The best dark spot correctors can help tackle stubborn hyperpigmentation, whether it’s from sun damage, acne scars, or natural spots from aging. To find the best options for all skin types and concerns, we spoke with dermatologists and then tested dozens of products ourselves, including Glamour Beauty Award–reader’s choice picks. As a beauty writer who’s struggled with breakouts and blemishes for nearly a decade, I’ve tested brightening moisturizers, retinol serums, acne creams—you name it. One of my favorite products is SkinCeutical Discoloration Defense because it effectively fades away dark spots. After consistently using it, my skin looked clearer and brighter. Ahead, a list of derm-approved spot correctors for your face, hands, back, or arms that actually work.
The best dark spot correctors, at a glance
Your dark spot corrector questions, answered
A dark spot is an area of extra pigment in the skin, Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, tells Glamour. They can come in a variety of forms, including age spots, sun spots, and melasma. And though they often fade in time, skin-care products like dark spot correctors can speed up the process, evening out your skin tone. Ingredients like hydroquinone, turmeric, and other proven brighteners accelerate skin resurfacing and minimize pigment, says Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City.
What ingredients should you look for in a dark spot corrector?
Dark spot correctors help break down hyperpigmentation and can prevent the formation of dark spots by inhibiting the transfer of melanin to skin cells, says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified NYC-based dermatologist in NYC. But it all comes down to the ingredients that help you get there.
Dermatologists say to look for alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs (such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid), retinol, vitamin C, and niacinamide. Dr. Engelman also recommends kojic acid, which is derived from fermented rice, for newer dark spots and acne scars.
According to board-certified dermatologist Hope Mitchell, MD, tranexamic acid, cysteamine, azelaic acid, soy, and arbutin are also options that work well to lighten dark spots. “These ingredients will inhibit melanin production and accelerate skin cell turnover, which helps fade pigmentation over time,” she notes. There is another ingredient, called hydroquinone, which can also be effective for lightening dark spots, but derms recommend proceeding with caution. “This ingredient is not safe for those with deeper skin tones, and in some cases, it can actually exacerbate hyperpigmentation in individuals with darker skin,” says Dr. Engelman.
How to incorporate dark spot correctors into your routine
The dermatologists we spoke with recommend using dark spot correctors like vitamin C, AHAs, azelaic acid, ferulic acid, and alpha arbutin in the morning and dark spot correctors like retinol in the evening, as it can make skin extra sensitive in the sun. And remember: You should avoid using products like retinol and vitamin C serum simultaneously; doing so is likely to cause irritation, says Dr. Castilla. Additionally, consistency is key, and sunscreen will make a world of a difference, according to Dr. Mitchell.
Does retinol help dark spots?
“Retinol (also known as Vitamin A) can help fade hyperpigmentation marks by stimulating cell turnover, so regular use can help fade dark spots over time, and has many benefits for the appearance, health and function of skin overall,” says Dr. Engelman. It’s important to note that retinol can be slightly irritating and drying to certain skin types, so it’s key to build up your tolerance while using it (start with applying it once a week, then twice a week, every other day and so on).
How to treat dark spots on the face
There are many different ways to remove dark spots on the face: laser treatments, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and dark spot correctors. The latter is most accessible both from a convenience and a cost perspective, since you can use them daily in the comfort of your own home.
How to treat dark spots on the body
If you’re looking to correct dark spots on the body, look for retinol-based body lotions and creams. Peep the ingredient list for vitamin C for brightening niacinamide for anti-inflammatory anti-aging benefits. “And make sure to exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells,” says Dr. Mitchell. As always, sunscreen is critical for both the face and body to prevent further darkening.
How we tested dark spot correctors
We tested dark spot correctors over a series of weeks to months, and some editors (including myself) have been using these products for close to a year or two. We looked for consistency, smell, how quickly they absorbed into the skin and how our skin felt after application. We also paid close attention to how our skin looked after one to two to three weeks of the serums, if we noticed a difference (whether minimal or drastic), and if we think we’ll continue using it in the future.
