The 10 Best Dark Spot Correctors of 2024, Tested by Real People - PEOPLE

When it comes to a more even-looking complexion, dark spots are one of the most stubborn blemishes to deal with, as they can often take some time to fade. And while age is commonly connected to this skincare woe, there are several reasons our skin experiences dark spots — and several ways (including in-office laser treatments, at-home light therapy devices, and topical skincare formulas) to get rid of them, too.   

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Before using dark spot correctors, it's always best to consult with a dermatologist to find out if your specific concerns can be treated with over-the-counter formulas. That being said, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Libby Rhee says hyperpigmentation spots on the face and body that are flat, round, or oval-shaped and have a history of frequent direct sun exposure can likely be treated with a correcting formula. 

Dark spot correctors are one of the best skincare formulas for reducing the appearance of these blemishes at home, as they promote cellular turnover and use ingredients that help fade hyperpigmentation over time. However, due to their persistent nature, you can't just use any dark spot corrector to get the results you want.

With this in mind, we researched dozens of dark spot correctors before ultimately testing 13 formulas over 12 weeks to find the best dark spot correctors. We looked at many factors, including how well they faded dark spots, ease of application, and how well they worked with other skincare products. After several weeks of trying them out in real life, these 11 are worth the buy. 

Here are the best dark spot correctors for every budget and skin type, recommended by PEOPLE Tested.

Best Overall

Pros

• Our dark spots faded significantly after just one month of regular use. 

• It's formulated with hydrating hyaluronic acid, which supports skin health and creates a better environment for regeneration.

• It also features turmeric and salicylic acid to prevent future breakouts.

Our top pick for the best dark spot corrector overall is the Hyper Skin Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum. Formulated with a mix of vitamin C, kojic acid, and hyaluronic acid, this skincare formula is designed to target stubborn blemishes caused by acne scarring and sun damage. On top of that, it also features turmeric and salicylic acid for their anti-inflammatory benefits and ability to keep future breakouts at bay, making it a good choice for oily and acne-prone skin, too. 

When testing this formula, we were most impressed by how gentle it is, especially for everyday use. Despite several potent superstar ingredients, it didn't cause any irritation and was highly effective at boosting the complexion.

After just one month of regular use, we noticed significant changes to our dark spots without it stripping our skin (and, instead, keeping it well-nourished). Keep in mind that this is not a spot treatment; the product should be applied all over the face.

Size: 0.5 oz., 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, kojic acid, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All | Type: Serum

• People / Tamara Staples

• People / Tamara Staples

Best Overall, But for Less

Amazon

Pros

• This formula provides additional anti-aging benefits thanks to the addition of retinol.

• It's extremely lightweight and easy to layer with other formulas.

• It can be used as a spot corrector or applied all over the face.

If you're looking for a formula that can reduce dark spots while also supporting anti-aging efforts, you'll want a product with retinol. The Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Retinol and Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector is our top pick. The retinol gives it a multitasking advantage and helps target fine lines and wrinkles while also fading the look of dark spots. In addition to using it as a spot corrector, this lightweight formula can be applied all over the face and is easy to layer with other skincare products.

Additionally, the drugstore dark spot corrector features hyaluronic acid to nourish and moisturize the skin, helping to reverse the dryness that often comes with age. While testing this formula, we were most impressed by how well it faded our dark spots after around six weeks of regular use, as well as the firming effect it provided. Since this product includes retinol, which makes the skin more sensitive to the sun, it's best to apply this at night versus the morning (and be sure to use SPF during the day!).

Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All | Type: Serum

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Amazon

Pros

• It improved some of our dark spots after just two weeks of use (and, after three months, most of our spots were completely gone).

• It is also potent enough to keep breakouts at bay.

• While pricey, a little bit of this formula goes a long way.

For those with acne-prone or oily skin, we recommend the PCA Skin Hydroquinone-Free Pigment Gel Face Serum, which is formulated with several quality ingredients that are effective at fading dark spots, including phenylethyl resorcinol, azelaic acid, and kojic acid. While this dark spot corrector is pricier compared to others we tested, a little goes a long way.

After testing for just two weeks, we saw a noticeable difference in our complexion's clarity, and after three months, most of our dark spots were completely gone. Additionally, we found that this formula helps keep breakouts at bay as our skin not only looked even in tone but remained blemish-free during testing. One small drawback is the scent, which is an acquired taste and might not appeal to everyone.

Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Phenylethyl resorcinol, azelaic acid, kojic acid | Skin Type: All, especially acne-prone skin | Type: Gel-serum hybrid

Best for Dark Circles

Hero Cosmetics

Pros

• A little goes a long way, so this will last you a long time.

• The convenient pen dispenser makes it easy to use.

• It can also be used on acne blemishes in addition to dark circles.

Some dark spot correctors are also highly effective at fading dark pigmentation around the eyes. After testing several formulas, we found this Hero Cosmetics serum is the best for targeting this skincare woe.

While it did take almost all three months for us to see a big change in our under-eye circles, we love how convenient the formula is (it's a pen!) and that it includes potent ingredients such as vitamin C, licorice root, and tranexamic acid to fade hyperpigmentation.

