The Best vitamin c serums for hyperpigmentation

If you’re struggling with hyperpigmentation, you’ve come to the right place to learn about vitamin C and why it’s a long-lasting solution. Before we dig into the antioxidant’s healing powers and ability to counter hyperpigmentation, let’s first recap what this skin ailment is.

Hyperpigmentation is a condition where certain areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin. It affects people of all skin tones and can appear as dark spots, patches, or an overall darkening of the skin. While hyperpigmentation is caused by factors like sun exposure, hormonal changes, and medications, it is a common skin concern with many available treatments like chemical peels and laser treatments.

If you’d prefer a more natural approach to treating hyperpigmentation, consider a topical ointment like a nutrient-rich vitamin C serum. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can treat hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the production of melanin and lightening discoloration. (Inflammation can stimulate the production of melanin, and an excess of melanin can cause hyperpigmentation, which appears as dark spots on the skin.)

To help you find the best vitamin C serum for hyperpigmentation, we’ve put together a list of the top eight options that will save you from wading through the countless products available on the market.

1. Blu Atlas Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C has all the properties needed to counter hyperpigmentation, so invest in a serum that has loads of it. Meet the Vitamin C Serum by Blu Atlas, an all-in-one solution to fight hyperpigmentation and dry skin. In addition to vitamin C, this serum includes three vital ingredients that combat uneven skin tone, dehydration, and scarring.

First up is mulberry root extract, which is high in antioxidants that brighten the skin, promote cell regeneration, and reduce signs of aging. While improving the overall tone and texture of the skin, mulberry root extract also has anti-inflammatory properties that protect the skin from damage caused by pollution and UV radiation.

Pyrus Malus fruit extract, also known as apple fruit extract, has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory and anti-aging solution. It contains a range of vitamins and minerals to nourish your complexion and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots while hydrating the skin for a more youthful look.

Aloe vera, the final of the key ingredients, is a natural substance that moisturizes the skin, reduces the appearance of scars and stretch marks, and improves the overall tone and appearance of the skin.

Not only does Blu Atlas have the best vitamin C serum for hyperpigmentation, but their products are also vegan and free from preservatives, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic dyes. The Blu Atlas vitamin C serum is available in a 1 oz bottle for $35.00.

2. Obagi Professional-C Serum

There is a reason why InStyle Magazine named Obagi’s Professional-C Serum one of the best beauty buys of 2022. With instant absorption, this formula penetrates deep into the skin’s layers to combat discoloration, aging, fine lines, and wrinkles.

L-ascorbic Acid (vitamin C), one of the serum’s key ingredients, has been clinically proven to treat brown spots, age spots, and other forms of discoloration. L-ascorbic acid also reduces hyperpigmentation by decreasing the melanin production in the skin, which can result in a lighter and more even skin tone. (Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a type of hyperpigmentation, is caused by excess production of melanin. )

In addition to fighting hyperpigmentation, the serum is formulated with sodium hyaluronate and sorbitol to hydrate and nourish the skin. Sodium hyaluronate, a hyaluronic acid derivative, moisturizes and hydrates the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The highly effective moisturizer can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, meaning it will attract and retain moisture to provide your skin with long-lasting hydration.

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used as a moisturizing agent in skincare products. Like sodium hyaluronate, sorbitol is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. It is also an emollient, meaning it softens and smooths the skin.

This serum is best suited for normal and oily skin. It pairs well with Obagi’s Professional-C Microdermabrasion Polish + Mask, which is infused with 30% L-ascorbic Acid.

3. L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

L’Oréal Paris pulled out all the stops for its Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Inclusive of all skin types, the hydrating serum plumps skin while countering and reducing wrinkles and fine lines. The formula is non-comedogenic to prevent clogged pores and buildup.

The lightweight gel contains vital ingredients like vitamin C, piperazine ethanesulfonic acid, and hyaluronic acid. Piperazineethanesulfonic acid is a synthetic compound that functions as a humectant and balances the pH of a product.

