The 13 Best Dark Spot Correctors That Gave Visible Results in Our Lab Testing
See the before-and-after images to believe.
Tested by Danusia WnekSenior ChemistMedically reviewed by Mona A. Gohara, M.D.Board-Certified Dermatologist
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Many of us —myself included! —have peered into the bathroom mirror, zeroing in on new (or newly noticed) dark spots. Also known as sun spots, age spots and hyperpigmentation, these marks can make skin appear uneven, less clear and dull. Dark spots can occur on the face as well as body skin such as hands and chest as a result of sun exposure, genetics, hormones and inflammation, says Howard Murad, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Murad Skincare, and often become more prevalent with age. One solution: dark spot corrector skincare products, including serums, moisturizers and exfoliators like peels which are made to help fade unwanted hyperpigmentation.
"Dark spot correctors are used to lighten and diminish skin hyperpigmentation resulting from acne, sun damage or an otherwise uneven skin tone," explains Alan J. Parks, M.D., dermatologist and founder of DermWarehouse in Columbus, Ohio. "They usually work by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for the production of melanin [pigment] in skin, and may also increase the rate that skin cells renew themselves, ridding skin of the dead, damaged cells faster and making way for fresh, new cells." Seek out treatments that contain ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide and kojic acid, recommends Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek.
To find the best dark spot correctors, GH Beauty Lab scientists evaluate them in the Lab using technical instruments to measure results over a set time period and with consumer testers at home for their usage feedback. In the Lab's most recent dark spot serum test, experts collated 1,276 tester response data points to identify the most effective formulas that work for all skin types, from sensitive to mature, oily and beyond.
Avon Anew Ultimate Multi-Performance Night Cream
Pros
- Faded dark spots by 12% in four weeks in Lab testing
- Effectively firms and hydrates skin
- Brightens and boosts radiance
Cons
- Scent may be polarizing
Product type: Night cream | Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, peptides | Size: 1.7 oz.
Avon's night cream with high levels of glycolic acid was a stellar dark spot minimizer in GH Beauty Lab testing. It reduced the appearance of dark spots by an impressive 12% in four weeks of use, according to measurements with the Lab's Visia Complexion Analyzer device. It also ranked top for improving skin firmness and hydration. Many testers noted that the cream brightened and gave skin a glow.
TESTERS SAID: Two users remarked that it "diminished dark spots." The formula was "rich" and "luxurious," several added, though some commented that they didn't like the "strong perfume scent." A fan concluded: "The following morning, my skin appeared moisturized and softened and had improved tone."
RELATED: Best Night Creams
RoC Multi Correxion Even Tone + Lift Moisturizer SPF 30
Pros
- Reduced dark spots by nearly 5% in four weeks in Lab tests
- Firms and minimizes wrinkles
- Softens skin and wears well under makeup
- Contains SPF
Cons
- Scent was too strong for some
Product type: SPF day lotion | Key ingredients: Vitamin C, resorcinol | Size: 1.7 oz.
This drugstore face moisturizer with SPF 30 sunscreen from RoC was a winner of the GH Beauty Lab's anti-aging day cream test and minimized visible dark spots by 4.5%, over four weeks in Lab calculations with the Visia Complexion Analyzer. The bargain buy was a tester favorite; they gave it the best marks for softening, firming and reducing wrinkles, and a few said it was perfect for wearing under makeup.
TESTERS SAID: "I noticed a difference in skin tone and texture," a user reported, and another noted that it seemed to have lightened her brown spots. “It left my skin feeling plump and looking smooth and glowing," a fan commented. A few didn't like the product's "strong" scent, however.
Pros
- Minimizes the look of dark spots
- Brightens and evens skin tone
- Increases radiance
Cons
- Formula can be sticky and take time to soak in
Product type: Serum | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, tranexamic acid, resorcinol | Size: 2 oz.
A worth-it splurge, SkinMedica was the best in the Beauty Lab’s dark spot serum test, delivering the most hyperpigmentation-correcting power of the products assessed. Made with proven dark spot-fighting ingredients such as niacinamide and tranexamic acid, the serum excelled on nearly every front, from evening skin tone to brightening.
The overall tester favorite, this treatment received the top score for making dark spots less visible, brightening skin, boosting radiance and evening tone in four weeks of use. While some users liked that it was fragrance-free, others wished it had added scent; they also found the formula was tacky and took time to absorb.
TESTERS SAID: “I saw actual results in just two weeks,” one tester marveled. Another reported, “I got compliments on how glowy my skin looked.”
See a tester's results below before (left) and after (right) four weeks of use.
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Mother Science Molecular Hero Serum
Pros
- Contains a breakthrough skin brightening ingredient
- Boosts skin radiance
- Doesn't irritate
- Soaks in fast
Cons
- Testers were divided on dark spot reduction effects
Product type: Serum | Key ingredients: Malassezin, niacinamide | Size: 1 oz.
