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15 Best Dark Spot Correctors for Fading Hyperpigmentation
Choose from moisturizers, creams, serums, and beyond.
There are all sorts of reasons why pesky dark spots—aka hyperpigmentation—might show up on your skin. One of the most common culprits (besides certain diseases)? Sun exposure! It can quickly lead to sunspots all over your body. Other irritators include hormonal changes, irritation from acne, insect bites, and ingrown hairs.
The most effective treatment for dark spots, believe it or not, is time. Often, you really just want to let the skin do its thing. But for those of us who are a little more impatient or are experiencing more spots than usual, the best dark spot correctors on the market can come in handy, too. And no, we're not talking about concealer. There are all sorts of moisturizers, night creams, vitamin C serums, and spot treatments that can help the process along, and here, we've hand-picked our favorites. Brightening, pigment-fading ingredients, great reviews, and pretty packaging will make you excited to use these products.
Remember, no matter what other products are in your arsenal, always apply a good facial sunscreen during your morning skincare routine—that means every single day, folks! Drugstore sunscreens are perfectly fine. Daily protection from the sun is key in preventing future dark spots from cropping up. And if you feel like doubling down on the sun protection, check out our picks for the best foundations with SPF.
Ambi Skincare Fade Cream
This affordable cream contains hydroquinone, an ingredient known for its dark spot-fading abilities. It's also loaded with vitamin E to help moisturize and heal the skin.
Olay Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Face Moisturizer
Olay Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Face Moisturizer
Featuring vitamin C, vitamin B3, and lactic acid, this facial moisturizer is a pro at brightening and hydrating skin all in one go. Hello, glow!
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream
This pick from The Ordinary packs a mighty punch. The azelaic acid in the cream serves to target both hyperpigmentation and breakouts.
Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar
This cleanser lightly exfoliates the skin, gradually reducing the appearance of dark spots. You can also use it as a brightening mask—just leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes, then rinse it off.
The Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Night Treatment
The Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Night Treatment
This gel is great for any skin type: It quickly sinks into the skin without leaving any residue behind. Its star ingredient is tranexamic acid, which brightens and lightens many different types of hyperpigmentation.
CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
If you have easily irritated skin, this fragrance-free and dermatologist-tested pick is a solid choice. It's infused with vitamin C, and it's fabulous at encouraging a more even complexion without irritating your skin.
Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Dark Spot Corrector
Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Dark Spot Corrector
There are so many dark spot correcting gems at the drugstore, and this is one of them! With the help of vitamin C, it can quickly lessen the appearance of dark spots and fine lines.
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Dark Spots Niacinamide Serum
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Dark Spots Niacinamide Serum
Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is a powerhouse when it comes to brightening the skin. This is one of the best niacinamide serums on the market—it even promises to reduce hard-to-fade melasma.
Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration
This viral serum keeps selling out for a reason—reviewers swear it actually works. The formula is packed with three dark spot-battling ingredients: tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and azelaic acid.
Differin Dark Spot Remover Face Serum
This serum was formulated to be effective, but it's gentle enough to be used everyday. It fades dark spots and discoloration over time and provides some light exfoliation as well.
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum
Give this niacinamide serum a try if you have sensitive skin. It's free from all sorts of irritating ingredients, such as alcohol, artificial fragrance, mineral oil, parabens, and artificial colorants.
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
Apply this serum morning and night, and reviewers say you're sure to see a brighter, more even complexion before long. It not only fades dark spots, but also prevents new ones from popping up in the future.
Dermalogica Age Bright Spot Fader
Powered by salicylic acid and niacinamide, this spot treatment is a force to be reckoned with. It simultaneously fights breakouts and lightens dark spots left behind by past blemishes.
Hyper Even Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum
Hyper Even Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum
This brightening vitamin C serum includes a nourishing combo of fruit enzymes, bearberry, turmeric, and kojic acid. Fun fact: When layered under a sunscreen, vitamin C can help provide even more protection from the sun's harmful rays.
Paula's Choice Boost C15 Super Booster
This Paula's Choice pick has a seriously loyal following thanks to its potent formula. It effortlessly brightens the skin, smooths wrinkles, and combats environmental damage.
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