These Products are the IRL Ctrl+Alt+Delete on Hyperpigmentation

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I've been suffering through hyperpigmentation for as long as I've been dealing with breakouts and cystic acne: Way. Too. Long. (To put a year on it, we're talking before I even had my first Motorola Razr, mmk?) So trust me when I say I know a thing or two about the best products for hyperpigmentation, whether you just want a weekly face mask to help fade your spots or are bringing in special forces in the form of a daily serum, spot treatment, and moisturizer to tackle your acne scars, sun spots, and melasma.

But first, before I share all of my picks (that's why you're here, right?), lemme break down what hyperpigmentation actually is. "Hyperpigmentation is a condition where there is an overproduction of melanin in the skin, which results in dark spots," says dermatologist Naana Boakye, MD. "Common causes of hyperpigmentation include sun exposure, inflammation—like acne, eczema, burns, etc.— genetics, hormonal changes, and more," she adds. Hence why it can be frustrating to treat, similar to acne—as one spot finally clears up, another one might pop up in its place. But I've got you covered, with hella options for all types of hyperpigmentation and skin type, as well as various treatment options depending on your ~vibes.~ Without further ado, my top favorites:

Keep scrolling for all of my picks, as well as dermatologist and aesthetician-approved ingredients you should be using for hyperpigmentation. Then, get the low-down on what exactly causes hyperpigmentation and how to choose the right product for your specific needs.

Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration

I always have a tube of this in my possession, no matter how many buzzy products for hyperpigmentation cross my desk. Why? Because it's filled with the best dark spot-correcting ingredients (tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, licorice root extract, kojic acid, and niacinamide), along with moisturizing shea butter and jojoba esters. I mostly use it as a spot treatment for my acne scars by dabbing it onto a spot at night before moisturizer, but once or twice a week, I'll coat my face in this rich cream before bed as a mask. It has an ointment-like texture, which can feel a bit heavy, so I always use it at night, FYI. As a bonus, it's also great for spot treating any dark spots on my body, like scars from ingrown hairs or shaving nicks.

• Key ingredients: Tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, azelaic acid, licorice root, shea butter, jojoba esters

Glowing customer review: "I've been using this product for around 2 months now and it has made a huge diffrence in my dark spots and acne scars! It does have a unpleasant smell, but I'm not to sensitive to smells so it doesn't bug me that much."

Unspotted 4X Acid Jelly Night Serum

NGL, this treatment serum is pretty similar to getting an in-office chemical peel or treatment—and I've tried legit dozens of spensy ones. It's loaded with all of the gold-standard acids to help fade dark spots, including azelaic, glycolic, lactic, and tranexamic acids. I smooth it on a clean face once or twice a week, then layer on my richest moisturizer to help avoid dryness or irritation. It definitely isn't for the faint of heart (read: the most sensitive skin), but I also have found myself spot-treating a few lingering acne scars when I don't wanna do the whole-shebang but still get some benefits.

• Key ingredients: Azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid

Glowing customer review: "This minimized my spots dramatically over night. After application make sure to put a hydrating moisturizer on with no acids or AHAs in them. My skin looks SO much better after one use."

Molecular Hero Serum

I am extremely skeptical when it comes to new ingredients and products (my inbox is filled with thousands of 'em rn), but I gave this serum the ole' college try for a full six weeks and officially understood the hype. It uses Malassezin, a molecule that already exists on your skin that helps fade dark spots while strengthening your skin barrier and reducing irritation. For me, it majorly calms down inflammation (especially active acne) as soon as I smooth it on my face, all the while slowly brightening and smoothing my skin.

• Key ingredients: Malassezin, niacinamide

Glowing customer review: "I am a repeat customer and will never return to using just Vitamin C. I had a stubborn spot above my brow that my aesthetician said would likely always exist. After my first bottle, it was gone!I’ve also recommended it to friends who are equally as impressed!"

20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

"Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and can inhibit the tyrosinase enzyme that can enhance the skin's radiance and diminish dark spots by blocking tyrosinase and decreasing melanin production," says Dr. Boakye. And one of the best formulas I've found is this 20 percent serum from Timeless. The lightweight, watery serum is full of pure vitamin C (aka L-ascorbic acid), as well as antioxidant-rich vitamin E and ferulic acid. It's also clutch in the summer: "Additionally, it can combat free radicals and shield the skin from sun exposure," Dr. Boakye adds.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid

Glowing customer review: "I am 60+ years younger and my dermatologist highly recommended this product. I’ve been using it now for a year and I can tell such a difference in my skin. It's smoother and younger-looking. I love that it’s a pump too."

