If you find yourself piling on the makeup to conceal discoloration, the best dark spot correctors can help even out your complexion while saving you time in the long run. Hyperpigmentation, an umbrella term for different forms of discoloration including post-acne marks, sun damage, age spots, and hormone-induced melasma, can be one of the trickiest skin concerns to treat; some forms eventually fade on their own, but they can take months. And melasma in particular can be stubborn, slow to fade, and easily triggered by sun exposure, heat, and even stress.
Our Top Dark Spot Correctors
That’s why Allure editors put these formulas to the test over weeks of real-life use. The result is a lineup of serums and treatments packed with brightening actives—vitamin C and niacinamide are just the beginning—that make a visible difference. Ahead, you’ll find everything dermatologists want you to know about fading dark spots, plus four editor-vetted formulas that help put your brightest face forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: Revision C+ Correcting Complex 30%
Why it’s worth it: You know that one student in class who’s always the overachiever? Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30% is the skin-care equivalent. With a whopping 30% THD ascorbate—the most stable, lipid-soluble form of vitamin C there is—it helps brighten, firm, and protect without the irritation typical of other C serums. It also targets the appearance of dark spots and promotes a more even skin tone over time. Peptides and prebiotic technology round out the formula to support your skin’s microbiome and boost overall radiance. Whether you’re dealing with melasma, discoloration, or early signs of aging, this derm-loved formula is up for extra credit, delivering visible results without throwing off your skin’s balance.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
Pai has acne-prone skin and has been using Revision C+ Correcting Complex 30% for 10 weeks.
“Hyperpigmentation is one of my biggest struggles: I get dark spots from breakouts and mosquito bites alike. Because of that, I’ve always used some kind of dark-spot corrector. But even so, I felt like the results were so-so; I still had to wait weeks for the discoloration to fade. This serum has changed the game. It’s lightweight, doesn’t have any scent, and most importantly, has made a noticeable difference in the timeline of my dark spots. What used to take a month or more to fade is now gone in about two weeks, and I feel a lot more confident going with just a tinted moisturizer instead of spackling on foundation.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
- Key ingredients: 30% THD ascorbate (vitamin C)
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Acne Scars: SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense
Why it’s worth it: SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense is a powerful yet gentle brightening serum designed to target all types of dark spots, from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation to melasma. “This formula contains over-the-counter strengths of two ingredients that are often prescribed to address dark spots—tranexamic and kojic acids—as well as niacinamide and sulfonic acid,” says Dr. Yadav. Because of this blend, the formula helps address “all kinds of dark spots, from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation to melasma, the latter of which can be particularly stubborn to treat with at-home formulas,” she says. Despite its potency, the serum tends to be well-tolerated (even for those who can’t use prescription retinoids) and layers smoothly under other actives. For best results, pair it with a vitamin C serum in the morning or a retinoid at night.
Angela has combination skin with hormonal acne and has been using SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Multi-Phase Serum for 4 months.
“I’ve been using SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense consistently for the past four months, and I can confidently say it works. I originally started using it to target some lingering post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from hormonal acne, plus a few sunspots that started creeping in after one too many beach days without reapplying sunscreen (oops, don’t tell my derm).
What I love is how gentle but effective it is—no tingling, peeling, or irritation, which I’ve had with other brightening serums. It’s lightweight and layers easily under my moisturizer, so it fits right into my nighttime routine. After the first six to eight weeks, I started noticing my dark spots looking a little softer and less noticeable. Now at four months, some of the more shallow discoloration is nearly gone, and the deeper spots have definitely lightened. My skin tone overall just looks more even and fresh. It’s not an overnight fix, but if you’re consistent, it seriously works.” —Ang Trakoshis, former shopping market editor
- Key ingredients: tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, sulfonic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Melasma: Dr. Loretta Anti-Aging Repair Serum
Why it’s worth it: You should be wearing sunscreen every day (you are… right?), especially if you’re dealing with dark spots. However, Dr. Loretta Anti-Aging Repair Serum adds another layer of defense, targeting the other external aggressors that can trigger discoloration, including pollution, light, climate, and irritants. This dark spot serum is fueled by 3% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (a stable, gentle form of vitamin C that helps brighten skin and fade dark spots), lilac stem cells to calm inflammation and regulate oil, and marine algae extract to hydrate and firm. The silky formula sinks in fast and, yes, wears great under your SPF.
Shipin has extremely dry skin due to everyday dehydration and persistent eczema since childhood. She has fine lines, gets hormonal acne and has pitted acne scars, as well as melasma spotting postpartum.
“For the longest time, I steered clear of vitamin C serums—partially at the behest of my dermatologist, who was concerned that my facial eczema would flare up miserably if I used a corrective serum. It wasn’t until I realized what allergens were causing my flare-ups that I decided to retry vitamin C for a number of skincare concerns, and I found the perfect one for me in Dr. Loretta’s Anti-Aging Repair Serum. I’ve used it for about four months straight, and I believe it’s helped address things like uneven skin tone, rough texture (pitted acne spots from teenage years), and plenty of dark spots.
My spots are a mix of hyperpigmentation from hormonal acne, some lingering melasma from my two pregnancies, and just general dark spots from sun damage. I love that it’s been gentle enough to use daily on my skin without causing any additional dryness or sensitivity. The only downside is that I use a lot of this stuff (one to two times per day), so I go through it! It’s on the pricier side, too, so replenishment needs to be worth it; thankfully I find that I’m seeing results, so it is for now!” —Shanna Shipin, shopping director
- Key ingredients: 3% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, marine algae extract, lilac stem cells
- Fragrance-free: yes
More dark spot correctors to consider
- If your skin concerns include dullness and dryness, Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Clearing Serum is a derm-approved pick. “This formula contains a blend of ingredients that work together to resurface, soothe, and brighten skin, fading existing dark spots and preventing future discoloration caused by inflammation,” says Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology based in Toronto. It features niacinamide, salicylic acid, and vitamin C—a powerful combo for evening tone and boosting radiance.
