From Acne Scars To Sun Damage, These 10 Products Will Work Wonders For Your Dark Spots

WHAT IT DOES: This concentrated serum is formulated with 1% ethyl vitamin C and 4% niacinamide to reduce the appearance of age spots and boost skin radiance. Other notable ingredients, such as glycerin and a water base, keep it from drying out the skin. It’s also gentle enough for use on sensitive skin.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: Since this product contains salicylic acid and other exfoliants that increase photosensitivity, be sure to follow with sunscreen during the day.

WHAT IT DOES: Caudalie’s serum is a prime option for those who are sensitive to vitamin C products. Instead, this serum utilizes a plant-based alternative, vine sap viniferine, to minimize and prevent discoloration. A biomimetic, or safe synthetic, emulsifier boosts the efficacy of the vine sap.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: Olive-based squalane acts as a carrier for the active ingredient while also hydrating the skin.

WHAT IT DOES: Ole Henriksen’s dark spot solution is a potent alcohol-free toner enriched with a high concentration of alpha-hydroxy acids and witch hazel water to more quickly shrink dark spots. Still, it’s safe to use daily since the formula also includes skin-soothing chamomile and licorice extracts.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: If your skin is on the drier side, follow up with a rich moisturizer to prevent irritation.

WHAT IT DOES: If you have dry skin but are wary of using serums that could lead to more irritation, try this luxurious botanical oil instead. At the center is Vintner’s Daughter’s proprietary Phyto Radiance Infusion, a mashup of powerful plant nutrients that gradually transform the skin over a three week period. That complex is further boosted by additional vitamins and antioxidants, pushing the grand total of nutrients to over 60.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: Vintner’s Daughter is also a clean beauty brand, which means it is free of talc, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrance, to name a few. 

WHAT IT DOES: This lightweight cream is also light on cost yet still highly effective. Its highly concentrated and most active ingredient is azelaic acid, a naturally occurring ingredient found in grains that's known for its anti-inflammatory properties. If you use it during the day, apply it before your sunscreen.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: Azelaic acid is also a solution for reducing and preventing rosacea.

WHAT IT DOES: Drunk Elephant’s cult-favorite Babyfacial is as close as it gets to a professional chemical peel. Suitable for most skin types, except sensitive, its formula is a highly concentrated mix of 25% alpha-hydroxy and 2% beta-hydroxy acids that resurface the skin by targeting sebum and bacteria to improve texture and even out tone.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This one tingles and should only be used once per week. After you rinse off, be sure to replenish your skin with a rich moisturizer.

WHAT IT DOES: Retinol, the vitamin A derivative frequently name-dropped by beauty editors and skin experts, is the ultimate multitasker. By speeding up the skin’s cell-turnover rate, it decreases the occurrence of many common issues, including dark spots. This one is also infused with hyaluronic acid to help the skin stay hydrated.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This is a favorite for sensitive skin types, as the formula is fragrance-free and dermatologist-approved. 

WHAT IT DOES: This lightweight liquid is a celebrity favorite for balancing dry and/or oily skin, though it’s perfectly suitable for all skin types. The formula is one of a kind—a proprietary “Pitera” complex made up of over 50 micronutrients that tackle dark spots, fine lines, and uneven texture. The formula hasn’t changed for over 40 years, and for good reason.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: Apply this in the gentlest of ways by pouring just a quarter size of the product into your hands and patting it into the skin. Don’t put on your moisturizer until this is fully absorbed.

WHAT IT DOES: Lactic acid, a powerful AHA, clarifies the skin by exfoliating dead cells from the surface. In this treatment, it joins forces with licorice, an ingredient that boosts the impact of lactic acid with its brightening properties. To ensure that this powerhouse duo doesn’t cause irritation, the formula is also enriched with multiple plant extracts that calm and soothe the skin.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: If you have sensitive skin, use this leave-on treatment as a face mask instead. Apply, leave on for 15 minutes, and rinse. 

WHAT IT DOES: When it comes to preventing discoloration, few products are name-dropped more than SkinCeuticals’s cult-favorite C E Ferulic. The formula is 15% pure vitamin C, which brightens the skin and protects it from environmental stressors. The next most powerful ingredient is vitamin E, known for its moisture-restoring properties. Coming in third is a .5% concentration of ferulic acid, a plant-based antioxidant that helps stabilize the former two ingredients and acts as a protective shield for the skin.

WHAT SHOPPERS SAY: “I am 37 with combination skin, normal on my cheeks, dry around my eyes, occasional breakouts on my t-zone, sun spots and melasma above my upper lip. I really like this product! It absorbs really nicely and doesn’t leave an oily feeling. I have found that it has definitely improved the firmness of my skin and brightened my overall skin tone. I haven’t had any increase in my breakouts, which is nice since many products tend to do that.”