16 Best Dark Spot Correctors Of 2023 According To Pros

Apr 05, 2024

It's one of the most ubiquitous skin concerns out there. It equally affects folks of all ages, genders, skin types, and tones. It can come as a result of sun, acne, injury, in-growns, internal inflammation, age, and a myriad of other triggers. It can take months, and sometimes even years, to treat. It can show up anywhere and all over, from the face to body. The appearance can be big to small, mild to severe.

I'm talking about dark spots. And if you've dealt with them, you know just how frustrating they can be.

"Dark spots are often the result of a grouping of cells within the skin that overproduce the pigment melanin," board-certified dermatologist and YouTube creator Andrea Suarez, M.D., FAAD, tells mindbodygreen about dark spots. Within the skin there are melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for producing pigment in the skin. When our skin is inflamed—be that from UV radiation, acne, hormones, or something else—it stimulates these melanocytes1 to create more pigment.

Treating them usually involves some combination of increasing skin cell turnover at the surface (to fade the appearance), fighting inflammation and free radicals through antioxidants (to ease the trigger), and addressing the overproduction of pigment (targeting the root cause).

The below products use these mechanisms, which is why they're so effective at addressing dark spots. Consider these the smartest and most sophisticated formulas out there—tested and vetted by us.

This is a product that skyrocketed to the top of “best of lists” across the internet, has earned countless glowing reviews, and (at one point) amassed a 3K waitlist. The people have spoken: This is an obsession-worthy dark spot corrector. The delivery system (called “Smart Melanin Technology” ensures that only the appropriate dosage is released into the skin only where it's needed, so as to not spur irritation (which can make dark spots worse) or affect the surrounding areas. The serum uses workhorse ingredients such as licorice root, niacinamide, algae, vitamin C, and fruit enzymes.

What our reviewers say:

This is an mbg beauty team favorite. Just take it from beauty editor Jamie Schneider, “It has the most deliciously creamy texture that feels like heaven on the skin. Every time my complexion looks a little dull or inflamed, I grab for Milk Marvel like it's a safety blanket. It's the skin care hero I consistently come back to in a pinch."

Or as assistant beauty editor Hannah Frye wrote, “The one-stop-shop for easing dark spots, melasma, post-acne spots, and overall reviving a dull complexion. In my experience, the formula is lightweight and so easy to layer with other products. As someone who loves a dewy glow, I'm as obsessed with the instant shine the serum gives my skin every morning. The second I apply it, my complexion goes from dull to dewy, almost like magic.”

This is a product that skyrocketed to the top of “best of lists” across the internet, has earned countless glowing reviews, and (at one point) amassed a 3K waitlist. The people have spoken: This is an obsession-worthy dark spot corrector. The delivery system (called “Smart Melanin Technology” ensures that only the appropriate dosage is released into the skin only where it's needed, so as to not spur irritation (which can make dark spots worse) or affect the surrounding areas. The serum uses workhorse ingredients such as licorice root, niacinamide, algae, vitamin C, and fruit enzymes.

Folks with sensitive skin have to walk a thin line with any sort of “treatment” product, such as dark spot correctors. Irritation only makes dark spots worse, and sensitive skin is triggered quite easily. This serum, first-and-foremost, works to soothe inflammation and restore the skin barrier—two things folks with sensitive skin and dark spots need. It also uses a special tri-algae complex and licorice root extract to specifically target pigmentation issues.

What our reviews say:

If all I used for the rest of my life was Tata Harper’s SuperKind collection, my skin would be very happy. The serum is smooth, silky, and has the most deliciously earthy natural scent (it has no added fragrance, but the natural ingredients inherently have a natural aroma). My skin just drinks it up, and leaves my complexion lifted and bright.

