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The 18 Best Dark Spot Correctors for Glowing Skin
Experts love these powerful serums and brightening moisturizers
By When a pimple is removed, it sometimes leaves behind a ghost, a.k.a. a dark spot. Whether caused by post-acne marks, sun spots, or hyperpigmentation, dark spots seem to be one of the most common skincare afflictions.
So, what are dark spots, exactly? They are an overproduction of melanin triggered by UV rays, trauma to the skin (e.g., scarring), hormonal changes such as pregnancy, and myriad other causes. Unfortunately, some dark spots are permanent. However, thanks to the wonderful world of skincare, they can often be diminished or faded.
Shop the Best Dark Spot Correctors
To help you finally fade hyperpigmentation and stubborn marks, we’ve rounded up 18 of the best dark spot correctors from expert-approved brands, including editor and dermatologist favorites like La Roche-Posay, RoC, and Eadem. Plus, stick around for advice from dermatologists Robert Finney and Caroline Robinson.
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum With Melasyl™ + Niacinamide
Pros
- Works in as little as two weeks
Cons
- Has a fragrance
Suitable for all skin tones, this serum is made with Melasyl, La Roche-Posay's exclusive ingredient that targets discoloration, plus 10 percent niacinamide to address post-acne marks, sun spots, and more.
Customer Review:
"Bern using for about 2 weeks, and it definitely has lightened some dark acne marks. I use it and night and can see a difference every morning." —Aleisha
Pros
- Addresses multiple skin concerns
Cons
Get two serums in one with this handy product: On one end, a serum for discoloration with brightening alpha arbutin, botanical extract and a biomimetic peptide to use in your morning routine. On the other, an anti-aging antioxidant serum with retinol to use before bed. Good to go!
Customer Review:
"This product is a literal 10! Especially because its a 2-in-1. I have seen a difference in my skin within just a week. My dark spots have significantly cleared up!" —Jhunelle T.
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Some reviewers had issues with the packaging
Mother Science's serum is centered around Malassezin, an antioxidant ingredient that's said to be 10 times more powerful than vitamin C, and particularly effective at reducing dark spots. Suitable for all skin types and tones, the results and reviews speak for themselves.
Customer Review:
"It really works! After the very first use, I noticed a dramatic overall brightening and smoothing of my skin. Thank you!!"—Stephanie
Pros
- High concentration of actives
Cons
- Has a strong scent
Powered by 10 percent AHA, tranexamic acid, plus kojic acid 0.5 percent and alpha-arbutin, this formula isn't messing around when it comes to brightening ingredients. So not only will it help diminish the look of dark spots over time, but you'll be left with a major glow each time you use it, too.
Customer Review:
"Peace out dark spot serum has been exactly what I needed to start working on lightening some really dark marks left after acne on my cheeks. This made a difference after just a week of use. Such a good product!" —courtneyjones92
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Formula can oxidize and turn brown over time
This hydroquinone-free brightening serum from SkinCeuticals uses niacinamide and a blend of tranexamic and kojic acids to brighten hyperpigmentation. And since the serum features a built-in dropper, you won’t ever have to worry about using too much product.
Customer review:
“I have used this for over 30 days with no expectations. Wow, I am so pleased. Brown spots are diminished. I am sold!” —Fitz
Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum
Pros
- Top-rated
Cons
- Can feel sticky after application
Murad’s correcting serum, made with tranexemic and glycolic acids, as well as a proprietary technology, is gentle enough to use day and night before your moisturizer and helps promote cell turnover. It’s ideal not only for brightening dark spots, but for treating discoloration and uneven tone as well.
Customer review: “I have tried many Med Spa dark spot corrector serums and lotions, but Murad seems to finally be working. The others didn’t work quite as fast as Murad. I use it morning and night. After five weeks or so, have noticed a reduction in dark spots.” —Anonymous
PillowtalkDerm Major Fade Hyper Serum
Pros
- Easy to use
- Safe to use with topical prescription medications
Cons
- Some reviewers said it pills under makeup
Created by dermatologist Shereene Idriss, this illuminating alpha arbutin and niacinamide serum can be used up to twice daily to minimize dark spots. Its formula is fragrance-free and safe for sensitive skin.
Customer review: “Love this stuff! I think I’m on my fourth time ordering it and really notice a difference! Skin appears more even toned.” —Kelli S
ZO Skin Health Brightalive Skin Brightener
Pros
- Lightweight and gentle on skin
Cons
- Has a fragrance
In addition to reducing the appearance of dark spots, ZO Skin Health’s coveted skin brightener is also ideal for boosting luminosity and overall skin clarity without hydroquinone or retinol. The brightener is powered by ingredients like niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and encapsulated peptide, for the ultimate glow-up.
Customer review: “It doesn’t get any better than Zo!! Brightalive has been a game changer for dark spots and my over all complexion!I have never stuck to a skin care routine before…until now!” —Jacqueline S.
Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration
Pros
- Vegan
Cons
- Some reviewers said it has a strong scent
Sephora customers are raving about this buzzy dark spot serum from Topicals. It aims to fade stubborn acne marks and sun-damaged, uneven skin in two weeks with daily use, thanks to tranexamic and azelaic acids, along with niacinamide.
Customer review: “I have pretty bad acne, not only is this preventing some spots, it clears them up soooo much faster. I found myself replacing my vitamin C, because this is so much more effective and erasing those spots quickly!” —Madelyn Joy
Olay Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide Hydrating Moisturizer
Pros
- Multiple benefits in one
Cons
- Has a fragrance
“Olay’s Vitamin C and Peptide 24 moisturizer is one of my favorite budget-friendly dark spot correctors to recommend to clients,” Robinson says. “It’s not only available at most drugstores, but also uses vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, and lactic acid to even tone and support collagen rejuvenation.”
