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The 11 Best Dark Spot Correctors for Glowing Bright Skin

For people of color, dark spots and small areas of hyperpigmentation are a constant struggle. This is especially true in darker skinned people who also suffer from acne and have sensitive skin. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is one of the most common skin complaints to dermatologists. One of the main initial solutions for this problem is dark spot correctors.

Common ingredients that reduce dark spots or brighten skin include: vitamin C; hydroquinone; kojic acid; retinol (or other retinoids); niacinamide; exfoliating acids and peels such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid; licorice root extract; tranexamic acid; azelaic acid; arbutin; and emblica. Daily use of sunscreen is also a requisite if you want to achieve an even toned skin.

A recent 2023 study showed that a novel pigment-correcting dark spot treatment gel significantly improved the appearance of PIH and solar lentigines after 12 weeks of application. Below is the before and after photo.

Dark Spot Correctors Results — Dark spot corrector before and after 12 weeks results. Source: Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.

The Best Dark Spot Correctors in 2024

There are numerous dark spot correctors on the market. Most can be used safely by people with all skin types. However, some of them contain ingredients that should be used sparingly by people with darker skin types. Lightening creams with hydroquinone can especially cause serious side effects with long-term use on dark skin.

TruSkin Vitamin C Face Serum

TruSkin’s Vitamin C Serum is a good first step to begin lightening your facial dark spots. While it doesn’t contain any potent ingredients, this means that there are less chances of undesirable side effects. With over 142,000 Amazon reviews at the time of writing this post, this product is a blockbuster. The average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars is also respectable.

Besides Vitamin C, this TruSkin Serum also contains Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E. It contains a better form of Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) that is highly stable and maintains potency for longer. It also causes less skin stinging than other commonly used forms of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid).

L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal

L'Oreal Bright Reveal — L’Oreal Bright Reveal with 12% Niacinamide.

What would any bestselling list of skincare products be without the mention of French cosmetics behemoth L’Oréal? The company’s Bright Reveal dermatologist tested dark spot serum contains a very strong 12% Niacinamide as well as Amino Sulfonic Acid and Ferulic Acid.

It will visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots, age spots, sunspots and post-acne scar marks. The Ferulic Acid and Amino Sulfonic Acid gently exfoliate skin surface cells and moisturize and brighten skin.

Cyspera Cysteamine Cream

Cysteamine is a very unique novel ingredient. The Cyspera pigment correction cream contains Cysteamine Isobionic-Amide Complex™. It inhibits both tyrosinase and peroxidase. It also acts as a dopaquinone scavenger. The Cyspera Intensive System costs $285 on the manufacturer’s website and consists of:

Cyspera Intensive™ (30 ml / 1 fl oz).
Cyspera Neutralize™ (50 ml / 1.75 fl oz).
Cyspera Boost™ (30 ml / 1 fl oz).

Musely

Musely makes a range of products to diminish your dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Among the ingredients in their prescription dark spot reducing cream include hydroquinone, niacinamide, azelaic acid, tretinoin, hydrocortisone, tranexamic acid and vitamin C. Getting prescription from Musely is easy and all done online via a 3-minute doctor consultation. Your custom medication is then compounded and mailed to you. If you have dark skin, make sure that you go easy on the hydroquinone strength and frequency of application. Overuse can cause long-term skin damage.

Discoloration Serum from Good Molecules

Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum currently has 3,500 reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Currently prices at $12 for 1 Fl Oz. The key ingredients in this product are 3% tranexamic acid (cetyl tranexamate mesylate) and 4% niacinamide. The tranexamic acid targets skin discoloration and helps promote a clear skin tone. Make sure to read my post on tranexamic acid for skin lightening. The niacinamide helps improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, dullness and enlarged pores.

Clinique Dark Spot Corrector Interrupter

This is a very expensive product when not on sale, retailing at $88 for a 1.7 Fl Oz serum pump. The currently discounted price is $26. It has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 2,030 reviews. All Clinique products are free from parabens, phthalates and fragrance.

The key ingredients in Clinique’s unisex dark spot corrector and interrupter are salicylic acid, vitamin C and proprietary CL302 equalizer technology. Its use results in diminished acne scars and dark spots.

