Achieve a Radiant Glow With the 13 Best Products for Hyperpigmentation of 2023

When it comes to achieving the glowing, even complexion that dreams are made of, nothing is more of a buzzkill than unwanted dark spots, whether it’s a singular dark spot or all-over patches of discoloration.The technical term is hyperpigmentation and it can be caused by either sun exposure or trauma to the skin (from something like picking a pimple, for example).Either way, the biological process that kicks in is somewhat complicated, but,ultimately, it boils down to an overproduction of melanin (color) in the skin.

And here’s the thing: This is a potential issue for anyone and everyone, no matter your skin tone, though hyperpigmentation is a particularly common issue with African-American skin, which has more melanin, to begin with.Also worth noting: No matter what product you’re using to try and tackle hyperpigmentation, it’s not going to do anything if you’re not extra diligent about sun protection.And finally, be patient. Depending on the active ingredient(s) in the product you choose,it can take up to six weeks of regular use to see an improvement, points out board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL.

We conducted hours of research to find the best hyperpigmentation products on the market—evaluating top-rated picks based on their active ingredients and how well they were able to fade dark spots. After consulting dermatologists and speaking with our editors, we landed on these products to give you the best in show.

Best Overall

Kiehls Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution

Sephora

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This product gets the job done by incorporating a potent form of vitamin C that canhelp fade existing dark spots and impede the production of new ones.1 Its formula also includes white birch extract to hydrate the skin and peony extract for antioxidant protection,making it a one-stop shop for all of your skincare needs. Use it in the morning before sunscreen or at night under a thicker moisturizer and see how it helps to brighten your complexion.

• Active Ingredients: Vitamin C
• Size: 1 ounce
• Dosage: Twice daily
• Cruelty-Free:No

Runner-Up, Best Overall

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

Dermstore

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Hartman is a fan of this formula, which boasts a potent concentration of tranexamic acid, one of his favorite brightening ingredients.He also lauds it for containing HEPES, a synthetically derived acid. Also nice:He says this formulation is safe to use during pregnancy, a choice product for moms-to-be who are navigating pregnancy-induced melasma.Dr. Brian Hilber, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, also recommends this product, praising it forhow easy it is to layer with other products in your skincare routine.

• Active Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide
• Size: 1 ounce
• Dosage: Twice daily
• Cruelty-Free:No

Best Budget

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

Sephora

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Use this toner nightly, post-cleansing,to reveal clearer, more even skin.It’s formulated with glycolic acid at a pH of 3.6 which maximizes its effectiveness atexfoliating the skin and breaking down discolored skin cells without creating irritation. With added ingredients such as aloe vera, amino acids, and ginseng it has the added benefit of stimulating collagen production over time.2Tasmanian Pepperberry also helps to counteract any sensitivity created by the glycolic acid. And let’s not forget to mention it costs less than fifteen dollars which we always appreciate from The Ordinary.

• Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid
• Size: 8 ounces
• Dosage: Once daily, PM
• Cruelty-Free:Yes

Best Without Hydroquinone

Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum

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Hydroquinone is effective, but has some drawbacks; it can’t be used for long periods of time and there are some concerns about its safety.3 his formula, one of the best-selling brightening products out there, recently got a revamp to eliminate HQ (as it’s often called). Instead,this dark spot corrector relies on a brightening peptide, vitamin C, and a niacinamide complex. Bonus points for the inclusion of light-reflecting pearls, which instantly make skin look brighter. After using this treatment alongside a simple, gentle skincare routine, we’re happy to report that we noticed visible benefits to our skin texture.

• Active Ingredients: Peptide, vitamin C, niacinamide
• Size: 1 ounce
• Dosage: Twice daily
• Cruelty-Free:Yes

An Honest Review of Murad’s Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum

Best for Sensitive Skin

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum

Amazon

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The hard truth of the matter is that many of the best brightening ingredients—like hydroquinone, vitamin C, and retinol—can be too irritating for sensitive skin. That’s why we appreciate thatthis serum relies on niacinamide instead, a great spot-fading ingredient that also happens to hydrate and even reduce redness and inflammation.4It also contains golden kiwifruit for a boost of antioxidant protection against free-radical damage whilelicorice root also helps to brighten and soothe the complexion.And true to the brand’s sensitive skin-friendly vibes, it’s generallysuper gentle and fragrance-free.

