I've Been Using Dark Spot Correctors for Over a Decade...And These 10 Are Total Standouts (2024)

This is one of the most impressive dark spot correctors I've tested to date. I've been using it twice a day for five weeks not only has it visibly faded the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (aka dark spots and acne scars as a result of breakouts) on my chin, but the stubborn melasma on my cheeks and around my eyes too.

• Key ingredients: Niacinamide, lactic acid, tranexamic acid, licorice root extract
• Size: 1 fl oz.

One happy customer writes: "I have to say, there aren't many skincare products that make a noticeable difference for me, but this product definitely does. I've tried multiple other brightening/dark spot treatments and have never seen such a drastic difference this quickly! I've been using this every other night after toning and before moisturizing and it has done wonders for my acne scars and sun spots."

I use these pre-soaked dark spot correcting pads in place of a toner after washing my face in the morning and at night. They're super convenient (just gently swipe one on your skin for about a minute until the pad feels dry) and are super effective at removing dull, dead skin cells and fading dark spots and discoloration thanks to a blend of glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide.

• Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, niacinamide
• Size: 60 ct.

A shopper writes: "I use these pads every morning after washing my face and they really seem to be brightening my skin. I love how my face feels refreshed after using them too."

These dark spot patches aren't the best choice for all over discoloration or melasma, but they're excellent at treating isolated dark spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Each patch has tiny micro darts, that when pressed onto the skin, release a blend of brightening ingredients to fade hyperpigmentation. And unlike many patches I've tried in the past, these ones actually stick to your skin without having to constantly press them down.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin c, tranexamic acid, niacinamide, licorice root extract
• Size: 8 ct

One customer review reads: "These patches do work! I'm in my early 40's with very sensitive skin and dark spots. I've tried many products but this one has really shown results! I could tell after two tries my spots were fading."

“Glycolic acid is one of the best AHAs for fading dark spots and discoloration,” says Dr. Marchbein. Why? Because glycolic acid helps dissolve the glue that holds dead skin cells together, resulting in an overall brighter, clearer skin tone. And it also happens to be the main active in La Roche-Posay's dark-spot-correcting serum right here. And while this serum's primary function is to improve skin tone, it's a great for smoothing rough or uneven skin texture too.

• Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, vitamin B5
• Size: 1 fl oz.

One shopper writes: "This probably saved me from getting an expensive chemical peel at the dermatologist. It got rid of the dark spots on my nose and cheeks in just four weeks."

A favorite dark spot corrector of Dr. Green's, this serum is excellent for treating dark spots on acne-prone skin types. "It contains tranexamic acid to disrupt melanin production
in skin cells," says Dr. Green, adding that it "also is formulated with kojic acid, an antioxidant to fight against UV rays, and azelaic acid, an ingredient that exfoliates the skin and promotes skin cell turnover." Azelaic acid also has antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties, so it can actually help reduce active acne too.

• Key ingredients: Tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide
• Size: 1.7 fl oz

According to one shopper: "My skin is oily, acne-prone, and sensitive and this worked really well for me. After about six weeks of using it every night, my skin looks clearer and my dark spots less prominent."

Many dark spot correctors contain chemical exfoliants. This is fine (and often v effective!) if your skin is "tough" or conditioned to regular exfoliation, but can be problematic if your skin is on the sensitive side. Luckily, this ultra-gentle dark spot correcting serum exists to fade hyperpigmentation without exfoliating acids or disrupting your skin's protective barrier.

• Key ingredients: Mushroom complex, tranexamic acid, alpha arbutin, niacinamide, licorice root extract
• Size: 1 fl oz.

One satisfied shopper writes: "I saw some positive changes in my skin—specifically the disappearance of pigmentation—within 2 weeks of using this serum. Plus, I had no breakouts or irritation from using it either."

Using a vitamin C serum is one of the best ways to fade dark spots, and this option from Skinceuticals' is one of Russo's favorite. It contains L-ascorbic acid (one of the most stable, well-studied forms of vitamin C) and vitamin E and ferulic acid, which boosts the efficacy of the vitamin C. And very cool fact: The formula stays active for 72 hours after you dab it on, even after washing your face.

