This Is the Dark Spot Corrector That Actually Works on My Sensitive Skin (2024)

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Glamour staffers have tested dozens of Skinceutical products and overwhelmingly give the brand’s products rave reviews. Derms agree that if you’re targeting dark spots from the sun, acne, or medical procedures, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Typically, Dr. Castilla recommends a combination approach to treating hyperpigmentation—that’s why she loves the trio of synergistic brightening ingredients present in Skinceuticals’ Discoloration Defence formula: tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide. This powerhouse product comes at a higher price tag than other dark spot correctors, but clinical studies have shown that it can be effective at reducing discoloration. Dr. Castilla also notes that this formula is safe to use during pregnancy.

• Key ingredient(s): Tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide
• Skin types: All skin types
• Size: 1 fl. oz.
• Pros: Pregnancy-safe
• Cons: Pricey

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Looking for moisturizer, SPF, and dark spot treatment all in one? Look no further than L’Oréal Paris Revitalift. This brightening product also contains vitamin C, retinol, and glycolic acid—all at a drug store price. “I generally say not to use retinol and glycolic on the same day, but this formulation is gentle while still being effective,” says Dr. Castilla.

Glamour contributor Lindsay Schallon sings its praises, too, calling it one of the most powerful drugstore products you can get. Still, it’s “super hydrating” to leave skin brighter and more supple.

• Key ingredient(s): Glycolic acid, vitamin C, pro-retinol
• Skin types: Dry skin, sensitive skin
• Size: 1 fl. oz.
• Pros: Contains SPF, gentle formula
• Cons: Skin may be more sensitive to sunlight

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“This serum uses patented technology that harnesses resorcinol, which inhibits tyrosinase,” Erum Ilyas, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, previously told Glamour. With the goal of promoting natural cell turnover and reducing hyperpigmentation, the Murad formula also leverages the effects of both tranexamic and glycolic acids.

After extensive testing, Glamour editors loved this dark spot corrector so much that it earned a 2023 Glamour Beauty Award. “I’ve tried a lot of different products with very little results,” one tester told us. “But this one visibly reduced a dark spot on my cheek in less than two weeks.”

• Key ingredient(s): Resorcinol, tranexamic acid, glycolic acid
• Skin types: All skin types
• Size: 1 fl. oz.
• Pros: Potentially rapid results
• Cons: Can be drying; pricey

Save on the best dark spot correctors with these Sephora promo codes.

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“I’ve always been wary of using dark spot correctors because some can be too intense for my sensitive skin, but the Major Fade Hyper Serum doesn’t compromise when it comes to hydrating and brightening skin,” says Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour senior beauty editor. “My complexion looks much more even and glowy after a few months of use, thanks to brightening agents like alpha arbutin and kojic acid, while glycerin and niacinamide hydrate and support the skin barrier.”

• Key ingredient(s): Alpha arbutin, kojic acid, glycerin, diglucosyl gallic acid, niacinamide
• Skin types: All skin types
• Size: 0.96 fl. oz.
• Pros: Gentle on sensitive skin; quickly brightening
• Cons: May cause breakouts

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_{Original photo by Glamour commerce writer Andrea Navarro}

This serum is designed to reduce discoloration, acne scars, and dark spots—for all skin shades. “I love this brand because it’s formulated specifically for melanated skin tones,” says Glamour commerce writer Andrea Navarro. “There aren’t many options out there for removing dark spots on darker skin tones, and this serum from Topicals works to fully fade them over time.” She also loves the lightweight cream consistency and the fact that it includes melatonin to keep her skin calm while the other mark-reducing ingredients (including tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and azelaic acid) do their thing. “For more stubborn spots, it can take over a month to see results, but it’s worth it,” she says.

• Key ingredient(s): Tranexamic acid, niacinamide, azelaic acid
• Skin types: Normal, dry, combination, oily
• Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
• Pros: Formulated for melanated skin tones; calming formula
• Cons: Can take time to see results

Save on the best dark spot correctors with these Sephora promo codes.

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If you’re looking to address discoloration with the help of retinol, multiple dermatologists recommend this drugstore serum. Not only does it come at a budget-friendly price, but Dr. Castilla likes that it features time-release vitamin C and retinol, which she says is less likely to cause irritation.

Just keep in mind that its active ingredients (retinol and vitamin C) are more likely to be drying—something our testers with more sensitive skin did notice—so it’s ideal for oily or acne-prone skin. What’s more, “because of the retinol, it’s important to use sunscreen,” says Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City.

• Key ingredient(s): Vitamin C, retinol
• Skin types: Normal, oily, acne-prone
• Size: 1 fl. oz.
• Pros: Good for oily, acne-prone skin
• Cons: Makes skin more sensitive to the sun

Save on the best dark spot correctors with these Target promo codes.

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Suitable for all skin types, this acid-free hydrating toner is a favorite of Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology in NYC. She loves that it’s “powered by exfoliating prickly pear, plus peptides to support skin cell turnover,” she says. “It also contains sodium hyaluronate, shea butter, and niacinamide,” which collectively help soften, soothe, and smooth the skin.

Users say it’s a must-have, noting that it not only improves the appearance of dark spots but also reduces the size of pores and makes skin look brighter and more awake.

• Key ingredient(s): Niacinamide, Exfolactive (prickly pear extract)
• Skin types: Normal, dry, combination, oily
• Size: 5 fl. oz.
• Pros: Acid-free; suitable for all skin types
• Cons: Can be drying

Save on the best dark spot correctors with these Sephora promo codes.

