Table of Contents
- What Is Hyperpigmentation?
- 1. FactorFive Regenerative Serum – Best Overall.
- 2. Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30% – Best With Vitamin C.
- 3. Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum – Runner-Up, – Best With Vitamin C.
- 4. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum – Best For Stubborn Dark Spots.
- 5. Paula’s Choice Discoloration Repair Serum – Best With Tranexamic Acid.
- 6. The Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Night Treatment – Runner-Up, – Best With Tranexamic Acid.
- 7. Murad Environmental Shield Rapid Age Spot Correcting Serum – Best With Niacinamide.
- 8. Dermalogica C-12 Pure Bright Serum – Best Travel Friendly.
- 9. Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum – Runner Up, Best With Vitamin C.
- 10. Good Molecules Discoloration Correction Serum – Best Budget.
- Possible Questions and Answers.
Let me guess, you have some dark spots on your face which has been giving you some concern?. Then let us help you with the best dark spots corrector serums to tackle hyperpigmentation. No matter how perfect your skincare routine maybe, at some point dark spots can kick in which can cause uneven skin tone or make your flawless complexion appear dull.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition whereby there is an increased pigmentation by the melanin production cells which triggers the appearance of dark spots, patches and melasma.
Hyperpigmentation is caused when there is excess production of melanin in the body. Melanin is a pigment that gives skin its color. It’s produced by skin cells called melanocytes.
Certain medications can trigger the production of melanin thereby causing hyperpigmentation as side effects, also pregnancy changes hormone levels and can affect melanin production in some women. But above all, the sun is the greatest cause of hyperpigmentation as it stimulates the melanin producing cells which increases excess melanin production, which is why dermatologists would always recommend using sunscreen everyday.
Infact, the first step to control the appearance of dark spots is using a sunscreen. “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 dermatologist Shari Marchbein, based in New York City. “Otherwise you are literally throwing your money away investing in other skin-care products.”
Sunscreens are designed to help prevent sunburn and other possible sun damages. They shield the skin from the dangerous UV rays of the sun.
Dark spots can be very stubborn to get rid of, but there are some products which can help fade them completely. When choosing skincare products to get rid of hyperpigmentations
“Just look for a dark-spot-correcting serum with any combination of skin-brightening ingredients, like Retinol, AHAs, Alpha Arbutin, Vitamin C, and Kojic Acid,” says Dr. Marchbein.
The above mentioned ingredients, has proven to fade pigmentations by inhibiting the enzyme, tyrosinase, which is responsible for the production of melanin in the skin. You can read more on these ingredients.
With all this in mind, after a careful research, we’ve independently picked 8 best dark spots corrector serums and broken them down by the number of brightening ingredients they contain — some utilize just one, the others comprise a few. Click through to find the product that’s right for you, consult with your derm, and you’ll be kissing those dark spots goodbye in no time. It’s a promise ?.
1. FactorFive Regenerative Serum – Best Overall.
This wonderful and all natural regenerative serum minimizes appearance of wrinkles, reduces the visibility of sunspots, dark spots and helps regain skin tightness and thickness, while smoothing and healing the skin’s surface.
Not only does this serum gives dark spots the race of their lives but also serves as an anti-aging serum that’s packed with a powerful amount of human stem cell growth factors, copper peptides and vitamin C which works to fight the 5 signs of aging and re-energizes skin cells. This serum has been shown to reduce redness by 71%, improve skin clarity by 36%, reduce wrinkles by 17%, and reduce pores by 53%, and all together improve overall skintone and texture.
Pros
- All natural.
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Lightens darks spots & pigmentations.
- A powerful anti-ageing serum.
- Contains no harmful substances.
- Formulated without parabens, mineral oil, sulfate detergents, phthalates, urea, DEA, or TEA, and cruelty-free.
- Contains no synthetic Fragrance.
Cons
- Expensive (but worths your money).
2. Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30% – Best With Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is a powerful vitamin, which offers skin brightening and anti-aging benefits by supplying the skin with antioxidants which fights free radicals, repairs damaged skin, fights skin aging signs and inhibits melanin formation in the skin and you know what? This serum contains potent vitamin C at the concentration of 30% which is high enough to fade even the most stubborn dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
This is because Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate Vitamin C is able to successfully penetrate the epidermis and move to the layer underneath called the dermis to do it’s job by inhibiting melanin production and stimulating collagen production.
