Best Serums That Treat Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation
If you’re here, you know how hard it is to deal with dark spots and different types of blemishes. Many products claim to fix blemishes by brightening them, but you’ll never know for sure, if they work, until you try them. To find the best serums for dark spots, you’d need to look for ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, AHAs, niacinamide, lactic acid, and glycolic acid, as they all help treat dark spots.
We reviewed and tested a dozen serums with different formulas, and chose the 7 best ones that can brighten up dark spots.
Our Top Picks:
1. Sunday Riley Good Genes Face Serum
This is by far one of the best serums for dark spots there is. Sunday Riley Good Genes face serum is lightweight and smells wonderful. There are 3 main ingredients, lactic acid, licorice, and lemongrass, which help to plump fine lines, clarify the skin, and brighten the appearance of dark spots. The only downside is that it is expensive, but it will for sure make a difference in the skin’s appearance.
2. La Roche-Posay Glycolic Acid Serum
Unlike Sunday Riley Good Genes Face Serum, this one has a main ingredient – glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is stronger than Lactic Acid, and penetrates the skin deeper, making it more effective for acne, and dark spots, but… it may irritate very sensitive skin. Furthermore, it has two other ingredients, Tranexamic acid, and Vitamin B5, which help with discolorations, and hydration. Overall it’s a good serum that will help to brighten, even the skin tone, and reduce dark spots.
3. Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum
This serum is specifically made to brighten dark spots, it is 62x more effective than Vitamin C, and safe for sensitive skin. The main ingredients are Viniferine, which brightens the dark spots, and Olive Squalane, which hydrates the skin. “I’ve been using this Caudalie Vinoperfect serum for about a month now, and it’s worth the hype. After about a week’s use, I noticed my face, neck, and chest were much smoother and softer, my skin just loved this serum. By the second week, I started to notice an increase in dark spots and hyperpigmentation and became skeptical. It was like the serum was bringing to the surface every blemish I’d ever had on my face. But I decided to stick with it. By the third week, the spots started to decrease and now, at week four, they are starting to lighten noticeably.” – One reviewer says.
4. TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
You probably already have heard about TruSkin Vitamin C Serum, as it is the best-selling serum on Amazon, we also have it mentioned in The 10 Best Face Serums For Sensitive Skin article. The amount of ingredients in this thing will surprise you, it has vitamin C, E, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, jojoba oil, and MSM, all of the combined ingredients will brighten the dark spots, and help calm and protect the skin.
5. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum
First Aid Beauty is known as a brand that offers skincare products without any harsh chemicals, and artificial fragrances. This serum helps to reduce dark spots, sun spots, discolorations, hyperpigmentation, and post-acne marks, as it is packed with niacinamide, licorice root, and golden kiwifruit. It’s very gentle so it’ll suit even the most sensitive skin.
6. Vichy LiftActiv B3 Serum
Vichy products are designed to improve the quality and appearance of the skin, while also targeting different skin conditions like dryness, oiliness, discolorations, and blemishes. This serum targets any forms of discolorations, and dark spots, also correcting uneven skin tone. The 4 main ingredients are – niacinamides, peptides, glycolic acid, and tranexamic acid.
7. Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum
We believe that Dermalogica is one of the best skincare brands in 2024. Dermalogica products are developed without harsh chemicals and comedogenic ingredients that could irritate any skin type. This serum is designed more for mature women, as it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and helps to brighten and firm the skin. But in our opinion, anyone can use it, as it helps to reduce dark spots. The ingredients are lactic acid, vitamin C, and chia seed extract.
What ingredients to look for to reduce dark spots?
Ingredients like vitamin C, alpha arbutin, kojic acid, licorice root extract, and glycolic or lactic acid can help to brighten the skin.
How long does it take for a serum to reduce dark spots?
It usually takes 4-6 weeks of consistent use to see any improvements. Some stubborn spots can even take months to fade. Remember that consistency is the key.
Is it safe to use dark spot serums on sensitive skin?
Yes, but choose a gentle serum without harsh chemicals, to avoid irritation.