The Best Dark-Spot Correctors, According to Dermatologists (2024)

skin-care treatments

By Arielle Avila, a writer at the Strategist covering wardrobe basics and personal care. She joined the Strategist in 2020 as a junior writer. Previously, she wrote about style at Texas Monthly.

The Best Dark-Spot Correctors, According to Dermatologists (2)

Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers

In this article

  • Best overall
  • Best drugstore
  • Best for sensitive skin
  • Best vitamin C
  • Best toner
  • Best moisturizer

Dark spots — whether they’re a result of scarring, sun exposure, or inflammation —are tricky to deal with. There are a number of products out there claiming they’ll brighten and even out skin, making it even trickier to pick the right one for you and your skin type. When I spoke to dermatologists for their recommendations, they said to look for formulations with retinol; vitamin C; kojic, azelaic, or tranexamic acid; and licorice-root extract. “Many of these ingredients inhibit tyrosinase, a key enzyme in the production of melanin,” Dr. Marisa Garshick of MDCS Dermatology explains. The lightening ingredient hydroquinone was also brought up, but Garshick and Dr. Jennifer Gordon at Westlake Dermatology both cautioned that it should be prescribed by a dermatologist to minimize any risk of ochronosis.

Below is a list of the best dark-spot correctors according to the five dermatologists I spoke to. One note before getting into the products: Every expert I spoke to emphasized the importance of wearing sunscreen diligently. It keeps dark spots from coming back after treatment, and more importantly, it protects you from further UV damage.

Best dark-spot corrector overall

SkinCeuticals’ Discoloration Defense is effective, lightweight, and gentle enough for most skin types and everyday use. Two dermatologists I spoke with— Dr. Gordon and Dr. Brendan Camp of MDCS Dermatology —recommended it, and it’s been brought up in the past when we tackled getting rid of dark spots on the body. Surprisingly, it’s not made with retinol or vitamin C, the two ingredients found in the rest of the products listed. Instead, it’s formulated with a cocktail of tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, and sulfonic acid, which work together to exfoliate, improve brightness, and reduce the chances of dark spots reappearing.

Best less expensive dark-spot corrector

If Skinceuticals is out of your budget, La Roche-Posay’s new Mela B3 serum comes under $50 and is recommended by Dr. Garshick. It’s formulated with a new ingredient patented by the brand called Melasyl, which is said to combat discoloration and even out skin tone. Plus, it contains 10 percent niacinamide (also known for fighting dark spots) and soothing thermal spring water to lessen irritation.

Best drugstore dark-spot corrector

Neutrogena’s Rapid Tone Repair was mentioned by Dr. Hope Mitchell of Mitchell Dermatology and is even less expensive than the above. It’s made with a blend of vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid for reducing dark spots and smoothing skin texture. While the vitamin C fades discoloration, the retinol promotes skin-cell turnover. And, of course, the hyaluronic acid provides hydration. Dr. Mitchell says it’s lightweight and fast-absorbing, so it’s easy to incorporate into most skin-care routines.

Best dark-spot corrector for sensitive skin

As I mentioned above, retinol is a powerhouse ingredient for combatting dark spots. CeraVe’s Resurfacing Retinol Serum is made with encapsulated retinol, meaning it’s released over time, and contains licorice-root extract. Dr. Garshick points out that it contains ceramides, to help support and strengthen the natural skin barrier, and soothing niacinamide, which also makes it a great option for those with sensitive skin.

Best vitamin-C dark-spot corrector

YSE Beauty’s Morning Cocktail contains about 12 percent of three forms of stabilized vitamin C, as well as niacinamide, squalene, hyaluronic acid, and azelaic acid. Dr. Garshick says this won’t irritate most skin types, including those with sensitive skin, thanks to its hydrating ingredients. And it protects against free-radical damage.

Best less expensive vitamin-C dark-spot corrector

For a less expensive vitamin-C serum that helps with dark spots, our beauty writer Tembe Denton-Hurst is a fan of Hyper’s formulation. After five months, she noticed less hyperpigmentation around her chin, where her stubborn maskne turned into even more stubborn dark spots. It’s made with 15 percent vitamin C, bearberry, licorice root extract, kojic acid, turmeric, and less than one percent salicylic acid. That combination of ingredients brightens skin and prevents future breakouts.

Best dark-spot correcting toner

Versed, which we mentioned above, also makes a brightening toner that comes recommended by Dr. Adeline Kikam of @brownskinderm. Formulated with a combination of AHAs like lactic and glycolic acid, kojic and azelaic acid, and bearberry extract, it works to even out skin through gentle exfoliation. Plus, it’s been touted as a P50-ish dupe by our beauty columnist Rio Viera-Newton.

Best dark-spot-correcting moisturizer

Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photo: Retailer

Instead of adding a serum or toner to your routine, consider swapping out your moisturizer. This one from dermatologist Dr. Idriss’s line is formulated with vitamin C,4-Butylresorcinol, and ceramides, so it’s both brightening and hydrating. Strategist writer Rachael Griffiths tested it out for the Beauty Brief newsletter and says her acne scars were much lighter, her complexion was brighter, and her skin felt deeply nourished after six weeks.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

Tags:

  • the strategist
  • beauty
  • recommended by experts
  • skin-care treatments
  • skin-care
  • More

Show Leave a Comment

The Best Dark-Spot Correctors, According to Dermatologists
The Best Dark-Spot Correctors, According to Dermatologists (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Jonah Leffler

Last Updated:

Views: 6275

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jonah Leffler

Birthday: 1997-10-27

Address: 8987 Kieth Ports, Luettgenland, CT 54657-9808

Phone: +2611128251586

Job: Mining Supervisor

Hobby: Worldbuilding, Electronics, Amateur radio, Skiing, Cycling, Jogging, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.