This non-greasy serum is dermatologist approved and free from fragrance, parabens, and mineral oil. With daily use, you can get results after one week.

4. Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate

Nature meets nurture in Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate, a vitamin C serum crafted to boost radiance, diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and combat hyperpigmentation.

The serum’s formula includes 10.5% L-Ascorbic acid, renewable 2% ascorbyl glucoside, and hyaluronic acid. Ascorbyl Glucoside, a form of vitamin C, is less irritating to the skin than other forms of vitamin C. It has antioxidant properties and promotes collagen to improve texture and limit the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Ascorbyl Glucoside also reduces dark spots and uneven skin tone.

Hyaluronic acid is a miracle substance that keeps the skin hydrated and plump through its ability to retain water and moisture. With added hydration, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is reduced.

Dermatologist tested, Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate works well on all skin types. Results are visible in as little as two weeks. The serum’s daily impact lasts six hours after application.

Kiehl’s has come a long way since its first product, perfume oil, launched in 1921. Today, their products are paraben, alcohol, mineral oil, and dye free.

5. Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster

The penultimate item on our list of the best vitamin C serums for hyperpigmentation is the C15 Super Booster by Paula’s Choice. As the name suggests, this product is concentrated with vitamin C to brighten uneven skin and reduce hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles.

In addition to vitamin C, this lightweight formula is rich in skin-replenishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, ferulic acid, glycerin, panthenol, and sodium hyaluronate.

Soothing glycerin keeps the skin hydrated by drawing moisture from the air into the skin. Safe and non-irritating, it improves hydration, restores the skin’s natural barrier, and heals dry, damaged skin. It also has anti-aging effects and reduces fine lines and wrinkles by maintaining hydration and plumpness.

Users saw less discoloration and dullness after only four weeks.

6. Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum

Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma Day Serum is perfect for tightening, brightening, and reducing the appearance of scars and dark marks, the serum infuses your skin with the nutrients needed to reverse noticeable damage and signs of aging. The serum’s key ingredients include a potent antioxidant complex of 15% L-ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% vitamin E, as well as vitis vinifera (grape juice) extract, pumpkin ferment, and pomegranate extract.

Grape extract effectively reduces hyperpigmentation and improves the skin’s overall appearance. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce the appearance of redness and inflammation associated with hyperpigmentation.

Pumpkin ferment extract contains several beneficial vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and zinc, key for healthy skin. The extract also improves the skin’s appearance due to its high content of enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which exfoliate the skin and improve its texture. Pomegranate extract is rich in antioxidants and protects the skin from UV radiation, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improves the overall health and appearance of the skin.

In a clinical study conducted with 30 people over four weeks, 100% saw improvements in the skin’s tone and radiance; 96% saw improved hyperpigmentation, and 93% saw smoother texture to their skin.

7. Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

There’s a reason why the Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment by Paula’s Choice won first place at the 2022 NewBeauty Award in the Best 1% Retinol Serum category. This dimensional product targets wrinkles, fine lines, dullness, uneven tone, and enlarged pores. Its key ingredients are 1% retinol, vitamin C, and licorice extract for their speedy and impactful skincare properties.

Retinol is a form of vitamin A known for improving the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, and roughness while also diminishing the appearance of acne. Since 1% retinol is an intense ingredient concentration, start with a lower concentration if you haven’t used retinol before. We recommend using this product with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage.

Licorice extract is commonly used in skincare products due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Not only does it soothe and calm irritated skin, but it also helps to reduce redness and uneven skin tone. The extract is also a popular ingredient in countering hyperpigmentation.

8. Skinceuticals C E Ferulic

C E Ferulic by SkinCeuticals is the perfect daytime serum to target skin sensitivity, dehydration, hyperpigmentation, and aging. Ideal for normal, dry, combination, and sensitive skin, the fast-absorbing serum has key skincare ingredients like 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic Acid), vitamin E, and ferulic acid.