Additionally, it only takes a little bit of formula to achieve results, and it can be used in a multitude of ways, including on sun damage and acne blemishes, so it's excellent value. 

Size: 0.16 oz., 0.34 oz. | Key Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, acetyl glucosamine, vitamin C, licorice root | Skin Type: All, especially acne-prone | Type: Serum

Best Lightweight

Fenty Skin 

Pros

• It's fragrance-free, so it's safe for sensitive skin.

• The formula is lightweight and absorbs easily.

• It made our complexion more even-looking over time.

Dark spot correctors might not seem like a sensitive skin-friendly skincare product, but you can totally maintain an even-looking skin tone without risking irritation, thanks to the Fenty Skin Watch Ya Tone 5% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum with Vitamin C.

This formula is fragrance-free, making it an excellent option for sensitive skin types, and it features lots of nourishing ingredients, including natural botanicals like licorice root, vitamin C, camu camu, and Barbados cherry, which work together to increase skin radiance.

When testing this formula, we were most impressed by its lightweight texture which absorbs easily into the complexion and makes it easy to layer other products, including makeup). While it didn't get rid of our dark spots completely, it helped fade them with regular use and worked well for maintaining a more even-looking complexion. 

Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C, licorice root extract, camu camu, Barbados cherry | Skin Type: All | Type: Serum

Best for Sensitive Skin

Dermstore

Pros

• We didn't notice any irritation or tingling sensation on the complexion. 

• It only took around two months to see a significant difference.

• It effectively improves dark under-eye circles and tones of the complexion in addition to getting rid of dark spots and acne blemishes.

If you have sensitive skin and are looking for a formula that is still effective at reducing hyperpigmentation, consider the Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense. While it is on the pricier side, we love this formula because it doesn't cause irritation (including that weird tingling sensation you can experience with dark spot correctors) and only took around two months to see a significant difference, which is fairly quick for a more gentle formula.

Additionally, the skincare serum can target hyperpigmentation under the eyes, sun damage, and acne blemishes while toning and evening the complexion. After the testing period, we also noticed that our skin looked more glowy, too. You may notice a slightly sticky feeling right after applying this product, but it goes away and absorbs after just a couple of minutes.

Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, ionic acid, niacinamide, sulfuric acid | Skin Type: All | Type: Serum

Best with Blue Light Protection

Pros

• This formula features ascorbyl glucoside, which is the most stable form of vitamin C. 

• It protects against damage caused by blue light and the sun.

• It also contains other skin-plumping ingredients, including hyaluronic acid.

Cons

• It faded dark spots but didn't get rid of them completely. 

• Since the formula is applied all over, the 0.5-oz. size doesn't last very long.

The Versacity Brightening Support is our top pick for the best blue-light protection formula as it features ascorbyl glucoside, which is the most stable form of vitamin C and absorbs really well into the complexion for effective results. This formula also features nourishing hyaluronic acid, garland lily extract, and gallic acid with a blend of ferulic acid and vitamin E to support UV and blue light protection.

With regular use, we noticed that this formula helps fade dark spots and blemishes (though it didn't get rid of them altogether) while also improving and toning the complexion. We wish the product came in a larger container since it is intended to be used on the entire face.

Size: 0.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, garland lily extract, advanced hyaluronic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, vitamin E | Skin Type: All | Type: Serum

Best for Body

Amazon

Pros

• It boasts a super gentle and non-irritating formula. 

• Featuring niacinamide, this can help fade dark spots while also supporting anti-aging efforts. 

When it comes to dark spot correctors, we often find formulas specifically for the face. However, if you want something that can also be used on the body, we love the CityGoo Dark Spot Remover for Face and Body. Formulated with niacinamide and vitamin B5, this multifunctional skincare formula can improve the look of sun damage on the face and the body.

Although the formula took almost the entire three-month testing period to notice any changes, it was fast-absorbing and easy to apply as a spot treatment to concerns on the body — plus, it works well for maintenance. It also has a budget-friendly price tag and its formula is gentle enough to use daily without causing any irritation, making it well worth the try if you're committed to using it for the long haul.

Size: 1.7 oz. | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin B5 | Skin Type: All | Type: Cream

Best for Blemishes

Pros

• It targets dark spots while also preventing current breakouts from becoming future dark spots. 

• It features a collection of potent ingredients that fade dark spots with regular use.

• It layers well under other skincare formulas.

If you have specific blemishes you want to target with a dark spot corrector, reach for the Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Spot Treatment. Formulated with acne-prone skin in mind, this spot treatment helps not only fade dark spots caused by acne blemishes but also helps prevent breakouts from turning into dark spots, too.

While testing this formula, we found that the spot treatment helped fade and prevent dark spots effectively enough to support a more even skin tone, and it was easy to layer under other skincare products. We also love how well this formula works at targeting and treating blemishes and even noticed a difference after just a few weeks.

Since it's intended as a spot treatment, it may not be ideal for all-over breakouts. (If you're wanting something to treat the latter, we recommend PCA Skin Hydroquinone-Free Pigment Gel Face Serum.)

Size: 0.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Zinc, vitamin B3, jojoba oil, Panthenol, beeswax, vitamin E, tea tree oil, bioflavonoids | Skin Type: Acne-prone skin | Type: Gel