We Tried Dozens Of Dark Spot Correctors—These 10 Actually Work (2024)

Dark spots are one of the most common skin concerns—and this type of discoloration is primarily caused by something you're likely encountering every single day of your like: the sun's rays. If they bug you—and totally cool if they don't—know that there are products out there that can help minimize their appearance. And some are available for less than $30!

As it turns out, some people are more prone to develop different types of dark spots and pigmentation than others. Darker skin tones are more likely to deal with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, discoloration caused by trauma or acne, because they have more cells in the skin that make melanin, says dermatologist Oma Agbai, MD. "Contrarily, people with lighter skin tones are more likely to develop sun spots, called solar lentigos, from UV radiation." If you want to know how to get rid of dark spots, you're in the right place.

The good news is dark sport correctors can target all kinds of discoloration by inhibiting the production of melanin and fading older marks using ingredients that exfoliate or promote cellular turnover. If you're looking for more even-toned skin, remember to always have you best sunscreen on hand, but also see below for the 19 best dark spot correctors, all recommended by dermatologists.

What to consider

These are two main things to consider:

Ingredients

Reshmi Kapoor, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Brooklyn Dermatology in Brooklyn recommends looking for the following: Vitamin A derivatives like retinol decrease melanin by blocking tyrosinase, an enzyme in the pathway of melanin production and increasing cell turnover. Tranexamic acid blocks the interaction of melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) and keratinocytes (the basic skin cell), and decrease UV-induced melanin production. Azelaic acid is a naturally-occurring acid that inhibits tyrosinase and regulates melanin production. Kojic acid blocks the UV activation of tyrosinase and acts as an antioxidant. Finally, niacinamide and vitamin C inhibit the transfer of pigment from melanocytes to keratinocytes. But the strongest dark spot-removing ingredient is hydroquinone, which is now typically only found in some prescription-strength correctors (though you may still spy it in some OTC products). In an ideal world, the product you choose would contain several of these.

Skin type

The type of dark spot remover you wish to use depends on your personal preference. Consider what your skin type is. If you tend toward the drier side, a more nourishing moisturizer may be best, while those with oily skin may gravitate toward serums or masks.

Women’s Health editors, including assistant editor Addison Aloian, commerce editor Jasmine Gomez, editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert, and contributor Brigitt Earley consulted 11 dermatologists and WH beauty director Brian Underwood for their recommendations for the best dark spot correctors. Then, the team put them to the test on their own skin to narrow down the best options for a variety of needs and preferences. Read on for our expert-vetted picks.

This classic product is a splurge, but it's well worth it, says Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology. Why? SkinCeuticals pioneered the research in this proven combination of ingredients, which provides antioxidant protection and the studied concentration of brightening antioxidants vitamin C and E. You'll love how lightweight the water-like consistency feels despite the high concentration of potent ingredients.

Underwood notes that while it doesn't have the best smell, the combination of ingredients work together to fight hyperpigmentation and refine skin texture. "It's basically the OG—many brands have attempted to copy the formula, but none are quite as effective as this one," he says. "I've been using it for years and have always been impressed by the results." His pro tip on application? Because the formula is runny, it's best to not apply too much—a little goes a long way.

Our tester says: "I've been using this product for years—and I'm not the type to splurge on skincare. Trust me, this is one product that is totally worth extending yourself for. And, thankfully, a little bit goes a long way, which helps overall value. It does have a darker color than some other similar serums and, yes, you may notice that distinct smell some vitamin C serums have, but these characteristics can hardly be considered a tradeoff for the amazing results. When I'm consistent with this product, I notice a marked improvement in my skin's tone and texture. No matter what else comes my way, this is one I never fail to go back to."

Read more: The Best Vitamin C Serums

“In this formula, vitamin C neutralizes free radicals from causing oxidative damage to the skin and blocks enzymatic processes that make more pigment in the skin,” says Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD. Translation? This L'Oreal serum will help stop those two causes of brown spots in their tracks.

ICYDK, L'Oreal Paris is a staple in the world of drugstore skincare that's effective and wallet-friendly. "This serum comes with a targeted applicator, making it easy to apply directly to areas of discoloration or all over for a more systemic approach (my recommendation)," says Women's Health beauty director, Brian Underwood.

Our tester says: "This product has a slight yellow tone, so it immediately lends a slight glow to skin. It absorbs readily and leaves skin feeling silky smooth—almost like a moisturizer (likely from the vitamin E in the formula). As a nice bonus, this serum has a very pleasant 'fresh' scent. Despite the 12% concentration of vitamin C, my skin tolerated the product very well. It may be worth noting, however, that because it does contain fragrances and has a higher concentration of vitamin C and salicylic acid, it may not be suitable for sensitive skin."

“Melanin goes into overproduction in the sun to protect our skin from harmful UV/UB rays, causing [some spots] to look darker than your natural skin tone,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, board-certified dermatologic surgeon at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue. This toner, to be applied twice daily (one in the morning and once at night), contains two powerful yet gentle ingredients to help combat just that: TXA and PHA. TXA, or tranexamic acid, works to brighten on contact, while PHA is a polyhydroxy acids, or a type of chemical exfoliant, that gently exfoliates to even skin tone and smooth.

Our tester says: "I have to be very careful about what kind of toners I use, because I have very dry skin. This one feels more like part toner, part moisturizer. I know it's working, because I see an instant brightening effect, but it's gentle enough not to irritate or dry. It has a very light, pleasing scent too. All in all, a welcome addition to my skincare routine."

This little guy rose to TikTok fame in recent years, and with good reason. For Dr. Engelman, getting bright and glowy skin is all in the use of acids. This has plenty of them, from lactic to glycolic, citric, hyaluronic, and salicylic acid. “Each acid provides exfoliation to help enhance skin texture and reveal healthy new cells,” she says.

