20 Dark Spot Correctors That WORK, According To Dermatologists

Your age, fluctuating hormones (like the ones women experience during pregnancy), and skin irritation can all also lead to dark spots. Also: The fairer your skin, the more likely you are to suffer these discolorations.

Luckily, there are some damn good dark spot correctors you can find OTC. Here are 20 derm-approved picks:

1. Dermalogica Age Bright Spot Fade

This two-in-one spot treatment uses a combo of salicylic acid and witch hazel to treat existing breakouts-plus anti-inflammatory niacinamide to deal with leftover pigmentation for an old breakout.

2. Ambi Fade Cream for Oily Skin

Hydroquinone is the gold standard for lightening dark spots, says Dr. Levin-and it's the star ingredient in this brightening cream. This formula contains two percent of the active ingredient, which is likely the highest concentration youll find available OTC.

3. Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Dark Spot Corrector

Lipo-hydroxyl acid (LHA) is the powerhouse in this dark spot corrector. Hydroxy acids are an effective way of exfoliating dead cells from the surface of the skin to enhance radiance and improve hyperpigmentation, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.

4. L'Oral Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals from causing oxidative damage to the skin and blocks enzymatic processes that make more pigment in the skin, Dr. Levin explains. Translation: This drugstore serum will help stop two causes of brown spots in their tracks.

5. Vichy LiftActiv Peptide-C Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer

If you're not looking to add another step to your routine, this brightening moisturizer is the all-in-one you're looking for. Glycerin and Vichy's thermal water keep your skin well hydrated while ascorbyl glucoside (aka a water-soluble form of vitamin C) targets those unwanted dark spots.

6. CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

It this vitamin C-packed list is starting to sound like a broken record, it's because this hard-hitting antioxidant is an all-star skin brightener, and this drugstore serum is no exception. It also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and nourishing ceramides, so you don't need to choose between an even skin tone and a moisturized complexion.

7. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

This is one of Dr. Levins favorite brightening serums, which packs antioxidants vitamin C and E. (It's worth the price-trust.) Apply the lightweight serum each morning to limit free radicals and boost brightness.

8. Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

Derms love this stuff for fighting acne and signs of aging. Now, you can add dark-spot correcting to that list. This gel contains adapalene, a super-effective type of retinoid. Retinoids are key in terms of exfoliating the skin and treating discoloration, says Dr. Levin.

9. Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum

This dark spot corrector uses brightening hydroquinone plus added glycolic acid to boost the exfoliating action and the efficacy of hydroquinone. (Warning: if you have sensitive skin, hydroquinone can cause redness, dryness, and other irritation.)

10. Philosophy The Microdelivery Triple-Action Brightening Peel

Along with a brightening cream, you can do peel pads if youre looking to lighten up a smattering of spots, says Dr. Tanzi. These convenient pads pack brighteners like niacinamide along with mandelic, phytic, and azelaic acids to remove dead skin cells and diminish darkness.

11. IS Clinical White Lightening Complex

This product, recommended by Dr. Tanzi, relies on Norwegian kelp and bearberry extract to lighten spots. Hydrating hyaluronic acid and dimethicone plump fine lines, making this product great for treating multiple signs of aging. Because acne can cause dark spots, too, youll also get blemish-fighting salicylic acid in the mix.

12. SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum

Another one on Dr. Tanzis radar, this hydroquinone-free treatment, which is great if you have sensitive skin. It brightens with licorice root extract and includes peptides that work inside cells to turn down pigment production. It also contains retinol to spur cell turnover (helping further reduce dark spots) and vitamin E to protect your skin.

13. Aveeno Positively Radiant MaxGlow Infusion Drops

Soy is a natural ingredient that has skin-brightening effects, which is why its commonly used in products that help lighten dark spots, says Dr Zeichner. You can use this soy-packed serum alone or mix a few drops into your favorite moisturizer.

14. REN Bio Retinoid Anti-Ageing Cream

Bakuchiol is a retinoid alternative, is well tolerated, and works great with vitamin C to even out skin tone-all without hydroquinone, says Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale and Women's Health advisor.

15. PCA Skin C&E Strength Max

Vitamins C and E are potent antioxidants that work together to prevent free radical damage to the skin and interfere with the production of abnormal pigmentation, says Dr. Zeichner. And since this formula is a cream, not a liquid, which degrades vitamin C faster, the active ingredient will work better longer.

16. Glycolix Elite Treatment Pads 20%

Infused with glycolic acid, these little pads are a great, gentle exfoliant, and help with unwanted discoloration, particularly with the help of a vitamin C serum in the morning, says Dr. Gohara. And the glycolic acid will help you deal with pesky breakouts, too.

17. Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate

This cult anti-aging serum will help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles while lightening up dark spots thanks to one star ingredient: turmeric. Turmeric is a spice commonly used in South Asian cooking thats been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, making it a useful ingredient in brightening the skin, says Dr. Zeichner.

18. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance AHA Intensive Peel

If normal peels make you red AF and dry you out, try this one instead to attack multiple dark spots. A light yet hydrating AHA peel, this one helps diminish dark spots when applied once per week, says Dr. Gohara.

19. Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector

If you're looking for a good drugstore dark spot treatment, Dr. Zeichner loves this one from Neutrogena. The combination of vitamin C and retinol helps block abnormal pigment production and enhances shedding skin cells that contain extra pigment, he says.

20. Lancme Visionnaire Crescendo Dual-Phase Night Peel

The first part of this peel contains mild fruit acids that allow the skin to adjust, and after two weeks a more aggressive combination of alpha and beta hydroxy acid are used, says Dr. Zeichner.

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