Dark spots are often a common skin occurrence that many men and women experience. It is also called hyperpigmentation, which occurs when some areas of one’s skin appear darker than other areas. Hyperpigmentation or dark spots happen when patches of brown, pink, or red appear on the skin and there are several causes for this. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a wide array of causes can lead to hyperpigmentation and the appearance of dark spots on the skin. Such include hormone changes, medication, vitamin deficiency, sun damage, and more.
As per Vogue, one of the more common causes of dark spots is sun exposure, that’s why more and more dermatologists recommend using sunscreen to defend skin from UV radiation and its damaging effects. Dark spots can also be caused by acne, which is often brought about by hormonal changes. Acne scars often tend to appear darker than the rest of the skin, making them appear like dark spots.
The good thing is that dark spots can be treated and diminished. In today’s list of most recommended products, we’ve curated some of the top-rated dark spot solutions and skincare products that you should consider adding to your skincare routine if you are combating dark spots.
1. SEPHORA COLLECTION Targeted Dark Spots Serum with Enzymes
Looking for a serum that targets dark spots specifically? Look no further than Sephora Collection’s Targeted Dark Spots Serum with Enzymes, which features a formula with three percent concentration of enzymes and kombucha. Together, these ingredients target and reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation. Kombucha is extracted from black tea fermentation and effectively brightens and evens out skin tone. Its enzymes from papaya work to exfoliate skin. This serum is unscented, perfect for all types of skin. This product has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, with a 96% recommendation rating at Sephora.
Promising review: “This serum is just what I needed for my dark spots. Let me just say this, a little goes a long way! It’s very concentrated, yet smooth! You had me at 93% natural ingredients, but you won me over when my dark spots were noticeably lighter!” Jacqueline Farri
2. Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum
With a lightweight serum formula, the Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum is a powerful and soothing serum that gently clears blemish-prone skin while refining pores for clear, hydrated skin. It is powered by Clarity Acid Complex 10% which effectively diminishes blemish-causing pore buildup while gently exfoliating dead skin cells, strawberry for gentle exfoliation and evening the skin tone, and hyaluronic acid for keeping skin moisturized and plump. This product has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with a 91% recommendation rating at Sephora.
Promising review: “So far I’m really enjoying this. I’ve been dealing with a lot of texture and dark spots so this is perfect for that. It’s not super drying which I enjoy. It’s got a light scent and the serum itself isn’t sticky.” Mower
3. OLEHENRIKSEN Glow2OH™ Dark Spot Toner
This potent toner is supercharged with high-potency AHAs such as glycolic and lactic acids that work to reduce the appearance of dark spots in just a week. With a lightweight liquid formula, the Olehenriksen Glow2OH™ Dark Spot Toner contains Witch Hazel water, an astringent that brightens and refines skin, lemon, sugar cane, licorice root, chamomile, and sandalwood extracts that soothe and condition skin, and high-potency AHAs that impact dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles to combat them and decrease its appearance. Perfect for using at night after cleansing the skin. This product has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, with an 84% recommendation rating at Sephora.
Promising review: “Noticeable difference within a week for me. I have dark spots from old acne scars and it really blurred them within a month. I’ve also seen decreased darker coloring under my eyes. It smells good.” Nicolle Maz
4. Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Brightening Treatment Serum
Powered by a range of ingredients that are beneficial to the skin, the Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Brightening Treatment Serum is a potent serum that effectively reduces the appearance of dark spots. It contains up to five forms of vitamin C, guava, and tranexamic and ferulic acids that work to even out skin tone. This lightweight serum’s vitamin C brightens and evens dull skin, while its guava extract and seed oil protects against free-radical damage thanks to its antioxidants and vitamin C. Lastly, it contains tranexamic acid to reduce the look of dark spots and redness over time. This product has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, with an 81% recommendation rating at Sephora.
