Dark Spot Correctors So Good, No One Will Believe You Ever Had Hyperpigmentation

If you’ve ever spent a day in the sun or had to deal with a scar from an unwanted pimple, it’s pretty likely you’ve had a dark spot to contend with. Welcome to the club! Between post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun spots, age spots, and more, dark spots crop up on nearly anyone and everyone. While these are not necessarily permanent and can fade over time with some lifestyle changes (always apply sunscreen), the best dark spot correctors can help speed up the process.

"A dark spot corrector is like a metal detector for your skin—it finds areas of hyperpigmentation or uneven tone and gradually works to correct them," says board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD. "These products target the overproduction of melanin that results from sun damage, acne, or hormonal shifts." But how, exactly, do these products work?

“Skincare products can contain ingredients that work in various ways to mitigate the skin producing a darker pigment,” explains board-certified dermatologist Nava Greenfield, MD. "Depending on the formula, they may slow melanin production, accelerate cell turnover to fade existing pigment, or disrupt the signals that trigger new pigment formation." Ingredients range from prescription-level retinoids to over-the-counter options like vitamin C, licorice root, and more.

If you’re not quite sure where to start, start here—and consult with your board-certified dermatologist. From dermatologist-recommended moisturizers to editor-approved brightening serums and concentrates, these products are proven to deliver luminous, more even-toned skin.

The Best Dark Spot Correctors

• Best Dark Spot Corrector Overall: SkinMedica Even & Correct Dark Spot Cream
• Best Value Dark Spot Corrector: Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector
• Best Moisturizing Dark Spot Corrector: Avène Retrinal 0.1 Intensive Multi-Corrective Cream
• Best Dark Spot Corrector for All Skin Tones: La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum Dark Spot Corrector
• Best Dark Spot Corrector Treatment: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Pads

Can You Fade Dark Spots Quickly?

Unfortunately, no. Patience and consistency is key here. "Fading hyperpigmentation is a long game—it can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the depth and cause of the discoloration," says Dr. Gohara. Plus, you'll want to be careful when piling on products too quickly. The "powerful ingredients are more irritating and if used too frequently or too much applied, it can make problems worse," says Dr. Moy.

Think of it like fading an old coffee stain from a white shirt, recommends Dr. Gohara: "It requires repetition, the right treatment, and—most importantly—prevention of new stains. That’s why daily sunscreen is crucial," she says.

What Causes Dark Spots?

There’s not one singular cause for dark spots, because there are so many different types of dark spots. “They can come from outside, extrinsic factors such as sun exposure or from internal factors such as hormones,” explains Dr. Greenfield. “Sometimes, dark spots can even result from a combination of both.”

A large portion of dark spots are going to be caused by inflammation. “Some dark spots are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. We commonly see this after acne, particularly acne that gets picked, but sometimes acne by itself is inflammatory enough to cause discoloration,” explains Dr. King.

The second major cause is sun exposure, aka the enemy to good skin. The sun, in tandem with hormonal changes and genetic predisposition, can bring about brown or gray-ish patches called melasma. Too much vitamin D can also bring about lentigines, or sun spots, too. “They’re small, pigmented spots on the skin with a clearly defined edge, surrounded by normal-appearing skin,” says Dr. King.

When Can I Expect Results From Dark Spot Correctors?

Word from the wise: give it time. “Use a product for at least three months before you look in the mirror, take before and after photos, and make the determination whether you feel this product has benefited your skin,” says Dr. Greenfield. “Often, you will see a result sooner." So, hang tight, the skin is slow at responding.

What to Look For in a Dark Spot Corrector

Let me put it this way: You have options—and a lot of ‘em. There are so many topical agents that can help brighten skin, even out tone, and fade discoloration. Perhaps the strongest—and most classic—ingredient is something called hydroquinone, which is a lightening agent that can only be used under the care of a dermatologist, given potential side effects, such as mercury exposure.

If you’re going the over-the-counter route, Dr. Greenfield recommends searching for an encapsulated algae complex, which “has demonstrated its ability to prevent the formation of dark spots.” Dr. King also recommends seeking out “retinoids, arbutin, azelaic acid, kojic acid, vitamin C, phytic acid, tranexamic acid, and licorice root.” Some focus on speeding up cellular turnover, while others will provide antioxidant protection and a brightening effect.

Why Trust Marie Claire

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How We Tested

For this story, Contributing Beauty Writer Catharine Malzahn interviewed multiple dermatologists to get their feedback on what makes a great dark spot corrector and their product recommendations, and then narrowed down the field to the nine best products on the market. When evaluating these dark spot correctors, she took into consideration aspects like texture, scent, efficacy, and more.

Meet the Experts

Dr. Nava Greenfield

Dr. Nava Greenfield is a dermatologist practicing at Schweiger Dermatology Group. Dr. Greenfield earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Queens College, City University of New York, where she graduated Cum Laude with honors in mathematics, natural sciences, chemistry and biochemistry. Dr. Greenfield attended medical school at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University. She completed her internship at Yale-New Haven Hospital and her residency in dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Dr. Greenfield has been published in many medical journals, including The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, the Journal of Women’s Dermatology and Pediatrics. Dr. Greenfield is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, Women’s Dermatologic Society and the American Medical Association.

Dr. Hadley King

Hadley King, MD is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is also a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Dr. King graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College with a degree in biochemistry. She received her MD from Columbia University. She trained in medicine at Greenwich Hospital, affiliated with the Yale University School of Medicine, and completed her dermatology residency at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. After residency, Dr. King worked as an attending physician at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, during which time she specialized in cutaneous oncology and phytodynamic therapy. She also has a background in immunology and her research has been published in a variety of medical journals, including the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Dr. Mona Gohara

Dr. Mona Gohara, a Yale-trained board-certified dermatologist and former chief resident at Yale New Haven Hospital, is an associate clinical professor at Yale, where she continues to teach and mentor. As President of the Women's Dermatologic Society and chair of several committees for the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Dr. Gohara is a recognized leader in her field. A trusted medical expert, she frequently contributes to Marie Claire, ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Vogue, and more, and serves on the advisory board for Women's Health. Her clinical focus and interests include skin of color and both medical and surgical dermatology.

Dr. Lauren Moy

Dr. Moy is a board certified, fellowship-trained dermatologist. Dr. Moy is proud and excited to follow in her world-renowned father Dr. Ronald Moy’s footsteps.

As one of the leading cosmetic and facial plastic surgeons in Los Angeles, Dr. Lauren Moy is also a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery, and has publications in more than 20 scholarly articles. As a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon specializing in Mohs surgery, she also specializes in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, laser procedures, liposuction, hair loss, and general and cosmetic dermatology.

Following her world-renowned father’s footsteps, Dr. Lauren Moy received her M.D. from Albany Medical College in a combined medical program and completed her dermatology residency at Loyola University where she served as chief resident. She completed her Mohs Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery fellowship at Moy-Fincher-Chipps Facial Plastics and Dermatology, and is board certified as a Mohs surgeon and facial plastic cosmetic surgeon.