Narda M, Trullas C, Brown A, Piquero-Casals J, Granger C, Fabbrocini G. Glycolic acid adjusted to pH 4 stimulates collagen production and epidermal renewal without affecting levels of proinflammatory TNF-alpha in human skin explants. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021;20(2):513-521. doi:10.1111/jocd.13570 What We Love: The Fenty Dark Spot Serum softened acne scars by healing damaged skin and plumping it with hydrating, skin-strengthening ingredients like Barbados cherry. Al-Niaimi F, Chiang NYZ. Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(7):14-17. Key ingredients: Niamcinamide, sodium hyaluronate, salicylic acid, and panthenol | Product type: Serum | Skin type: All

Dark Spot Correctors, According to Editors and The 15 Best Dark Spot Correctors, According to Editors and

Niacinamide: If you’ve spent any time on TikTok lately, you may be familiar with this buzzy ingredient. This potent (and versatile) antioxidant brightens skin by fading hyperpigmentation, reducing redness, and helping to increase the production of ceramides, which help to strengthen the skin barrier. What We Don’t Love: The formula may leave behind a subtle tingling sensation if it’s applied over broken areas of skin. Sarkar R, Arora P, Garg KV. Cosmeceuticals for Hyperpigmentation: What is Available?. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2013;6(1):4-11. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.110089What We Love: Unlike a traditional drop applicator, the Hero Cosmetics wand used a metal ball applicator that allowed us to apply the antioxidant-rich serum close to the creases of our under eyes without worrying about irritation Margarita Lolis, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Skin Laser & Surgery Specials of NY & NJ Retinol has been shown to provide “consistent” improvement in treating hyperpigmented skin, whether due to acne scarring, sun exposure, or simple aging. This just may be the best drugstore spot corrector. However, Dr. Alexiades, says that everyone, but especially darker skin tones and those with sensitive skin, should proceed with caution for products that contain hydroquinone, retinol, and glycolic acid, as they’re not easily tolerated. “If you're going to use glycolic acid or retinol, be aware, it's very irritating,” says Dr. Alexiades Even more surprising, “40 percent of adult women don't tolerate retinoids or glycolic acids,” adds Dr. Alexiades. “If you overuse them, your skin gets thin and it will make the skin weaker.” Lifestyle choices aside, Dr. Alexiades says that some of us simply have a genetic predisposition to developing dark spots. “A lot of brown spots are associated with systemic disease and that is inherited,” she explains.

Best Dark Spot Correctors for Your Skin in 2023 The 10 Best Dark Spot Correctors for Your Skin in 2023

The other dermatologists we consulted would also add vitamin C, azelaic acid, ferulic acid, alpha arbutin, and centella asiatica to that list. “Even retinol and glycolic acid are useful in lightening hyperpigmentation, making them great dark spot correctors,” says Dr. Nasarian.Our little dose of sunshine had some assistance from ferulic acid, a powerful antioxidant found in plants known for fighting free radical damage that leads to acneic skin and for healing acne wounds. Yet, even when we did get the inevitable blemish, the serum sped up the recovery process and our pimples didn’t look quite as angry or red as usual. Working in tandem is gallic acid, a plant-based ingredient known for its brightening properties, brimming with a ridiculous concentration of phenolic acids, which is basically the heavyweight champion of fighting inflammation and bacteria growth. It’s so effective that it can even match hydrocortisone when treating the severe red, itchy symptoms associated with atopic dermatitis.