• Active Ingredients: Niacinamide
• Size: 1 ounce
• Dosage: Twice daily
• Cruelty-Free:Yes

Best Splurge

SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum

Amazon

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Pricey, yes, but this product is effective at knocking out even the most stubborn dark spots and discoloration.It’s another one of Hartman’s recommendations and relies on tranexamic acid along with a litany of other ingredients that help to both fade existing marks and prevent new ones from forming.Hilber also likes it, noting that the tranexamic acid is combined with niacinamide, which makes it extra effective, and thatit can be used to help fade pigmentation anywhere on the face or body.It works on all skin tones, too, and in a brand-backed clinical study, (results shown on the product page)100% of participants said it made their skin tone look more even after about three months of use.

• Active Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, tetrapeptide, niacinamide
• Size: 2 ounces
• Dosage: Twice daily
• Cruelty-Free:Yes

Best with Retinol

Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Serum

Amazon

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There’s no shortage of reasons why retinol is a fan-favorite ingredient among dermatologists. It works both in the deeper layers of the skin, where it helps to stimulate collagen production, as well as on the surface of the skin.Here, it helps stimulate skin cell turnover, which results in both fewer clogged pores and brighter, smoother skin.Case in point: It’s a great brightening ingredient that also delivers tons of other benefits.5 This newbie combines retinol with bakuchiol, a plant-derived ingredient that has similar benefits, plus ferulic acid, a potent antioxidant. The best part?It’s specifically formulated to not irritate (a common side effect of retinol) and is gentle enough for super sensitive skin.

• Active Ingredients: Retinol, bakuchiol, ferulic acid
• Size: 1 ounce
• Dosage:Twice daily
• Cruelty-Free:Yes

The 13 Best Over-the-Counter Retinols of 2023, Tested & Reviewed

Best for Dark Skin

Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum

Amazon

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This serum has gone viral over the past year, and for good reason:It contains over four active ingredients that are proven to brighten the skin.Formulated with azelaic acid, niacinamide, kojic acid, tranexamic acid, and more, the Faded serum is able to not only fade spots and discoloration but also improve the skins overall tone and texture.We love that even though it has so many active ingredients,the formula is still gentle and wont irritate sensitive skin.

• Active Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, niacinamide, azelaic acid, kojic acid
• Size:1.7 ounces
• Dosage: Once daily
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Dark Skin, Runner-Up

MELE Even Dark Spot Control Facial Serum

Amazon

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As we said, hyperpigmentation can be an especially pesky problem for deeper complexions, which is whywe love that this treatment is specially formulated to meet the needs of darker skin.It’s a bi-phase serum (so give it a good shake before using) that relies on a trio of proven brighteners: niacinamide, hexylresorcinol, and a retinoid.We love the texture and can report that, with consistent use, it works well to fade all kinds of spots.

• Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, retinoid
• Size: 1 ounce
• Dosage: Once daily
• Cruelty-Free:No

Best Face Wash

Revision Skincare Brightening Face Wash

Amazon

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While a face wash may not be as intense as a leave-on product, Hilber says using one in the morning is a good way to up the efficacy of and complement your overall brightening routine.He likes this formula, which he says is good for normal, oily, and combination skin types and contains a combination of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, plus licorice extract and vitamin C,to deliver exfoliating and brightening benefits. Vitamin E and white tea extract also add antioxidant protection which helps protect the skin from environmental damage on a day-to-day basis. 

• Active Ingredients:Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, vitamin C, licorice extract
• Size: 6.7 ounces
• Dosage: Once daily
• Cruelty-Free:Yes

We Found the 8 Best Exfoliating Face Washes for Clean, Smooth Skin

Best with Vitamin C

BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner

Amazon

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In the world of spot-fading ingredients, vitamin C is one of the best options, not only for its skin-brightening abilities but because it has the added benefit of acting as an antioxidant and stimulating collagen production, too.6 Sign us up. This particular pick (developed by a cosmetic chemist) boasts a 20% concentration of the most potent form of the vitamin, L-ascorbic acid, to deliver brightening, firming, and smoothing benefits in one fell swoop.It also helps to reduce the appearance of large pores, fine lines, and wrinkles while reducing redness with squalane and green tea-derived Pure EGCG.

