:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/peo-dark-spot-correctors-test-hyper-skin-brightening-vitamin-c-serum-2-months-tdirosa-before-after-tout-badge-6975ea7e66f34c2f87fcdffd119e285b.jpg "The Best Dark Spot Correctors We Tested to Reduce Hyperpigmentation"){kind=icon}
Kayla Blanton is a health and beauty writer who has interviewed dozens of experts for their product recommendations during her seven-year career. No stranger to acne, she has tried countless products to fade her own dark spots.
Whether you struggle with acne scars, sun spots, or fluctuating hormones, you could benefit from a dark spot corrector. The specialized skincare comes in many forms — some are serums and creams you put over your face, others are spot treatments you apply to affected areas — and it can feature several active ingredients. This can make finding the best dark spot corrector for your needs confusing and overwhelming when shopping on your own, so we’re here to simplify it for you.
We recruited 13 people with varying skin types and concerns to test many of the most popular dark spot correctors. They each tested a single product consistently for 12 weeks and reported on their results and experience. We also asked skincare experts for their input on what to look for (and what to look out for). Of the formulas tested, six have earned our seal of approval. Keep reading to shop and learn more about our stars!
Our Stars
Ask an Expert
To get the download on dark spot correctors, we consulted two celebrity estheticians. Biba de Sousa is the founder of the Biba Los Angeles product line and counts Mandy Moore, Hailey Bieber, and Emily Blunt among her clients. Joshua Ross, also in LA, is the founder of SkinLab and treats Hollywood favorites like Lisa Rinna, Erika Jayne, and Nicole Scherzinger.
- Know your actives: Dark spot correctors rely on active ingredients such as vitamin C, tretinoin, AHA/BHAs, and tranexamic acid.
- SPF is a must: Active ingredients can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so daily sunscreen is even more important than usual. Plus, because dark spots are often caused by sun damage, regular use can help prevent new ones from forming.
- Keep it up: Consistent use of dark spot correctors slows the creation of pigmentation. If you’re spotty with your dark spot treatment, you won’t see the results you’re looking for.
Reviews
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This drugstore serum impressively gets the job done — and it even smells good. It combines two powerhouse ingredients, vitamin C and retinol, both of which can cause sensitivity in first-time users. Yet our tester didn’t experience any stinging or burning, even when applying it twice a day. The dark spot corrector always absorbed quickly, felt lightweight, and layered well with her other skincare.
After three months, she noticed that her acne scars had diminished and that her skin was overall brighter and smoother. Plus, no new pigmentation had appeared over the testing period.
Size: 1.0 ounce ($30 per ounce) | Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, retinol | Best For: Mature skin
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Editor’s note: This full 1.0 oz size of this product is currently out of stock, but should be back at Sephora in April 2025. Sign up to be notified.
It only took a month for our tester to begin seeing results from Hyper Skin’s dark spot serum: Her skin felt more hydrated, evened out, and subtly brighter, too. And continuous use brought continued results.
Throughout the 12-week testing process, no irritation or dryness surfaced, which is impressive considering that, in addition to powerful vitamin C and kojic acid, it also contains salicylic acid to fight against new breakouts. Yes, it’s on the pricey side, but we couldn’t find any other negative qualities, so we’d say it’s worth it.
Size: 0.50 oz ($72 per ounce) | Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, kojic acid | Best For: Acne-prone skin, uneven texture
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After just two weeks of using this dark spot correcting gel, our tester began to notice that her dark spots were lightening, which allowed her to use less product over time. It absorbed easily and played nicely with other skincare products and makeup she used.
By the end of the testing period, she found that her dark spots were minimal, and some were totally invisible. In fact, she swapped out the tretinoin she had been using — this gel because it worked better and faster on her problem areas.
Size: 1.0 ounce ($95 per ounce) | Active Ingredients: Azelaic acid, kojic acid | Best For: Dry, normal, and oily skin; uneven texture
Ask an Expert
This formula is labeled as hydroquinone (HQ)-free. In the United States, the ingredient is FDA-approved with a prescription for skin lightening, but it has garnered “some health concerns” and “is banned in most of the world by now,” De Sousa says.
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This serum is marketed to those dealing with post-acne marks, but our tester used it on her dark under-eye skin. Conveniently, its cooling and soothing metal roller ball applicator fit perfectly there. After three months of use — and adjusting to its finicky squeeze dispenser and thicker viscosity — she noticed that her under eyes were brighter, and she felt more comfortable going makeup-free. Bonus: She also found the affordable serum to be hydrating.
Size: 0.34 ounces ($59 per ounce) | Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, tranexamic acid | Best For: All skin types
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This serum contains a blend of potent ingredients that restored our tester’s glow and evened out her skin tone. In addition to a brighter complexion, she noticed a decreased darkness around her eyes.
The only downfall was the serum’s bright orange color, which can stain clothes. Careful handling is required!
Size: 1.0 ounce ($110 per ounce) | Active Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, niacinamide | Best For: All skin types
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This is a unique dark spot corrector that comes in the form of a moisturizing cream, which could be handy for people who like a minimal, stripped-down skincare routine. Our tester found that it did, in fact, lighten dark spots over time, but it didn’t fully “remove” them, as the label claims. But with its low price, we still think it’s worth recommending to maintain a complexion with few, manageable spots.
Size: 1.7 ounces ($12 per ounce) | Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin B5 | Best For: Non-sensitive skin types
What Else We Liked
Although the above products were our absolute standouts, there were others that we tested that met many of our testers’ needs.
Complete Your Routine
Trying to hide dark spots as you work to fade them? Or are you looking to stop new ones from forming? Consider adding these best-in-class moisturizers and concealers to your cart.
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