One of my favorite cultural sayings is “Black don’t crack,” a not-so-humble flex about the fact that melanin-rich skin is more resistant to signs of aging. Sure, we know we can get wrinkles, but that often happens later—and less noticeably—than it does to our fairer-skinned friends.
As always, though, there’s a catch: The same traits that keep deeper skin tones smoother for longer make them more susceptible to producing too much melanin, a condition called hyperpigmentation. It can appear differently for each of us but often takes the form of dark spots or patches, caused by things like acne, eczema, hormonal changes, cuts or burns, excess sun exposure, and abrasive products or treatments.
My DMs and group chats are filled with chatter about how we’re all trying to kick hyperpigmentation’s stubborn butt. We swap notes, share dermatologist recommendations, and drop links to products working hard to fade problem areas and even out our complexions. On that last front, I’ve been not-so-patiently waiting for this area of skincare to get the Fenty Effect—a push for inclusivity that results in more product options for people of color (named, of course, for the wild success of Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty line). Because historically, darker skin has largely been overlooked in clinical trials and consumer testing, especially when it comes to hyper-pigmentation solutions.
The good news is that we are finally beginning to witness something of a skincare renaissance in this space. More and more brands (see: Eadem, Hyper Skin, Shani Darden, Dieux) are centering melanin-rich skin, and more companies (see: Clinique, INNBeauty, Estée Lauder, Dr. Idriss) are ensuring their product development takes a wide scope of hues into consideration. This is a crucial win-win because darker complexions also tend to be more sensitive. If a product is tested to be safe and effective on us, there’s a greater possibility it will work for everyone else too.
At the end of the day, a new skin tone is birthed every second. So to both future-proof and serve the masses, the beauty industry must keep evolving accordingly—across all areas of skincare, but why not focus for a while on this pressing need?
In the meantime, we’re slowly getting what we deserve when it comes to fighting hyperpigmentation. Here are some products that can help at different steps of your routine.
Listen, this exfoliant is it! The milky texture? Dreamy. The acid blend? Powerful yet gentle. My skin? Instantly softer, glowier, and smoother. Dark spots fading, pores clearer—this stays in my routine. Obsessed!
Not to be dramatic, but this body bar changed my shower game. It actually fades dark spots, hydrates without that weird filmy residue, and leaves my skin so soft. So glad it comes in twos.
Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter
I’ve tried so many brightening serums, but this one? It genuinely works. Thanks to vitamin C and salicylic acid, my dark spots are fading, my skin looks more even, and it layers perfectly under makeup. Consider me a huge fan!
Hyper Skin Hyper Daily Invisible For All SPF 50 SunDrops
Gotta love a sunscreen that disappears without the dreaded white cast! Light as air, zero grease, and no weird smell. My skin drinks it up, stays protected, and looks radiant thanks to the Cactus Flower extract.
I’ve tried everything for dark spots, and this serum actually delivers. My skin looks brighter, more even, and so smooth. No irritation, no greasy feel—just straight-up results. Instant holy grail.
This trio is no joke. The AHA mask smooths, the serum fades dark spots fast, and the vitamin C moisturizer leaves skin glowy. My skin has never looked this even.
This serum is everything! Hydrating, glow-boosting, and zero weird shimmer—just pure, dewy radiance. My skin looks lit from within while tackling dark spots. No gray cast, no glitter—just straight-up magic!
Listen, this serum gets it done! My dark spots? Fading fast. My skin? Radiant and so even. No irritation, no heaviness—just a healthy, natural glow. This one’s a keeper!
A sunscreen that understands the assignment! No white cast, no grease—just dewy, hydrated skin with serious SPF protection. The green tea and sunflower seed oil? Chef’s kiss.
Nécessaire The Body Wash Olibanum - Radiance Treatment Cleanse With Vitamin C + Enzymes
This body cleanser is everything! Lathers like a dream, leaves my skin glowing, and the vitamin C works wonders. Plus, the sweet olibanum scent? Pure luxury. My shower just got an upgrade!
This gel-cream is a lifesaver! It instantly cools and brightens my under-eye area, leaving it feeling refreshed. After using it consistently, my dark circles have lightened, and those pesky fine lines are softer. Highly recommend!
If you’ve got sensitive skin, this is the vitamin C serum for you. It’s gentle and effective—no irritation, just brighter, more even skin. Post-acne marks are fading fast without making your skin freak out.
This face cream? A total powerhouse! Instantly hydrating, crazy smoothing, and my skin looks brighter in all the best ways. Plump, firm, and glowing—this one’s earned a permanent spot in my routine!
This serum is skincare gold. Niacinamide does its thing—strengthening, smoothing, and calming my skin without irritation. My complexion looks brighter, more even, and just healthier. Lightweight, powerful, and a total game-changer.
This leave-on mask has transformed my skin! After a few uses, my complexion looks noticeably brighter, and my dark spots are lightening. It also calms my redness and gives me a bouncy, even glow.
Julee Wilson is Beauty Editor at Large at Cosmopolitan. Previously, Julee was Beauty Director at Cosmo and Global Beauty Director at Essence and has held various editorial positions at Huffington Post and Real Simple. She counts herself lucky AF that she gets to play with beauty products for a living and tell dope stories. And if you’re as obsessed with beauty as she is, make sure to follow her on Instagram for plenty of product recs, natural hair inspo, skincare testing, and Black girl magic shenanigans.