Now in my testing experience, C E Ferulic isn't the best vitamin C dark spot corrector if your skin is oily and/or acne-prone, but don't worry because Skinceuticals has a slightly different vitamin C called Silymarin CF that's specifically formulated to help curb breakouts and even out your skin tone too.

• Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, ferulic acid
• Size: 1 fl oz.

A satisfied shopper says: "This is hands down the best vitamin C serum I've used, and I've tried a range of different brands from The Ordinary to Drunk Elephant.CE Ferulic is the only product that has made a difference in my hyperpigmentation and dark spots. The texture goes on smoothly and is absorbed by my skin quickly, making it easy to integrate into my routine."

Proof that you don't need to spend a ton of $$ on some fancy serum to get rid of your dark spots? This top-rated serum from drugstore skincare brand L'Oreal Paris. The blend of niacinamide, amino sulfonic acid (a gentle exfoliator), and ferulic acid work on all types of discoloration—from sun spots to post-inflammatory acne marks.

• Key ingredients: Niacinamide, amino sulfonic acid, ferulic acid
• Size: 1 fl oz.

One buyer review reads: "I absolutely love this serum. I've struggled with dark spots from my acne and this serum worked it's magic. I highly recommend this to everyone."

This is one of my favorite face moisturizers—not just for hydrating and plumping my skin but for brightening it too. It contains a co*cktail of dark spot correcting ingredients, including derm-favorite vitamin C. Plus, the texture is fantastic—it's lightweight, fast-absorbing, and never pills under makeup or clogs my pores.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, 4-butylresorcinol, hydrolyzed Brassica Napus Seedcake extract
• Size: 1.7 fl oz

A buyer writes: "Wonderful product. Lightweight and blends into skin well. Doesn't pill with other products (like mineral sunscreen). I've been using it for over a month and see the brightening effect in my skin tone, which will only increase with further use."

Another fantastic ingredient for correcting dark spots? Retinol. "It jumpstarts cellular renewal to shed old, hyperpigmented skin cells and replace them with fresh new ones, says Russo. This dark spot corrector cream from Skinbetter, a favorite of Russo's, combines retinol with AHAs for even better skin brightening effects. And unlike other retinol creams, Russo says this one never leaves her dry, sensitive skin irritating or peeling.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, glycolic acid, lactic acid
• Size: 1 fl oz.

One review from a shopper reads: "This cream has transformed my skin. It's made my dark spots lighter, pores smaller, forehead wrinkles smoother, and my face so so glowy—I'm obsessed!"

Dermatologists agree that the most effective dark spot correctors contain brightening ingredients (like vitamin C, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and arbutin), exfoliating ingredients (like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid), and/or retinol. When used together, these ingredients can inhibit melanin production to prevent dark spots, shed dulling dead skin cells to fade dark spots, and speed cell turnover to reveal more even-toned skin.

Think about your skin's sensitivity level.

Some dark spot correcting ingredients, like retinol, glycolic acid, and vitamin C, are incredibly potent and should be used cautiously by those with sensitive or easily irritated skin. Other dark spot correcting ingredients, like niacinamide or azelaic acid, are much gentler and considered safer for sensitive skin types.

Know that leave-on formulas are best.

The most effective dark spot correctors are the ones that stay on your skin (like serums, creams, and spot treatments), so skip any short-contact therapies—like cleansers or rinse-off masks—that claim to brighten or correct dark spots. They won't be as effective as anything that stays on your face all day or all night.

• Shari Marchbein, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Niche Dermatology in New York, NY, who specializes in cosmetic and medical dermatology. Dr. Marchbein is also a clinical assistant professor at NYU Langone in New York City.
• Michele Green, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York, NY. Dr. Green is an expert in cosmetic treatments, including laser therapies and dermal fillers.
• Victoria Russo is a licensed aesthetician based in New Jersey and New York. Russo has a over a decade of industry experience and has trained with some of NYC's top dermatologists. She specializes in anti-aging and acne treatments for all skin types at GlowDoll Skin and Aesthetics in Middletown, NJ.