These Is the Dark-Spot Corrector That Actually Fades Blemishes in No Time

Frequently asked questions

A dark spot is an area of extra pigment in the skin, according to Dr. Castilla. These can appear in various forms, including age spots, sun spots, and melasma, which can be caused by hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or menopause). And though they often fade in time, skin care products like dark-spot correctors can speed up the process and even out your skin tone. Ingredients like hydroquinone, turmeric, and other proven brighteners accelerate skin resurfacing and minimize pigment, according to Dr. Nazarian.

Dark-spot correctors help break down hyperpigmentation and can prevent dark spots from forming by inhibiting melanin transfer to skin cells, says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. But it all comes down to the ingredients that help you get there.

Dermatologists say to look for alpha hydroxy acids (or AHAs) such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, and malic acid; retinol; vitamin C; and niacinamide. Dr. Engelman also recommends kojic acid, which is derived from fermented rice, for newer dark spots and acne scars. Here’s a breakdown of what they do

AHAs/BHAs/PHAs: “AHAs like glycolic acid or lactic acid help speed up cell turnover and fade surface-level pigmentation, while BHAs like salicylic acid are especially helpful for acne-related dark spots,” says Ellen Marmur, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare. Both should be used in moderation, as they may irritate sensitive skin. PHAs, also known as poly-hydroxy-acids, also exfoliate and slough off dead skin, but with a smaller molecule. This allows penetration to be gentler and less irritating, so they are recommended if you have a sensitive skin type.

Retinol: “Retinol, also known as vitamin A, can help fade hyperpigmentation marks by stimulating cell turnover, so regular use can help fade dark spots over time and has many benefits for the appearance, health, and function of skin overall,” says Dr. Engelman. Since retinol can be irritating and drying, the key is to build up your tolerance. Start with applying it once a week, then twice a week, and eventually every other day until your skin tolerates it for everyday use.

Vitamin C: “Vitamin C works to reduce melanin production but also serves as an antioxidant to neutralize the free radicals that trigger production after sun exposure or trauma,” says Brooke Jeffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. This is why you may find vitamin C as an ingredient in some dark spot correctors.

According to Hope Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology, tranexamic acid, cysteamine, azelaic acid, soy, and arbutin are also effective options for lightening dark spots. “These ingredients will inhibit melanin production and accelerate skin cell turnover, which helps fade pigmentation over time,” she says. Hydroquinone can also be effective for lightening dark spots, but derms recommend proceeding with caution. “This ingredient is not safe for those with deeper skin tones, and in some cases, it can actually exacerbate hyperpigmentation in individuals with darker skin,” says Dr. Engelman.

The dermatologists we spoke with recommend using dark-spot correctors with vitamin C and acids (AHAs, azelaic acid, ferulic acid), and alpha arbutin in the morning; use retinol in the evening, as it can make skin extra sensitive to the sun. And remember: You should avoid using products like retinol and vitamin C serum simultaneously; doing so is likely to cause irritation, says Dr. Castilla. Consistency is key, and sunscreen will make a world of difference, according to Dr. Mitchell.

According to Dr. Marmur, most dark spots take 8 to 12 weeks to noticeably fade with consistent treatment. “Deeper or older hyperpigmentation can take several months, and sun exposure can significantly slow progress, which is why using a daily SPF is essential,” she says.

If you’re looking for the fastest results, a combination approach is usually best. “Dermatologists often pair prescription-strength pigment inhibitors such as hydroquinone, retinoids, tranexamic acid, or cysteamine with diligent sunscreen use and, when appropriate, in-office treatments like chemical peels or lasers,” says Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey. Regardless of treatment approach, the dermatologists say that daily broad-spectrum sunscreen application is nonnegotiable. “Without consistent sun protection, dark spots can persist, worsen, or recur, making it much harder to achieve and maintain results,” Dr. Rambhia says.

“There are many types of dark spots that occur on the skin,” says Dr. Jeffy. Sun spots, or lentigines, are often called age spots, while other dark spots might be caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, freckles, melasma, and seborrheic keratoses, she explains. All can be classified as dark spots, though some are particularly age-related.

There are many different ways to remove dark spots on the face: laser treatments, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and dark-spot correctors. The latter is most accessible both from a convenience and a cost perspective, since you can use them daily in the comfort of your own home.

If you’re looking to correct dark spots on the body, look for retinol-based body lotions and creams. Check the ingredient list for vitamin C, which brightens, and niacinamide, which offers anti-inflammatory and antiaging benefits. “And make sure to exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells,” says Dr. Mitchell. As always, sunscreen is critical for both the face and body to prevent further darkening.

We began by evaluating ingredients backed by dermatologists. Then Glamour editors and contributors with a variety of skin types—including mature, acne-prone, dry, and sensitive—tested dark-spot correctors over a series of weeks to months. Some editors have been using these products for years.

We assessed texture, scent, absorption, and how skin felt after application. We paid close attention to sun spots, discoloration, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation after three weeks of use, then noted whether results continued with consistent use. The ones that made it to this list got our editors’ approval and are ones we continue to use in our daily skin care routines.

• Carmen Castilla, MD, board-certified NYC-based dermatologist
• Rachel Nazarian, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group
• Dendy Engelman, MD, board-certified NYC-based dermatologist
• Hope Mitchell, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology
• Brooke Jeffy MD, board-certified dermatologist based in Arizona
• Ellen Marmur, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare
• Pooja Rambhia, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey
• Kristina Collins, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Austin Skin in Austin