The 9 Best Dark Spot Correctors, Loved By Testers and Approved By Derms

Best Overall

Hyper Skin Hyper Even Vitamin C Serum

$36 at Sephora $58 at Revolve View on Heydayskincare.com

Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, kojic acid | Size: 1.0 fl. oz.

Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Adeline Kikam recommends ingredients like azelaic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide to address hyperpigmentation in her patients. This treatment is loaded with kojic acid, which works in tandem with brightening vitamin C and hydrating hyaluronic acid to reduce the appearance of existing dark spots and prevent future marks from cropping up. We love that this formulation contains anti-inflammatory agents turmeric and salicylic acid, as the two work to heal and prevent breakouts throughout the process—a huge win. During testing, we noticed that the formula made skin feel a bit tight after application, but after a couple of minutes, our skin felt smooth, supple, and soft to the touch. 

Who It’s For

This product is a great option for all skin types with dark spots. We recommend applying it all over your face (rather than on just a spot) daily; doing so will encourage results that you’ll be able to notice in about a month. 

Best Overall, Runner-Up

PCA Skin Hydroquinone-Free Face Serum

$90 at Dermstore $90 at Nordstrom View on Pcaskin.com

Active Ingredients: Azelaic acid, kojic acid | Size: 1 fl. oz.

This is another very effective option. Kikam says it contains an antioxidant blend of plenylethyl resorcinol, azelaic acid, and kojic acid to correct hyperpigmentation and promote an even tone. The best part? It only takes two weeks to see results. We consistently applied the formula morning and night for 14 days and saw an improvement in the look of our dark spots. As the testing period progressed, dark spots and marks faded and even disappeared in some cases. Just be sure not to use the product on open wounds; we experienced a burning sensation after accidentally getting the formula on an open cut. 

Who It’s For

PCA SKIN Hydroquinone-Free Pigment Gel Face Serum is particularly great for anyone who is sensitive to Hydroquinone or simply doesn’t want to use it on their skin.

Best Budget

Versed Dark Spot Gel

$15 at Target

Active Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, licorice root extract | Size: 0.5 fl. Oz.

This formula from Versed proves you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get serious spot-correcting results. The brightening gel features a blend of concentrated ingredients that help fade dark spots and post-acne scars. Brightening ingredients like tranexamic acid, kojic acid, licorice root, and niacinamide (AKA brightening, clearing vitamin B3) work together to impede melanin production and even skin tone without irritation or adverse effects. 

We loved how the simple formula helped reduce dark spots and redness lingering on our skin after breakouts and diminishing the look of hyperpigmentation, leaving us with a more even-toned complexion.  Upon application, you can expect a subtle cooling sensation, but it simmers down when the product sinks into the skin. (The consistency is very lightweight, so absorption happens within seconds.) We used this product daily and never once experienced irritation or unwelcome tingling; it’s gentle and pairs nicely with almost any existing skincare routine.

Who It’s For

If you want to tackle hyperpigmentation on a budget, the Versed Out of Sight Dark Spot Gel is a solid option. While you may have to wait a bit longer—we noticed changes after six to eight weeks of use—it’s easy on the skin and the wallet. 

Best for Sensitive Skin

Fenty Skin Watch Ya Tone 5% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum

$38 at Sephora View on Fentybeauty.com View on Harveynichols.com

Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C, licorice root extract, Barbados cherry | Size: 1 fl. oz.

If you have sensitive skin, you’ll love this lightweight, non-greasy formula from Rihanna’s Fenty Skin. Watch Ya Tone is a concentrated cocktail of skin brighteners like niacinamide, vitamin C, licorice root extract, and Barbados cherry (a vitamin C-packed nod to Rihanna’s roots)—designed to boost the skin’s overall luminosity and fade the look of dark spots and other forms of discoloration. We love that it’s non-comedogenic (so it won’t clog your pores), and it’s intended to be used on all skin types, including sensitive ones. Another plus: Because the consistency is silky smooth and non-sticky, it layers nicely underneath skincare and makeup.  

Now, let’s get down to the results: Over the course of about three months, we noticed that dark spots and post-acne hyperpigmentation faded, and our complexion as a whole looks brighter and more even. Admittedly, it takes a bit longer to see results—and those results aren’t as glaringly obvious—but if you have sensitive or highly reactive skin, you know that a tiny bit of progress is way better than opting for a more aggressive formula that causes more harm than good. 

Who It’s For

This is a winning formula for anyone with skin that’s easily irritated. It provides a more gentle approach to fading dark spots, but with a bit of patience, you’ll be pleased with the visible results. 