It’s in the dermis that collagen, a protein that gives skin its youthful firmness and ability to resist wrinkles, is made.
This serum contains ” Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate ” a stable form of vitamin C, and less irritating due it’s neutral pH of 7, unlike L-acorbic form of vitamin C.
Because Tetrahexydecyl Ascorbate is more stable and less irritating than L-Ascorbic Acid; it means a higher quantity of ingredient can be used within the formulation.
That’s why this serum contains 30% concentration which is still suitable for senstive skin. However individuals with super sensitive skin may experience slight tingling and mild burning, we suggest you should use a moisturizer a minute after using this serum to counter the effect.
Pros
- All natural.
- Contains 30% vitamin C.
- Suitable for all skin types (except super sensitive skin).
- Fades darks spots & pigmentations.
- Contains no harmful substances.
- Formulated without parabens, mineral oil, sulfate detergents, phthalates, urea, DEA, or TEA, and cruelty-free.
- Contains no synthetic Fragrance.
Cons
- May not be suitable for individuals with super sensitive skin.
- Expensive (but worths your money).
3. Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum – Runner-Up, – Best With Vitamin C.
A dual hyperpigmentation-hitter formulation, with white shiitake mushroom extract along side a 10% potent and stable vitamin C derivative (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic) to deliver targeted and powerful brightening effect to the skin, thereby zapping-off hyperpigmentation and prevent further future occurrences. And Oh, it also contains squalane oil for skin hydration and nourishment.
Pros
- All natural.
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Combines stable vitamin C with white shiitake mushroom extract.
- Fades darks spots & pigmentations.
- Cruelty-Free, Paraben-Free, Vegan, Phthalate-Free
Cons
- None.
4. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum – Best For Stubborn Dark Spots.
With combined ingredients which includes L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), arbutin, kojic and lactic acid (an AHA) this serum is remarkably potent enough to tackle even the most toughest and stubborn hyperpigmentation and discolorations such as dark spots, dark patches, sun spots, acne scars and age spots, gives you a clearer and brighter-looking complexion.
Pros
- All natural.
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Combines vitamin C, arbutin, lactic and kojic acid.
- Fades darks spots & pigmentations.
- Cruelty-Free, Paraben-Free, Vegan, Phthalate-Free
Cons
- Product oxidizes quickly (refrigerate to extend shelf-life)
- Expensive (but worths your money).
5. Paula’s Choice Discoloration Repair Serum – Best With Tranexamic Acid.
A potent hyperpigmentation-hitter. Sandwiched with 3% traxenamic acid, to visibly fade discolorations (dark spots) and prevent future occurrences, 5% niacinamide to calm irritation, enhance skin barrier function, purifies pores and helps fade discoloration, and 0.5% bakuchiol to soothe and calm the skin and also help reduce skin-aging process for a younger-looking skin.
Pros
- All natural.
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Pairs tranexamic acid, with niacinamide & bakuchiol.
- Fades darks spots & pigmentations.
- Cruelty-Free, Paraben-Free, Vegan, Phthalate-Free.
Cons
- Price may not be suitable for everyone’s budget.
6. The Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Night Treatment – Runner-Up, – Best With Tranexamic Acid.
From The Inkey List brand, this formula pairs 2% traxenamic acid with a stable vitamin C derivative 2% ascorbyl glucoside to brighten skin tone, and 2% acai berry extract helps to promote even skin tone, altogether to fight skin discoloration and brighten the skin tone. Read full review here.
Pros
- All natural.
- Wallet-friendly.
- Suitable for all skin types.
Combines tranexamic acid, stable vitamin C and acai berry extract. - Fades darks spots & pigmentations.
- Cruelty-Free, Paraben-Free, Vegan, Phthalate-Free
Cons
- Mode of product dispensing makes product slightly difficult to use.
ALSO READ: Best Tranexamic Acid Serums To Fade Discoloration.
