa Holland is a commerce beauty writer specializing in skincare. For this story, she interviewed top dermatologists and compiled insights to inform this roundup.
Byrdie contributor Esme Benjamin checked and updated this article to ensure every detail was correct and each product deserves its place on Byrdie’s list of the best dark spot correctors.
Additional guidance was provided by Adeline Kikam, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Brown Skin Derm, and Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of La Jolla Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center.