Our Fave Derm Says This Is The Best For Hyperpigmentation (& It Costs $23!) 

If there’s one group of people we’ll always – and very happily – take products recommendations from, it’s dermatologists. It’s literally their job to know the best products and ingredients to target your skin concern the most efficiently and effectively. If you’re someone who struggles with hyperpigmentation or dark spots, board-certified dermatologist and Founder of Idriss Dermatology, Dr. Shereene Idriss, insists that the Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum, $23, is the best treatment. And if there’s one derm we can always trust with the best advice, it’s Dr. Idriss! In fact, this treatment is so effective that she uses it in her own skincare routine every day (scroll down to watch her entire routine). A drugstore formula favored by a derm? Excuse us while we run to the drugstore.

via Giphy

What it is: A lightweight gel formulated with 2% hydroquinone and skin-brightening botanicals, with clinically proven technology to gently reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven tone while simultaneously preventing new spots from forming.

What it does: This drugstore gel contains a hero ingredient: hydroquinone, which is one of the best-known ingredients for hyperpigmentation. If you’re wondering what makes it so effective, hydroquinone helps inhibit tyrosinase production, an enzyme necessary for producing excess melanin, which is the cause behind dark spots.

The lightweight gel is also enriched with hydrating sea buckthorn berry oil, which is bursting with antioxidants to help fight aging free radicals and citric acid to help renew the skin’s surface. It’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t block your pores, which is great if you tend to have oily skin. We also love that the formula is gentle enough for daily use and wears well underneath makeup, which is a must for us! So whether you’re looking to target hyperpigmentation, age spots, post-inflammatory pigmentation, or just maturing skin, this serum will work overtime to improve tone and texture while boosting luminosity.

How to use it: Apply this to cleansed skin, after a gentle toner, and use this as your serum step before moisturizer. It’s also super important when using any formula containing hydroquinone to apply a stand-alone sunscreen with SPF 30 (minimum). We love the Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA+++, $15, as it offers great protection, leaves no white cast, and is infused with glow-getting ingredients. Check out our fave new sunscreen formulas here.

For more drugstore recommendations, check out the formulas derms love, plus their top skincare tips.

Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. We never take payment to review products; however, some brands allow affiliate links, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.