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15 best products for hyperpigmentation that quickly fade acne scars and dark spots – tried and tested
They’re like an IRL ctrl+alt+delete on your dark spots
I’ve been suffering with hyperpigmentation for as long as I've been dealing with breakouts and cystic acne. So trust me when I say I know a thing or two about the best products for hyperpigmentation, whether you just want a weekly face mask to help fade your spots or are bringing in special forces in the form of a daily serum, spot treatment, and moisturiser to tackle your acne scars, sun spots, and melasma.
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Best brightening product for hyperpigmentation
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
Read review - 4
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Best product for hyperpigmentation overall
Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discolouration
Read review
But first, before I share all of my picks (that's why you're here, right?), lemme break down what hyperpigmentation actually is. "Hyperpigmentation is a condition where there is an overproduction of melanin in the skin, which results in dark spots," says dermatologist Dr. Naana Boakye.
"Common causes of hyperpigmentation include sun exposure, inflammation – like acne, eczema, burns, etc. – genetics, hormonal changes, and more," she adds. Hence why it can be frustrating to treat, similar to acne – as one spot finally clears up, another one might pop up in its place. But I've got you covered, with hella options for all types of hyperpigmentation and skin type, as well as various treatment options depending on your ~vibes.~
Keep scrolling for all of my picks, as well as dermatologist and aesthetician-approved ingredients you should be using for hyperpigmentation. Then, get the low-down on what exactly causes hyperpigmentation and how to choose the right product for your specific needs.
I’m not usually a mask type of person. I just think, another added step to my routine, taking up time that I don’t have. But my only exception is this newbie from Naturium. After using it twice weekly, I’ve noticed a difference in the overall uniformity and brightness of my complexion. Sometimes I just focus the mask on my chin acne scarring, and it has helped to fade redness and pigmentation. I also like how it uses both chemical and physical exfoliants, so not only does it help pigmentation but the texture of my skin too. A brilliant addition to your routine if you’re looking for a complexion glow-up.
Glowing customer review: “It has a clay texture that feels cool going on, and the scrubbies in the mask are not harsh. Each time I use it my skin feels so smooth and has a healthy glow to it. No redness or irritation which exfoliants can sometimes cause on my sensitive skin. Looking forward to continued use and results!”
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Glycolic and lactic acids |
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Anua Azelaic Acid 10+ Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
The Anua Azelaic Acid 10+ Serum has become a go-to for tackling hyperpigmentation. With 10% azelaic acid, it gently fades dark spots and redness, while hyaluronic acid keeps my skin feeling hydrated and calm while evening out my tone. It’s one of those products that makes skin look clearer, smoother, and more glowy every time you use it. It’s also a brilliant choice if you suffer with rosacea as the azelaic acid decreases inflammation and swelling.
Glowing customer review: “I am a big fan of Azelaic acid for my skin but this is my first time using this product. No issues with irritation. Lovely smooth texture, lightweight but with a bit of body. Sinks in super fast and leaves skin feeling soft. Feel like it’s more hydrating than previous brands I’ve tried. Would repurchase.”
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Azelaic acid and hyaluronic acid |
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Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
Vitamin C is a powerful ingredient to use when trying to fade pigmentation. One of my favourites for the job is the Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum. I love everything about this serum – although it is spenny so maybe one to ask for as a Christmas present.
It has a hydrating, creamy consistency that easily sinks into the skin which also leaves a glowy sheen – not to mention the sweet-smelling orange aroma. As for the formula, this is a potent one that’s powered by 15% advanced vitamin C, so one for the experienced users. Stay loyal to it and over time you’ll notice a much brighter, clearer, plumper looking complexion. As for those dark spots and pigmentation, you can say bye bye.
Glowing customer review: “I use this product every other day, and on alternate days use Good Genes. This has done wonders for my complexion. One pump is plenty!”