Vitamin E, or alpha-tocopherol, effectively lightens dark spots, acne scars, and other discolorations. Packed with antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental pollutants and free radical damage, vitamin E also increases collagen production to reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.

Ferulic acid, a plant-based antioxidant, has anti-aging properties and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties and for lightening dark spots.

The clinically formulated serum lasts 72 hours and is free from parabens, alcohol, fragrances, dyes, and silicone. After 20 weeks of daily usage, the serum increased skin firmness by 37%, reduced fine lines by 27%, and reduced wrinkles by 36%.

The Types of Hyperpigmentation

The first step to beating hyperpigmentation is identifying which type you’re dealing with.

That’s right––there are numerous ways hyperpigmentation presents, and we’re breaking down the top 5 to help you understand what you’re up against.

Melasma

This type of hyperpigmentation is characterized by dark, patchy skin on the face. It is most common in women and is often triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy or when taking certain medications.

Melasma can also be caused by sun exposure and worsened by certain skincare products or cosmetics. Usually symmetrical, Melasma appears on both sides of the face as dark spots, patches, or an overall darkening of the skin. It is most commonly found on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip.

Sunspots

Also known as age spots or liver spots, sun spots are small, flat, brown, or black spots that appear on the skin due to sun exposure. They are more common in fair-skinned people but can affect people of all skin tones. Sunspots, not a severe health concern, are usually found on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, like the face, hands, and arms.

Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

This type of hyperpigmentation is caused by the production of excess melanin in response to acne, inflammation, or injuries like cuts and burns. The inflammation that occurs during the healing process stimulates excessive production of melanin.

PIH can appear as dark spots or patches on the skin. The affected area may appear darker than the surrounding skin and may take several weeks or months to fade. PIH affects people of all skin tones but is more common in those with darker skin.

Freckles

These are small, flat, brown spots that appear on the skin due to sun exposure. They are more common in people with fair skin but can affect people of all skin tones. Freckles, not a severe health concern, are caused by excess melanin production in response to sun exposure. They are usually found on skin areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, arms, and legs.

Acanthosis Nigricans

This skin condition is characterized by thick, dark, velvety patches on the skin. It is most commonly found in the skin folds, such as the armpits, neck, and groin, but it can also appear on the face, hands, and feet.

Acanthosis Nigricans is often a sign of an underlying health condition, such as diabetes or insulin resistance. It can also be caused by certain medications or hormonal imbalances. If you have Acanthosis Nigricans, see a dermatologist or healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and get appropriate treatment.

The 411 on Treating Hyperpigmentation

If you’re concerned about hyperpigmentation, consult a dermatologist or other medical professional to determine the most appropriate treatment option for your individual needs and skin type. That said, many standard and dermatologist-approved solutions are safe to approach and try out.

Topical Creams and Serums

Several over-the-counter and topical prescription products can help lighten hyperpigmentation. These may contain hydroquinone, kojic acid, vitamin C, retinoids, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).

Hydroquinone and kojic acid are skin-lightening agents commonly used to treat hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production. Retinoids, a class of compounds related to vitamin A, increase cell turnover to fade hyperpigmented areas and even out the skin tone. AHAs, water-soluble acids known for their exfoliating properties, reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation by exfoliating the top layers of the skin.

Chemical Peels

This type of skin treatment uses a chemical solution to remove the outer layers of the skin, exfoliatiating, lightening dark spots, and evening the skin tone. There are several different types of chemical peels, ranging from mild to deep, and the appropriate peel will depend on your skin type and the severity of your hyperpigmentation.

Laser Treatments

This type of skin resurfacing procedure uses focused beams of light to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation. It targets and destroys the cells that produce pigment in the skin, which can lighten dark spots and balance out the complexion.

Microdermabrasion

This skin resurfacing treatment gently exfoliates the top layers of the skin to remove dead skin cells, promote cell turnover, and lighten dark spots. Microdermabrasion is generally considered a gentle and non-invasive treatment that is suitable for most skin types.