AlphaRet Overnight Cream

I might be a beauty editor with a thousand products, but I get lazy as hell sometimes too. Which is why all-in-one treatments like this from SkinBetter are the GOAT. This retinol-based serum also incorporates lactic and glycolic acids to brighten and smooth, along with peptides to help plump and firm skin, hella moisturizers (squalane, hyaluronic acid, ceramides), smoothing niacinamide, brightening vitamin C, and soothing allantoin and bisabolol. Legit, it's got it all. Just smooth it on clean skin three nights a week (starting with once a week, slowly building up if you're new to retinoids), and always follow with moisturizer.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, lactic aid, glycolic acid, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, squalane, ceramides, allantoin, bisabolol

Cosmo review: "The combo of AHAs and retinoid in this cream have not only helped control my breakouts, but they've also taken care of my old acne marks. Win-win!" —Deanna Pai, interim deputy beauty director

Multi-Bright Tranexamic Acid Treatment 5%

This brightening blend of tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and alpha arbutin is basically like spreading bottled sunshine over my skin. I smooth it over my clean face in the morning, then follow with sunscreen before my full makeup routine. Not only does it help fade hyperpigmentation over time, but it also gives my skin a glowy, healthy look right away.

• Key ingredients: Tranexamic acid, kojic acid, alpha arbutin

Glowing customer review: "This product isn’t talked about enough…I use it every other day and it has CHANGED my skin. My scars have faded dramatically over the course of time. It also brightens like no other product and gives a beautiful glow."

Mela B3 Serum

Sometimes, the best way to reduce hyperpigmentation is to just prevent it from forming, which is exactly how this La Roche-Posay serum works. It uses a patented ingredient called Melasyl, which basically inhibits skin darkening to potentially stop dark spots at the source. If you're skeptical of new treatments like me, though, all good—it's also loaded with 10 percent niacinamide to help fade any current hyperpigmentation you already have.

Don't just take it from me: "My skin is super-prone to hyperpigmentation but has also gotten more reactive with age, which is why I'm obsessed with this stuff," says Pai. "The niacinamide makes it gentle, but it's still ~extremely~ effective at evening out my skin tone."

• Key ingredients: Niacinamide, melasyl

Glowing customer review: "My melasma and some dark sports are getting lighter already! Love this product!"

The Exceptional Overnight Chronobiology Peel

This is the easiest, most luxurious at-home chemical peel—trust me. Just swipe an even layer of the gel on your skin, wait five-ish minutes, then layer on your moisturizer and hit the hay. It uses a blend of AHAs and BHAs that majorly retexturize skin to help fade dark spots and smooth texture, while centella asiatica and oat amino acids soothe skin.

• Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, centella asiatica, malic acid, tartaric acid, oat amino acids

Cosmo review: "I swear by face peels for evening out my skin tone and making it look more radiant, and this overnight version—which uses time-released actives to exfoliate and moisturize—makes my skin look bright and refreshed by morning." —D.P.

Honey Glow 17% Resurfacing Acid Serum

"This is one chemical exfoliant that helps control my hormonal acne and, bonus, actually makes my gigantic pores look smaller," says interim deputy beauty director Deanna Pai. How does it work such magic, you ask? Well, it's freakin' stuffed with AHAs to help smooth and brighten hyperpigmentation, along with BHAs that can actually get into your pores and help clear 'em out to make them appear smaller. "I use it at night before my moisturizer," Pai adds, but two to three times a week is plenty for this strong formula.

• Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, willow bark extract, hyaluronic acid

Glowing customer review: "I will never not have this serum. My face has already made a change for the better, and I’ve only been using it for the past month about three times a week. The smell is amazing as well. Love this product!"

