Face Serums to Try for Fading Dark Spots

Our Top Picks

Best Dark Spot Correctors

Best Overnight Treatment: Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum

Designed for nightly use, this high-performance serum combines exfoliating acids with peptide and antioxidant technology to address discoloration at multiple stages. It gently accelerates cell turnover while targeting excess melanin, improving dark spots, texture, and tone without sacrificing barrier health.

Key Ingredients: Mandelic, Lactic, and Salicylic acids; Nonapeptide-1; Bakuchiol; Rumex Occidentalis Extract

Skin Type: All skin types

Skin Benefit(s): Fades dark spots and melasma, refines texture, supports collagen, strengthens barrier

Beauty Insider Tip: Use exclusively at night and follow with a nourishing moisturizer.

Best with Vitamin C: Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Asta C Vitamin C Age Defense Serum

Formulated by a board-certified dermatologist, this antioxidant-rich serum pairs two stable forms of vitamin C to visibly brighten discoloration while defending against oxidative stress. The result is a clearer, more luminous complexion with added anti-aging benefits.

Key Ingredients: Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, 3-O-ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Astaxanthin, Turmeric

Skin Type: All skin types

Skin Benefit(s): Brightens skin tone, reduces discoloration, provides antioxidant protection

Beauty Insider Tip: Apply in the morning and always follow with sunscreen.

Best Gentle Pigment Corrector: Epionce MelanoLyte Pigment Perfecting Serum

This botanical-based night serum improves uneven pigmentation without the irritation associated with traditional lightening agents. Gentle enough for daily use and all skin types, it gradually brightens skin while supporting a calm, balanced complexion.

Key Ingredients: Turmeric extract, Paper Mulberry, Pea Extract, Lemon Balm

Skin Type: All skin types

Skin Benefit(s): Reduces hyperpigmentation, evens tone, soothes inflammation

Beauty Insider Tip: Layer under your moisturizer to enhance results.

Best for Post-Acne Discoloration: Glytone TranEXamide Discoloration Treatment Serum

Powered by tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide, this concentrated serum targets post-blemish marks and sun-related discoloration. With continued use, this hydroquinone-free formula helps minimize recurrence while improving overall tone clarity.

Key Ingredients: Tranexamic Acid, Kojic Acid, Niacinamide

Skin Type: All skin types

Skin Benefit(s): Brightens post-acne marks, evens tone, improves clarity

Beauty Insider Tip: Always make sure to use sunscreen during the day to prevent re-darkening.

Best Professional-Grade Brightening Serum: iS Clinical Brightening Serum

Clinically proven to significantly reduce pigmentation, this lightweight serum delivers controlled exfoliation without triggering inflammation. Powered by botanical acids and kelp extracts, it works by inhibiting the formation of dark spots while gently resurfacing the skin. Plus, it also boasts of anti-aging benefits that help soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Key Ingredients: Norwegian Kelp Extract, Alpha-Arbutin, Bilberry Extract, Sugar Cane Extract

Skin Type: All skin types

Skin Benefit(s): Fades pigmentation, smooths texture, enhances radiance

Beauty Insider Tip: You may feel a mild tingling sensation when using this serum for the first time. But don’t fret. This is a normal side effect of its active ingredients.

Best Fast-Acting Pigment Corrector: ISDIN Isdinceutics Melaclear Advanced Pigment-Correcting Serum

This advanced formula targets discoloration with tranexamic acid and niacinamide, delivering visible improvement in as little as two weeks, with optimal results within 12 weeks. Aside from improving uneven skin tone, we also love that it boosts hydration and luminosity.

Key Ingredients: Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide, Licorice Root Extract

Skin Type: All skin types

Skin Benefit(s): Reduces dark spots, evens tone, boosts radiance

Beauty Insider Tip: Make it a point to pair with SPF during the day to maintain results.

Best for Stubborn Dark Spots: La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum

For extra-stubborn dark spots, you need an advanced serum that packs a powerful brightening punch. Infused with Melasyl™ and niacinamide, this first-of-its-kind serum visibly corrects persistent discoloration while respecting natural skin tone and delivers long-lasting brightening with consistent use.

Key Ingredients: Melasyl™, Niacinamide, Thermal Spring Water

Skin Type: All skin types

Skin Benefit(s): Targets stubborn dark spots, brightens skin, improves clarity

Beauty Insider Tip: For optimal results, use this serum day and night on face and neck.

Best for Rapid Tone Correction: Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum

This fast-acting serum combines exfoliating acids with Murad’s patented resorcinol technology to reduce dark spots and uneven tone. It promotes surface cell turnover, making it effective in reducing the intensity of dark spots and uneven skin tone.

Key Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Resorcinol, Tranexamic Acid

Skin Type: All skin types

Skin Benefit(s): Fades dark spots, evens tone, boosts radiance

Beauty Insider Tip: If your skin tends to be on the sensitive side, make sure to start slow and introduce this high-performing serum gradually.

Best Targeted Spot Treatment: NEOSTRATA Dark Spot Corrector

Designed for focused application, this gel treatment uses exfoliating acids and tyrosinase inhibitors to visibly fade discoloration. It resurfaces dull skin while improving overall brightness.