It is important to protect the skin from the sun after a microdermabrasion treatment, as it can be more sensitive to UV radiation. Use sunscreen with a high SPF to prevent further hyperpigmentation.

Can I Prevent Hyperpigmentation?

So you’ve identified your hyperpigmentation type and selected a vitamin C serum that will best help you treat it. Now what?

You’ll want to do everything possible to prevent your hyperpigmentation from getting worse or recurring. That starts with the following measures that will increase your chances of avoiding future hyperpigmentation outbreaks.

Wear Sunscreen

Sunscreen helps prevent hyperpigmentation by blocking the ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause it. UV rays are a type of radiation emitted by the sun and can be harmful to the skin. When the skin is exposed to UV rays, it can trigger the production of melanin, the overproduction of which causes dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Sunscreen forms a protective barrier on the skin that absorbs or reflects UV rays before penetrating and triggering melanin. We recommend using an SPF of at least 30 to provide adequate protection from UV rays. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.

Avoid Picking at Your Skin

Picking at pimples and other blemishes can cause hyperpigmentation, as can scratching or rubbing the skin excessively. When you pick at the skin, you can create small tears leading to inflammation, scarring, and disrupting the skin’s normal healing process. Picking at the skin can also lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Seek shade, avoid being outside during peak sun hours, and wear protective clothing like hats, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and sunglasses. These types of clothing protect your skin from the sun’s rays by physically blocking them from reaching your skin.

Clothing that is specifically designed for UV protection is labeled “UPF” clothing. UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor and refers to the amount of UV radiation blocked by the fabric. The higher the UPF rating, the more protection the material provides.

Use Gentle Skincare Products

Gentle skincare products are formulated to be less irritating and less likely to cause inflammation or irritation. These products may contain fewer potential irritants, such as alcohol and fragrances, and may be suitable for people with sensitive skin or prone to hyperpigmentation. Reducing the risk of irritation and inflammation can help to prevent hyperpigmentation.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking damages the skin by reducing the amount of blood flow and decreasing the skin’s supply of oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to skin problems, including dryness, wrinkling, and hyperpigmentation.

Smoking can also cause hyperpigmentation by increasing the production of free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and cause inflammation.

Finally, smoking increases the risk of hyperpigmentation by decreasing the skin’s ability to repair itself. Cigarette smoke contains several harmful chemicals that can damage the skin and impair its ability to regenerate and repair itself. This makes it more difficult for the skin to heal after an injury or irritation, increasing the risk of hyperpigmentation.

Eat a Healthy Diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, minerals, and other nutrients supports healthy skin. A healthy diet can prevent hyperpigmentation by providing the nutrients the skin needs to stay healthy and maintain its normal functions.

Avoid Excessive Heat

Hot water and steam can irritate the skin and increase the risk of hyperpigmentation, so use lukewarm water when washing your face and body. Heat can contribute to hyperpigmentation by causing irritation or inflammation of the skin. Hot water and steam can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. This can trigger the production of melanin and lead to the development of dark spots.

Conclusion

We all want to look and feel good in our skin. And we, of all people, know that hyperpigmentation can disrupt that feel-good flow and have negative impacts on self-esteem and mental health.

It’s easy to feel self-conscious or embarrassed by the appearance of your skin when it isn’t in the best condition. That said, you’ve taken the most critical step by acknowledging that you’re in over your head and need help.

Hyperpigmentation isn’t terminal. There are solutions, you can treat it, and we’re here to help you find the best solutions for your unique needs and skin type. Before finding a solution, first, identify the type of hyperpigmentation you have, its triggers, and the best approach to treating it. (Seek out the help of a dermatologist if you don’t know where tp start.)

Once you wrap your mind around what you’re navigating, you can revisit our list of the best vitamin C serums for hyperpigmentation. On it, you’ll find your perfect match amongst a compilation of the industry’s leading formulas rich in the ingredients needed to get your skin in tip-top shape.