- Dealing with sensitive skin? Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum is for you. “This product contains a derivative of tranexamic acid,” says Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami.. “I’ve had great results with this serum in my patients, and I also love that it’s very affordable, making it a great option for hyperpigmentation on larger surface areas.” The formula also includes niacinamide to help even tone and calm inflammation, and it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin.
- For a budget-friendly pick you can easily find, Eucerin Radiant Tone Dual Serum is a drugstore gem. “More than a dozen peer-reviewed clinical studies have been published in the medical literature, showing its effectiveness in treating hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. The key ingredient is thiamidol, which inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme central to pigment production. Paired with lightweight hyaluronic acid, the dual-chamber formula hydrates while brightening, without causing irritation. “I love that it doesn’t cause any irritation. I recommend it for all types of hyperpigmentation, and most people in my practice see some improvement within two weeks,” she says.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hyperpigmentation?
Dark spots on the skin fall under the umbrella of hyperpigmentation. This form of discoloration is caused by melanocytes, the cells responsible for determining your skin’s color, depositing excess pigment into the deeper layers of the skin.
Though dark spots can be caused by a number of factors, sun exposure is the most common. “When the pigment is evenly distributed, it appears as a ‘tan,’ but over time and with increasing sun exposure, most of the pigment ends up being distributed unevenly,” Nancy Samolitis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Long Beach, California, previously told Allure. Sun-induced hyperpigmentation can take the form of freckles, age spots, or melasma, which is a specific type of hyperpigmentation that is believed to have a hormonal factor, as it tends to flare up during pregnancy.
Acne can also be the root of your dark spots. Pimples, rashes, and other forms of general skin inflammation or trauma can lead to discoloration called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
How do you treat hyperpigmentation?
“In general, hyperpigmentation is tough to treat and a chronic condition,” says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, noting that he explains to his patients that it must be taken seriously because it’s so easy for it to recur. While some patients opt for laser treatments or customized prescription blends—such as the hydroquinone, kojic acid, and vitamin C mix that Dr. Bhanusali often formulates in-office—there are still plenty of ways to tackle discoloration and uneven skin tone without relying on pricey in-office procedures or prescription topicals.
That’s where these over-the-counter options come in. Often made with the same active ingredients that dermatologists use in prescription compounds, albeit at lower concentrations, the over-the-counter serums and creams mentioned in the list above help even tone and reduce hyperpigmentation with consistent use.
What ingredients are best to combat dark spots?
“When targeting hyperpigmentation, you want to use multiple ingredients that have different functions,” says David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City. “For example, you want to use a vitamin A derivative to increase cell turnover, alpha hydroxy acids to enzymatically exfoliate, and incorporate azelaic acid, kojic acid, tranexamic acid (particularly beneficial for melasma), or arbutin to reduce melanin production,” he further explains.
Antioxidant vitamin C is the gold standard for addressing dark spots and hyperpigmentation. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Patricia Wexler, MD, previously told Allure that this particular vitamin contains a property that inhibits your skin’s melanin production, which is what causes discoloration. In addition to brightening and evening tone, vitamin C can prevent dark spots from forming in the first place—with continued use, of course.
Retinol is well-known for its fine-line-reducing powers, but the beauty of this multifaceted antioxidant is that it’s also effective in diminishing dark spots. This ingredient’s ability to increase cellular turnover is key to minimizing the look of hyperpigmentation. “From an acne standpoint, the increase in cell turnover helps unclog pores,” Sheila Farhang, MD, a Beverly Hills-based, board-certified dermatologist, previously told Allure. “This also helps decrease the appearance of brown or red post-acne spots as well as help collagen synthesis [to tone down] acne scarring.”
Despite retinol’s myriad benefits, the active can cause irritation, whether you have generally reactive skin or are simply new to the ingredient.. That said, with the necessary precautions, “Retinol can be used by nearly everyone if it is used correctly,” Erin Gilbert, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously attested. “Start low and take it slow.” Derms we’ve spoken to typically recommend around 0.05% for straight-up retinol every other night, and build up a tolerance from there. You can try a gentler form of vitamin A (like retinyl palmitate), or look for a product with encapsulated retinol, which means it releases more slowly/over time and is, therefore, more gentle on the skin.
Due to their ability to enzymatically exfoliate the skin, Dr. Kim says alpha hydroxy acids, also known as AHAs, are the perfect addition to any dark spot-reducing skin-care routine. This group of chemical exfoliators removes the outer layer of dead skin, making it smoother and more even-toned. Some of the most popular AHAs include lactic and glycolic acids, but it’s worth noting that the former is gentler on sensitive skin than the latter. Of course, you can experiment with different concentrations based on your skin’s needs and type, but if you want an intensive AHA-fueled treatment, you may want to consult with your dermatologist about an in-office chemical peel.
What else can I do to prevent dark spots?
“Before you spend your money on antioxidant serums and retinoids to improve the tone and texture of your skin, the most important first step is diligent daily sun protection, which is key to reducing the appearance of brown spots,” says Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “Otherwise, you are literally throwing your money away investing in other skin-care products,” she adds. Dr. Kim backs this up, adding that SPF combined with vitamin C in the morning minimizes UV damage, prevents excessive melanin production, and contributes to a brighter complexion overall.
Meet the experts
- Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology based in Toronto
- Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
- Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
- Nancy Samolitis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Long Beach, California
- Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Patricia Wexler, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Sheila Farhang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.