Folks with sensitive skin have to walk a thin line with any sort of “treatment” product, such as dark spot correctors. Irritation only makes dark spots worse, and sensitive skin is triggered quite easily. This serum, first-and-foremost, works to soothe inflammation and restore the skin barrier—two things folks with sensitive skin and dark spots need. It also uses a special tri-algae complex and licorice root extract to specifically target pigmentation issues.

Acne marks—or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation—are especially frustrating, no? First you have to deal with the blemish itself, then you’re left with its residual stain. This cult-favorite treatment uses several ingredients to help clear things up. Niacinamide helps balance sebum production and reduce breakouts. Centella asiatica soothes inflammation. Azelaic acid helps manage redness, acne, and dark spots. Finally, licorice root, kojic acid, and tranexamic acid are two brighteners that work to stop the overproduction of pigment triggered by inflammation.

Acne marks—or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation—are especially frustrating, no? First you have to deal with the blemish itself, then you’re left with its residual stain. This cult-favorite treatment uses several ingredients to help clear things up. Niacinamide helps balance sebum production and reduce breakouts. Centella asiatica soothes inflammation. Azelaic acid helps manage redness, acne, and dark spots. Finally, licorice root, kojic acid, and tranexamic acid are two brighteners that work to stop the overproduction of pigment triggered by inflammation.

For those whose dark spots have started developing overtime due to sun exposure (up to 80% of visible signs of aging are due to UV damage, after all), look for something that can help reverse that damage. This cocktail uses a blend of licorice root and tranexamic acid to stop melanin production at the cellular level. It’s also infused with the antioxidant niacinamide to soothe skin, pomegranate seed oil to ease fine lines, and peptides for rejuvenation.

For those whose dark spots have started developing overtime due to sun exposure (up to 80% of visible signs of aging are due to UV damage, after all), look for something that can help reverse that damage. This cocktail uses a blend of licorice root and tranexamic acid to stop melanin production at the cellular level. It’s also infused with the antioxidant niacinamide to soothe skin, pomegranate seed oil to ease fine lines, and peptides for rejuvenation.

Maybe you don’t need a full face serum. Maybe you’re just in the market for a spot treatment that can help target a few marks. Well this super concentrated gel works wonders at fading dark spots just where you need it. Made with four of the biggest names in brightening (tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, licorice root extract) at potent doses, this is ideal for honing in on stubborn marks.

Maybe you don’t need a full face serum. Maybe you’re just in the market for a spot treatment that can help target a few marks. Well this super concentrated gel works wonders at fading dark spots just where you need it. Made with four of the biggest names in brightening (tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, licorice root extract) at potent doses, this is ideal for honing in on stubborn marks.

This silky face cream uses vitamin C, a holy grail ingredient that’s not only great for brightening but helps boost collagen production and fights free radicals. The base is the brand’s signature squalane, which is an excellent source of lipids to hydrate the skin.

What our reviewer says:

This cream makes me look dewy, dewy, dewy. (It’s one of my favorite face creams actually.) The rose-tinted formula really brings that splashy hydration and glow. Thanks to the vitamin C, I’m definitely seeing improvements in my overall tone. I’ve found that it pairs well with other products, too, so you can definitely use it with a more potent dark spot serum (like some of the above) for extra brightening capabilities.

This silky face cream uses vitamin C, a holy grail ingredient that’s not only great for brightening but helps boost collagen production and fights free radicals. The base is the brand’s signature squalane, which is an excellent source of lipids to hydrate the skin.

If you want to wake up dewy and fresh, grab yourself a jar of this overnight dark spot correcting cream. It works through gentle, yet thorough, exfoliation. First up, it contains glycolic acid, an AHA that helps buff away pigmentation issues and refines texture. It also uses fruit enzymes for an extra exfoliation boost. Finally, it contains a patented botanical extract (called Vine Sap Viniferine) that helps soothe inflammation and helps prevent dark spot formation.

