The Best serums for hyperpigmentation

If you’re aiming for that perfect glow, dark and patchy spots on your face can be a bummer. The dermatology term for this is hyperpigmentation, referring to any discoloration in the face from prolonged sun exposure, acne, or aging.

While the scientific process behind hyperpigmentation is complex, the basic process involves an excess of melanin (or coloring) under the skin. Hyperpigmentation can be a problem for anyone, but people with darker skin tones are mainly affected.

It’s also worth mentioning that unless you take the proper precautions for sun exposure, no amount of clinically proven serums will change anything. And once you start being diligent about sun protection, it can take up to six weeks before you notice dark spots beginning to fade.

How We Picked

We picked 17 serums that are made to combat hyperpigmentation directly. Through the course of our research, we learned a few things that are important to understand how effective a serum really is.

Ingredients Over Formula

Dermatologists agree that the formula or your face serum is far less important than the ingredients. What this means is that it doesn’t matter if you’re using a gel-based product, face lotion, or traditional water-soluble serum—as long as the ingredients are quality, you’ll still receive the same benefits.

Of course, there are some ingredients we recommend avoiding. Our list includes anything with sulfates, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), parabens, artificial fragrances, essential oils, or retinol. Each of these ingredients has its own set of unique drawbacks. But they all cause skin irritation and block your pores.

Multiple Brightening Agents

Second, we think it’s important for a serum to have multiple brightening agents. That way, the product can fight hyperpigmentation from different directions. Overall, this leaves you with a better quality serum and better looking skin.

Some of the brightening agents we recommend looking for are hydroquinone (which we talk about in more detail below), kojic acid, vitamin C, licorice root, and glycolic acid. Each of these ingredients is proven to fade pigmented skin spots and even skin tones.

Hydroquinone

The best ingredient to brighten dark spots on your skin is hydroquinone. Most serums with hydroquinone only include 2% of this skin-lightening agent—for higher doses, you’ll need a prescription drug. Hydroquinone is a safe and non-irritating choice for a face serum. It works by reducing your melanin production to lighten the dark spots that affect your skin.

The Top 17 Serums For Hyperpigmentation

We’ve researched and tested hundreds of face serums. From the highest-quality, top-of-the-line skincare brands to cheap alternatives that you can find in your local drugstore, there’s a face serum for you.

1. Blu Atlas Vitamin C Serum

In our first spot is a Vitamin C Serum from Blu Atlas, a New-York-based men’s skincare brand. Like all products from Blu Atlas, their vitamin C serum is made vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free, without any artificial fragrances. Additionally, it’s made with 97.5% natural ingredients, making it an eco-friendly and sustainable choice.

Three of the most notable ingredients in the Blu Atlas face serum are mulberry root extract, pyrus malus extract (apple extract), and ascorbic acid. All three of these ingredients target hyperpigmentation, but they also have their own unique benefits.

Mulberry root evens skin tones and soothes signs of irritation. Apple extract fights free radicals, which break down the skin’s DNA and cause acne, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Finally, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) helps boost the skin’s natural collagen production and reduce oil buildup.

Unlike other vitamin C serums, Blu Atlas’s product is safe to use with sensitive skin and doesn’t cause a tingling sensation. Compared to the other high-end, all-natural products, this serum is affordably priced and is easily added to any skincare routine.

We recommend applying face serums in the morning. That way, when the sun is at its strongest, you’ll be protected from the harsh UV rays that often cause hyperpigmentation. You can apply Blu Atlas’s serum in the morning and at night for the quickest results. With regular use, it will be easy to see why this is one of the best serums for hyperpigmentation.

2. Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution

Second on our list is Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution. While it’s more expensive than our number one option, it also includes SPF and can be used on your arms, chest, and hands.

Using activated C, a highly stable form of vitamin C, the serum prevents future acne while fading the discoloration caused by previous breakouts. When vitamin C is combined with salicylic acid, it brightens your overall complexion and evens skin tones.

