14 Best Dark Spot Correctors That Really Work

Avon's night cream with high levels of glycolic acid was a stellar dark spot minimizer in GH Beauty Lab testing. It earned a perfect score for reducing the appearance of UV spots by an impressive 12% in four weeks of use, plus ranked top for improving skin firmness and hydration. Many testers noted that it brightened and gave skin a glow, and two reported that it "diminished dark spots."

The formula was "rich" and "luxurious," several uses said, though some commented that they didn't like the "strong perfume scent." A fan concluded: "The following morning, my skin appeared moisturized and softened and had improved tone."

The winner of the GH Beauty Lab's day cream test, this L’Oréal Paris drugstore moisturizer is formulated with anti-aging powerhouses like vitamin C, pro-retinol and glycolic acid, plus protective SPF 30. The bargain buy proved the best at improving UV spots (by 11.2% in four weeks of use) in the Lab’s clinical study.

Testers agreed — they rated it top at perfecting skin tone. Avoid the eye area when applying, though, as it could cause eye irritation or watering. "My skin appeared brighter and more radiant," one raved. Another echoed: "My skin tone appears brighter."

The cutting-edge Mother Science serum powered by biotechnology contains Malassezin, an ingredient derived from yeast that naturally occurs in skin and is said to be a powerful antioxidant for fighting dark spots. GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann was impressed by the brand's proof of efficacy, including "extensive clinical studies using instrumentation, VISIA photography, expert grading and consumer perception."

Though a reviewer noted the formula felt sticky, most raved about its hyperpigmentation-reducing powers. "I’ve tried so many products, but I saw actual results [with this]," one commented. "My dark spots are fading or completely disappeared."

Smooth on this GH Beauty Award winner Olay face cream made with brightening antioxidant vitamin C to moisturize skin and reduce dark marks at the same time. It significantly improved dark spots and brightness after four weeks of use, plus increased skin’s hydration by 31% over six hours, GH Beauty Lab data evaluation confirmed. (A caveat: Some reviewers noted that it caused irritation.) In a 180-woman study, 91% said their skin had a healthy glow after five days.

Pipette's translucent gel exfoliating mask, a GH Beauty Award winner, is left on overnight to illuminate skin using lactic acid and citrus extracts. In a study, 82% of users agreed that it improved the look of discoloration and gave skin a healthy glow, Lab data analysis confirmed. Note that it could sting a bit upon application, some users commented.

The slim, pointed applicator of this Rodan + Fields treatment helps zero in on specific dark spots. "It has faded a sunspot on my face noticeably over two months of use," Wizemann revealed. (Note that some reviewers complained they didn't see results quickly when using this.) "It contains known ingredients that can combat dark spots, including niacinamide and licorice root extract," she explains.

From BeautyStat, a Black-owned brand created by cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, this multi-benefit serum contains a high 20% concentration of the gold standard brightening ingredient vitamin C, especially beneficial for dark skin tones that are prone to hyperpigmentation.

Though it hasn't been tested by the GH Beauty Lab, reviewers swear by it: “Helps combat dark spots, breakouts, signs of aging,” a reviewer reported. “It's a miracle product that truly tackles it all.” Note that a few users found the texture too rich and that it irritated their skin.

Mamina Turegano, M.D., a dermatologist in Metairie, Louisiana and co-founder of Skintap.com, recommends this multipurpose Biopelle serum, which is blended with both dark spot-fading and anti-aging ingredients. Though it is a splurge, the treatment is loaded with active ingredients: "It contains kojic acid, niaciamide, retinol and vitamin C to help with dark spots," she says. "The formula also has peptides to help rejuvenate the skin."

This all-in-one daily moisturizer with SPF 30 sunscreen from RoC was the consumer favorite in the GH Beauty Lab's anti-aging day cream test and scored high for reducing visible spots by 4.5%, over four weeks in Lab measurements. Testers gave it the best marks for softening, firming and reducing wrinkles, and a few said it was perfect for wearing under makeup.

"I noticed a difference in skin tone and texture," a user said, and another noted that it seemed to have lightened her brown spots. “It left my skin feeling plump and looking smooth and glowing," a fan commented. A few didn't like the product's "strong" scent, however.

Dermalogica's professional-level lactic acid peel was the best at brightening skin in the GH Beauty Lab's face peel test. It earned the best score for reducing visible spots in two weeks in Lab assessment with the Visia Complexion Analyzer. A full 100% of testers agreed that formula brightened, improved skin tone and left skin looking smoother.

All testers reported they'd use it again, although the tubes can be difficult to open. It also performed impressively at boosting skin's radiance. "My skin immediately felt so smooth and looked even and bright," and "it seemed to lighten brown spots," two testers reported.

Gently treat both dark spots and wrinkles simultaneously with this formula from SkinCeuticals, a winner of the GH Beauty Lab's anti-aging serum test. Not only was it the best at reducing the look of lines in Lab evaluations in four weeks of use, testers found that it was top at firming and a great skin brightener. Despite its strong benefits, 100% of users agreed it didn't irritate skin.

The serum is formulated with 5% niacinamide, which has been shown to brighten skin, improving hyperpigmentation. Two testers reported that their "skin tone appeared more even," and one said it "lightened dark spots." Though it's not a moisturizer, a few commented that it wasn't hydrating enough.

A GH Beauty Lab face peel test winner, La Prairie's fast-acting formula with a potent blend of exfoliating lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids is splurge-worthy. It scored highest in Lab digital imaging evaluations for improving radiance and earned one of the highest scores for brightening skin in two weeks of use (though some testers commented that it took effort to rinse off).

A full 100% of users reported no peeling or flaking after application. "My skin looked brighter as soon as I washed it off — my family even noticed!” one revealed. Another echoed: "My skin was smoother and brighter following two uses."

Infused with a laundry list of brightening ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, arbutin, licorice root extract and kojic acid, these innovative ZitSticka patches pinpoint and tackle dark marks from acne. “They work really well for hyperpigmentation after acne, and I like how targeted they are, so you can ensure they’re working on the area you want them to,” says GH's former beauty assistant. (Know that the kit includes four sets of patches to be used over the course of two weeks, and some users didn't see results during that time.)

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These individually-packed glycolic acid peel pads from Philosophy excelled at improving skin tone in GH Beauty Lab testing and can also be used on the body. They earned the top score for brightening skin according to consumer testers and ranked highly for evening skin tone in two weeks of use.

Great for before a special event, a few testers found their skin glowing for days following application. “After each use, my skin looked brighter for two days," one said. "It also felt softer and smoother."