Topicals Faded Brightening and Clearing Serum

Topicals Faded Brightening and Clearing Serum contains Kojic Acid, Niacinamide and Tranexamic Acid. It is dermatologist tested, vegan and cruelty-free and also contains Allantoin, Azelaic Acid and Licorice Root Extract.

The 1.7 Fl Oz tube of Topical Faded currently costs $38, which is moderately expensive. The average rating across 1,830 reviewers is 4.1 out of 5 stars. Topicals Rx is listed as a small black-owned business and its products are always suitable for black skin.

Neutrogena Dark Spot Corrector

Well known brand Neutrogena makes a dark spot corrector with Retinol and Vitamin C as the key ingredients. It currently has almost 10,000 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. It targets stubborn dark spots to even out skin tone.

This daily facial serum is formulated with fast acting pure retinol, a dermatologist-approved and proven form of vitamin A. It is suitable for daily use in all skin types (including South Asian and Black), and is free of mineral oil and dyes.

AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum

An interesting product from South Korea that contains 5% niacinamide, vegan plant-derived squalane, papaya extract, allantoin, rice bran, sea buckthorn, calendula and more. Note that squalane is the hydrogenated derivative of squalene. Helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation and brightens skin. AXIS-Y currently has currently has 2,800 reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Axis-Y Dark Spot Corrector — Axis-Y dark spot corrector with Niacinamide 5%, and various other natural ingredients.

Citygoo Dark Spot Remover

The CITYGOO dark spot remover cream tranexamic acid, niacinamide, squalene, panthenol, citric acid, vitamin E and hydrolyzed rice protein. It claims to reduce dark spots, pregnancy spots, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, scars, discoloration and melasma.

Lightning Wand

The Lightning Wand from Hero Cosmetics is a brightening serum for fading dark spots. It contains powerful skin care ingredients and yet no hydroquinone, phthalates, artificial color, no fragrance. It is also not tested on animals. Glycolic acid in this Lightning Wand product exfoliates dead skin. The skin is also brightened with vitamin C, niacinamide and tranexamic acid.

Is it ok to use Hydroquinone in Dark Skin?

Hydroquinone is often used to lighten and reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation, including melasma. Many bleaching creams contain hydroquinone.

However, in people with darker skin, results vary substantially. Overuse can even cause permanent skin damage and changes.

Hydroquinone 4 Percent Dark Skin — Hydroquinone 4% cream for skin lightening and dark spot reduction. Prescription only.

Hydroquinone use on Dark Skin

Hydroquinone is commonly used in skincare products for individuals with dark skin due to its skin-lightening properties. However, in many countries, it can only be purchased via a prescription and may need to be compounded by a pharmacist. In developing nations, it is usually available over-the-counter (OTC).

Hydroquinone is typically used in cream or lotion formulations at concentration levels of between 1% to 5%. Most creams contain combination formulations that also include other skin lightening agents such as topical retinoids (to increase efficacy) and low potency topical steroids (to reduce irritation and inflammation).

Mechanism of Action

Hydroquinone lightens epidermal (but not the deeper dermal) skin pigmentation by reducing the production of new melanin. In temporarily inhibits the tyrosinase enzyme that causes the skin pigement melanin; and it selectively damages melanocytes and melanosomes.

Most people begin treatment by using hydroquinone topically on the hyperpigmented skin area twice daily for three months. After that period, most patients can reduce application frequency to twice per week to maintain their improved pigmentation.

Below are some specific uses of hydroquinone in treating skin concerns in individuals with dark skin.

Treatment of Hyperpigmentation

Dark skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation, which includes conditions such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), melasma and age spots. Hydroquinone inhibits the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production. By reducing melanin synthesis, hydroquinone helps lighten dark patches and even out skin tone. You can find many testimonials on Reddit for such use in people of color. Treating hyperpigmentation in Indian skin is especially common.

Melasma Management

Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by dark, irregular patches on the face, particularly in areas exposed to the sun. Hydroquinone is often included in skincare formulations designed to address melasma, either alone or in combination with other active ingredients like tretinoin and corticosteroids.

