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These picks actually fade hyperpigmentation.

Dark spot correctors from Murad, Dr. Barbara Sturm, and Milk Marvel displayed on white blocks on a plain background

Byrdie / Tamara Staples

Its hydrating formula helps fade existing dark spots while preventing future ones from appearing.

Fadingdark spots,sun spots, age spots,melasma, andhyperpigmentationare common skin concerns.

Thankfully, there are products you’ve got the option to use to reverse the damage.

Hyper Skin Hyper Even Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum

PHOTO: Sephora

We extensively researched the best dark spot correctors before taking 30 options for a spin.

Adeline Kikam, M.D., recommends ingredients likeazelaic acid, kojic acid, andniacinamideto address hyperpigmentation in her patients.

It only takes two weeks to see results.

squeezing out hyper skin serum onto hand

Byrdie/Tamara Staples

As the testing period progressed, dark spots and marks faded and even disappeared in some cases.

Chantia, tester with combination skin:“The product definitely helped reduce the appearance of dark spots.

The brightening gel features a blend of concentrated ingredients that help fade dark spots and post-acne scaring.

PCA SKIN Hydroquinone-Free Pigment Gel Face Serum

PHOTO: PCA SKIN

Mandy, tester with combination skin: “It worked better than I expected.

My complexion became more even-toned, and it is gentle enough for regular use for my sensitive skin.”

Another plus: Because the consistency is silky smooth and non-sticky, it layers nicely underneath skincare and makeup.

A person applies PCA SKIN Hydroquinone-Free Pigment Gel Face Serum to their hand

PHOTO: Byrdie / Tamara Staples

It didn’t tingle or burn and felt like a light layer of serum.”

Take it from us, dont give up.

Oh, and not only is the product affordable, but it lasts a long time.

A person applies PCA SKIN Hydroquinone-Free Pigment Gel Face Serum

Our tester, Samantha, was able to get through three months of treatment with one wand.

Our only complaint: We wish the applicator tip was a squeeze tube rather than a roller ball.

A squeeze tube would allow the user to control the amount of product a bit easier.

A person applies PCA SKIN Hydroquinone-Free Pigment Gel Face Serum to their hand

My skin tone is more consistent and even the darker spots under my eyes are less noticeable."

Dermatologists often recommend retinol for those looking to eradicate fine lines, unwanted skin texture, and even acne.

But, retinol also helps promote renewed skin cells which brightens the skin and fades hyperpigmentation.

A person applies PCA SKIN Hydroquinone-Free Pigment Gel Face Serum

Marissa, tester with oily skin:“My skin feels brighter and firmer after using this product.

It has a lovely clarifying effect.”

I found it was also helpful in evening out my skin texture."

Versed Out of Sight Dark Spot Gel

PHOTO: Versed Skin

Keep the following ingredients and their benefits in mind to determine which pick is right for you.

How you use a dark spot corrector will depend on the product and formulation.

Retinol, on the other hand, should be used at night.

A hand squeezing out a small sample of Versed Out of Sight Dark Spot Gel

Byrdie / Tamara Staples

According to Dr. Shirazi, you might use dark spot correctors to fade freckles.

Why Trust Byrdie

Caitlyn Martynis an associate editor covering all things beauty and style.

Lajis AF, Hamid M, Ariff AB.

Fenty Skin Watch Ya Tone 5% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum with Vitamin C

PHOTO: Sephora

Depigmenting effect of Kojic acid esters in hyperpigmented B16F1 melanoma cells.J Biomed Biotechnol.

2012;2012:952452. doi:10.1155/2012/952452

Kopke D, Muller RH, Pyo SM.

Phenylethyl resorcinol smartLipids for skin brightening - Increased loading & chemical stability.Eur J Pharm Sci.

A hand squeezing out a small sample of Fenty Skin Watch Ya Tone 5% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum with Vitamin C

Byrdie / Tamara Staples

2023 May;62(5):589-598. doi: 10.1111/ijd.16160.

Epub 2022 Mar 24.

2023 Apr 4;12(7):2710. doi: 10.3390/jcm12072710.

Hero Cosmetics Lightning Wand Dark Spot Brightening Serum

PHOTO: Hero Cosmetics

PMID: 37048793; PMCID: PMC10094916.

2019;8(10):445.

2017 Jul;10(7):14-17.

Hand using the Hero Cosmetics Lightning Wand Dark Spot Brightening Serum on their other hand

Byrdie / Tamara Staples

Epub 2017 Jul 1.

PMID: 29104718; PMCID: PMC5605218.

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

PHOTO: Dermstore

Person squeezing Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense onto their hand

Byrdie / Tamara Staples

Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector

PHOTO: Amazon

A person applies Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector

PHOTO: Byrdie / Tamara Staples

A person applies Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector

A person applies Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector

A person applies Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector

Dr. Barbara Sturm Untinted Clarifying Spot Treatment

PHOTO: Sephora

A hand squeezing out a small sample of Dr. Barbara Sturm Untinted Clarifying Spot Treatment

Byrdie / Tamara Staples

Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Treatment Serum

PHOTO: Sephora

A hand squeezing out a small sample of Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum on the back of a hand

Byrdie / Tamara Staples

Person applying a dark spot corrector to their jawline with their hands

Byrdie / Tamara Staples