• Active Ingredients: Vitamin C
• Size: 1 ounce
• Dosage: Once daily
• Cruelty-Free:Yes

The 11 Best Vitamin C Serums We Tested and Recommend For Glowing Skin

Best with Vitamin C, Runner-Up

Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Treatment Serum

Sephora

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There are five different types of vitamin C to be found in this newbie making it a powerful way of brightening the complexion. As if that wasnt enough, there’s also guava extract and seed oil (another good source of vitamin C and additional antioxidants), plus dark spot-reducing tranexamic acid in the mix, too.We loved how well it brightened our skin, as well as its lightweight feel and lightly fruit scent (which is naturally derived, we should add).

While the formula works for all skin types, we found that some with sensitive skin may find it too harsh.

• Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, tranexamic acid, ferulic acid
• Size: 1 ounce
• Dosage: Twice daily
• Cruelty-Free:Yes

Best with Azelaic Acid

Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

Amazon

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Azelaic acid is a somewhat underrated ingredient when it comes to fading hyperpigmentation, but its just as effective as the more popular ones that we frequently see in brightening products. This serum contains a 10% concentration of the ingredient, alongside 0.5% salicylic and licorice root,which work together to even the skin tone and fade dark marks. It can also be used to calm redness and inflammation in the skin while smoothing bumpy patches.During testing, we saw results quickly and loved that it didnt irritate our skin.The brand recommends this for all skin types, but you may find it particularly effective if you have rosacea or acne-prone skin.

• Active Ingredients: Azelaic acid, salicylic acid, licorice root extract
• Size:1 ounce
• Dosage: Once daily
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

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Where We Stand

A hyperpigmentation product is worth trying for acne marks, scars, sun spots, and more. The Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution is our favorite formula; the brand also makes a more intensive option that we like, the  Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Accelerated Clarity & Renewing Ampoules, that can help fade spots in just two weeks. The First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum is a gentle yet effective choice for more sensitive skin, while the SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum is a splurge for sure, but highly recommended by dermatologists and well worth every penny.

How We Researched & Tested

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, formula and results—in addition to reviews from customers and expert insights. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) on the following criteria:

Active ingredients and formulationSkin type Concerns, benefits, and efficacy on hyperpigmentationDowntime and irritationCruelty freeValue for money

What to Look for in a Product for Hyperpigmentation

Ingredients, Rather Than Formula: “The formulation doesn’t matter as much as the active ingredients, so choose the vehicle that works best for you,” says Hartman. In other words, it doesn’t matter whether you go with a serum or cream or mask—it’s all about the active ingredients. The SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense is formulated with many ingredients that treat hyperpigmentation, including kojic acid, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide.Hydroquinone: This is the undisputedly most effective skin-lightener and one that Hartman recommends. But, as mentioned, it can have some drawbacks. If you cant receive a prescription from a doctor, good alternatives include vitamin C, retinol, kojic acid, and niacinamide, frequently found in many dark spot correctors.Multiple Actives: Similarly, formulas that combine multiple brightening ingredients are a good choice, as each of the ingredients works in a slightly different way to ultimately yield the best results. We love the Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum, which has an effective formula that includes vitamin C, niacinamide, and peptides for a brighter complexion. FAQ What types of products best address hyperpigmentation?

The answer here is leave-on serums, which contain the highest concentration of active ingredients. However, be careful not to use too many different products at once, cautions Hilber. “Implementing too many new products too quickly can lead to two problems. Firstly, if your skin responds poorly, its difficult to know which product or ingredient was the culprit. Secondly, combining multiple active ingredients too quickly can lead to over-exfoliation and irritation,” he says.

Your best bet? Try one new serum and stick with it for at least a few months before you decide if it’s working or not. Also, always use your products in tandem with a broad-spectrum sunscreen thats at least SPF 30, since sunlight is going to worsen any type of hyperpigmentation, he adds. Are there any ingredients to avoid in products for hyperpigmentation?

Hilber says it’s important to avoid ingredients that may be irritating your skin in particular. For example, retinoids can be helpful but can make your skin irritated, which can ultimately end up worsening hyperpigmentation. Point being: Avoid any ingredients that dont mesh with your skin. If youre looking for a pick that wont irritate sensitive skin, we recommend the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum, which has a gentle formula.

How do you apply products for hyperpigmentation?

Hilber suggests following the directions for any particular product you’re using, though they should usually be applied before any other products (on clean, dry skin).

How often should you apply products for hyperpigmentation?

Again, this depends on the particular product you choose, Hilber notes, though it’s usually once to twice per day. (Again, with the caveat that your skin can tolerate this frequency, he adds.)