7. Murad Environmental Shield Rapid Age Spot Correcting Serum – Best With Niacinamide.
This formula houses niacinamide a powerful skincare ingredient that enhances cell turnover to visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots, redness, fights acne, improves skin barrier, while targeting key signs of aging and revitalizing skin’s natural tone. In collaboration with another powerful skincare antioxidant-ingredient vitamin C which addresses the issues of dark spots, free radicals and improve overall skin tone and texture.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Combines niacinamide + vitamin C.
- Fades darks spots & pigmentations.
- Parabens-free & phthalates-free.
Cons
- Serum a bit heavy on the skin (needs extra massage for better absorption).
- Expensive (but worths your money).
8. Dermalogica C-12 Pure Bright Serum – Best Travel Friendly.
Say goodbye to dark spots, melasma, freckles, acne scars with dermalogica C-12 pure bright serum. This Lightweight, highly-active topical treatment combats hyperpigmentation (brown spots, discoloration and uneven skin tone), with a blend of Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Dimethicone, Peptides, Jojoba, Algae Extract.
Pros
- All natural.
- Travel Friendly.
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Fades darks spots & pigmentations.
- Contains no harmful substances.
- Formulated without parabens, mineral oil, sulfate detergents, phthalates, urea, DEA, or TEA, and cruelty-free.
- Contains no synthetic Fragrance.
Cons
- Expensive (but worths your money)
9. Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum – Runner Up, Best With Vitamin C.
A very powerful and potent vitamin C serum which delivers 3x more vitamin c into the skin. This formula contains Aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate, a stable form of vitamin C known for reducing melanin production, which can minimize age spots, sun spots and hyperpigmentation, for brighter, firmer, more radiant skin.
Alongside Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, (which helps repair visible skin damage and strengthen skin’s underlying supportive elements) and lactic acid (which midly exfoliates and accelerate cell turnover), in combination with Sophora Japonica Flower Extract (to help return skin to a calm state after experiencing oxidative stress) and Salvia Hispanica (Chia Seed) Oil (Which retains moisture and combats skin ageing because its nutrient density provides a quicker regeneration of the skin and a better production of collagen tissue).
All these ingredients put together to dramatically reduce the appearance of dark spots, melasma, sun spots, acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles and Improve overall skintone and texture.
Pros
- All natural.
- Contains vitamin C, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, & lactic acid.
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Lightens darks spots & pigmentations.
- Contains no harmful substances.
- Formulated without parabens, mineral oil, sulfate detergents, phthalates, urea, DEA, or TEA, gluten-free & cruelty-free.
- Contains no synthetic frangrace.
Cons
- Expensive (but worths your money)
10. Good Molecules Discoloration Correction Serum – Best Budget.
Here you have a potent serum just for hyperpigmentation. Guess what? It amalgamates 2% tranexamic acid derivatives (Cetyl tranexamate mesylate) known to penetrate the skin deeper (than tranexamic acid itself), alongside 4% niacinamide for optimum result towards fading discoloration. Read full review here.
Pros
- All natural.
- Pocket-friendly
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Combines lipid-loving tranexamic acid with niacinamide.
- Fades darks spots & pigmentations.
- Cruelty-Free, Paraben-Free, Vegan, Phthalate-Free.
Cons
- None.
Possible Questions and Answers.
Q: How often should i apply spots corrector serums?
A: Twice a day (morning and night) mostly at night, and please don’t forget to wear sunscreen during the day. It’s very important.
Q: How long until I see a significantly result on my dark spots?
A: It will take at least 2-4 weeks to see results, at this time frame your dark spots should fade. It may not even take that long. All you need is consistent usage.
According to Dr. Jacknin. “Generally, it takes about two to four weeks to see effects, I would use a brightening serum twice a day, in the morning before applying an SPF 30 sunscreen and at night. Just be consistent, and remember to back down if your skin gets irritated, red, too white or blotchy”.
Q: How should i properly apply spots treatment?
A: Simply wash the affected area, with a facial cleanser. Then apply a reasonable amount of the spots corrector treatment on the affected area, rub in a circular motion till fully absorbed. You can go ahead and apply your moisturizer to seal in moisture.
UP NEXT: These Are The Best Dark Spots Corrector Creams That Really Works.
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