Key Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Gluconolactone, Kojic Acid, Butyl Resorcinol

Skin Type: All skin types

Skin Benefit(s): Targets dark spots, exfoliates, improves tone

Beauty Insider Tip: To prevent discoloration from recurring, use sunscreen consistently and limit sun exposure during and after use.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Pai Fade Forward Dark Spot Serum

If your skin tends to be on the sensitive side, then this dark spot serum is for you. Formulated without exfoliating acids, this clinically proven formula fades hyperpigmentation and prevents new ones from forming without the risk of irritation.

Key Ingredients: Marine algae, stabilized vitamin C

Skin Type: All skin types, including sensitive

Skin Benefit(s): Fades dark spots, evens tone, enhances radiance

Beauty Insider Tip: With its breakthrough marine-powered formula, this gentle serum is safe even for highly reactive skin.

Best Barrier-Friendly Brightening Serum: PCA SKIN Vitamin B3 Brightening Serum

This lightweight gel-serum is ideal when discoloration and barrier stress go hand in hand. Powered by niacinamide and antioxidant-rich botanicals, it helps visibly brighten uneven tone while reinforcing the skin’s protective barrier, making it especially well-suited for skin that’s prone to redness, dehydration, or sensitivity alongside dark spots.

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Glycerin, Mulberry Extract, Green Tea

Skin Type: All skin types

Skin Benefit(s): Brightens tone, reduces discoloration, strengthens barrier

Beauty Insider Tip: For maximum brightening and anti-aging results, apply to the entire face and neck. Follow with a broad-spectrum SPF during the day and a moisturizer in the evening.

Best Tranexamic Acid Treatment: Replenix Tranexamic Acid Dark Spot Corrector

Designed for precision correction, this targeted treatment zeroes in on dark spots while leaving surrounding skin undisturbed. Tranexamic acid and niacinamide work to visibly reduce the intensity of pigmentation over time, while light-reflecting minerals offer an immediate brightening effect for a smoother, more radiant finish.

Key Ingredients: Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide, Vitamin C Complex

Skin Type: All skin types

Skin Benefit(s): Reduces dark spots, refines texture, brightens tone

Beauty Insider Tip: For focused correction, apply directly to areas of uneven pigmentation.

Best Dermatologist-Favorite Formula: SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

A go-to in dermatology offices, this advanced serum tackles stubborn discoloration using a clinically proven blend of tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide. It works on multiple stages of pigment formation, helping to visibly fade dark spots while improving overall tone clarity and helping prevent future discoloration with continued use.

Key Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, Kojic Acid, Niacinamide, HEPES

Skin Type: All skin types

Skin Benefit(s): Reduces dark spots, evens tone, enhances radiance

Beauty Insider Tip: You may notice a shift in color in the formula due to the concentration of koji acid. However, this doesn’t affect the potency or efficacy of the product.

Best Intensive Spot Treatment: SkinMedica Even & Correct Dark Spot Cream

This fast-acting spot treatment is designed for deeply set, stubborn discoloration that needs a more intensive approach. With a potent combination of tranexamic acid, retinol, and glycolic acid, it accelerates skin renewal while targeting pigment at its source—making it an effective option when lighter brightening serums aren’t enough.

Key Ingredients: LTN Complex™, Tranexamic Acid, Retinol, Glycolic Acid

Skin Type: All skin types

Skin Benefit(s): Targets dark spots, supports renewal, improves clarity

Beauty Insider Tip: For best results, apply on stubborn dark spots nightly (or as frequently as your skin can tolerate) until the area brightens.

Best for Melasma & Hormonal Pigmentation: VI Derm Dark Spot Lifting Serum with 5% Tranexamic Acid

Specifically formulated to address hormonally driven discoloration, this serum targets melasma and recurring dark spots with a high-strength tranexamic acid complex. By lifting existing pigment and helping suppress excess melanin production, it supports clearer, more even-toned skin while maintaining hydration and barrier health.

Key Ingredients: Tranexamic Acid, Kojic Acid, Lactic Acid, Niacinamide

Skin Type: All skin types

Skin Benefit(s): Fades dark spots, brightens tone, prevents pigment recurrence

Beauty Insider Tip: Apply a thin layer in the morning and/or night, then follow with sunscreen and your go-to moisturizer.

FAQs

How do you choose a dark spot corrector?

When choosing the best dark spot correctors, it’s important to look for formulas that address pigmentation at multiple stages. Choose a formula that brightens the skin while also regulating melanin production, supporting cell turnover, and controlling inflammation. As for ingredients, tranexamic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, kojic acid, and gentle exfoliating acids are especially effective when paired with daily sun protection.

How to use a dark spot corrector?

Most dark spot correctors are applied after cleansing and before moisturizer, once or twice daily, depending on the formula. Always follow product directions, introduce actives gradually, and wear sunscreen daily to prevent new discoloration.

The Bottom Line

Several factors can trigger the formation of dark spots, from acne and sun damage to hormonal changes and inflammation. However, regardless of the cause, keeping discoloration in check all boils down to consistency and the right daily support. No matter which formula you choose, the best dark spot correctors are designed to work with your skin’s natural renewal process while helping regulate excess pigment and prevent new discoloration from forming. And once you land on a formula that suits your skin and concerns, the payoff is a clearer, more even-toned complexion over time.