Users with oily skin say this solution helps keep their acne under control. Others rave about how well it evens out skin texture after a few uses. Testers with sensitive recommend spot testing this before hand, as it has caused a burning sensation accompanied by redness for some.

Our tester says: "Don't worry: Your face won't be beet red for the 10 minutes you have this solution on—all you'll notice is a little bit of a glow, like you're wearing a rosy blush. I definitely don't recommend it for sensitive skin, though—you feel this solution working immediately upon contact. It doesn't hurt; just a slight tightness with a hint of tingle. Once you wash everything off, though, skin feels brand new. You can't beat the value here."

If you're looking for a good drugstore dark spot treatment, Joshua Zeichner, MD, dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at NYC's Mount Sinai Hospital loves this one from Neutrogena. “The combination of vitamin C and retinol helps block excess pigment production and enhances shedding skin cells that contain extra pigment,” he says. It's widely available at drugstores, and is one of the more affordable options around, too.

Our tester says: "I like that this option comes in a tube and applies like a moisturizer. This not only makes it easy to use all over your face for overall brightening and smoothing, but also allows you to use it on targeted areas. For example, I have discoloration on my hand from a recent burn, so I apply this cream directly to that spot every day to help it fade."

“I like this gel because it contains a powerful retinoid to clear acne and prevent future pimples while preventing acne-scarring,” says Dr. Engelman. “It is the first prescription-style retinoid available over the counter and it is more gentle compared to other retinoids.” Just be sure to top this with an ultra-hydrating moisturizer or oil if you have dry skin, since (as Engelman noted) the retinoid is quite powerful in this.

Our tester says: "Though this formula is retinoid-based, it doesn't anger my dry and (sometimes) sensitive skin. Likely because it also boasts 4% niacinamide. I do, of course, still use a high-quality moisturizer after. While the product absorbs quickly, it doesn't leave skin feeling exceptionally smooth. On the upside, there's no tacky or greasy residue either."

Fresh's mist has a water-like formula that's designed to really penetrate the skin deeply, so it can easily be used like a serum, but the fine mist also works great as a moisturizer, setting spray, or even makeup primer. Dr. Zeichner loves that the formula packs in antioxidants. “Vitamins C and E are potent antioxidants that work together to prevent free radical damage to the skin and interfere with the production of excess pigmentation,” he says.

Many testers love the smell and can't get over how hydrating the mist is. Several users even pointed out that it works great as a post-flight pick-me-up after being exposed to dry air during travel. Others agree that it's the perfect refresh after a workout or as the last step in their skincare routine.

Our tester says: "This spray is a wonderful throughout-the-day refresher. It's really hydrating, so it doesn't even feel like you're wearing a potent treatment product. I noticed an improvement in my all-0ver brightness and a fading of my discoloration within a few weeks of use, but if you're dealing with very stubborn spots, you might need something stronger. That being said, you will see some results."

Lipo-hydroxy acid is the powerhouse in this affordable dark spot corrector. “Hydroxy acids are an effective way of exfoliating dead cells from the surface of the skin to enhance radiance and improve hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. Zeichner.

Testers note that they saw results in as little as two weeks. Some say that the corrector does a great job at reducing the appearance of acne scars and evening out skin tone. However, other users point out that you may have to pair the cream with another product to completely get rid of dark spots.

Dermatologist Laura Scott, MD, works with a lot of melasma and acne-prone patients, so if you're in the same boat as they are, this is definitely the option for you. "I love the formulation in this," she says. "It has turmeric in it, so I use it to treat inflammation on my acne-prone skin, and it also brightens it. I have a lot of melasma patients and I’ll recommend this to them, too."

While some users say the smell of the oil is a bit strong, they love that it's long-lasting and doesn't have a sticky finish. Testers agree that it leaves them with a radiant finish that can be used year-round. One user, in particular, notes that it helps her get rid of dry patches in addition to dark spots.

Our tester says: "I'm not typically a big face oil fan—way too greasy for me—but if you use just a drop or two of this, you'll get all the benefits without any stickiness. It really does brighten and improve glow—I'd say within 3 weeks of consistent use, I noticed a difference. Now, it's a staple in my dopp kit. Probably best for someone who has drier skin and needs help holding onto moisture."

Ambi's Fade Cream is made with an improved formula that's hydroquinone-free. (They used the ingredient in their original fade cream, but don't anymore.) Still, reviewers say it's effective on dark spots and doesn't irritate their skin. It's also made with aloe vera to help soothe any potential irritation.

Meet the experts

• Oma Agbai, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Health Sciences Clinical Professor at the University of California, Davis Medical Center
• Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology
• Dendy Engelman, MD, board-certified dermatologic surgeon at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in NYC
• Joshua Zeichner, MD, dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at NYC's Mount Sinai Hospital
• Laura Scott, MD, dermatologist based in San Diego, CA
• Mona Gohara, MD, board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine
• Tiffany Clay, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in Atlanta, GA
• Britt Craiglow, MD, dermatologist in Fairfield, CT
• Carl Thornfeldt, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Epionce Skincare
• Margarita Lolis, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Skin Laser & Surgery Specials of NY & NJ
• Reshmi Kapoor, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Brooklyn Dermatology in Brooklyn
• Brendan Camp, MD, is a New York-based double board-certified dermatologist
• Carl Thornfeldt, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Epionce

The best way to use a corrector is by applying it directly to the dark spot. However, you should be mindful of how much you use. "If used too liberally, dark spot correctors can sometimes cause a halo of lighter-colored skin to appear around the dark spot," explains Dr. Camp. He adds that it's best practice to use an SPF moisturizer when using a dark spot
corrector to protect your skin from the sun and prevent dark spots from reappearing.

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