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Vitamin C, glycolic acid, phytosterols complex (reduces redness) and saccharide isomerate extract (reduce pore size) |
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This is the latest introduction to my skincare routine and it has worked wonders in reducing post-acne pigmentation – of which I have lots. After cleansing and toning in my evening routine, I smooth over this silky serum and overnight it gets to work. After just a few weeks it has faded scarring and brightened my overall complexion, plus it makes my skin feel super plump and hydrated. In fact, the clinical studies are worth spotlighting as it’s proven to reduce dark spots by 63% after one bottle and 81% on darker skin tones.
Glowing customer review: “I have been using this product for over two months now and my stubborn post acne dark spots have diminished and lighten up drastically. Already half way through my second full size bottle and loving it.”
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Olive squalane and Viniferine (a patented ingredient which provides dark spot correcting action) |
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Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discolouration
I always have a tube of this in my possession, no matter how many buzzy products for hyperpigmentation cross my desk. Why? Because it's filled with the best dark spot-correcting ingredients (tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, licorice root extract, kojic acid, and niacinamide), along with moisturising shea butter and jojoba esters.
I mostly use it as a spot treatment for my acne scars by dabbing it onto a spot at night before moisturiser, but once or twice a week, I'll coat my face in this rich cream before bed as a mask. It has an ointment-like texture, which can feel a bit heavy, so I always use it at night, FYI. As a bonus, it's also great for spot treating any dark spots on my body, like scars from ingrown hairs or shaving nicks.
Glowing customer review: "I've been using this product for around 2 months now and it has made a huge difference to my dark spots and acne scars! It does have a unpleasant smell, but I'm not to sensitive to smells so it doesn't bug me that much."
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, azelaic acid, licorice root, shea butter, jojoba esters |
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"This is one chemical exfoliant that helps control my hormonal acne and, bonus, actually makes my gigantic pores look smaller," says interim deputy beauty director Deanna Pai. How does it work such magic, you ask? Well, it's freakin' stuffed with AHAs to help smooth and brighten hyperpigmentation, along with BHAs that can actually get into your pores and help clear 'em out to make them appear smaller. "I use it at night before my moisturiser," Pai adds, but two to three times a week is plenty for this strong formula.
Glowing customer review: "I will never not have this serum. My face has already made a change for the better, and I’ve only been using it for the past month about three times a week. The smell is amazing as well. Love this product!"
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Glycolic acid, lactic acid, willow bark extract, hyaluronic acid |
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La Roche-Posay MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation
Sometimes, the best way to reduce hyperpigmentation is to just prevent it from forming, which is exactly how this La Roche-Posay serum works. It uses a patented ingredient called Melasyl, which basically inhibits skin darkening to potentially stop dark spots at the source. If you're skeptical of new treatments like me, though, all good – it's also loaded with 10% niacinamide to help fade any current hyperpigmentation you already have.
Don't just take it from me: "My skin is super-prone to hyperpigmentation but has also gotten more reactive with age, which is why I'm obsessed with this stuff," says Pai. "The niacinamide makes it gentle, but it's still ~extremely~ effective at evening out my skin tone."
Glowing customer review: "My melasma and some dark sports are getting lighter already! Love this product!"
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Niacinamide, melasyl |
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This serum from The Ordinary contains 2% alpha arbutin – a popular ingredient used to fade discolouration, brighten and unify an uneven complexion – alongside everyone’s favourite hydrator, hyaluronic acid, to keep the skin feeling plump and moisturised.
It’s a brilliant budget option if you’re looking for a solution without causing major damage to your bank balance, plus it’s a generally well-tolerated ingredient so can be used on most skin types. Just be sure to layer on SPF to prevent sun sensitivity.
Glowing customer review: “This stuff is incredible!! I have sensitive skin and had no reaction. It definitely works as my post-acne marks are significantly less. I’ve only been using it for one week and the difference is amazing. ”
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Alpha arbutin and hyaluronic acid |
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This formula offers the best of both worlds when tackling hyperpigmentation. It combines antioxidant vitamins and hexylresorcinol (an ingredient used to treat dark spots) to brighten and unify the complexion, but it’s also formulated with SPF 40 so it’ll prevent hyperpigmentation from forming in the first place – and it’ll protect you from UVA and UVB rays. While the serum is very lightweight and absorbs well into the skin, it does have a slight oil-like texture so something to keep in mind if you prefer water-based serums.
