11 Best Dark Spot Correctors for a Clearer Complexion

Key ingredients: tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, sulfonic acid | Who it's for: dry, oily, normal, and combination skin types | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Prescription-Strength Formula: Musely The Spot Cream

Why it's worth it: Musely’s The Spot Cream is the perfect dark spot-diminishing treatment for those who want a prescription-strength formula without heading to the dermatologist’s office. Depending on which formulation your Musely tele-derm prescribes you, you can access potent dark spot diminishers spiked with tone-evening active ingredients like niacinamide, tranexamic acid, vitamin C, and hydroquinone. These treatments are formulated to address a range of tone-related skin concerns ranging far beyond your average blemish-induced dark spot, including melasma, sun spots, and freckles.

Editor's tip: If you have sensitive skin, make sure to let your Musely dermatologist know during your consultation so they can prescribe you the sensitivity-friendly HQ Free+ formulation of this treatment.

Key ingredients: Erase: hydroquinone (12%), niacinamide (2%), hydrocortisone (1%); Nurture: hydroquinone (6%), vitamin C (1%), niacinamide (2%); HQ Free+: tranexamic acid (6%), azelaic acid (10%), niacinamide (2%); M+: hydroquinone (12%), tretinoin (0.05%), niacinamide (2%), hydrocortisone (2.5%) | Who it's for: all skin types, depending on formulation | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Dark Spot Corrector for Dry Skin: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

Why it's worth it: Having dry and hyperpigmentation-prone skin may seem like a curse, but SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essence is the elixir to solve most of your concerns. This Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning essence is known for its hydration-boosting properties à la the brand’s propreitary pitera, a sake-derived fermented liquid known for its plumping properties. Since this ingredient happens to be rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, it’s like a skin-clarifying restart button for your complexion.

Editor's tip: We know it may be tempting to apply this with a cotton pad, but in order to avoid product waste, SK-II recommends applying a few drops into your hands or directly onto your face and patting it on.

Key ingredients: pitera | Who it's for: all skin types, especially dry skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Dark Spot Corrector for Sensitive Skin: Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum

Why it's worth it: Some tone-evening formulations can contains high concentrations of active ingredients, which can lead to irritation for sensitive skin types, but then there’s the Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum. Its gentle, fragrance-free formula contains an encapsulated form of vitamin C, which provides an extended release of the antioxidant to minimize irritation. Rather than opt for a more intense alpha hydroxy acid like, say, glycolic acid, the Milk Marvel serum contains enzymes derived from pineapple and papaya to gently exfoliate the surface layer of the skin without causing a stinging sensation.

Editor's tip: We love that this formula doesn’t have a sticky feel or sour scent like most vitamin C-powered serums on the market.

Key ingredients: encapsulated vitamin C, niacinamide, amber algae extract, papaya enzymes, pineapple enzymes | Who it's for: all skin types, including sensitive skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Dark Spot Corrector for Mature Skin or Age Spots: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum

Why it's worth it: The SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum is undoubtedly an investment, but a worthwhile one if you're trying to address more intensive hyperpigmentation issues. It won an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2021 for a reason—namely, growth factors, which are stellar at building elastin, a protein our skin produces that decreases as we age. Supplementing your skin-care routine with a growth factor-fortified serum like this one can help firm up the skin.

Editor's tip: This serum is infused with Spanish marine extract and French flaxseed to help your skin heal and repair itself. This combination, in a nutshell, leaves you with a more even tone and firmness to your skin.

Key ingredients: SkinMedica proprietary growth factors, peptides, French flaxseed, Spanish marine extract, green microalgae | Who it's for: mature skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Dark Spot Corrector for Acne-Prone Skin: Hyper Skin Fade & Glow AHA Mask

Why it's worth it: We could write sonnets about the Allure 2022 Best of Beauty-winning Hyper Skin Fade & Glow AHA Mask, but to put it simply, it's just the best at evening and brightening complexions—especially for acne-prone skin. A slew of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, including glycolic, mandelic, and salicylic acids, exfoliates dead skin and diminishes the look of dark spots. You can also expect to look more radiant than ever, thanks to potent concentrations of turmeric, niacinamide, and papaya extract.

Editor's tip: Allure shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis says Hyper Skin's mask is made for hyperpigmentation-prone skin types like herself. "I continued using the Fade and Glow AHA Mask twice a week for about a month and I can honestly say that I saw my dark spots fade and any textured skin smooth out," she said in her review of the product.