Retinol Serum for Post-Acne Marks and Skin Texture

"Retinoids promote cell turnover and inhibit melanin transfer and enhance skin permeation," says Dr. Boakye; that's why incorporating a retinol serum is key to reducing hyperpigmentation. My go-to pick? This drugstore one from CeraVe, which uses encapsulated retinol (aka retinol that allows for deeper penetration and sustained release, which is A+ for sensitive skin), along with licorice root and niacinamide to help brighten, firm, and smooth skin. If your precious bb face is scared of retinol, don't worry—this one combines skin-barrier-supporting ceramides to help offset some irritation.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, licorice root extract, niacinamide, ceramides

Glowing customer review: "I’ve had no negative reaction with my sensitive skin, and it feels great. A little goes a long way, very smooth, cool, and quickly absorbed."

Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum

I was seeing dozens of TikToks on my FYP of people with the glowiest, smoothest, most glass-skin skin I'd ever seen—and legit every single one said they'd used this product. And once I checked it out myself, I see why. This K-Beauty product uses niacinamide to help brighten and smooth skin, but it's also packed with moisturizers to help give my skin a major glow. We're talkin' hyaluronic acid, squalane, rosemary oil, arginine, allantoin, and sea buckthorn oils—all of which make this a genius pick for someone who wants their skin to look filtered IRL.

• Key ingredients: Niacinamide, squalane, hyaluronic acid, rosemary oil, squalane, allantoin

Glowing customer review: "I don’t know what they put in this bottle BUT ITS THE BOMB!! I started to see my dark spots leaving after the first two uses."

Lightning Wand Dark Spot Brightening Serum

We've all got hella spot treatments for when our zits are active, but what about when they turn into dark spots? Enter: The Lightning Wand by Hero Cosmetics. This pen is filled with all the best brightening agents (tranexamic acid, licorice root extract, niacinamide, and vitamin C) in an easy-to-use, on-the-go format that I can quickly dab onto a spot twice a day to help fade it. Bonus: It's clear, so I can slip it in my bag and reapply it throughout the day too.

• Key ingredients: Tranexamic acid, vitamin C, licorice root extract, niacinamide

Glowing customer review: "I was skeptical about this product, but it was referred to me by a friend who said its the only product that worked on her acne scars. Ive been using it for a week now and have noticed a considerable difference in the darkness of my acne scars. This stuff is magic!"

Tranexamic Acid Serum

Tranexamic acid is "a gentle and effective way to improve the look of dark spots," says aesthetician Ivey Rogers. "It helps fade discoloration and can help protect against UV damage." And if you're looking for a simple, budget-friendly way to add it to your routine, grab this one from The Inkey List. It combines 2 percent tranexamic acid to brighten with antioxidant-rich vitamin C and moisturizing squalane. Smooth it on daily at night (before retinol), followed by moisturizer to offset any potential dryness

• Key ingredients: Tranexamic acid, squalane, vitamin C

Glowing customer review: "Noticed a difference after the first use! I’m very fair and struggle with hyperpigmentation after even the slightest blemish. This has helped a lot!"

Star Seed Silicone-Free 100% Mineral Facial Sunscreen

FYI: "Sunscreen is the ultimate method of protection against hyperpigmentation," says Dr. Boakye. "UV rays from the sun can exacerbate discoloration and produce more melanin." Just another reason why you gotta wear SPF 30+ every. single. day—no ifs, ands, or buts. Recently, I'm a fan of this mineral sunscreen formula from Herbivore, because not only does it offer broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection, but it also helps slightly brighten my skin with a lil vitamin C. And it's so transparent and lightweight that it barely feels like I'm wearing anything at all.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, prebiotics

Glowing customer review: "This is a really nice facial sunscreen! It has a light tint so the zinc doesn't throw a white cast and its full of great skincare ingredients. I love the idea of SPF that protects your skin and is good for your skin—this doesn't feel thick or heavy, but not greasy."

Fade Away Brightening Serum

This serum is loaded with one of my favorite ingredients for hyperpigmentation: kojic acid, an over-the-counter, significantly gentler option compared to hydroquinone, a lightening agent that has to be prescribed and can be v intense. Kojic acid basically stops abnormal or excessive pigment production in its tracks while fading existing discoloration, dermatologist Caroline Robinson, MD, previously explained to Cosmo. “It also is also said to have antioxidant effects as well, which help our skin cells repair themselves from the harmful effects of UV rays, pollution, and oxidative stress."

