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Dark spots — whether they’re a result of scarring, sun exposure, or inflammation — are tricky to deal with. There are a number of products out there claiming they’ll brighten and even out skin, making it even trickier to pick the right one for you and your skin type. When I spoke to dermatologists for their recommendations, they said to look for formulations with retinol; vitamin C; kojic, azelaic, or tranexamic acid; and licorice-root extract. “Many of these ingredients inhibit tyrosinase, a key enzyme in the production of melanin,” Dr. Marisa Garshick of MDCS Dermatology explains. The lightening ingredient hydroquinone was also brought up, but Garshick and Dr. Jennifer Gordon at Westlake Dermatology both cautioned that it should be prescribed by a dermatologist to minimize any risk of ochronosis.
Below is a list of the best dark-spot correctors according to the five dermatologists I spoke to. One note before getting into the products: Every expert I spoke to emphasized the importance of wearing sunscreen diligently. It keeps dark spots from coming back after treatment, and more importantly, it protects you from further UV damage.
Update on October 4, 2024: Replaced the out-of-stock YSE Beauty Vitamin C Serum Morning Cocktail with the Revision C+ Correcting Complex 30 as the best vitamin-C dark-spot corrector; updated prices and checked stock for all other products.
Best dark-spot corrector overall
SkinCeuticals’ Discoloration Defense is effective, lightweight, and gentle enough for most skin types and everyday use. Two dermatologists I spoke with — Dr. Gordon and Dr. Brendan Camp of MDCS Dermatology — recommended it, and it’s been brought up in the past when we tackled getting rid of dark spots on the body. Surprisingly, it’s not made with retinol or vitamin C, the two ingredients found in the rest of the products listed. Instead, it’s formulated with a cocktail of tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, and sulfonic acid, which work together to exfoliate, improve brightness, and reduce the chances of dark spots reappearing.
Best less expensive dark-spot corrector
If Skinceuticals is out of your budget, La Roche-Posay’s new Mela B3 serum comes under $50 and is recommended by Dr. Garshick. It’s formulated with a new ingredient patented by the brand called Melasyl, which is said to combat discoloration and even out skin tone. Plus, it contains 10 percent niacinamide (also known for fighting dark spots) and soothing thermal spring water to lessen irritation.
Best drugstore dark-spot corrector
Neutrogena’s Rapid Tone Repair was mentioned by Dr. Hope Mitchell of Mitchell Dermatology and is even less expensive than the above. It’s made with a blend of vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid for reducing dark spots and smoothing skin texture. While the vitamin C fades discoloration, the retinol promotes skin-cell turnover. And, of course, the hyaluronic acid provides hydration. Dr. Mitchell says it’s lightweight and fast-absorbing, so it’s easy to incorporate into most skin-care routines.
Best dark-spot corrector for sensitive skin
As I mentioned above, retinol is a powerhouse ingredient for combatting dark spots. CeraVe’s Resurfacing Retinol Serum is made with encapsulated retinol, meaning it’s released over time, and contains licorice-root extract. Dr. Garshick points out that it contains ceramides, to help support and strengthen the natural skin barrier, and soothing niacinamide, which also makes it a great option for those with sensitive skin.
Best vitamin-C dark-spot corrector
Revision’s formula includes a high concentration of C, the brand’s patented MelaPATH technology (an antioxidant blend that combats free radicals), and vitamin E. Dr. Rita Linkner of Spring Street Dermatology, who likes the formula’s lightweight feel, recommended it for our roundup of the best vitamin-C serums. It should be easier to tolerate, since it’s made with THC ascorbate instead of L-ascorbic acid, but the high concentration means an adjustment period.
Best less expensive vitamin-C dark-spot corrector
For a much less expensive vitamin-C serum that helps with dark spots, our beauty writer Tembe Denton-Hurst is a fan of Hyper’s formulation. After five months, she noticed less hyperpigmentation around her chin, where her stubborn maskne turned into even more stubborn dark spots. It’s made with 15 percent vitamin C, bearberry, licorice root extract, kojic acid, turmeric, and less than one percent salicylic acid. That combination of ingredients brightens skin and prevents future breakouts.
Best dark-spot correcting toner
Versed, which we mentioned above, also makes a brightening toner that comes recommended by Dr. Adeline Kikam of @brownskinderm. Formulated with a combination of AHAs like lactic and glycolic acid, kojic and azelaic acid, and bearberry extract, it works to even out skin through gentle exfoliation. Plus, it’s been touted as a P50-ish dupe by our beauty columnist Rio Viera-Newton.
Best dark-spot-correcting moisturizer
Instead of adding a serum or toner to your routine, consider swapping out your moisturizer. This one from dermatologist Dr. Idriss’s line is formulated with vitamin C, 4-Butylresorcinol, and ceramides, so it’s both brightening and hydrating. Strategist writer Rachael Griffiths tested it out for the Beauty Brief newsletter and says her acne scars were much lighter, her complexion was brighter, and her skin felt deeply nourished after six weeks.
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