Kiehl’s product is free from parabens, mineral oils, and dyes. It’s also made with 100% renewable energy and packaged in recycled materials. It’s dermatologist approved and safe for sensitive skin.

On the downside, Kiehl’s product doesn’t mention anything about animal cruelty or vegan ingredients. And Kiehl’s product can take up to 12 weeks to see results.

3. SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

Third on our list is a high-end product that’s always topping the “best-of” charts. This facial serum from SkinCeuticals is clinically proven to work on any skin color, skin type, or blemish. But it comes at a cost—and a high one at that. With top-quality ingredients, the Discoloration Defense from SkinCeuticals is one of the most expensive choices on our list.

That being said, if you have the money to spend on an expensive facial serum, this could be the one for you. It features tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, and HEPES, which are incredibly effective at smoothening skin tones and fading any dark spots.

At such a high price, you expect the best. Thankfully, this serum delivers. Additional benefits to using this product regularly include better hydrated skin, increased collagen production, cleaner pores, and brighter skin.

4. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

At number four, we have a powerful exfoliator that tones and evens skin tone. From Canadian skincare brand The Ordinary comes a Glycolic Acid Toning Solution. By breaking down pores, The Ordinary serum can target dark spots and blemishes—and slowly remove them. While this choice is not great for sensitive, dry, or peeling skin, this is the perfect pick for oily skin.

As the name suggests, one of the main ingredients in this serum is glycolic acid. Coming from a natural sugar found in our body, glycolic acid is an ingredient that affects the brightness and plumpness of your skin. Increasing your intake makes for a brighter and glowing complexion.

Additional ingredients in the serum include Tasmanian pepperberry and ginseng root extract. Both of these ingredients normalize the pH, collagen, and sebum levels in your skin. That means, if you use it regularly, you’ll have less oily skin with a more even tone.

All the products in this serum are gluten-free, nut-free, oil-free, silicon-free, alcohol-free, cruelty-free, and vegan. And our favorite part? The Ordinary’s serum is super affordable. That means you can either save money or spend it on something else—like a moisturizer.

5. Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum

Founded by board-certified dermatologist Howard Murad, Murad skincare has products that are proven to work. Their age spot and pigment-lightening serum is no different. In fact, clinical studies show that 84% of users noticed a reduced number of dark spots on their skin in only two weeks.

This serum is made with Murad-specific patented technology that took 30 years to perfect. Their products are formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oils, and animal products. And while this serum is on the more expensive side, we think the clinical evidence makes it worth it.

Some of the ingredients that are included in Murad’s Pigment Lightening Serum are tranexamic acid and glycolic acid. Both of these acids work to brighten, even, and reduce dullness on your skin. However, they target the problem with two different approaches. That means you’re twice as likely to see results.

6. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum

Sixth on our list is a dark spot serum that comes from First Aid Beauty. At a moderate price, this serum is best for people with dry or combination skin (a mix of skin types). While it cleans and fades dark spots, the serum also moisturizes the skin—which is missing from some of the competitors. Overall, we think this is a good choice for just about everybody, but especially for anyone who has severe dry skin.

The namesake ingredient is niacinamide. Niacinamide is one of our favorite active ingredients for fading dark spots, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and sun spots. It really does it all when it comes to evening your skin tone and making blemishes disappear. We will note that compared to alternative skin brighteners, niacinamide takes a longer time before you see results. Either way, it’s just as effective in the long run as some of our other recommended ingredients.

In a First Aid Beauty study, 97% of users said that their skin looked overall more healthy than prior. 100% said that it faded dark spots and blemishes. If those results aren’t enough for you, their non-comedogenic product is also vegan, dermatologist friendly, and free of parabens, nuts, Nanos, gluten, and fragrances.

7. SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum

SkinMedica has been making medical-grade skincare products for the public for over 60 years. Their Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum is a product of that legacy. As a high-end product with a high price tag, we recommend this serum for people who have stubborn dark spots that just won’t go away.