If you want to wake up dewy and fresh, grab yourself a jar of this overnight dark spot correcting cream. It works through gentle, yet thorough, exfoliation. First up, it contains glycolic acid, an AHA that helps buff away pigmentation issues and refines texture. It also uses fruit enzymes for an extra exfoliation boost. Finally, it contains a patented botanical extract (called Vine Sap Viniferine) that helps soothe inflammation and helps prevent dark spot formation.

This luminous formula instantly brightens skin with “banana powder inspired pigments,” which basically just means that it provides a soft-focus glow that’s universally flattering. But it’s not just a superficial boost, it uses the power of niacinamide and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to brighten tone, help fade dark spots, and protect the skin from further damage by neutralizing free radicals.

What our reviewer says:

I can’t say enough good things about this sunscreen. (It made my list of favorite natural sunscreens, too!) The texture is next-level smooth. It just envelops on the skin, providing a perfectly soft-focus finish. It’s ideal for both makeup-free days, as well as under foundation. I love the formula so much, I’d be tempted to wear it daily even if it didn’t give me sun protection.

This luminous formula instantly brightens skin with “banana powder inspired pigments,” which basically just means that it provides a soft-focus glow that’s universally flattering. But it’s not just a superficial boost, it uses the power of niacinamide and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to brighten tone, help fade dark spots, and protect the skin from further damage by neutralizing free radicals.

AHAS and BHAs can help buffer away dark spots, encourage skin cell turnover, and help reduce blemishes. This makes them excellent additions to a routine that’s targeting pigmentation concerns. This serum uses an AHA blend that contains lactic, glycolic, and citrus acids—as well as willow bark extract, which is a natural BHA. The formula is chock-full of antioxidants and hydrators, too, to help ease any irritation. .

What our reviewers say:

Cosmetic chemist Krupa Koestline sold me on this formula, saying: “"There was a time when everyone was using lots of acids. I'm not a fan of acids, especially outside of the spa. But I love this product because it doesn't have a crazy amount of acid and has just the right amount of moisturizers too. It's the perfect formula for what it does. I use it once or twice a week." And she’s right—it’s exfoliating without being too harsh.

AHAS and BHAs can help buffer away dark spots, encourage skin cell turnover, and help reduce blemishes. This makes them excellent additions to a routine that’s targeting pigmentation concerns. This serum uses an AHA blend that contains lactic, glycolic, and citrus acids—as well as willow bark extract, which is a natural BHA. The formula is chock-full of antioxidants and hydrators, too, to help ease any irritation. .

A powerhouse product, this vitamin C serum contains a staggering 20% of the antioxidant. It uses a patented encapsulated form of L-ascorbic acid that’s released only when in the skin. This means that the formula is highly stable throughout its use. And I should note that vitamin C is not only great at brightening the skin and reducing free radical damage, but it’s used in the collagen synthesis process—meaning this serum can also help with skin firmness and fine lines.

A powerhouse product, this vitamin C serum contains a staggering 20% of the antioxidant. It uses a patented encapsulated form of L-ascorbic acid that’s released only when in the skin. This means that the formula is highly stable throughout its use. And I should note that vitamin C is not only great at brightening the skin and reducing free radical damage, but it’s used in the collagen synthesis process—meaning this serum can also help with skin firmness and fine lines.

Niacinamide is featured quite a bit on this list for a reason: the B vitamin is an excellent dark spot corrector. Research indicates that niacinamide inhibits melanosome transfer, resulting in brighter skin and reduced appearance of dark spots. It also has hydrating properties, supports the skin barrier, and acts as an antioxidant.

Niacinamide is featured quite a bit on this list for a reason: the B vitamin is an excellent dark spot corrector. Research indicates that niacinamide inhibits melanosome transfer, resulting in brighter skin and reduced appearance of dark spots. It also has hydrating properties, supports the skin barrier, and acts as an antioxidant.

There is a reason that retinol is loved by skin care pros, beauty editors, and dermatologists: It does just about everything. The ingredient upregulates collagen production, helps manage acne, and increases skin cell turnover. The last point makes it excellent at helping get rid of dark spots. This serum actually uses retinal (clock the “A” there), which is the most potent form of vitamin A you can get your hands on without a prescription.