Promising review: “I have discoloration and hyperpigmentation on my nose and my cheeks skin tone and since using this serum, I notice my skin tone looks more even!” Wstork24
5. Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Dark Spot Serum Vitamin C Alternative
A lightweight serum is always a great alternative to switch to for warmer months. Consider the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Dark Spot Serum Vitamin C Alternative, which is a brightening serum that combats dark spots caused by various factors such as acne, sun, pregnancy, and more. This lightweight serum is powered by patented Vine Sap Viniferine, which diminishes dark spots for visible even-toned skin, Olive Squalene for moisturization, and Biomimetic Emulsifier that enhances the Patented Vine Sap Viniferine‘s brightening efficacy. This sun-safe alternative to vitamin C effectively combats dark spots after using just one bottle. This product has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars at Sephora.
Promising review: “After using this product for a while I can say this is amazing stuff!! My dark spots have visibly been reduced!! And my skin just seems brighter!! I love this stuff!! My new favorite serum!” Shelbee1027
1. Farmacy Brighten Up 3% TXA Dark Spot Toner with Azelaic Acid
This creamy formula from Farmacy is powered by 3% Tranexamic Acid or TXA that brightens and reduces the appearance of dark spots, 5% Gluconolactone or PHA and Azelaic Acid that visibly evens skin tone, smooths its texture, and gently exfoliates, and upcycled tangerine peel, which hydrates and provides antioxidant benefits. This product has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, with a 99% recommendation rating at Sephora.
Promising review: “I have seen improvement with the Farmacy Brighten Up 3% TXA dark spot toner in such a short time it makes me excited to keep using it. My dark spots are improving, skin looks brighter, more radiant, and my pores even appear smaller!” Tingtawn
2. RANAVAT Mini Radiant Rani- Saffron Brightening Dark Spot Treatment
With an easy to wear lightweight serum formula, the Ranavat Radiant Rani- Saffron Brightening Dark Spot Treatment (Mini) is a clinically proven brightening oil serum that combats dark spots, evens skin tone, and reduces the appearance of fine lines. IT is powered by saffron, a miracle elixir that reduces the appearance of fine line and wrinkles on the skin, turmeric to soothe irritation and redness, and licorice root that addresses hyperpigmentation and dark spots. This product has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, with a 94% recommendation rating at Sephora.
Promising review: “I have seen significantly clearer, glowing skin, as well as hyperpigmentation, diminished from menstrual acne breakouts. The Radiant Rani smells so intoxicating, I can’t get enough of it plus the way it glides onto my skin like silk.” Kalpi5
3. Hyper Skin Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum
If you’re looking to combat hyperpigmentation, go for this treatment and vitamin C serum in one from Hyper Skin, which is designed for all skin types. It features vitamin C to help nourish skin cells and reduce dark spots, hyaluronic acid to help keep moisture in the skin for better hydration, and kojic acid for exfoliating and preventing the appearance of dark spots. This product has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, with a 92% recommendation rating at Sephora.
Promising review: “I’m on day 4 and I am shocked! Speechless. The difference in just 4 days is insane. Old acne scars are already fading and it’s reduced redness significantly. My skin has a nice healthy glow. I’m so happy I found this!” CourLea
4. EADEM Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum with Niacinamide and Vitamin C
With a lightweight serum formula, the EADEM Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum with Niacinamide and Vitamin C is a fragrance-free formula that is uniquely formulated for skin of people of color. It contains a blend of niacinamide and vitamin C that together brightens and soothes the skin while supporting collagen and fighting acne, Amber Algae to fade dark spots, and papaya and pineapple enzymes to visibly resurface skin without the irritation. This product has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, with a 87% recommendation rating at Sephora.
Promising review: “What I love about this product is that it doesn’t break out my hyper sensitive skin like other vitamin C products have. It also goes on super smooth and light and is slightly moisturizing because of the niacinamide.” Tryn
5. Peace Out Dark Spots Serum
This supercharged serum from Peace Out is powered by several ingredients that combat dark spots. Its formula, which is designed for all types of skin, contains Tranexamic Acid 2.5%, which is an amino acid that minimizes the appearance of dark spots. It also containsAHA Blend 10% to improve uneven skin tone and texture, and Kojic Acid 0.5% and Alpha-Arbutin 2.5% for its brightening benefits. This product has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, with a 85% recommendation rating at Sephora.
Promising review: “I really like this product so far. Been using this both morning and night. My skin has been looking more even. Really helps on acne discoloration. I’ve also noticed my dark circles look lighter as well!” KristineW08
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