Experts Love These 16 Dark Spot Correctors for Glowing Skin (2024)

This hydroquinone-free brightening serum from SkinCeuticals uses niacinamide and a blend of tranexamic and kojic acids to brighten hyperpigmentation. And since the serum features a built-in dropper, you won’t ever have to worry about using too much product.

Customer review: “I have used this for over 30 days with no expectations. Wow, I am so pleased. Brown spots are diminished. I am sold!” —Fitz

Murad’s correcting serum is gentle enough to use day and night before your moisturizer and helps promote cell turnover. It’s ideal not only for brightening dark spots, but for treating discoloration and uneven tone as well.

Customer review: “I have tried many Med Spa dark spot corrector serums and lotions, but Murad seems to finally be working. The others didn’t work quite as fast as Murad. I use it morning and night. After five weeks or so, have noticed a reduction in dark spots.” —Anonymous

Created by dermatologist Shereene Idriss, this illuminating alpha arbutin and niacinamide serum can be used up to twice per day to minimize dark spots. Plus, its formula is fragrance-free, and safe for sensitive skin.

Customer review: “Love this stuff! I think I’m on my fourth time ordering it and really notice a difference! Skin appears more even toned.” —Kelli S

In addition to reducing the appearance of dark spots, ZO Skin Health’s coveted skin brightener is also ideal for boosting luminosity and overall skin clarity without hydroquinone or retinol. The brightener is powered by ingredients like niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and encapsulated peptide, for the ultimate glow-up.

Customer review: “It doesn’t get any better than Zo!! Brightalive has been a game changer for dark spots and my over all complexion!I have never stuck to a skin care routine before…until now!” —Jacqueline S.

Sephora customers are raving about this buzzy dark spot serum from Topicals. It aims to fade stubborn acne marks and sun-damaged, uneven skin in two weeks with daily use, thanks to tranexamic and azelaic acids, along with niacinamide.

Customer review: “I have pretty bad acne, not only is this preventing some spots, it clears them up soooo much faster. I found myself replacing my vitamin C, because this is so much more effective and erasing those spots quickly!” —Madelyn Joy

“Olay’s Vitamin C and Peptide 24 moisturizer is one of my favorite budget-friendly dark spot correctors to recommend to clients,” Robinson says. “It’s not only available at most drugstores, but also uses vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, and lactic acid to even tone and support collagen rejuvenation.”

Customer review: “I’m a big fan of Olay, and this Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Hydrating Moisturizer is awesome. It is super moisturizing and makes my skin feel very glowy.” —sabrina_ny_9ttrc

Beauty experts and Bazaar editors agree: This cult-favorite, fragrance-free dark spot serum—which is optimized for melanated skin—is a must-have in any skin care rotation. It’s powered by niacinimide and vitamin C to leave skin brighter and more glowy.

Customer review: “I already see my dark spots fading and it has been a week using Milk Marvel in the AM and PM. This stuff leaves my skin feeling so hydrated and moisturized, and I wake up with my skin glowing!” —Mae M.

This brightening serum uses 15 percent vitamin C and a blend of ingredients like kojic acid, bearberry, licorice, and salicylic acid to brighten dark spots and prevent future breakouts.

Customer review: “I’ve been using this for over a year and genuinely see the difference in my skin. Also I love the packaging!! The serum never goes bad because of how it is packaged.” —emily3266

Here’s a potent, cosmetic-chemist-created vitamin C serum that contains 20 percent of the ingredient. It’s paired with a green tea compound to brighten dark spots while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles over time.

Customer review: “As a woman of color, hyperpigmentation has been a problem with my skin. This is the only vitamin c serum that has lightened and gotten rid of my dark spots. Other than the price, this product is beyond AMAZING. Highly recommended!” —niasymonee

Because azelaic acid is often used to treat acne and rosacea, experts recommend this best-selling moisturizer (which uses 10 percent of the ingredient) to combat post-breakout marks.

Customer review: “This is the only azelaic acid serum that I’ve used thus far. As someone with oily skin, this product featuring alpha arbutin really packs a nice punch to create matte skin, kill bacteria, and lighten dark spots. Love the price point for the size.” —wanderlust

This bestseller from Kiehl’s is powered by stabilized vitamin C and peony extract to help minimize hyperpigmentation and uneven tone. One devoted customer even writes that with this potent solution, a “little goes a long way,” which means more bang for your buck.

Customer review: “I got this product and it’s the best serum i’ve ever used! All other serums I try never worked, but my scarring was really bad, and made me self conscious. Now after using this serum, my face is literally glowing.” —Marshmallow

Sunday Riley’s beloved brightening serum has close to five stars at Dermstore and is a cult-classic among beauty lovers in the know to improve skin’s texture and vibrance. Plus, it has anti-aging benefits, since it helps skin feel firmer and plumper.

Customer review: “I’ve been using this product for a while and it’s one of my favorite additions to my skincare routine! Leaves my skin feeling fresh and brighter.” —C

Here’s a skin-evening moisturizer that’s top-rated at Ulta and features a featherweight formula with broad-spectrum SPF 30 to prevent spots from getting even darker.

Customer review: “Highly recommend!!! I’m in my 40s. I’ve been using Roc for a couple of years. No one thinks I'm 40. Helps with fine lines and skin tone, delivering promised results, and it’s budget friendly! I use all their products and am happy with them all.” —Alison

In addition to dark spots, this correcting serum is also ideal for brightening the appearance of acne scars. It uses ingredients like mulberry root extract and salicylic acid to prevent future dark spots, and also contains an anti-irritant complex to nourish your skin.

Customer review: “It’s been a week I purchase this corrector and seen results, my acne scars are lighter and not too pigmented. Very happy with this purchase, so happy to exactly see results after just one week.” —BeatrizBea

• Robert Finney is a board-certified dermatologist at Entière Dermatology in New York City.
• Caroline Robinson is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Tone Dermatology in Chicago.