Dark spots are the pesky after effects of a breakout, excessive sun exposure and more—a condition also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Regardless of the cause, it takes a mighty mix of ingredients to diminish and brighten these annoying spots off the face, and although some are on the luckier spectrem and don’t necessarily deal with this problem, I am definitely in the category that does. Here, we list some of our personal favourites that have worked to do exactly that—smartly brightening the skin for a more even, and radiant complexion.
Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector
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The best introductory product for dark spots—this one from Kiehl’s is a skin-brightening elixir that smartly pairs with Activated C (a stabilized form of Vitamin C) and peony extract to deliver a super lightweight correcting serum.
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
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Infused with a whopping 10% vitamin C, dark spot-fader shitake mushroom and Biossance’s signature Squalane, this spot lightening wunderkind features a smart and unique blend of ingredients that is precisely calibrated to not cause irritation like traditional vitamin C serums—making it ideal for all skin types.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
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A powerhouse of 15% vitamin C, this Rapid Flash Brightening Serum truly means it when they say rapidly—it brightens the appearance of the skin to reveal immediate radiance, while fighting the look of dark spots and discolorations. The skin looks firmer and plumper almost immediately and expect your youthful bounce to return with consistent application.
SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence
Combining SK-II’s hard-working Pitera essence, with their Spot Resist Complex and Lumina Kelp Extract, this essence is designed to strategically target age spots with precision!
Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum
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This highly concentrated brightening serum consists of two types of vitamin C to boost its brightening powers. Another star ingredient is Japanese angelica root extract which helps to diffuse hyperpigmentation, spots, discolouration and scarring, without the need for harsh lightening agents.
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum
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This radiance booster is both natural, super-effective and suitable for all skin types! Containing their patented Viniferine, which is 62 times more effective than Vitamin C, this serum works to reduce the appearance of dark spots, including acne marks, sun pigmentation and age-related dark spots, and prevents them from reappearing too.
Ole Henriksen Glow2OH™ Dark Spot Toner
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Supercharged with high-potency AHAs, this dark spot toner is perfect for those looking to smoothen texture as well as eliminate spots and scars. When you feel its slight but gentle tingle—you know it is working its magic. It also doubles as a prepping step to your skincare for better serum and moisturiser absorption.
Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter
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The Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector is a renowned cult-favourite—but adding the Interrupter into its formula has truly changed the game. Now with double the dose, it features a proprietary brightening molecule for a more even skin tone; improving the look of dark spots, age spots and acne scars.
Dr Dennis Gross Professional Grade IPL Dark Spot Concentrated Serum
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You’re getting a facial-like, professional grade treatment with this serum by Dr Dennis Gross. Brightening even the most stubborn of dark spots and pigmentations, it promises to deliver laser like results. Pure L ascorbic acid, lactic acid, and liquorice root can be found at its heart where they join hands to diminishes visible discolouration in just a few weeks.
YSL Beauté Pure Shots Light Up Serum
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Always infusing a piece of Morocco into their products, this Pure Shots Light Up Serum is boosted with protective marshmallow from the YSL haven to revive your skin’s complexion. It’s paired with a specific blend of micro-pearls and vitamin C which leaves skin looking brighter and more radiant from the first application.