Key ingredients: glycolic acid, mandelic acid, salicylic acid, turmeric, niacinamide, papaya extract | Who it's for: oily, acne-prone skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Toning Down Redness and Inflammation: Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

Why it's worth it: David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC recommends Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster for a plethora of reasons. The star of the formula, azelaic acid "blocks tyrosinase, an essential enzyme for melanin production, and therefore reduces melanin production," he explains, adding that it's one of the few acne-fighting ingredients that are safe to use during pregnancy.

Editor's tip: Ava Shamban, MD, a Beverly Hills-based board-certified dermatologist, previously explained to Allure that azelaic acid loosens dead, pore-clogging skin cells and reduces instances of inflammation caused by acne. What's more, "azelaic acid has been shown to be bactericidal against p. Acnes, the bacteria on the skin that is one of the causes of acne," she says. So, the better question is what can't this ingredient do?

Key ingredients: azelaic acid, salicylic acid, allantoin, adenosine | Who it's for: acne-prone skin, redness | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Glow Booster: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

Why it's worth it: True to its name, the star ingredient in Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops is, drumroll, please, niacinamide. Wave goodbye to stubborn hyperpigmentation and dark spots thanks to this ingredient's powerful, tone-evening properties. You can use it during your typical serum step before moisturizer, as a dewy makeup primer, or highlighter as a finishing touch. To give skin a naturally healthy and dewy finish, there's plumping watermelon and hydration-binding hyaluronic acid present in this 2023 Allure Readers' Choice Award winner.

Editor's tip: The bronzed-up iteration of this formula, the Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops, have taken over faces across TikTok (and the Allure office) for its glow-enhancing finish. "It's a 'one-and-done' illuminator with a touch of color that doesn't need to be mixed with additional skin-care products to potion up warm, lightweight color." Allure associate special projects manager Talia Gutierrez previously reported.

Key ingredients: watermelon, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, moringa seed oil | Who it's for: dehydrated and acne-prone skin | Fragrance-free: no

Fastest-Absorbing: Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum

Why it's worth it: Differin is a drugstore classic that constantly proves it can get the job done. The brand's Dark Spot Correcting Serum is spiked with 4% niacinamide and vitamin C to gradually and effectively reduce the appearance of dark spots, acne scars, sun spots, and more. Sea buckthorn berry works in tandem with niacinamide to soothe the skin.

Editor's tip: This lightweight, watery gel absorbs in what feels like mere seconds and layers underneath makeup with no issue.

Key ingredients: vitamin C, niacinamide, sea buckthorn berry | Who it's for: mature, normal, and combination skin | Fragrance-free: no

Best Exfoliating Toner: Ole Henkrisen Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner

Why it's worth it: Ole Henkrisen's Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner kind of does it all and then some. Yes, it'll diminish dark spots with the alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic and lactic) in the formula but it'll also brighten and soothe skin. For the latter, you can say thanks to the witch hazel water and lemon, sugar cane, and sandalwood extracts in the bottle.

"I like to think that OleHenriksen Glow2Oh Dark Spot Toner and I are in an open relationship. My job keeps me busy testing all sorts of other exfoliating skin-care products, but I've returned home to this little blue bottle time and time again since its launch five or six years ago," Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall'Asen previously explained. "How could I not? Even with just one or two uses per week, its AHA-heavy formula is the only one that can satisfy my need for clear, spotless, and blindingly dewy skin."

Editor's tip: You can swipe this toner all over, or if you notice a few really pesky dark spots, saturate a cotton ball and hold it on the spot(s) for a minute for a more targeted treatment.

Key ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid, witch hazel, sandalwood extract, lemon | Who it's for: normal, combination, dry, and oily skin | Fragrance-free: no

Best Spot Treatment: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Micropoint for Dark Spots

Why it's worth it: Breakouts can leave a hefty mark so slap a Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Micropoint and let it do its thing. And by its thing, I mean 395 dissolving micropoints diminish the look of dark spots with a potent blend of licorice root, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and vitamin C.

Editor's tip: Simply press the patch into the targeted area for around 20 seconds for the fullest effect and keep it on for 6 to 8 hours, and voila—the lightening effect you deserve.

Key ingredients: tranexamic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, licorice root | Who it's for: all skin types | Fragrance-free: yes

Dark spots on the skin fall under the umbrella of hyperpigmentation. This form of discoloration is caused by melanocytes, the cells responsible for your skin's color, depositing excess pigment into deeper levels of the skin.