Some of the ingredients that help to achieve this goal include tranexamic acid, marine extract, and phenylethyl resorcinol. Tranexamic acid is all about pigment correction. Along with phytic acid and niacinamide, the serum targets hyperpigmentation from multiple angles. Additionally, marine extract and phenylethyl resorcinol support your skin’s barrier and melanin production—ensuring those dark spots won’t come back.

8. Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Serum

At number eight, we have a serum that uses retinol. We should note that retinol has a controversial reputation in the skincare world—mostly due to the irritation it can cause for people with sensitive skin. However, Dr. Dennis Gross has created a formula with retinol that is safe for people of all skin types.

Dr. Dennis Gross’s serum combines retinol, ferulic acid, and bakuchiol. Together these three ingredients provide you with the benefits of retinol on the skin without irritation or redness. Additionally, the facial serum hydrates and moisturizes the skin by cleaning the pores and drawing water into them.

If this is your first time using retinol, you may want to use it slowly. By jumping in and using it multiple times per day, you can give yourself a chemical rash, which can take a long time to clear up. However, for those who are experienced with retinol, this product is a great addition and easily one of the best serums for hyperpigmentation.

9. MELE Even Dark Spot Control Facial Serum for Melanin Rich Skin

MELE’s Dark Spot Control Facial Serum is a top-rated and highly reviewed product. Compared to serums made for any skin tone, MELE’s product is specifically made for people with darker complexions.

One of the things that work so well on MELE’s serum is its bi-phase solution. Sure, it sounds scientific, but all that means is that the serum fights dark spots in two different ways. This also means that no matter where the dark spots come from—acne, UV rays, or blackheads—it’ll manage to clear them up.

We found that the application of this facial serum was particularly impressive. Without leaving your skin sticky, dry, or over-moisturized, the product soaks into your skin lightly for a smooth finish. Without parabens, sulfates, or phthalates, MELE’s Dark Spot Control Serum is the best choice for people with darker skin tones.

10. Revision Skincare Brightening Face Wash

A moderately-priced option comes from Revision Skincare. Unlike the other traditional serums, this is the first choice on our list that more closely resembles a face wash. Either way, just like our favorite serums, it’ll even your skin tone and leave you looking brighter. With over 2,000 five-star reviews, it’s easy to see that this product is a hit with consumers.

Revision Skincare uses a vitamin C blend—just like our top choice, Blu Atlas. With licorice and lily extracts, this is a face wash that smells great without any additional fragrances or harmful dyes.

Revision Skincare’s product makes you feel extra clean, exfoliating your pores without stripping your skin of its natural hydration. Rather, it just takes off the top layer of dead skin, dirt, and grime. When used regularly, this will normalize your sebum production—meaning it’s an excellent choice for anyone with oily skin.

11. BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner

At number 11, we have a vitamin C serum with the highest concentration legally allowed in a facial product. We’re talking about BeautyStat’s Universal C Skin Refiner. One of the best things about this serum is how easily it melts into the skin. Within a few minutes of applying it, you can put on your makeup over it without harming its effectiveness.

It’s important that we mention the strength of this product. With 20% L-ascorbic acid (a common and stable form of vitamin C), this facial serum packs a punch. Some of these results include faded dark spots, brighter complexion, tighter skin, fewer wrinkles, and softer skin.

However, we don’t recommend this product for anyone with sensitive skin. The high concentration of vitamin C will cause redness and itching. Instead of using this product, we recommend using Blu Atlas’s vitamin C serum with a more manageable concentration of vitamin C (but with all the same benefits).

12. Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Treatment Serum

Glow Recipe holds the 12th spot on this list with their Guava and Vitamin C Dark Spot Treatment Serum. With a delicious looking pink tint, this naturally guava-scented serum is clinically proven to remove dark spots and prevent future blemishes. It also brightens and evens skin complexion.