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_{Original photo by Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz}

With its activated vitamin C, the skin-evening extract of white birch, and a protective peony extract, this formula has slightly unusual star ingredients, but it’s effective nonetheless. According to a clinical test conducted by Kiehl’s Since 1851, of the 104 people who tested an entire bottle of the product, 97% saw a visible reduction in dark spots. Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz similarly started to notice results after using this serum for just two weeks.

• Key ingredient(s): Activated C, white birch extract, peony extract
• Skin types: Normal
• Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
• Pros: Potentially rapid results
• Cons: Small amount per container

Save on the best dark spot correctors with these Sephora promo codes.

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Finding products that are strong enough to work but actually safe to use during pregnancy can be a real challenge—luckily this dark spot corrector from The Ordinary can stay in your skin care routine through every trimester. Its primary ingredient is azelaic acid—which can help even skin tone, reduce the appearance of blemishes, and offer antioxidant support.

“The texture felt super luxe and absorbed nicely,” says one Glamour reviewer who tried (and loved) the product. “And while I didn’t notice an improvement on a stubborn breakout, my post-acne dark spots looked less opaque than they had.”

• Key ingredient(s): Azelaic acid
• Skin types: Normal, dry, combination, oily
• Size: 1 oz.
• Pros: Gentle enough for daily use
• Cons: Can be drying

Save on the best dark spot correctors with these Sephora promo codes.

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Hyperpigmentation? Oversized pores? Redness? Fans of Sunday Riley’s niacinimide serum say the hardworking product can cure it all. “I’ve personally only been using Sunday Riley’s B3 Nice Serum for a few months, and I already see a noticeable improvement in my skin’s texture and tone,” says Danielle Sinay, Glamour’s associate beauty editor. “My dark spots and redness have faded, my skin texture is significantly smoother, and my pores are mostly invisible, especially underneath foundation.” The doesn’t clog pores or irritate skin, either, making it a suitable choice even for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin.

• Key ingredient(s): Niacinamide, brightenyl (diglucosyl gallic acid), trans-resveratrol
• Skin types: Normal, dry, combination, oily
• Size: 1 oz.
• Pros: Suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin; works quickly; cruelty-free
• Cons: Some users say it oxidizes quickly

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This lightweight product was specifically formulated to reduce hyperpigmentation for people with melanin-rich skin, featuring all-star ingredients like niacinamide, licorice root extract, and amber algae, among others.

“After a month of using it religiously (in addition to upping my water intake and prioritizing holistic wellness to quell breakouts), I noticed the dark spots beginning to fade. My cheeks looked more evenly toned and started to bounce back to a smoother canvas for creamy bronzers and blushes,” says Glamour contributor Erin Parker, who tested this Eadem serum when it first launched.

• Key ingredient(s): Niacinamide, licorice root extract, amber algae
• Skin types: All skin types
• Size: 1.01 fl. oz.
• Pros: Designed for women of color; lightweight formula
• Cons: May take time to see results

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With more than 1,000 five-star reviews on the brand’s site, this Beauty Pie serum is certainly a beloved product. Users say it reduces pigmentation, improves overall texture, and offers a healthy glow all at the same time.

Dr. King recommends this formula because “it contains antioxidants to protect the skin from free radical damage and is powered with 10% niacinamide.” Plus, it features ingredients like skin-smoothing Evermat and brightening Oxygeskin.

• Key ingredient(s): Niacinamide, Evermat, Oxygeskin, hydroxyacetophenone
• Skin types: All skin types
• Size: 1.01 fl. ounces
• Pros: Smoothing; contains antioxidants
• Cons: Pricey

_{Original photo by Glamour commerce reviewer Brigitt Earley}

This dark spot correcting cream’s star ingredient is something called LTN Complex, which is a combination of a super-concentrated lotus sprout extract, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide—all three of which are powerful brightening agents that directly target discoloration. It also boasts kojic acid and vitamin C for even more brightening power.

We specifically like this formula for mature skin, because it targets fine lines, wrinkles, and any yellowing of the skin. That’s all thanks to a 0.25% concentration of retinol and glycolic acid.

• Key ingredient(s): LTN Complex, kojic acid, vitamin C, retinol, glycolic acid
• Skin types: All skin types
• Size: 0.5 ounces
• Pros: Targets both hyperpigmentation and signs of aging; works quickly
• Cons: Some users complained about the smell.

Original photo by Glamour reviewer Brigitt Earley

_{Original photo by Glamour commerce reviewer Brigitt Earley}

Here’s the problem with dark spot correctors: While many of them work magic on that discoloration, they often contain ingredients like retinol that can be overly drying—especially if you have sensitive skin. Not this one. Although it contains exfoliating and brightening agents to target and treat any tough spots, it’s also packed with hyaluronic acid to moisturize and soothe at the same time.

“The serum is almost gel-like and has a cooling sensation upon application,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley. “And while it absorbed quickly, that feeling really lingered, leaving my dry skin nice and happy.”

• Key ingredient(s): Mandelic acid, caviar lime, hyaluronic acid
• Skin types: All skin types
• Size: 1 ounce
• Pros: Hydrating; absorbs quickly; has a nice cooling sensation
• Cons: Has a very strong smell

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Herbivore is one of our favorite natural beauty brands, and this dark-spot-correcting serum doesn’t disappoint. It’s formulated with a highly stable 15% THD vitamin C that targets hyperpigmentation, as well as turmeric, an anti-oxidant with known brightening properties, and arbutin, a natural ingredient that diminishes discoloration and tightens pores.

• Key ingredient(s): Vitamin C, turmeric, arbutin
• Skin types: All skin types
• Size: 1 ounce
• Pros: Vegan and cruelty-free; clean formula; lightweight yet hydrating
• Cons: Some users say it’s hard to get out of the bottle.