Mother Science's cutting-edge serum targets dark spots without irritation by using niacinamide and malassezin, a molecule derived from yeast. The gentle, fragrance-free formula was a top performer in the GH Beauty Lab's dark spot serum test for its glow-boosting results and effortless application.
It earned the highest score for making skin look more radiant and not causing redness or irritation per Lab assessment after four weeks of use. A full 100% of testers agreed that the serum absorbed quickly. GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann was also impressed by the brand's proof of efficacy, including "extensive clinical studies using instrumentation, VISIA photography, expert grading and consumer perception."
TESTERS SAID: Though some users didn’t see much of an effect on
their hyperpigmentation, others did: “I have many dark spots after years in the sun, and this is the first serum that actually faded them,” one commented.
See a tester's results below before (left) and after (right) four weeks of use.
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum
Pros
- Minimized dark spots and evened skin tone
- Didn't cause irritation
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing works for oily skin types
- Contains a retinoid which can help fight acne
Cons
- Fragrance was polarizing
Product type: Serum | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, retinyl palmitate, Melasyl | Size: 1 oz.
Made with a 10% concentration of niacinamide, a skin clarifying retinoid and a new molecule that prevents excess production of skin pigment, this “luxurious” La Roche-Posay formula was a winner in the Beauty Lab's dark spot corrector serum test. Testers praised the liquid’s “light” texture that “melted into skin," which is ideal for those with oily or combination complexions.
It came in near the top at fading dark spots, evening skin tone and not irritating skin after four weeks of application in Lab evaluations. Testers were divided on the “floral” scent, however, with one calling it “sophisticated” and another “strong.”
TESTERS SAID: "My skin was not oily after applying it," one reported. Another raved about the results, revealing “I am obsessed with how it diminished the dark spots left behind by my pimples.”
See a tester's results below before (left) and after (right) four weeks of use.
RELATED: Best Retinol Serums
Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment
Pros
- Contains several hero brightening ingredients
- Evens skin tone and increases glow
- Easy to use and soaks in fast
Cons
- A few testers found it irritated skin
Product type: Serum | Key ingredients: Vitamin C, niacinamide, tranexamic and kojic acids, alpha arbutin | Size: 1.7 oz.
Turn to Peter Thomas Roth‘s “creamy” serum starring super-antioxidant vitamin C to help treat and prevent hyperpigmentation — and give skin a glow. Blended with an extensive list of brighteners including niacinamide, tranexamic and kojic acids and alpha arbutin, it produced visibly more even-toned, illuminated skin in the GH Beauty Lab’s dark spot serum test.
The formula scored high marks for ease of use, speedy absorption and leaving skin glowing and looking more even in Lab evaluations after four weeks of use. It performed moderately at reducing dark spots over the testing period, but note that two testers experienced irritation.
TESTERS SAID: Several users noticed increased vibrance, with one remarking that “skin looks a little brighter each morning."
See a tester's results below before (left) and after (right) four weeks of use.
Palmer's Skin Success Extra Strength Tone Correcting Cream
Pros
- Lightens post-acne scars and marks
- Doesn't irritate skin
- Great value
Cons
- May take longer to work
Product type: Moisturizing cream | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, retinol, vitamin C | Size: 2.7 oz.
Backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal, this drugstore bargain, cream effectively tackles dark marks from acne and other forms of hyperpigmentation, without inflaming skin. In a study of 50 women, 96% reported that the product helped lighten their post-acne scars and marks in eight weeks. And despite its potent active ingredients, no irritation was reported in another study of 105 people, half of whom had sensitive skin.
REVIEWERS SAID: "I can see a difference in my sun spots" and "it's very good for fading scars," two remarked, although some noted that it took time to see results.
RELATED: The Best Acne Products, According to Dermatologists
Olay Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Face Moisturizer
Pros
- Improves dark spots and brightens
- Measurably moisturizes skin
Cons
- Some users said it irritated their skin
Product type: Moisturizing cream | Key ingredients: Vitamin C, niacinamide | Size: 1.7 oz.
Smooth on this GH Beauty Award-winning Olay face cream made with brightening antioxidant vitamin C to moisturize skin and reduce dark marks at the same time. It significantly improved dark spots and brightness after four weeks of use, plus increased skin’s hydration by 31% over six hours, GH Beauty Lab data evaluation confirmed.
TESTERS SAID: In a 180-woman study, 91% said their skin had a healthy glow after five days. A caveat: Some reviewers noted that it caused irritation.
RELATED: Best Vitamin C Serums
Pros
- Packed with proven brightening ingredients
- Has anti-aging benefits
Cons
- Expensive for the size
Product type: Serum | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, retinol, vitamin C, kojic acid | Size: 1 oz.