Best Spot Treatment

Hero Cosmetics Lightning Wand

$40 at Amazon $20 at Ulta $20 at Dermstore

Active Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, acetyl glucosamine, vitamin C, licorice root | Size: 0.33 fl oz

This small but mighty wand from Hero Cosmetics is pure magic—trust us. The illuminating serum the wand carries combines the powers of an illuminator, which offsets the darkness of the spots, with gentle botanicals to minimize the look of blemish marks on contact. Over time, we noticed a huge difference in the spots on our complexion; each spot was significantly lighter at the end of the trial. Take it from us, don’t give up. We didn’t notice any change in the first month, but it works wonders if you give it a chance. 

Oh, and not only is the product affordable, but it lasts a long time. We were 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. As it is, you have to roll the tip across the skin, but a nozzle applicator would help deposit the right amount of serum every time.

Who It’s For

If you’ve got a couple of localized dark patches or spots, Hero Cosmetics Lightning Wand Dark Spot Brightening Serum provides precision targeting of the affected areas. It’s also great for on-the-go application, with its conceal-and-treat formula contained in a compact wand. 

Best Splurge

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

$110 at Dermstore $110 at skinstore.com $108 at skinceuticals.com

Active Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide | Size: 1.0 oz

If you want to treat your skin to the top-shelf stuff, SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense is worth the splurge. This oil-free, lightweight serum is chock-full of ingredients like tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide, that are clinically proven to minimize the appearance of dark spots, even out discoloration, and brighten your complexion. The addition of HEPES, a molecule used to adjust the pH in cosmetic formulas, helps break down the bonds that bind dead skin cells to the surface, meaning it helps exfoliate, too. 

The price is undoubtedly steep, especially for such a small bottle, but if it’s within your budget (or you’re looking for something to splurge on), the results are worth it. After testing for several weeks, our skin had a more even, consistent tone and appeared beautifully radiant.

Who It’s For

This premium dark spot correcting serum has a great track record of clinically proven results and bills itself as the perfect complement to professional skin discoloration treatments, such as laser and chemical peels. We think it’s worth the price tag. 

Best with Retinol

Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector

$20 at Amazon $34 at Ulta $34 at Target

Active Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid | Size: 1 oz

Formulated with retinol and vitamin C, this super serum leans on two of the most effective tone-correcting ingredients on the market to fade dark spots. 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.

It’s worth noting, though, that retinol can only be used in the evening since it makes the skin more sensitive to the sun. During testing, we found that only a pearl-sized amount was needed to cover the entire face, and it helped dramatically reduce dark spots, especially those from acne scarring. 

Who It’s For

Retinol fans will love this product. If you’re new to retinol, expect a settling-in period when your skin may be more irritated than usual. Follow with a soothing moisturizer to counteract any drying. 

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Dr. Barbara Sturm Untinted Clarifying Spot Treatment

$55 at Amazon $55 at Sephora $55 at Nordstrom

Active Ingredients: Zinc, vitamin B3, jojoba oil, panthenol, vitamin E, tea tree oil | Size: 0.5 oz.

Those with acne-prone skin will rejoice having found this clarifying treatment from German doctor, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s eponymous brand. In addition to treating breakouts, this serum helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, blemishes, and overall redness on the skin. The transparent gel addresses impurities at the source, thanks to a potent blend of ingredients including antibacterial tea tree oil and zinc oxide. 

It took about two weeks of use to notice a difference in the overall look of our skin, but from then on, the results undeniably got better and better.

Who It’s For

Dr. Barbara Sturm Untinted Clarifying Spot Treatment is a skinsaver for anyone who's in the process of treating acne. The powerful product helps target blemishes while also fading the scars and dark spots left behind from past breakouts. 

Best Brightening

Glow Recipe Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum

$45 at Sephora View on Glowrecipe.com $45 at kohls.com

Active Ingredients: 5 forms of vitamin C, guava seed oil, tranexamic acid, ferulic acid, vitamin E | Size: 1 oz.

This serum from Glow Recipe is the perfect choice for those looking for an all-over, radiant glow. It’s potent—thanks to five forms of vitamin C, guava (full of vitamins A + C ), tranexamic acid (a potent brightening ingredient), and ferulic acid (an antioxidant used to target the signs of aging) —and it works overtime to fade dark spots and even out the look of your complexion. 

Unlike other vitamin C serums on the market, it delivers effective ingredients in a stable formula (vitamin C tends to be unstable on a molecular level). You can expect this non-sticky gel to absorb into the skin on contact, helping to plump, firm, and brighten the skin over time. It took about a month for dark spots to fade, but the overall look of our skin (radiant as heck) is what really sold us. 

Who It’s For

All the products on our list boast brightening effects, but Glow Recipe’s Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Treatment Serum was the most potent of them all in that regard. Use this when you need a radiance boost.