The formula also has a cocktail of alpha arbutin and licorice root extract, both of which are great natural brighteners. IK what you're thinking: Okay, so this serum is prob gonna burn my face off with all that brightening. But surprisingly, it's extremely gentle on my skin, thanks to soothing aloe and neem oil.

• Key ingredients: Alpha arbutin, kojic acid, licorice root extract

Glowing customer review: "Fade away is an amazing product! I saw a drastic change in my dark spots."

Major Fade Dark Spot AHA Face Mask

As an acne-prone girlie who sprouts a scar every time a zit appears, I trust dermatologist Shereene Idriss with my life (practically). Her line is filled with non-comedogenic products that my skin just loves, including this treatment mask for hyperpigmentation. It includes all of my faves—glycolic acid, lactic acid, and tranexamic acid—all of which help brighten my dark spots and smooth my skin texture at the same time. It can be a little strong, so I just leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse it off and smooth on my soothing serums and moisturizer right away. Bonus: I only need to use it once a week to see results, too.

• Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, tranexamic acid

Glowing customer review: "I love this face mask! I have been using this product regularly for a few weeks and I believe that it has significantly improved my hyperpigmentation, making my skin feel smoother, better hydrated, as well as appear more rejuvenated."

Cloud Cushion Plush Moisturizer

Don't wanna add another step to your routine? I gotchu, just incorporate this hyperpigmentation-reducing moisturizer. It's chock-full of the best moisturizers (ceramides, peptides, squalane—you name it), plus niacinamide to help slowly but gently brighten your skin. And it's shockingly lightweight—dare I say, even cloudlike—so even the oiliest of skin types can use it. (Trust me, I swear by this, and you could fry an egg on my face).

• Key ingredients: Ceramides, peptides, niacinamide, squalane

Glowing customer review: "I love this moisturizer! My skin doesn’t feel greasy. I usually have very dry skin but this is the perfect balance for my skin. This a good line for WOC or any one."

GenOptics Ultraura Essence Serum

I'm a beauty editor who loves fancy things. What can I say!? Which is why I was so stoked when I started testing this serum from Japanese brand SK-II. This hyperpigmentation-reducing serum uses niacinamide (which you know we <3 for gently brightening), as well as vitamin C and undecylenoyl phenylalanine, an amino-acid derived molecule that can potentially help hinder melanocyte production, which is what causes dark spots.

Plus, it also features the go-to SK-II Pitera essence, which is majorly rich in vitamins, amino acids, and minerals that can potentially help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, moisturize your skin, and fade dark spots. Basically, if you're into products that are loaded with cool, science-y stuff, you might like this (albeit, pricey) one. Not to mention, the bottle looks gorg on my vanity.

• Key ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C, Pitera essence, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine

Glowing customer review: "I’ve been using this daily and it has helped brighten and even out my skintone. It does take continued use to see the best results but so far it has improved my skin."

Custom Anti-Aging Formula

Can't make it to a derm but want a more tailored approach to your dark spot-fading game? Try Curology's custom anti-aging formula. Even if you're not necessarily trying to stop aging... hear me out: You'll take an online quiz that asks a bajillion Qs re: your skin and prompts you to send in photos. Then, a board-certified derm will review your responses and suggest a customized formula for you, whether you've got hyperpigmentation and redness, or melasma (aka the most stubborn hyperpigmentation out there), or dark spots and fine lines. It's basically the

• Key ingredients: Custom depending on your needs, but can include tretinoin, tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide, etc.

Cosmo review: "I've been obsessed with Curology since it first popped up on YouTube when I was deep in the bouts of hormonal teenage acne. But now that they offer so many others skincare solutions, I've been testing them and particularly love my custom anti-aging formula. Mine includes tretinoin to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, stop breakouts before they happen, and smooth and even my skin tone." — Beth Gillette, beauty editor (lol, that's me!)

Deliverance Antioxidant & Niacinamide Serum

Listen, I get it: Your sensitive skin is absolutely wincing at all of these acid-filled formulas that promise to practically burn your dark spots off. But there are gentler ways ahead—namely, this serum from Dieux (you know, the viral TikTok brand that editors, celebs, and basically everyone who knows what's up is obsessed with). It uses 14 percent niacinamide to help fade hyperpigmentation and smooth texture, but the ingredient is also anti-inflammatory—and therefore calmer than others on this list. Plus, it's filled with rich, moisturizing shea butter and strengthening peptides to quell dryness and irritation.