Glowing customer review: “This makes my dark spots look much lighter. I highly recommended and it’s a great price point, too. Will definitely be purchasing again.”
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Hexylrescourcinol |
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Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
"Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and can inhibit the tyrosinase enzyme that can enhance the skin's radiance and diminish dark spots by blocking tyrosinase and decreasing melanin production," says Dr. Boakye. And one of the best formulas I've found is this 20 percent serum from Timeless. The lightweight, watery serum is full of pure vitamin C (aka L-ascorbic acid), as well as antioxidant-rich vitamin E and ferulic acid.
Glowing customer review: "I am 60+ years and my dermatologist highly recommended this product. I’ve been using it now for a year and I can tell such a difference in my skin. It's smoother and younger-looking. I love that it’s a pump too."
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid |
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CeraVe Retinol Serum for Post-Acne Marks and Skin Texture
"Retinoids promote cell turnover and inhibit melanin transfer and enhance skin permeation," says Dr. Boakye; that's why incorporating a retinol serum is key to reducing hyperpigmentation. My go-to pick? This one from CeraVe, which uses encapsulated retinol (aka retinol that allows for deeper penetration and sustained release, which is A+ for sensitive skin), along with licorice root and niacinamide to help brighten, firm, and smooth skin. If your precious bb face is scared of retinol, don't worry – this one combines skin-barrier-supporting ceramides to help offset some irritation.
Glowing customer review: "I’ve had no negative reaction with my sensitive skin, and it feels great. A little goes a long way, very smooth, cool, and quickly absorbed."
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Retinol, licorice root extract, niacinamide, ceramides |
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AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum
I was seeing dozens of TikToks on my FYP of people with the glowiest, smoothest, most glass-skin skin I'd ever seen – and legit every single one said they'd used this product. And once I checked it out myself, I see why. This K-Beauty product uses niacinamide to help brighten and smooth skin, but it's also packed with moisturisers to help give my skin a major glow. We're talkin' hyaluronic acid, squalane, rosemary oil, arginine, allantoin, and sea buckthorn oils – all of which make this a genius pick for someone who wants their skin to look filtered IRL.
Glowing customer review: "I don’t know what they put in this bottle BUT ITS THE BOMB!! I started to see my dark spots leaving after the first two uses."
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Niacinamide, squalane, hyaluronic acid, rosemary oil, squalane, allantoin |
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The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum
Tranexamic acid is "a gentle and effective way to improve the look of dark spots," says aesthetician Ivey Rogers. "It helps fade discolouration and can help protect against UV damage." And if you're looking for a simple, budget-friendly way to add it to your routine, grab this one from The Inkey List. It combines 2% tranexamic acid to brighten with antioxidant-rich vitamin C and moisturising squalane. Smooth it on daily at night (before retinol), followed by moisturiser to offset any potential dryness
Glowing customer review: "Noticed a difference after the first use! I’m very fair and struggle with hyperpigmentation after even the slightest blemish. This has helped a lot!"
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Tranexamic acid, squalane, vitamin C |
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As an acne-prone girlie who sprouts a scar every time a zit appears, I trust dermatologist Shereene Idriss with my life (practically). Her line is filled with non-comedogenic products that my skin just loves, including this treatment mask for hyperpigmentation. It includes all of my faves – glycolic acid, lactic acid, and tranexamic acid – all of which help brighten my dark spots and smooth my skin texture at the same time.
It can be a little strong, so I just leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse it off and smooth on my soothing serums and moisturiser right away. Bonus: I only need to use it once a week to see results, too.
Glowing customer review: "I love this face mask! I have been using this product regularly for a few weeks and I believe that it has significantly improved my hyperpigmentation, making my skin feel smoother, better hydrated, as well as appear more rejuvenated."
