We Tapped Multiple Dermatologists: They Say These Are the Best Dark Spot Correctors (2024)

You can spend years diligently attending to your skin regimen—the right cleansers, the right moisturizers, the right anti-aging serums, the right SPF—only to have your smooth complexion struck down almost overnight by hyperpigmentation, more commonly known as dark spots.

The types of darks spots

“In fair-skinned individuals, hyperpigmentation is often caused by sun damage and often accumulates with age,” says Omar Ibrahimi, MD, founder and medical director of the Connecticut Skin Institute. “In skin of color, hyperpigmentation can be caused by anything that irritates or injures the skin. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Acne is a common source of PIH in melanated skin and is sometimes more disruptive than the actual acne itself.” Then of course, there’s melasma, a special type of pigmentary condition, which tends to occur during pregnancy or during other times of hormonal change (think menopause or the start of taking birth control pills), Ibrahimi adds. “Sun exposure drives the melasma to darken.”

How to get rid of dark spots

Dermatologists have plenty of tools to help patients deal with darks spots. “We use laser resurfacing treatments and other light-based devices such as IPL to ‘remove’ the damaged skin and simultaneously heat the second layer to promote the formation of new skin cells with a more even texture and tone,” explains Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University. “Chemical peels with ingredients such as glycolic, salicylic, lactic, carbolic, or trichloroacetic acids may be used to resurface and refresh as well.” The good news? You don’t have to run to the dermatologist and shell out thousands of dollars on pricey laser treatments. There are a wide variety of dark spot correctors that really work—and are available over the counter, at every price point.

What to look for in a dark spot corrector

To make sure you pick the best (and most effective) product for removing dark spots, our experts recommend looking for a cream or serum that contains ingredients like vitamin C (an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and brightens skin), niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3 that slows pigment production), hydroquinone (a lightening agent that inhibits the pigment-forming enzyme tyrosinase), retinol (a vitamin A derivative that evens tone and texture), or glycolic or lactic acid (which are alpha hydroxy acids that exfoliate dead skin cells). And remember: Sunscreen is a non-negotiable. Gohara recommends applying a daily sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that uses mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or iron oxides. Ahead, we asked to dermatologists to recommend the best dark spot correctors.

The experts:

• Omar Ibrahimi, MD, founder and medical director of the Connecticut Skin Institute
• Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut
• Melissa K. Levin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of Entiere Dermatology in NYC
• Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of LM Medical in NYC
• Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
• Jennifer M. Segal, MD, a dermatologist at the Metropolitan Dermatology Institute
• Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut
• Sapna Palep, MD, of Spring Street Dermatology in New York City

Niacinamide, hexylresorcinol, and shiitake mushroom come together to help reduce the look of dark spots in as little as one week. It also contains antioxidants to protect against environmental stressors. For the best results, use it in the morning before your SPF and at night before your moisturizer.

“In terms of over-the-counter treatment options, this is a great choice for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” says Levin. “It should be applied to spots daily, morning or night, and can be used under sunscreen.” It contains brightening niacinamide and vitamin C to target post-acne scars, age spots, and even freckles. It's a gentle formula that you can layer beneath makeup, and it boosts radiance overtime.

“Packed with ingredients such as tranexamic and kojic acid along with niacinamide, this elegant serum is easy to layer and highly concentrated, so a little bit goes a long way,” says Gohara. It targets stubborn discoloration and also prevents future marks from forming. The formula is suitable for all skin types and is free from fragrance, parabens, gluten, and hydroquinone.

Glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, and kojic acid visibly reduce the appearance of existing spots, but what makes this serum unique is the inclusion of lipo-hydroxy acid, a mild exfoliant to resurface skin and brighten. Gohara thinks it’s a great bang for your buck.

Designed specifically for dark skin, this serum was “created exclusively by dermatologists of color,” says Gohara. Its combination of retinol, hexoresorcinol, and niacinamide make it hyperpigmentation’s worst nightmare.

