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

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 co*cktail of tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, and sulfonic acid, which work together to exfoliate, improve brightness, and reduce the chances of dark spots reappearing.

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.

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.

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.

YSE Beauty’s Morning co*cktail 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.

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.

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.

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.