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Glycolic acid, lactic acid, tranexamic acid |
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What causes hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is caused by increased melanin production in your skin. "Melanocytes, which are cells in your skin, are responsible for skin pigmentation, and an increase in UV exposure is the main reason they become overactive," says Rogers. "This increase in melanin activity can result in discolouration, dark spots, or hyperpigmentation." While UV is a big culprit, genetics, hormone fluctuations (like during pregnancy), acne, inflammation, and age can also spike your melanin production.
An important distinction to make: Hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation are not the same thing. "Hyperpigmentation results in skin discolouration that is darker than your normal skin tone," Rogers says.
Meanwhile, hypopigmentation, or skin lightening, "results from decreased melanin activity from the melanocytes or pigment cells," she says. However, it's way more rare than hyperpigmentation. It usually occurs due to trauma from a healed burn, blister, rash, or fungal infection, according to Rogers, and is more common in darker skin tones.
What lightens hyperpigmentation the fastest?
The best ingredients for lightening hyperpigmentation quickly are retinol and exfoliating acids, such as glycolic and lactic acid. "Retinoids are effective because they help speed up the skin's natural ability to renew itself," says Rogers. Meanwhile, exfoliating acids "disrupt the cellular glue thereby promoting cell turnover and fading hyperpigmentation," says Dr. Boakye. Basically, acids help slough off dead skin, while retinoids encourage the production of more cells to churn out brighter, fresher skin.
However, it's important to note these ingredients can be pretty strong, which might make them hard to use consistently on sensitive skin types. In that case, opt for a longer but steadier approach with vitamin C, tranexamic acid (which doesn't exfoliate skin), and niacinamide.
Vitamin C inhibits melanin production (which is what causes dark spots in the first place), as well as adds radiance to your skin, protects it from sun exposure, and combats free radicals – all of which brightens your skin, Dr. Boakye explains. On the other hand, "Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, can prevent the transfer of melanin to skin cells, leading to lighter hyperpigmentation," she notes. "It also has anti-inflammatory and photoprotective characteristics that can soothe your skin." That makes it a go-to pick for those who are prone to irritation.
How to choose the best products for hyperpigmentation:
Consider your skin's sensitivity.
TBH, the best products for hyperpigmentation are v potent, since they're filled with ingredients like glycolic and lactic acid, along with retinol. Meaning if your skin is extremely sensitive (as in, salicylic acid feels strong for you), then you'll want to opt for something gentle, like a niacinamide-based formula; acids that don't exfoliate, like kojic and tranexamic acids, are also good options. But if you can tolerate stronger actives a smidge more, try incorporating them into your routine with a weekly mask or a once- or twice-a-week treatment serum versus daily.
Decide the format.
This list is chock-full of options, so determine which type of product you want to add to your routine. Do you prefer a weekly serum or a spot treatment you don't have to use every day? Can you commit to slathering on a serum every single morning? Or would you rather just stick to a brightening moisturiser? The best product for hyperpigmentation is one you'll use consistently, as that's the key to results. And ofc, truly the most important and best tool to prevent dark spots is sunscreen, so make sure to load up on SPF, babes.
Meet the experts:
- Dr. Naana Boakye is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Bergen Dermatology in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. She's also the author of Inside Out Beauty, a book all about caring for your skin beyond skincare.
- Ivey Rogers is a licensed aesthetician in Charlotte, NC and the lead aesthetician with Urban Skin RX. She's an expert in working with all skin tones and types.
- Dr. Caroline Robinson is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Tone Dermatology in Chicago, IL. Dr. Robinson and her team treat a full range of skin conditions, with particular focus on cosmetic dermatology, preventative skincare, and ethnic skin dermatology.
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan US with six years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories. She’s an authority in all skincare categories, but is an expert when it comes to the best products for hyperpigmentation, thanks to a decade of dealing with post-acne dark spots on her own face, plus constantly interviewing dermatologists and aestheticians.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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