Though dark spots can be caused by a number of factors, sun exposure is the most common. "When the pigment is evenly distributed, it appears as a 'tan,' but over time and with increasing sun exposure, most of the pigment ends up being distributed unevenly," Nancy Samolitis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Long Beach, California, previously told Allure. Sun-induced hyperpigmentation can take the form of freckles, age spots, or melasma, which is a specific type of hyperpigmentation that is believed to have a hormonal factor, as it tends to flare up during pregnancy.

Acne can also be the root of your dark spots. Pimples, rashes, and other forms of general skin inflammation or trauma can lead to discoloration called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

"In general, hyperpigmentation is tough to treat and a chronic condition," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, tells Allure, noting that he explains to his patients that it must be taken seriously because it's so easy for it to recur. However, some patients choose to undergo laser treatments to address their hyperpigmentation, along with customized prescription compounds—Dr. Bhanusali often blends a high dose of hydroquinone with kojic acid and vitamin C for his patients—there are ways to combat discoloration and uneven skin tone without often expensive in-office procedures and topical medications.

That's where these over-the-counter options come in. Often made with the same active ingredients that dermatologists use in prescription compounds, albeit at lower concentrations, the over-the-counter serums and creams mentioned in the list above help even tone and reduce hyperpigmentation with consistent use.

"When targeting hyperpigmentation, you want to use multiple ingredients that have different functions," David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City, tells us. "For example, you want to use a vitamin A derivative to increase cell turnover, alpha hydroxy acids to enzymatically exfoliate, and incorporate azelaic acid, kojic acid, tranexamic acid (particularly beneficial for malasma), or arbutin to reduce melanin production," he further explains.

Antioxidant vitamin C is the gold standard for addressing dark spots and hyperpigmentation. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Patricia Wexler, MD, previously told Allure that this particular vitamin contains a property that inhibits your skin's melanin production, which is what causes discoloration. In addition to brightening and evening tone, vitamin C can prevent dark spots from forming in the first place—with continued use, of course.

Retinol is well-known for its fine-line-reducing powers, but the beauty of this multi-faceted antioxidant is it's also effective in diminishing dark spots. This ingredient's ability to increase cellular turnover is key to minimizing the look of hyperpigmentation. "From an acne standpoint, the increase in cell turnover helps unclog pores," Sheila Farhang, MD, a Beverly Hills, California-based, board-certified dermatologist, previously told Allure. "This also helps decrease the appearance of brown or red post-acne spots as well as help collagen synthesis [to tone down] acne scarring."

Despite retinol's myriad benefits, the active can cause irritation, whether you have generally reactive skin or are simply new to the ingredient.. That said, with the necessary procautions, "Retinol can be used by nearly everyone if it is used correctly," Erin Gilbert, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously attested. "Start low and take it slow." Derms we’ve spoken to typically recommend around 0.05% for straight-up retinol every other night, and build up a tolerance from there. You can try a gentler form of vitamin A (like Retinyl palmitate), or look for a product with encapsulated retinol, which means it releases more slowly/over time and is, therefore, more gentle on the skin.

Due to their ability to enzymatically exfoliate the skin, Dr. Kim says alpha hydroxy acids, also known as AHAs, are the perfect addition to any dark spot-reducing skin-care routine. This group of chemical exfoliators removes the outer layer of dead skin, making it smoother and more even-toned. Some of the most popular AHAs include lactic and glycolic acids, but it's worth noting that the former is gentler on sensitive skin than the latter. Of course, you can experiment with different concentrations based on your skin's needs and type, but if you want an intensive AHA-fueled treatment, you may want to consult with your dermatologist about an in-office chemical peel.

"Before you spend your money on antioxidant serums and retinoids to improve the tone and texture of your skin, the most important first step is diligent daily sun protection, which is key to reducing the appearance of brown spots," says Dr. Marchbein. "Otherwise you are literally throwing your money away investing in other skin-care products," she adds. Dr. Kim backs this up, adding that SPF combined with vitamin C in the morning minimizes UV damage, prevents excessive melanin production, and contributes to a brighter complexion overall.

• Roberta Del Campo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
• Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
• Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills, California
• Nancy Samolitis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Long Beach, California
• Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Patricia Wexler, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Sheila Farhang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills, California

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.