Best Overall: Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense
Original video by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Glamour staffers have tested dozens of Skinceutical products and overwhelmingly give the brand’s products rave reviews. Derms agree that if you’re targeting dark spots from the sun, acne, or medical procedures, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Typically, Dr. Castilla recommends a combination approach to treating hyperpigmentation—that’s why she loves the trio of synergistic brightening ingredients present in Skinceuticals’ Discoloration Defence formula: tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide. This powerhouse product comes at a higher price tag than other dark spot correctors, but clinical studies have shown that it can be effective at reducing discoloration. Dr. Castilla also notes that this formula is safe to use during pregnancy.
Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary has been a huge fan of this discoloration serum for about three years now. “This serum is extremely lightweight, melts into the skin, and absorbs quickly, which makes it easy to incorporate into my morning skin care routine. After using it on and off for a couple of years, I always find myself going back to it when I have a stubborn spot leftover from a pimple, and it takes about three weeks for it to fully fade away. This serum is consistent and reliable for that reason, and will always be my go-to solution. The only thing I don’t love about this pick is that it’s a little sticky and oxidizes quickly, so I recommend using it all at once. If you want to use it on a case by case basis like me, keep it stored somewhere dark and cool.”
- Key ingredient(s): Tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide
- Skin types: All skin types
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
- Pros: Pregnancy-safe
- Cons: Pricey
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Best for Mature Skin: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Looking for moisturizer, SPF, and dark spot treatment all in one? Look no further than L’Oréal Paris Revitalift. This brightening product also contains vitamin C, retinol, and glycolic acid—all at a drug store price. “I generally say not to use retinol and glycolic on the same day, but this formulation is gentle while still being effective,” says Dr. Castilla.
“I love the silky, smooth texture of this moisturizer,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley. “It spreads readily and evenly—two pumps was the perfect amount for my face and neck. I have a few small dark spots on my cheek, and while I haven’t yet seen significant improvement there, I do appreciate the instant brightening effect the product gives my skin. It adds the perfect light sheen for a glowy, low maintenance makeup look.”
- Key ingredient(s): Glycolic acid, vitamin C, pro-retinol
- Skin types: Dry skin, sensitive skin
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
- Pros: Contains SPF, gentle formula
- Cons: Skin may be more sensitive to sunlight
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Best for All Skin Types: Charlotte Tilbury Glow Toner
Original video by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Suitable for all skin types, this acid-free hydrating toner is a favorite of Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology in NYC. She loves that it’s “powered by exfoliating prickly pear, plus peptides to support skin cell turnover,” she says. “It also contains sodium hyaluronate, shea butter, and niacinamide,” which collectively help soften, soothe, and smooth the skin.
This toner has withstood the test of time for Glamour’s Kilkeary who has been reaching for it for over a year now. “The niacinamide helps blur my pores and gently sloughs off dead skin cells, which is much-needed for my often oily and combination skin complexion. I also love the peptides and hyaluronic acid in this pick because after application my skin looks taught and plump. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking to dip their toe into a dark spot corrector formula, without full commitment to a serum.”
- Key ingredient(s): Niacinamide, Exfolactive (prickly pear extract)
- Skin types: Normal, dry, combination, oily
- Size: 5 fl. oz.
- Pros: Acid-free; suitable for all skin types
- Cons: Can be drying
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Best Moisturizer for Dark Spots: The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Original video by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Finding products that are strong enough to work but actually safe to use during pregnancy can be a real challenge—luckily this dark spot corrector from The Ordinary can stay in your skin care routine through every trimester. Its primary ingredient is azelaic acid—which can help even skin tone, reduce the appearance of blemishes, and offer antioxidant support.
Glamour’s Kilkeary is also a huge fan of this product because of how unique it is. “The gel-cream formula gives it the feel of a cooling moisturizer, but the potent ingredients make it just as effective as a serum. I like to use this as the second to last product in my skincare routine to lock in my skincare and it never fails to leave my skin looking extra bright. My other favorite part? It’s oil-free, which makes it suitable for those (like me!) with acne-prone skin.”
