Introducing 10 Dark Spot-Fading Products That Actually Work—Starting At Just $5

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: A favorite of oily skin types, this oil-free face cream targets dark spots with a formula that includes hydroquinone, a dermatologist-approved ingredient for lightening dark spots. It also improves skin texture with alpha hydroxy acids that exfoliate the top layer of skin, as well as softening vitamin E.

QUICK TIP: Be sure to stop using this treatment once the dark spots have cleared. 

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: This dermatologist-approved and allergy-tested serum is an exfoliating powerhouse that tackles hyperpigmentation and a dull complexion. The glycolic and lipo-hydroxy acids provide gentle exfoliation to even out the skin tone, while the kojic acid focuses on improving brightness.

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: This can be used alone or mixed with a moisturizer. 

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: This nature-first serum combines naturally derived and consciously made synthetic ingredients to address a handful of common issues, including dark spots. Its star ingredient is niacinamide, a stable form of vitamin B3 known for balancing skin tone and reducing the appearance of fine lines.

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: It’s also a godsend for curing excessive dryness, as the formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into the skin.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: For the most stubborn dark spots, a formula boosted by vitamin C is especially helpful. Not only will it improve skin tone and texture, but it will also provide protection against free radicals, which play a part in causing skin blemishes.

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: Be mindful of using this with other products in your routine, especially retinol. While both can be used, they shouldn’t be layered on top of one another. It’s best to use one during the day and the other at night, or alternate the days you use each one.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: This product is 10% glycolic acid, which by most standards, is a pretty hefty amount of chemical acid for a face serum. Thankfully, it's been formulated with soothing aloe, so it can provide intense exfoliation without irritating the skin. 

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: The formula is also free of fragrance, dye, and parabens to make it even safer for sensitive skin types.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is another widely known ingredient that can fade dark spots since it exfoliates and accelerates cell turnover. This .3% retinol oil does just that, and because it’s an oil, it's also nourishing for excessively dry skin. 

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: According to reviews, it also does an amazing job of decreasing redness and softening fine lines.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: If texture isn’t an issue but uneven skin tone and dark spots are, then this formula is sure to impress. It’s 10% L-Ascorbic acid, the purest form of vitamin C, which means the skin will brighten and get protection against future blemishes. 

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: The formula is also boosted by moisturizing and barrier-strengthening hyaluronic acid.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Vitamin C is a powerhouse skin brightener and skin protector whose benefits are only magnified when combined with complementary ingredients. In the case of this top-selling serum, they include nourishing hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, antibacterial witch hazel, and soothing aloe. 

USER REVIEW: “The results are unbelievable. I was a bit skeptical because all the reviews were from Caucasian women. I was slightly worried that my skin would not respond as well, but I was quite mistaken. With or without makeup, my skin is bright and smooth, and my spots are disappearing."

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Here’s a water-based, scientist-developed serum that delivers vitamin C to the skin via water, moisturizing glycerin, and aloe leaf juice. The result is not only brighter skin free of hyperpigmentation, but skin that feels smoother too. 

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: It’s important to note that 30-60 days of consistent use is required to see results. 

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: From reducing stretch marks to reducing dark spots to reducing dryness, Bio-Oil is that tried-and-true body moisturizer that does it all. The multi-use oil is enriched with multiple floral extracts, including lavender and calendula, that are brightening and anti-inflammatory.

USER REVIEW: “I bought this a few years after having my son. I had a ton of stretch marks on my lower abdomen. I have used this now for about four months, and I can honestly say I'm EXTREMELY impressed! My stretch marks are about 75-80% gone! Even my sister was like, “No way!” I don't post about beauty products often, but this one is worth a five-star review. It's working, and my belly is starting to look amazing again!”