Treatment of Dark Spots and Scars

Hydroquinone is effective in fading dark spots left behind by acne or other skin injuries. It works by disrupting the excessive melanin production in the affected areas, leading to a more uniform skin tone.

Correction of Uneven Skin Tone

Individuals with dark skin may experience uneven skin tone due to various factors, including sun exposure, inflammation, and hormonal changes. Hydroquinone helps in balancing skin pigmentation, promoting a more consistent complexion.

Topical Treatment for Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN)

Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra is a common skin condition that presents as small, dark bumps on the face, especially in individuals with darker skin tones (e.g., actor Morgan Freeman). Hydroquinone can be incorporated into topical treatments to reduce the appearance of these lesions.

Hydroquinone Side Effects

It is essential to note that while hydroquinone is widely used for these purposes, there have been concerns about potential side effects, especially with prolonged and high-dose use.

The most worrying side effect is ochronosis, a bluish-black or bluish-grey discoloration of the skin. However, it has been reported in rare cases. It is more commonly seen in patients that use a high concentration of hydroquinone for a long period on large areas of the body.

Due to these concerns, regulatory authorities in certain regions have imposed restrictions on the concentration of hydroquinone in over-the-counter skincare products.

Amond the potential adverse effects include:

Irritation.
Allergic contact dermatitis.
Erythema.
Inflammation.
Xeroderma.
Stinging.
ochronosis

Before using hydroquinone or any other skincare product, individuals with dark skin should consult with a dermatologist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan and to ensure the safe and effective use of these products. Additionally, it’s crucial to use sun protection measures, such as sunscreen, as part of the skincare routine to prevent further hyperpigmentation and maintain overall skin health.

Skin Pigment and Medical Device Performance

Skin Pigment Impact on Medical Device Efficacy. Source: US FDA.

A recent 2023 study from the US FDA is titled “Impact of Skin Pigmentation on The Performance of Biomedical Optics Devices.” It is very interesting and the above poster image has very precise details spelled out. Make sure to also read my recent post on the lack of representation of darker skin in medical texts in the US and Western Europe.

Skin Pigment and Biomedical Device Performance

Melanin is recognized to be a major absorber of light in the skin. While melanin is the main factor in determining skin color, it can also significantly impact signals detected by optical medical devices. The authors of this latest study break out the biomedical devices analyzed into six categories:

Cerebral/Tissue oximeters (675-950 nm wavelength).
Hyperspectral imaging systems (400-1,000 nm).
Photoacoustic imagers (550-900 nm).
Wearables/PPGs (450-900 nm).
Transcutaneous bilirubinometers (380-760 nm).
Raman spectroscopy devices (550-1,100 nm).

In all six medical device types, the level of skin pigment in a patient makes a difference in how well each device works. What the authors call a skin pigmentation bias. The offer suggestions on mitigation procedure for all technologies other than for wearables/PPG (photoplethysmography).

Impact of Pigmentation and Solutions

Among the problems associated with increased skin pigment include:

Reduced signals at shorter wavelengths.
Intensity reduction.
Reduced waveform modulation and amplitude.
Excess device light absorption by the melanin in the skin.
Undesired spectral shifts.
Strong pressure transients in the epidermis, increasing near-surface clutter and noise.
Lower signal to noise ratio in the dermis.
Alteration in blood oxygenation estimates.
Melanin has the potential to absorb both excitation light and Raman scattering.

Among the various mitigation measures that are suggested include: stronger light sources; higher detector sensitivity; narrower probe spacing; multiple source-detector separation distances and processing algorithms; weighted subtractions in hyperspectral reflectance imaging (HRI) devices; multiple wavelength utilization; fluence correction algorithms to compensate for spectral coloring; revision of illumination detection design; and numerical background correction approaches.

In recent years, clinical studies of pulse oximetry have garnered much attention in finding evidence of racial disparities in performance. This latest research indicates that other biomedical optics technologies can also be affected significantly by skin pigmentation levels in people of color.

Optical characteristics of skin melanin including absorption, scattering and fluorescence. There needs to be increased awareness by medical professionals in regards to the mechanisms and effects of epidermal melanin on detected optical signals. Feedback can help device manufacturers improve their technology. Moreover, government regulatory staff can then institute appropriate practices to avoid racial disparities in medical device efficacy.