14 Best Dark Spot Correctors, Recommended by Dermatologists (original) (raw)

1

Best Overall

Avon Anew Ultimate Multi-Performance Night Cream

Pros

• Measurably fades dark spots
• Effectively firms and hydrates skin
• Brightens and boosts radiance

Cons

• Scent may be polarizing

Avon's night cream with high levels of glycolic acid was a stellar dark spot minimizer in GH Beauty Lab testing. It earned a p erfect score for reducing the appearance of UV spots by an impressive 12% in four weeks of use, plus ranked top for improving skin firmness and hydration. Many testers noted that it brightened and gave skin a glow, and two reported that it "diminished dark spots."

The formula was "rich" and "luxurious," several uses said, though some commented that they didn't like the "strong perfume scent." A fan concluded: "The following morning, my skin appeared moisturized and softened and had improved tone."

2

Best Value

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30

Now 31% Off

Credit: L'Oreal

Pros

• Top Lab scores for fading dark spots
• Evens skin tone
• SPF 30 sun protection
• Affordable

The winner of the GH Beauty Lab's day cream test, this L’Oréal Paris drugstore moisturizer is formulated with anti-aging powerhouses like vitamin C, pro-retinol and glycolic acid, plus protective SPF 30. The bargain buy proved the best at improving UV spots (by 11.2% in four weeks of use) in the Lab’s clinical study.

Testers agreed — they rated it top at perfecting skin tone. Avoid the eye area when applying, though, as it could cause eye irritation or watering. "My skin appeared brighter and more radiant," one raved. Another echoed: "My skin tone appears brighter."

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3

Best Dark Spot Corrector Serum

Mother Science Molecular Hero Serum

Pros

• Made with a breakthrough ingredient
• Impressive clinical studies
• Users report visible dark spot reduction

The cutting-edge Mother Science serum powered by biotechnology contains Malassezin, an ingredient derived from yeast that naturally occurs in skin and is said to be a powerful antioxidant for fighting dark spots. GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann was impressed by the brand's proof of efficacy, including "extensive clinical studies using instrumentation, VISIA photography, expert grading and consumer perception."

Though a reviewer noted the formula felt sticky, most raved about its hyperpigmentation-reducing powers. "I’ve tried so many products, but I saw actual results [with this]," one commented. "My dark spots are fading or completely disappeared."

What Everyone's Shopping

4

Best Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector

Olay Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Face Moisturizer

Pros

• Improves dark spots and brightens
• Measurably moisturizes skin

Cons

• Some users said it irritated their skin

Smooth on this GH Beauty Award winner Olay face cream made with brightening antioxidant vitamin C to moisturize skin and reduce dark marks at the same time. It significantly improved dark spots and brightness after four weeks of use, plus increased skin’s hydration by 31% over six hours, GH Beauty Lab data evaluation confirmed. (A caveat: Some reviewers noted that it caused irritation.) In a 180-woman study, 91% said their skin had a healthy glow after five days.

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5

Best for Glowing Skin

Pipette Overnight Brightening Mask

Pros

• Improves skin discoloration
• Boosts radiance

Cons

• May sting when applied

Pipette's translucent gel exfoliating mask, a GH Beauty Award winner, is left on overnight to illuminate skin using lactic acid and citrus extracts. In a study, 82% of users agreed that it improved the look of discoloration and gave skin a healthy glow, Lab data analysis confirmed. Note that it could sting a bit upon application, some users commented.

6

Best Targeted Dark Spot Corrector

Rodan + Fields Targeted Dark Spot Corrector

Pros

• Helps fade dark marks
• Targeted applicator

Cons

• Some users commented that it took a long time to see results

The slim, pointed applicator of this Rodan + Fields treatment helps zero in on specific dark spots. "It has faded a sunspot on my face noticeably over two months of use," Wizemann revealed. (Note that some reviewers complained they didn't see results quickly when using this.) "It contains known ingredients that can combat dark spots, including niacinamide and licorice root extract," she explains.

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7

Best for Dark Skin

BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner

Pros

• Made with 20% brightening vitamin C
• Targets hyperpigmentation on dark skin tones

Cons

• Could cause irritation

From BeautyStat, a Black-owned brand created by cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, this multi-benefit serum contains a high 20% concentration of the gold standard brightening ingredient vitamin C, which is especially beneficial for dark skin tones that are prone to hyperpigmentation.

Though it hasn't been tested by the GH Beauty Lab, reviewers swear by it: “Helps combat dark spots, breakouts, signs of aging,” a reviewer reported. “It's a miracle product that truly tackles it all.” Note that a few users found the texture too rich and that it irritated their skin.