What our reviewer says:

There’s no one I trust more than top derm & mbg collective member Whitney Bowe, M.D. And this serum only further confirms she knows how to make a good product. This installment of Bowe’s skin cycling routine is the holy grail of vitamin A products. But if all this talk of high-powered ingredients is scaring you off, please note that I have very sensitive skin and can still tolerate it a few times a week.

There is a reason that retinol is loved by skin care pros, beauty editors, and dermatologists: It does just about everything. The ingredient upregulates collagen production, helps manage acne, and increases skin cell turnover. The last point makes it excellent at helping get rid of dark spots. This serum actually uses retinal (clock the “A” there), which is the most potent form of vitamin A you can get your hands on without a prescription.

Using 7% niacinamide, alongside ferulic acid and amino sulfonic acid, this lightweight serum targets pigmentation concerns with aplomb. Instantly your skin will look brighter (it has a slight pearlescent finish), while the ingredients get to work to clear up dark spots.

Using 7% niacinamide, alongside ferulic acid and amino sulfonic acid, this lightweight serum targets pigmentation concerns with aplomb. Instantly your skin will look brighter (it has a slight pearlescent finish), while the ingredients get to work to clear up dark spots.

Ourself is, ahem, an investment—but it’s a brand that is creating some of the most innovative formulas around. The biotech company uses special delivery systems, peptides, and brand new ingredients to radically transform the skin. In the case of this dark spot serum, it uses several new-to-market peptides, a stabilized vitamin C, niacinamide, and 4-Butylresorcinol. The new-ish ingredient, 4-Butylresorcinol, is one of the most effective dark spot correcting ingredients that rebalances melanin production to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Ourself is, ahem, an investment—but it’s a brand that is creating some of the most innovative formulas around. The biotech company uses special delivery systems, peptides, and brand new ingredients to radically transform the skin. In the case of this dark spot serum, it uses several new-to-market peptides, a stabilized vitamin C, niacinamide, and 4-Butylresorcinol. The new-ish ingredient, 4-Butylresorcinol, is one of the most effective dark spot correcting ingredients that rebalances melanin production to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

The above products all contain ingredients that help ease the appearance of dark spots. Dark spot ingredients tend to work one of three ways: The first, by inhibiting the overproduction of pigment by circumventing the melanin production pathways (or targeting dark spots at the source). The second is through exfoliation and skin cell turnover, thereby speeding up the fading process. The final way is by addressing environmental damage and inflammation, which can trigger pigmentation issues.

Here, what to look for on the ingredient list:

There are many natural ingredients that can help even out skin tone, fade dark spots, and deal with pigmentation concerns, including:

—Aloe vera

—Arbutin

—Vitamin C

—Willow bark (a natural salicylic acid)

—Lactic acid

—Licorice root

Dermatologists' go-to ingredients for dark spots are retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, arbutin, tyrosine inhibitors (such as licorice root and kojic acid), and chemical exfoliants such as glycolic acid. Dermatologists may also recommend hydroquinone, but this must be used under the supervision of a professional. It is possible for users to develop rebound hyperpigmentation (called exogenous ochronosis) from continuous use of hydroquinone without taking a break.

While each of the above product is helpful at reducing dark spots, a few of the top rated are:

—Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum

—Topicals Faded

—Farmacy Honeymoon Glow

—Ourself Daily Dark Spot Intercept

Dark spots are one of those skin conditions that can affect almost anyone—no matter your skin type, age, gender, and so on. If you happen to be one of the people who are dealing with the (very common) concern, look for products that use brightening ingredients such as antioxidants, exfoliants, retinols, and tyrosine inhibitors.

If you have broader aging skin concerns—like fine lines, sagging, and dullness—check out our favorite healthy aging serums.