8 Best Dark Spot Correctors Of 2023 For Hyperpigmentation
This serum has been labelled “flawless skin in a bottle” for its ability to combat one of the most common skin concerns out there.
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Whether caused by environmental factors, acne, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or anything else, dark spots are super common – and just about anyone can get them.
There’s nothing wrong with dark spots, but if you’re frustrated by an uneven skin tone, there are plenty of serums that can help you safely and effectively brighten and clear your complexion at home.
RELATED: Best vitamin C serums for glowing skin
Wondering where to begin? We’ve got you covered, with our picks of the best dark spot correctors consistently loved by reviewers.
BEST DARK SPOT CORRECTOR
Alpha-H Liquid Gold, Adore Beauty, $59.46 (RRP $69.95)
The hero item in Aussie brand Alpha-H’s range of skincare, Liquid Gold is a chemically exfoliating lotion that revitalises and brightens your skin tone and texture. Five per cent glycolic acid and licorice extract work together to target blemishes like fine lines, pigmentation and age spots while silk proteins and glycerine improve hydration and radiance.
“Really good for pigmentation, makes it so much lighter. Part of my routine and use it about twice a week,” wrote one of over 1,500 five-star reviewers.
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Dark Spots Niacinamide Serum, Sephora, $46
Formulated with four per cent niacinamide (an ingredient proven to fix pigmentation) and one per cent ethyl vitamin C, this is one hardworking serum.
Developed with plastic surgeons and dermatologists it promises to visibly reduce age spots, melasma and skin discolouration.
Five star reviewers say they are “in love” with the serum, with one person writing: “This stuff is magic!”
“Impeccable, flawless skin in a bottle,” another says. “Initially I was skeptical about utilising this product as I’ve tried something similar which I purchased at a much lower price point in comparison... as the days progressed I noted a visible change on my skin.
“I do have some marks here and there from small pimples, white heads or scars and did notice that the marks were not as pronounced.”
KORA Organics Noni Bright vitamin C Serum, THE ICONIC, $86
From Aussie icon Miranda Kerr’s beauty brand KORA Organics comes this vitamin C serum the supermodel herself swears by for her glowing complexion. Containing a 12 per cent vitamin C superfruit complex made with Australian Kakadu plum, acerola cherry, orange and lemon peel, it evens skin tone and reduces the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots.
Reviewers on the brand’s site have praised its results, with one commenting: “I have been using it for over a month now and I’ve definitely seen a noticeable difference in my skin. My face is become clearer with reduced dark spots”.
Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum, Adore Beauty, $120
This new serum from cult skincare brand Murad is designed not just to correct dark spots but to also help prevent them.
It contains glycolic acid which exfoliates to enhance skin radiance, patented resorcinol technology to reduce dark spots as well as tranexamic acid to revive dull skin.
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch, Micropoint for Dark Spots, iHerb, $16.09
Often it’s not the pimple that is the most annoying but the discolouration caused by it that can hang around for weeks or sometimes even months afterwards.
Enter these skin patches from Hero Cosmetics that are designed specifically to target the darks spots left behind by blemishes.
Each patch contains 173 dissolving micropoints to help brightening ingredients like tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C penetrate the skin.
Shoppers say the patches “work great” for reducing dark spots, however, lament that there is only six patches in each pack.
“I have pimples that have left scars on my face from a long time ago and this helped to lighten the scars within the first use,” one five star reviewer writes. “You won’t see the scars completely disappear within the first use, but you will definitely see a positive difference.”
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%, Myer, $21.90
This serum from cult fave affordable skincare brand The Ordinary features a derivative of brightening vitamin C by the name of Ascorbyl Glucoside. The benefits of this active ingredient include an ability to brighten and even skin tone, and reduce pigmentation and signs of ageing – all while remaining suitable for sensitive skin types thanks to the low-tingling formulation.
“With this I have finally found my perfect vitamin C serum,” raved a five-star reviewer. “It has evened out my skin tone and really helped with fading dark spots from maskne.”
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Complexion Correcting, Sephora, $138
This oil-free serum from Caudalie targets dark spots to even out skin tone and boost radiance.
The new and improved formula contains a biomimetic emulsifier that mimics the structure of skin layers, optimising the penetration of key ingredient viniferine that works on dark spots.
The serum is part of Sephora’s Clean at Sephora range and is non-toxic, non-photo sensitising and free of all synthetic chemicals, fillers and GMOs.
Ole Henriksen Glow2OH™ Dark Spot Toner, Sephora, $45
If you would prefer a dark spot corrector that isn’t a serum then this toner from skin guru Ole Henriksen is a great affordable option.