Some of the ingredients that help it achieve these goals are five forms of vitamin C, guava, and tranexamic and ferulic acids. That’s right—Glow Recipe added five different varieties of vitamin C. While that’s great for the effectiveness of the product, it’s not ideal for anyone struggling with sensitive skin.

Overall, this is a great serum. It’s made 100% sustainably and is perfect for anyone who wants a strong, moderately priced option.

13. Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Accelerated Clarity & Renewing Ampoules

Kiehl’s had made such a name for themselves in the skincare world that we added two of their products to our list. While our first choice from Kiehls was an all-in-one, do-it-all kind of product, this product is targeted towards those who want a brighter skin tone. This serum will help you overcome days of dullness and patchy skin, moving you into a time with bright and glowing looks.

This product is more of a treatment than a serum. In two weeks, it’s clinically proven to brighten and even your skin tone. It’s recommended to use this product in conjunction with Kiehl’s moisturizers and exfoliators. While we’re sure you can use your own products, we wanted to note that this treatment doesn’t do it all like our first choice.

Even though this product is more of a specialty item, if you’re struggling with a dull skin tone, we highly recommend trying this out. With active vitamin C and glycolic, lactic, and phytic acids, your skin is bound to be enhanced within two weeks of this treatment. And our favorite part? Your brighter skin is proven to last long-term.

14. Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum

At number 14 sits a cult-classic skincare product from Differin. It combines a mix of niacinamide and all-natural botanicals to fade dark spots. This is the first and only choice on our list that you can probably find at your local drugstore or pharmacy. It’s budget-friendly, and for someone who doesn’t need any special care, it works great.

It’s easy to apply—it can go on under makeup and sinks right into your skin. It won’t leave you feeling sticky or dry. Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum works on oily skin, dry skin, and even sensitive skin. And it’s just gentle enough to not cause irritation while still fading away dark spots.

15. Mighty Patch Micropoint for Dark Spots

Mighty Patch Micropoint for Dark Spots is a completely different product compared to the other options on this list. Rather than being applied as a serum or lotion, it’s applied as a patch. You can apply it anywhere on your face, although it works best over a blemish such as a blackhead, pimple, dark spot, or sunspot.

If you have severe acne or hyperpigmentation, this might not be the choice for you. Each patch is about the size of a nickel, so for those in need of more extensive treatment, you might want to choose another option. However, for anyone with the occasional pimple or dark spot, this is a great way to quickly get rid of them.

We recommend having some of these Mighty Patches on hand at all times. They’re great if you get a pimple or blemish before a date. All you need to do is wash your face, stick the patch on, and keep it there for six hours. Afterward, your blemish will be gone, and you’ll be back to looking like yourself.

16. Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum

Drunk Elephant makes high-quality products that are free from just about anything you’d be worried about. Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, the Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum is no different. Using 11 different peptides, this serum is able to fortify your natural skin barrier to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation.

Additional benefits of Drunk Elephant’s serum include increased plumpness, hydration, and resistance against environmental stressors. Although Drunk Elephant’s product is a bit more expensive, with all the benefits you’re receiving, it’s worth it.

Just like our top pics, this product is clinically proven to do everything they say. More specifically, 100% of participants agreed that this serum improved their skin texture, 98% agreed that their skin became smoother, and 96% said their skin was more radiant.

17. Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

Last on our list is a unique formula by Paula’s Choice. Using azelaic acid, this serum boosts your natural skin tone and gets rid of any stubborn dark spots.

Azelaic acid has 20 years of research behind it, proving that it can make skin look younger. It is applied very easily and can even be added to a face lotion or moisturizer—making for an easier, all-in-one approach. After application, it feels lightweight and won’t clog your pores or add any additional oil to your skin.

From 2018 to 2020, this serum won awards for being the best serum to treat dark spots. That being said, there are newer and better options on the market now. However, if you want something that’s proven to work on just about every skin type, this is your product!