The multipurpose Biopelle serum, which is blended with both dark spot-fading and anti-aging ingredients, comes highly recommended by Mamina Turegano, M.D., a dermatologist in Metairie, Louisiana and co-founder of Skintap.com. Though it is a splurge, the treatment is loaded with active ingredients.
EXPERTS SAID: "It contains kojic acid, niacinamide, retinol and vitamin C to help with dark spots," Dr. Turegano explains. "The formula also has peptides to help rejuvenate the skin."
Pros
- Effectively brightens skin tone
- Minimizes dark spots
- Smooths skin
Cons
- Tubes can be tricky to open
Product type: Exfoliating liquid | Key ingredients: Lactic acid | Size: 0.1 oz. per tube (10 tubes total)
Dermalogica's professional-level lactic acid peel was the best at brightening skin in the GH Beauty Lab's face peel test. It earned the best score for reducing visible spots in two weeks in Lab assessment with the Visia Complexion Analyzer. A full 100% of testers agreed that the formula brightened, improved skin tone and left skin looking smoother. It also performed impressively at boosting skin's radiance.
TESTERS SAID: Every tester reported they'd use it again, although the tubes can be difficult to open. "My skin immediately felt so smooth and looked even and bright," and "it seemed to lighten brown spots," two testers reported.
RELATED: Best At-Home Face Peels
SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3
Pros
- Minimizes lines and firms
- Brightens skin
- Doesn't cause irritation
Cons
- Pricey
Product type: Serum | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides | Size: 1.7 oz.
Treat both dark spots and wrinkles simultaneously with this formula from SkinCeuticals, a winner of the GH Beauty Lab's anti-aging serum test. Not only was it the best at reducing the look of lines in Lab evaluations in four weeks of use, testers found that it was top at firming and a great skin brightener. The serum is formulated with 5% niacinamide, which has been shown to brighten skin, improving hyperpigmentation. Despite its strong effects, 100% of users agreed it didn't irritate skin.
TESTERS SAID: Two users reported that their "skin tone appeared more even," and one said it "lightened dark spots." Though it's not a moisturizer, a few commented that it wasn't hydrating enough.
RELATED: Best Anti-Aging Serums
Pros
- Exfoliates and smooths skin with powerful actives
- Brightens and boosts radiance
- Doesn't cause flaking or peeling
Cons
- Expensive
- May be difficult to rinse off skin
Product type: Exfoliating cream | Key ingredients: Glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids | Size: 1.4 oz.
A GH Beauty Lab face peel test winner, La Prairie's fast-acting formula with a potent blend of exfoliating lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids is worth the splurge. It scored highest for improving radiance in Lab digital imaging evaluations with the Visia Complexion Analyzer and earned one of the best scores for brightening skin in two weeks of use. Though some users commented that it took effort to rinse off, 100% reported no peeling or flaking after application.
TESTERS SAID. "My skin looked brighter as soon as I washed it off — my family even noticed!” one revealed. Another echoed: "My skin was smoother and brighter following two uses."
Philosophy The Microdelivery Triple-Acid Brightening Peel
Pros
- Effectively brightens skin and boosts radiance
- Visible effects for days
- Can be used on body skin
Cons
- Single-use
Product type: Exfoliating pads | Key ingredients: Glycolic, mandelic and malic acids; niacinamide | Quantity: 12
These individually-packed glycolic acid peel pads from Philosophy excelled at improving skin tone in GH Beauty Lab testing and can also be used on the body. They earned the top score for brightening skin according to consumer testers and ranked highly for evening skin tone in two weeks of use.
TESTERSE SAID: Great for before a special event, a few testers found their skin glowing for days following application. “After each use, my skin looked brighter for two days," one said. "It also felt softer and smoother."
How we test the best dark spot correctors
To find the best dark spot corrector products, GH Beauty Lab scientists conduct rigorous clinical and consumer testing, recruiting women of all ages and skin types to assess the products' results after at home use. In the Lab, their skin is scanned with the Visia Complexion Analyzer device to measure changes in the size and count of dark spots, plus pores, skin texture and lines and wrinkles before and after weeks of use, as pictured.
Consumer testers also report their feedback on factors like ease of use, cosmetic properties (i.e. texture, scent), application and the look and feel of their skin following the testing period. In the GH Beauty Lab's most recent dark spot serum test, scientists distributed 135 products to testers and analyzed 1,276 consumer feedback data points to find the top-performing formulas.
Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing.
Mona Gohara, M.D. is a Yale-trained, board-certified dermatologist, Oberlin College-bred feminist, medical media expert, and member of the ELLE Beauty Advisory Board. Mona enjoys educating on skin health, skin cancer, skin of color, and sun protection. She has done this through writing, lecturing on the local, national, and international levels, and by engaging popular media. Mona is an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology, where she chaired the social media task force, The Women’s Dermatologic Society where she serves as president, and The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, where she chairs the DEI Work Group.
