The Highest-Rated Dark Spot Treatments That Actually Work

Uneven tone and dark spots can really sabotage one’s self-esteem — a common skin dilemma for many that can be treated if you put in the work. In other words, carrying out a consistent skincare regimen that incorporates skin-clarifying and brightening items to help tackle all stubborn discolorations. And finding a holy grail pigmentation fighter can be tricky, but you know we’re always here to help! Soooo, recently we did a little digging and uncovered several Internet-raved and industry-backed dark spot-fading solutions (for all budgets) that correct and prevent, allowing you to put your most confident face forward, always.

Remember, as well as incorporating one of these amazing potions into your routine, you need to ensure you wear sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 every single day to ensure you don’t undo all of your skincare routine’s hard work!

Melē EVEN Dark Spot Control 

Source: Melē.

Price: $26

The Hardworking Skin Heroes: Niacinamide, retinol, and hexylresorcinol.

This dark spot serum made for melanin-rich skin targets acne and sun-induced discolorations. Key ingredients include niacinamide, vitamin E, retinol, and hexylresorcinol in potent doses to clear up existing pigmentation, leaving you with a clarified complexion that glows so bright. Sun’s out, so get your glow on boo! (And side note, how adorable is this packaging!?)

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Source: Dermstore.

Price: $166

The Hardworking Skin Heroes: 15% pure vitamin C, 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid.

We know, price tag-wise, she’s a bit boujee. But once you see the results, you’ll understand why. Vitamin C, E, and ferulic acid work together to protect the skin from environmental damage, visibly reducing the appearance of dark spots while boosting your skin’s texture. It’s truly a game-changer that’ll leave your complexion looking dewy and healthy.

No7 Laboratories Dark Spot Correcting Booster Serum

Source: Ulta.

Price: $39

The Hardworking Skin Heroes: Vitamin C, Emblica, and sophora.

A spot treatment made ‘to be applied directly’ on areas of concern to ensure you get optimum results fast. This formula contains a concentrated combo of vitamin C, Emblica, and sophora to brighten, soothe and protect skin from pigmentation-inducing free radicals. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way with this one.

Hyper Skin Hyper Clear Brightening Clearing Vitamin C Serum

Source: Revolve.

Price: $36

The Hardworking Skin Heroes: 15% vitamin c, vitamin E, fruit enzymes, and natural botanicals.

The ultimate pigmentation-fighting cocktail. Dynamic duo vitamin C and E join forces with fruit enzymes, bearberry, turmeric, and kojic acid, to enhance and clarify skin texture and tone. With regular use, you’ll notice diminished sun, acne, and age spots, as well as a much smoother, radiant, and polished complexion.

Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum 

Source: Topicals.

Price: $36

The Hardworking Skin Heroes: Niacinamide, licorice root, kojic, azelaic, and tranexamic acids.

A holy grail item for scars and sun-induced spots. Along with niacinamide and licorice root, the standout trio here is kojic, azelaic, and tranexamic acid, which all work to inhibit and slow down the formation of excess melanin while providing free radical protection too. Over time, your skin will look even and smoother. It’s quite a potent potion, so begin by incorporating it into your routine once a week and then ‘work your way up to daily use.’ 

Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector

Source: Ulta.

Price: $28

The Hardworking Skin Heroes: Retinol SA and vitamin C.

The star ingredient in this particular serum is retinol SA, which stands for sustained action — a stabilized retinol that ensures steady and continuous delivery. You’ll notice spots gradually fade with the added perk of a brighter and firmer complexion. This is thanks to vitamin C and hyaluronic acid that keep moisture and skin glow levels intact.

Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum

Source: Sephora.

Price: $72

The Hardworking Skin Heroes: Resorcinol, tranexamic acid, and glycolic acid. 

Loved by beauty editors all over, this spot-correcting solution delivers noticeable results fast. It contains a powerful blend of Murad’s patented resorcinol technology that diminishes the ‘intensity of dark spots and uneven tone.’ Tranexamic acid tackles pigmentation while glycolic acid exfoliates and dissolves dead skin buildup to improve surface cell turnover and revive a dull tone. 

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum

Source: Sephora.

Price: $90

The Hardworking Skin Heroes: Glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric, and salicylic acids.

Another coveted and cherished gem that puts in the work overnight to renew your skin’s appearance. AHAs remove dead skin cells to reveal a brighter and softer complexion, while BHAs get deep down inside your pores to break down any clogs that may be getting in the way of the healthy, clarified, and glowy skin of your dreams. 

OLEHENRIKSEN Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner

Source: Sephora.

Price: $29

The Hardworking Skin Heroes: Glycolic and lactic acids.

A brightening toner that corrects, soothes, and smoothes. AHAs lessen the appearance of dark spots and signs of aging while witch hazel water works as one hell of a skin-brightening booster with sandalwood, chamomile, and licorice extracts working on the sidelines to help ‘soothe and condition the skin.’ 

Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum

Source: Eadem.

Price: $68

The Hardworking Skin Heroes: Smart Melanin Technology, niacinamide, amber algae, and vitamin C.

Eadem’s first product launch and it’s already sold out; that’s how bomb it is! It consists of Smart Melanin Technology that ‘ensures that every ingredient is used at just the right dosage’ for efficient and detectable results. Its three Smart Melanin Targets are amber algae, ethyl ascorbic acid, and niacinamide to help treat dark spots and slow down the formation of new discolorations.

Now that you’re clued up on all the pigmentation correctors that beauty eds and enthusiasts love, check out our guide on treating dark spots like a derm.

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