Customer review: “I’m a big fan of Olay, and this Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Hydrating Moisturizer is awesome. It is super moisturizing and makes my skin feel very glowy.” —sabrina_ny_9ttrc
Pros
- Ideal for melanated skin
Cons
- Some reviewers had issues using the dropper
Beauty experts and Bazaar editors agree: This cult-favorite, fragrance-free dark spot serum—which is optimized for melanated skin—is a must-have in any skin care rotation. It’s powered by niacinimide and vitamin C to leave skin brighter and more glowy.
Customer review: “I already see my dark spots fading and it has been a week using Milk Marvel in the AM and PM. This stuff leaves my skin feeling so hydrated and moisturized, and I wake up with my skin glowing!” —Mae M.
SkinMedica Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment
Pros
- Great for melasma
Cons
- Some reviewers said it left a tacky finish
For clients looking to avoid products with hydroquinone, professional reach for this popular serum, which has a lightening complex including niacinamide and tranexamic acid, plankton extract for DNA repair, and phenylethyl resorcinol for even skin tone. It aims to work in two weeks to even skin’s tone.
Customer Review:
"I'm almost through my first bottle and my skin seems to be looking great! This was recommended by my esthetician, I use it with the brown spot treatment. I'm hoping to see better results with continued use. Make sure you use sunscreen daily." —PRmom203
BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner Serum
Pros
- Features a lightweight gel-cream formula
Cons
- May be intense for those with sensitive skin
Here’s a potent, cosmetic-chemist-created vitamin C serum that contains 20 percent of the ingredient. It’s paired with a green tea compound to brighten dark spots while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles over time.
Customer review: “As a woman of color, hyperpigmentation has been a problem with my skin. This is the only vitamin c serum that has lightened and gotten rid of my dark spots. Other than the price, this product is beyond AMAZING. Highly recommended!” —niasymonee
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Pros
- Oil-free
Cons
- Some reviewers found it drying, so be sure to use with moisturizer
Because azelaic acid is often used to treat acne and rosacea, experts recommend this best-selling treatment (which uses 10 percent of the ingredient) to combat post-breakout marks.
Customer review: “This is the only azelaic acid serum that I’ve used thus far. As someone with oily skin, this product featuring alpha arbutin really packs a nice punch to create matte skin, kill bacteria, and lighten dark spots. Love the price point for the size.” —wanderlust
Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
Pros
- Great for acne-prone skin
Cons
- Some reviewers found it drying
This bestseller from Kiehl’s is powered by stabilized vitamin C and peony extract to help minimize hyperpigmentation and uneven tone. One devoted customer even writes that with this potent solution, a “little goes a long way,” which means more bang for your buck.
Customer review: “I got this product and it’s the best serum i’ve ever used! All other serums I try never worked, but my scarring was really bad, and made me self conscious. Now after using this serum, my face is literally glowing.” —Marshmallow
Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Pros
- Contains 15 percent vitamin C
Cons
- Has a creamier texture that some may find heavy for a serum
Sunday Riley’s beloved brightening serum has close to five stars at Dermstore and is a cult-classic among beauty lovers in the know to improve skin’s texture and vibrance. Plus, it has anti-aging benefits, since it helps skin feel firmer and plumper.
Customer review: “I’ve been using this product for a while and it’s one of my favorite additions to my skincare routine! Leaves my skin feeling fresh and brighter.” —C
RoC Multi Correxion 5-in-1 Daily Moisturizer
Pros
- Contains broad-spectrum SPF 30
Cons
- Has a fragrance
This skin-evening moisturizer is top-rated at Ulta and features a featherweight formula with RoC's proprietary Hexyl-R complex. Plus, it has broad-spectrum SPF 30 to prevent spots from getting even darker.
Customer review: “Highly recommend!!! I’m in my 40s. I’ve been using Roc for a couple of years. No one thinks I'm 40. Helps with fine lines and skin tone, delivering promised results, and it’s budget friendly! I use all their products and am happy with them all.” —Alison
Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter Serum
Pros
- Helps prevent future dark spots
Cons
- Some reviewers said the packaging was prone to leaking
In addition to dark spots, this correcting serum is also ideal for brightening the appearance of acne scars. It uses ingredients like mulberry root extract and salicylic acid to prevent future dark spots, and also contains an anti-irritant complex to nourish your skin.
Customer review: “It’s been a week I purchase this corrector and seen results, my acne scars are lighter and not too pigmented. Very happy with this purchase, so happy to exactly see results after just one week.” —BeatrizBea
What causes dark spots?
There are different causes, from old pimples to sun exposure to scarring. “Any inflammation in the skin can also lead to a light or dark mark, which can subsequently be worsened following sun exposure," says Finney. "The most common cause of discoloration depends on age, with acne of past reigning supreme in younger patients, UV damage in older patients, and many other factors in between.”
What are the best treatments for dark spots?
Some of the best active ingredients to fade dark spots include niacinamide, kojic acid, and vitamin C. Hydroquinone is also a helpful ingredient, but is now only available by prescription as it can cause side effects.
In addition, it can't be overstated how much sun exposure worsens discoloration—and leads to new dark spots. “One of the least acknowledged truths about treating hyperpigmentation is that sunscreen is the very first step in improving them,” says Robinson. “Sunscreen is extremely important in protecting the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays and also visible light, which drives hyperpigmentation in melanin-rich skin more than other skin tones. In these cases, sunscreen is more than just protective, it is essential in the treatment of hyperpigmentation.”
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