8

Best Dermatologist-Recommended

Biopelle KNR Brightening Serum

Pros

• Packed with proven brightening ingredients
• Anti-aging benefits

Mamina Turegano, M.D., a dermatologist in Metairie, Louisiana and co-founder of Skintap.com, recommends this multipurpose Biopelle serum, which is b lended with both dark spot-fading and anti-aging ingredients. Though it is a splurge, the treatment is loaded with active ingredients: "It contains kojic acid, niacinamide, retinol and vitamin C to help with dark spots," she says. "The formula also has peptides to help rejuvenate the skin."

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9

Best Anti-Aging Dark Spot Corrector

RoC Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30

Pros

• Firms skin and reduces wrinkles
• Measurably fades dark spots
• Contains SPF

Cons

• Scent was too strong for some

This all-in-one daily moisturizer with SPF 30 sunscreen from RoC was the consumer favorite in the GH Beauty Lab's anti-aging day cream test and scored high for reducing visible spots by 4.5%, over four weeks in Lab measurements. Testers gave it the best marks for softening, firming and reducing wrinkles, and a few said it was perfect for wearing under makeup.

"I noticed a difference in skin tone and texture," a user said, and another noted that it seemed to have lightened her brown spots. “It left my skin feeling plump and looking smooth and glowing," a fan commented. A few didn't like the product's "strong" scent, however.

10

Best Brightening Dark Spot Corrector

Dermalogica Rapid Reveal Peel

Pros

• Effectively brightens skin tone
• Minimizes dark spots
• Smooths skin

Cons

• Tubes can be tricky to open

Dermalogica's professional-level lactic acid peel was the best at brightening skin in the GH Beauty Lab's face peel test. It earned the best score for reducing visible spots in two weeks in Lab assessment with the Visia Complexion Analyzer. A full 100% of testers agreed that formula brightened, improved skin tone and left skin looking smoother.

All testers reported they'd use it again, although the tubes can be difficult to open. It also performed impressively at boosting skin's radiance. "My skin immediately felt so smooth and looked even and bright," and "it seemed to lighten brown spots," two testers reported.

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11

Best for Sensitive Skin

SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3

Pros

• Minimizes lines and firms
• Brightens skin
• Doesn't cause irritation

Gently treat both dark spots and wrinkles simultaneously with this formula from SkinCeuticals, a winner of the GH Beauty Lab's anti-aging serum test. Not only was it the best at reducing the look of lines in Lab evaluations in four weeks of use, testers found that it was top at firming and a great skin brightener. Despite its strong benefits, 100% of users agreed it didn't irritate skin.

The serum is formulated with 5% niacinamide, which has been shown to brighten skin, improving hyperpigmentation. Two testers reported that their "skin tone appeared more even," and one said it "lightened dark spots." Though it's not a moisturizer, a few commented that it wasn't hydrating enough.

12

Best Exfoliating

La Prairie Cellular 3-Minute Peel

Pros

• Exfoliates and smooths skin with powerful actives
• Brightens and boosts radiance
• Doesn't cause flaking or peeling

Cons

• Expensive
• May be difficult to rinse off skin

A GH Beauty Lab face peel test winner, La Prairie's fast-acting formula with a potent blend of exfoliating lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids is splurge-worthy. It scored highest in Lab digital imaging evaluations for improving radiance and earned one of the highest scores for brightening skin in two weeks of use (though some testers commented that it took effort to rinse off).

A full 100% of users reported no peeling or flaking after application. "My skin looked brighter as soon as I washed it off — my family even noticed!” one revealed. Another echoed: "My skin was smoother and brighter following two uses."

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13

Best for Acne Scars

ZitSticka HyperFade Microdart Blur Patch for Dark Spots

Now 12% Off

Credit: ZitSticka

Pros

• Formulated for dark spots from breakouts
• Targets individual spots

Cons

• One box may not deliver desired results

Infused with a laundry list of brightening ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, arbutin, licorice root extract and kojic acid, these innovative ZitSticka patches pinpoint and tackle dark marks from acne. “They work really well for hyperpigmentation after acne, and I like how targeted they are, so you can ensure they’re working on the area you want them to,” says GH's former beauty assistant. (Know that the kit includes four sets of patches to be used over the course of two weeks, and some users didn't see results during that time.)

RELATED: The Best Acne Products of 2024, According to Dermatologists

14

Best for Body

Philosophy The Microdelivery Triple-Acid Brightening Peel

Pros

• Effectively brightens skin and boosts radiance
• Visible effects for days
• Can be used on body skin

These individually-packed glycolic acid peel pads from Philosophy excelled at improving skin tone in GH Beauty Lab testing and can also be used on the body. They earned the top score for brightening skin according to consumer testers and ranked highly for evening skin tone in two weeks of use.

Great for before a special event, a few testers found their skin glowing for days following application. “After each use, my skin looked brighter for two days," one said. "It also felt softer and smoother."