Of the L'Oréal Paris serum collection, we think this one is one of its best. It contains 12 percent derm-grade vitamin C to brighten and even out skin tone, vitamin E to moisturize, and salicylic acid to reduce breakouts and the look of large pores.

Try this powerhouse serum, which is formulated with 15 percent vitamin C, kojic acid, turmeric, vitamin E, and fruit enzymes—all of which work together to brighten skin, even texture, reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and acne scars, and prevent future breakouts. The formula is also vegan, cruelty-free, and free of hydroquinone.

“Using the combined power of skin brighteners niacinamide and tranexamic acid, this formula fades stubborn discoloration,” says Rabach. It also contains antioxidant-rich vitis flower stem cell extract, which promotes a more even tone and prevents future discoloration. It's a daily treatment that's free of hydroquinone and retinol.

This lightweight serum from expert aesthetician Shani Darden delivers a healthy dose of encapsulated retinol as well as lactic acid and fruit extracts to increase cell turnover, generate collagen, exfoliate dead skin cells, and reduce the appearance of dark spots and acne scars, so your complexion is smoother and more radiant.

It's safe to use this gentle oil to reduce dark spots all over your body, including intimate areas, like the bikini line and underarms. It contains a nourishing and brightening blend of jojoba seed, tea tree, lemon peel, and grapeseed oils. "I love this oil for correcting discoloration in my underarms," says Genesis Rivas, beauty editor at Oprah Daily. "It doesn't irritate the skin and it's smells nice."

“Ghost Democracy Lightbulb Vitamin C Serum is a great option if you’re starting to notice dark spots and fine lines,” says Zeichner. “Its anhydrous formula maintains potency of the vitamin C. Plus, it contains bakuchiol oil (a natural form of retinol), which enhances cell turnover and strengthens the skin’s foundation to fight off lines and wrinkles."

Created by cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, this option does it all. Packed with 20 percent L-ascorbic acid (the most potent form of vitamin C), moisturizing squalane, an active compound from green tea, and tartaric acid, this gel-cream evens tone and texture, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, and gives your complexion a lit-from-within glow.

Segal says, "This contains both azaleic and glycolic acids to promote exfoliation and is great for treating and preventing acne breakouts and the dark marks that come from them. This is a gentler, yet effective, exfoliating agent than retinols, so a great choice for more sensitive skin types.”

“It not only evens skin tone but also promotes exfoliation and treats and prevents blemishes, which can lead to dark spots,” explains Segal. “And it's great for anti-aging as well—a welcome added benefit!” It contains retinaldehyde and peptides to target deep wrinkles while encouraging cellular turnover for renewed and smoother-looking skin.

“To get rid of hyperpigmentation with very little irritation, I recommend using this cream before bed and the brand’s Even Tone Correcting Serum in the morning,” says Robinson. “AlphaRet is a retinoid that’s gentle on your skin.” It's also packed with antioxidants and peptides to help target and reduce signs of aging.

We often forget about areas like our neck, chest, and hands when it comes to hyperpigmentation and aging. This super-nourishing formulation locks in moisture and reduces the appearance of sun damage. It also has a silky texture that will immediately penetrate the skin without leaving a greasy residue.

“With 18 percent glycolic acid and grapefruit extracts, this wash works amazingly to brighten the skin and lighten dark spots. It allows you to do almost a mini chemical peel without any downtime and can be used on a daily basis after you build up tolerance,” says board-certified dermatologist Palep. “It’s great for someone who is prone to acne.”

This formula works triple duty to target dark spots, brighten, and hydrate skin. It contains polygluatmic acid, niacinamide, and peptides to help combat menopausal skin concerns, such as dryness, dullness, uneven skin tone, and wrinkles. You can use it as a daily moisturizer. The formula is vegan, gluten-free, and made without phthalates, parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, and dyes.

Our beauty team is dedicated to finding you the best of the best formulas. We spoke with dermatologists to learn about what to look for in a dark spot corrector and got their go-to recommendations. We also researched and tested top-rated and brand-new formulas that hit the market to help you find the best products out there.