The powerful toner contains high-potency AHAs (glycolic and lactic acids) to reduce the appearance of dark spots and has a delicious lemon sugar scent.
Simply swipe the toner over your face at night after cleansing and feel your skin tingle as it works to target dark spots, as well as brightening and refining.
Palmer’s Skin Success Dark Spot Corrector Fade Serum 30ml, Chemist Warehouse, $14.99 (RRP $24.99)
This affordable product from Palmer’s is a lightweight serum containing niacinamide, vitamin C, Japanese songyi mushroom extract and retinol to fade dark spots and increase skin radiance.
Dermatologist tested and hypo-allergenic it’s designed to target dark spots caused by skin trauma, sun damage and scars.
Biossance Squalane + vitamin C Dark Spot Serum, Sephora, $95
This targeted treatment is designed to add brightness and address pigmentation with its unique formulation of white shiitake mushroom extract and vitamin C derivative. Not only does it aim to fade existing dark spots, it also works to prevent new ones from forming.
Reviewers note that it’s expensive, but it gets the job done – and with a near-five star average rating from over 500 reviews, you can trust that it’s universally loved. “This is the first thing I’ve tried – and I’ve tried just about everything – that’s really helped my hyperpigmentation. Holy grail daytime serum!” wrote one reviewer.
Skinstitut Even Blend Serum, Adore Beauty, $34.30 (RRP$49)
This medium-intensity corrector works by interrupting and calming the overactive pigment-producers in your skin. The oil-free formulation is perfect for pigmented, dull and uneven skin and works to minimise future damage while brightening the overall complexion, treating congestion, and aiding in barrier repair.
“Found this product has been great for evening out my skin tone and winding back a couple of sunspots on my cheeks,” wrote one of over one hundred five-star reviewers.
Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector Interrupter, Myer, from $81
Clinique’s clinical strength serum boasts over 170 five-star reviews, thanks to its potent formulation. It brightens and evens skin tone while improving the appearance of dark spots, age spots and acne scars, with anti-irritants and soothing botanicals to reduce irritation and interrupt environmental aggressors that could cause future damage.
“I’ve been using this serum for 2 months and It is really doing its job. The dark spots are disappearing and my face glows. I can’t stop using this, I love it,” wrote a five-star reviewer.
Enlighten Treatment, Evidence Skincare, $95
Formulated and created in Australia by GP and skin expert Dr Ginni Mansberg, this gentle yet effective treatment fades pigmentation and age spots while increasing elasticity for an overall youthful appearance. The combination of niacinamide and a tyrosinase inhibitor (which slows the production of overactive melanin that causes dark spots) work together to brighten and even out the complexion without irritating skin.
“I love this product as it really does lighten pigmentation spots and give skin an overall even appearance,” wrote one of many five-star reviewers.
Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution, Adore Beauty, $88
Containing activated vitamin C to even skin tone and reduce dark spots, white birch extract to replenish hydration, and peony extract to boost antioxidants and prevent damage, Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective can be used as a spot treatment or all-over face serum for a brighter complexion.
“This serum has helped to fade my dark spots over a few weeks, so impressed!” wrote a five-star reviewer. “I like that it doesn’t feel heavy and just soaks into my skin easily.”
WHAT IS HYPERPIGMENTATION?
Hyperpigmentation is a totally normal and generally harmless condition where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding areas, often because of increased melanin-producing skin cell activity. Because of this, it’s most common for people of colour, although it can affect all skin tones.
Hyperpigmentation can also be caused by sun exposure, acne, and eczema. It’s important to note that hyperpigmentation is harmless, but of course if you’re concerned you should visit a dermatologist.
WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE BEST FOR GETTING RID OF DARK SPOTS?
Brightening ingredients, and those with melanin-inhibiting properties, are ideal ingredients in dark spot correctors. Look for the likes of vitamin C, glycolic acid, azelaic acid, kojic acid and retinoid; all of which can fade existing spots and in some cases slow down the appearance of new spots.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A DARK SPOT CORRECTOR TO WORK?
As with all new skincare products, you can’t expect overnight results – patience and consistency are key. Some reviewers claim to see results in a matter of weeks, whereas others say months of consistent use are required to notice a change – but either way persisting with your usage is important.
Looking for more skincare recommendations? Check out our guides to the best retinol serums, the best skincare brands, and the best hyaluronic acid serums.
To make sure you get the best deal on every purchase, stop by news.com.au Coupons – there, you’ll find a huge range of discounts on top brands from Paula’s Choice to Chemist Warehouse.
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