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How we test the best dark spot correctors

To find the best dark spot corrector products, GH Beauty Lab scientists conduct both rigorous clinical and consumer testing, recruiting women of all ages and skin types to assess the products' results after at home use. In the Lab, their skin is scanned with the Visia Complexion Analyzer machine to measure changes in the size and count of dark spots, plus pores, skin texture and lines and wrinkles before and after weeks of use, as pictured.

Consumer testers also report their feedback on factors like ease of use, cosmetic properties (i.e. texture, scent), application and the look and feel of their skin following the testing period. The clinical and consumer data is then tallied to find the products that really perform.

What to look for when shopping for dark spot correctors

When shopping for dark spot correcting treatments, which can include serums, moisturizers and exfoliators like peels, seek out mentions of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, "brightening" and “skin tone-evening" on the packaging, GH Beauty Lab experts suggest. Dr. Parks recommends choosing formulas that contain skincare ingredients like:

✔️ Vitamin C, an antioxidant that brightens skin and may help reduce the appearance of dark spots, Wizemann says. ✔️ Niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3), which is also "shown to brighten skin and at a 5% concentration can lighten dark marks," Wizemann explains.
✔️ Retinol and alpha or beta hydroxy acids (like glycolic, lactic, azelaic and salicylic acids), which increase skin cell turnover to get rid of hyperpigmented cells.
**✔️ Kojic acid, which "inhibits melanin production and has been studied for its spot-lightening abilities, particularly for conditions like facial melasma," Wizemann notes.
✔️ Tranexamic acid, alpha-arbutin, cysteamine, resorcinol, soy and licorice root extract, as these can also lessen hyperpigmentation, Dr. Turegano adds.
✔️ Hydroquinone, a potent, fast-acting dark spot brightener, Wizemann says. "It interrupts melanin synthesis to even tone,” explains Sara Hogan, M.D., a dermatologist in McLean, Virginia. (Note that this ingredient is only available by prescription.)

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What causes dark spots?

"The sun is one of the biggest contributors to developing and accentuating dark marks," Dr. Turegano says, so applying a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily is a must in order to see a reduction in dark spots. Hormones, genetics and inflammation can contribute to hyperpigmentation.

Dark spots are also common in deeper skin tones. "In darker complexions, the presence of more and larger melanosomes, organelles produced by skin pigment cells that contain skin color, increases the likelihood that hyperpigmentation, or unwanted darkening, can develop," Dr. Hogan explains.

Do dark spot correctors really work?

"Dark spot correctors can be effective for some people, depending on the severity and type of dark spot, including sunspots (caused by sun exposure), melasma (hormonal pigmentation often occurring during pregnancy or due to hormonal fluctuations) and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots left behind after acne or other skin injuries)," Wizemann says.

"Individual results may vary when using these products, and consistent application (according to directions) along with sun protection is recommended for optimal benefits," she explains. "But it's essential to understand that completely eliminating dark spots may not always be possible."

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How do you fix dark spots on your face?

Here's how to fade hyperpigmentation, whether at home or heading to the dermatologist for a professional treatment:

• Commit to a dark spot corrector for at least one month. Topical dark spot correcting products can be effective, but “must be used as directed for at least four weeks to see results," explains former GH Beauty Lab Executive Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D.
• Wear SPF. “Strict sun protection is the best way to prevent hyperpigmentation,” says Janelle Vega, M.D., a dermatologist in Miami, Florida. A dark spot corrector must be used "along with a broad-spectrum facial sunscreen SPF 30 or higher to allow it to work and prevent further damage," Aral says. Slather on face SPF every single day in any season and no matter your skin tone. "Using SPF is still very important for darker skin tones,” adds Jenny Liu, M.D., an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis.
• Head to the derm. For stubborn spots, a dermatologist can offer faster, more high-tech solutions, like prescription or laser treatments. Visit one for yearly skin checks to ensure none of your spots are precancerous or cancerous.

What's the best way to use a dark spot corrector?

Most importantly, use a dark spot corrector according to the instructions on the product packaging, especially regarding frequency, which can vary from once to twice daily or one or two times per week for products like peels. Note that depending on the product, it can take anywhere from four to twelve or more weeks of consistent use to see dark spot reduction.

Generally, when applying a dark spot corrector, "if it's a serum or liquid form, it should be the first product that touches your skin after cleansing," Dr. Turegano advises. "If the dark spot corrector is in a lotion or cream form, it can be applied after a serum." Always follow up with a broad-spectrum SPF to prevent more dark spots from forming.

April (she/her) is the beauty director at Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman's Day, where she oversees all beauty content. She has over 15 years of experience under her belt, starting her career as an assistant beauty editor at GH in 2007, and working in the beauty departments of SELF and Fitness magazines.

Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing.

Sabina (she/her) is the director of the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has overseen skincare, haircare and makeup testing since 2012. She also reviews applications, substantiates claims and evaluates products for the GH Seal and the Beauty Awards and Sustainability Awards programs. She has a B.S. in chemistry from Ithaca College and more than 16 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries.