The Best Dark-Spot Correctors, According to Dermatologists

SkinCeuticals’ Discoloration Defense is effective, lightweight, and gentle enough for most skin types and everyday use. Two dermatologists I spoke with — Dr. Gordon and Dr. Brendan Camp of MDCS Dermatology — recommended it, and it’s been brought up in the past when we tackled getting rid ofdark spots on the body. Surprisingly, it’s not made with retinol or vitamin C, the two ingredients found in the rest of the products listed. Instead, it’s formulated with a cocktail of tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, and sulfonic acid, which work together to exfoliate, improve brightness, and reduce the chances of dark spots reappearing.

If Skinceuticals is out of your budget, La Roche-Posay’s new Mela B3 serum comes under $50 and is recommended by Dr. Garshick. It’s formulated with a new ingredient patented by the brand calledMelasyl, which is said to combat discoloration and even out skin tone. Plus, it contains 10 percent niacinamide (also known for fighting dark spots) and soothing thermal spring water to lessen irritation.

Neutrogena’s Rapid Tone Repair was mentioned by Dr. Hope Mitchell ofMitchell Dermatologyand is even less expensive than the above. It’s made with a blend of vitamin C,retinol, and hyaluronic acid for reducing dark spots and smoothing skin texture. While thevitamin Cfades discoloration, the retinol promotes skin-cell turnover. And, of course, the hyaluronic acid provides hydration. Dr. Mitchell says it’s lightweight and fast-absorbing, so it’s easy to incorporate into most skin-care routines.

Maelove’s Fade Away Brightening Serum contains a cocktail of pigmentation-fighting ingredients likealpha arbutin, kojic acid, and licorice root. On top of that, it has some anti-inflammatory ingredients like red algae to help soothe irritation. Dr. Garshicksays it’s gentle yet effective and suitable for all skin types, including folks with any sensitivities.

As I mentioned above,retinolis a powerhouse ingredient for combatting dark spots. CeraVe’s Resurfacing Retinol Serum is made with encapsulated retinol, meaning it’s released over time, and contains licorice-root extract. Dr. Garshick points out that it contains ceramides, to help support and strengthen the natural skin barrier, and soothing niacinamide, which also makes it a great option for those with sensitive skin.

Revision’s formula includes a high concentration of C, the brand’s patented MelaPATH technology (an antioxidant blend that combats free radicals), and vitamin E. Dr. Rita Linkner of Spring Street Dermatology, who likes the formula’s lightweight feel, recommended it for our roundup of the bestvitamin-C serums. It should be easier to tolerate, since it’s made with THC ascorbate instead of L-ascorbic acid, but the high concentration means an adjustment period.

Clinique’s vitamin-C serum is less than half the price of the above and counts two Strategist beauty writers as fans. Tembe Denton-Hurst says in her roundup of thebest vitamin-C serumsshe’s noticed stubborn acne scars fading around her chin, all thanks to its active-heavy ingredient list. It contains two types of vitamin C (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbyl glucoside), brightening niacinamide, and exfoliating salicylic acid. Plus it has licorice extract and green tea to soothe any irritation, making it great for dry and melanin-rich skin. (“Deeper skin tones are prone to post-trauma hyperpigmentation,” Denton-Hurst explains.) Recently, Rachael Griffiths alsotested it out for six consecutive weeksand reported “overwhelmingly positive” results: It got rid of redness from acne scars, blemishes were faded, and her skin was brighter overall.

Versed, which we mentioned above, also makes a brightening toner that comes recommended by Dr. Adeline Kikam of@brownskinderm. Formulated with a combination of AHAs like lactic and glycolic acid, kojic and azelaic acid, and bearberry extract, it works to even out skin through gentle exfoliation. Plus, it’s beentoutedas a P50-ish dupe by our beauty columnistRio Viera-Newton.

Instead of adding a serum or toner to your routine, consider swapping out your moisturizer. This one from dermatologist Dr. Idriss’s line is formulated with vitamin C, 4-Butylresorcinol, and ceramides, so it’s both brightening and hydrating. Strategist writer Rachael Griffithstested it out for theBeauty Briefnewsletterand says her acne scars were much lighter, her complexion was brighter, and her skin felt deeply nourished after six weeks.

Two experts — Dr. Garshick and Dr. Camp — say this Olay item is an excellent option that’s nearly $30 cheaper than the above moisturizer. It’s made with key ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin B3, lactic acid, peptides, and niacinamide to help with brightening, hydration, and smoothing out uneven texture.