• Key ingredients: Niacinamide, shea butter, peptides

Glowing customer review: "Absolutely amazing would purchase again and again and again this serum calms my skin and evens out my skin tone. It’s so nice for every day use I highly recommend."

What causes hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is caused by increased melanin production in your skin. "Melanocytes, which are cells in your skin, are responsible for skin pigmentation, and an increase in UV exposure is the main reason they become overactive," she says. "This increase in melanin activity can result in discoloration, dark spots, or hyperpigmentation." While UV is a big culprit, genetics, hormone fluctuations (like during pregnancy), acne, inflammation, and age can also spike your melanin production.

An important distinction to make: Hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation are not the same thing. "Hyperpigmentation results in skin discoloration that is darker than your normal skin tone," Rogers says.

Meanwhile, hypopigmentation, or skin lightening, "results from decreased melanin activity from the melanocytes or pigment cells," she says. However, it's way more rare that hyperpigmentation. It usually occurs due to trauma from a healed burn, blister, rash, or fungal infection, according to Rogers, and is more common in darker skin tones.

What lightens hyperpigmentation the fastest?

The best ingredients for lightening hyperpigmentation quickly are retinol and exfoliating acids, such as glycolic and lactic acid. "Retinoids are effective because they help speed up the skin's natural ability to renew itself," says Rogers. Meanwhile, exfoliating acids "disrupt the cellular glue thereby promoting cell turnover and fading hyperpigmentation," says Dr. Boakye. Basically, they acids help slough off dead skin, while retinoids encourage the production of more cells to churn out brighter, fresher skin.

However, it's important to note these ingredients can be pretty strong, which might make them hard to use consistently on sensitive skin types. In that case, opt for a longer but steadier approach with vitamin C, tranexamic acid (which doesn't exfoliate skin), and niacinamide.

Vitamin C inhibits melanin production (which is what causes dark spots in the first place), as well as adds radiance to your skin, protects it from sun exposure, and combats free radicals—all of which brightens your skin, Dr. Boakye explains. On the other hand, "Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, can prevent the transfer of melanin to skin cells, leading to lighter hyperpigmentation," she notes. "It also has anti-inflammatory and photoprotective characteristics that can soothe your skin." That makes it a go-to pick for those who are prone to irritation.

How to choose the best products for hyperpigmentation:

Consider your skin's sensitivity.

TBH, the best products for hyperpigmentation are v potent, since they're filled with ingredients like glycolic and lactic acid, along with retinol. Meaning if your skin is extremely sensitive (as in, salicylic acid feels strong for you), then you'll want to opt for something gentle, like a niacinamide-based formula; acids that don't exfoliate, like kojic and tranexamic acids, are also good options. But if you can tolerate stronger actives a smidge more, try incorporating them into your routine with a weekly mask or a once- or twice-a-week treatment serum versus daily.

Decide the format.

This list is chock-full of options, so determine which type of product you want to add to your routine. Do you prefer a weekly serum or a spot treatment you don't have to use every day? Can you commit to slathering on a serum every single morning? Or would you rather just stick to a brightening moisturizer? The best product for hyperpigmentation is one you'll use consistently, as that's the key to results. And ofc, truly the most important and best tool to prevent dark spots is sunscreen, so make sure to load up on SPF, babes.

Meet the experts:

• Naana Boakye, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Bergen Dermatology in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. She's also the author of Inside Out Beauty, a book all about caring for your skin beyond skincare.

• Ivey Rogers is a licensed aesthetician in Charlotte, NC and the lead aesthetician with Urban Skin RX. She's an expert in working with all skin tones and types.

• Caroline Robinson, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Tone Dermatology in Chicago, IL. Dr. Robinson and her team treat a full range of skin conditions, with particular focus on cosmetic dermatology, preventative skincare, and ethnic skin dermatology. She was previously interviewed about kojic acid.

Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?

Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with six years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from the correct skincare routine order to clear sunscreens. She’s an authority in all skincare categories, but is an expert when it comes to the best products for hyperpigmentation, thanks to a decade of dealing with post-acne dark spots on her own face, plus constantly interviewing dermatologists and aestheticians.

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