These Amazing Dark Spot Fighting Products Cost Less Than $50

Whether they’re a result of too much sun exposure, the aftermath of an aggressive breakout, or simply down to hormonal changes, dark spots are an extremely common beauty issue. While we know it’s easier said than done, try not to let them get to you and try one of these pigmentation-fighting serums and solutions instead. We dived into the drugstore brightening pool and fished out some great skin-clarifying formulas to help you brighten and prevent dark spots.

1. Versed Skincare Stroke Of Brilliance Brightening Serum, $20

Source: Versed Skincare

This brightening serum uses a blend of plant extracts and antioxidants to fend off dullness. Vitamin C and niacinamide come together to minimize any signs of discoloration while licorice root and palmaria palmata extracts soothe inflammed areas. 

2. Hyper Skin Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum, $36

Source: Hyper Skin

Tried-tested-obsessed. This serum is a cocktail of pigmentation-fighting ingredients including fruit enzymes, bearberry, turmeric, and kojic acid, that brighten the appearance of dark spots. Formulated with hyaluronic acid to hold onto moisture for a dewy finish and anti-inflammatory turmeric and salicylic acid, it also helps to keep breakouts at bay. 

3. iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Green Machine Vitamin C + Green Superfoods Jelly Serum, $32

Source: iNNBEAUTY PROJECT

She’s a vegan cure-all formula for anyone looking to treat hyperpigmentation and boost collagen production for plump, even skin. Enriched with 250,000 stem cells, brightening vitamin C, as well as 15 nutrient-rich superfoods, this serum is a fast-track ticket to healthy, smooth, radiant skin. Oh, and for every product sold, INNBeauty Project funds the removal of two units of plastic from landfills, waterways, and marine environments to be recycled and repurposed.

4. Peach & Lily Transparen-C Pro Spot Treatment, $43

Source: Peach & Lily

The star ingredient in this spot treatment is vitamin C – a skin-brightening antioxidant that fades post-inflammatory pigmentation and gives an eye-poppin’ glow. Infused with kojic and tranexamic acid, it also gently exfoliates your skin while camellia seed oil and licorice root soothe and nourish. 

5. Paula’s Choice Clinical Discoloration Repair Serum, $48

Source: Paula’s Choice

She’s pricey because she contains a concentrated pigmenting-fighting trio – tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and bakuchiol – to help minimize uneven skin tone, leaving you with a radiant glow. And Paula has the receipts, as research showed that when used consistently over time, these powerful bio-actives dramatically improve the appearance of your skin’s natural tone, plus discourage further discolorations.

6. Neutrogena Rapid Tone Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector, $21

Source: Neutrogena

This dark-spot corrector gets the job done fast and on a budget (YAY). The fast-absorbing formula boosts your glow game with vitamin C and retinol, which combine to improve skin clarity and minimize the appearance of fine lines and uneven texture. Use every other night and get ready for the glow!

7. Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration, $38

Source: Topicals

There’s a reason why beauty editors always have this vegan spot treatment in their restock pile – it’s simply that good. We love how it visibly brightens and balances redness while soothing signs of long-term sun damage. Its glow-getting ingredients include niacinamide, licorice root, kojic, azelaic, and tranexamic acids, which work together to dramatically fade stubborn marks. 

8. The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Hyperpigmentation Treatment, $15

Source: The INKEY List

This nighttime gel consists of 2% tranexamic acid to reduce signs of hyperpigmentation, 2% acai berry extract to promote even-toned skin, and 2% vitamin C to boost radiance. Basically, it’s a must-have if you want to soothe the appearance of dark spots and amp up your glow. Did we mention that it’s vegan, recyclable, and suitable for all skin types? #Winner.

9. Versed Skincare Out Of Sight Dark Spot Gel, $17

Source: Versed Skincare

This is one of our holy grail brightening gels for dark spots and post-inflammatory pigmentation. It combines tranexamic acid, kojic acid, licorice root, and niacinamide­, which work together to even skin tone without irritation. The potion is also enriched with antioxidants that strengthen your skin’s barrier to prevent future damage. We also love the precision applicator, which makes it even easier to target dark spots and discoloration.

10. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Dark Spot Sun Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $42

Source: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare

Wearing sunscreen is vital, and especially so when you want to fade dark spots, which is why we always like to keep this UVA and UVB-ray blocking tube close… It gives broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection and has a unique Melatonin Defense Complex to treat hyperpigmentation while vitamin C and E fight against free radicals and even discoloration. It’s our number one defense system against sun damage and dark spots.

Prevention is always better than treatment when it comes to dark spots, so we keep sunscreen on hand all day, errrday… And you should too! Check out these sunscreens that get a 10/10 for their white cast-free finish! 

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