- Key ingredient(s): Azelaic acid
- Skin types: Normal, dry, combination, oily
- Size: 1 oz.
- Pros: Gentle enough for daily use
- Cons: Can be drying
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Best Serum for Dark Spots: Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
Original video by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Glamour’s Kilkeary has been using this dark spot corrector since its launch in 2021, and it’s probably the serum that she reaches for most among this list. “I first started using it after I went through a rough bout of pandemic-induced acne, which left me with a slew of dark spots. After using it every day for about a month, I almost immediately saw improvement and clarity in the areas that frustrated me the most around my nose and chin. These formerly congested spots were often red and darker, harboring the ghost of my acne’s past, but this little serum slowly but surely brightened these areas with ease. I also noticed an improvement in my skin texture after using this for some time: it’s a lot smoother and less bumpy than it used to be. The consistency of this one is great as well because it absorbs super quickly, doesn’t leave behind any sticky residue and most importantly, it’s fragrance-free and gentle. If I had to shout from the rooftops about a holy grail skincare product I couldn’t go on without, it’s probably this one.”
- Key ingredient(s): Squalane, vitamin C, white shiitake
- Skin types: All skin types
- Size: 1.01 ounce
- Pros: Lightweight; vegan and cruelty free; gentle
- Cons: Pricey
Original photo by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Original photo by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Best with Vitamin C: Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Face Serum Dark Spot Corrector
Original video by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
“Vitamin C is key for preventing skin damage and dark spot formation in the first place,” says Dr. Engelman, who recommends incorporating one into your morning skincare routine. Kilkeary gave this serum a rigorous test over the course of a month, and was very pleased with how it addressed and faded the dark spots. “This pick is chock full of antioxidants, too, like guava, ferulic acid and vitamin E, and always leaves my skin looking glowy and fresh after application.”
- Key ingredient(s): Tranexamic acid, ferulic acid, vitamin E
- Skin types: All skin types, including sensitive
- Size: 1.01 ounce
- Pros: Exfoliates and brightens; evens out tone and texture
- Cons: Has a smell
Original photo by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Original photo by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Best for the Body: Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum
This lightweight product was specifically formulated to reduce hyperpigmentation for people with melanin-rich skin, featuring all-star ingredients like niacinamide, licorice root extract, and amber algae, among others. “Its gentle, milky texture is safe for sensitive skin and leaves a more balanced, even tone—a welcome pick for all complexions,” says facial aesthetician Ian Michael Crumm. It’s also one that you can blend down onto the body, including the back and chest area, to help fade dark spots in these areas.
“I love that Eadem’s goal is to develop skin care for people of color.I’m Indian, prone to hyperpigmentation, and have a lot of scars left behind from the cystic acne from my teen years into my late twenties,” says Glamour contributor Neha Tandon. She appreciated that the milky texture actually hydrates her very dry skin. “In the month I tried it, I noticed my skin started to get a serious lit-from-within glow. I happened to get a little hormonal breakout while I was testing it out, and it almost completely erased the little pigmentation that the acne left behind on my cheeks,” she says.
- Key ingredient(s): Niacinamide, licorice root extract, amber algae
- Skin types: All skin types
- Size: 1.01 fl. oz.
- Pros: Designed for women of color; lightweight formula
- Cons: May take time to see results
Original image by Glamour contributor Neha Tandon
Original image by Glamour contributor Neha Tandon
Best Brightening: Herbivore Brightening Skincare Vitamin C + Turmeric
Herbivore is one of our favorite natural beauty brands, and this dark-spot-correcting serum doesn’t disappoint. It’s formulated with a highly stable 15% THD vitamin C that targets hyperpigmentation, as well as turmeric, an anti-oxidant with known brightening properties, and arbutin, a natural ingredient that diminishes discoloration and tightens pores.
