10 Best Products for Fading Dark Spots

Why we love this cleanser
This foam cleanser is specifically formulated for darker skin tones (which are more prone to hyperpigmentation and dark spots), and it cleanses your skin without stripping your skin of its natural complexion nor interfering with the delicate pH and moisture balance of your skin. The cleanser works to loosen dead skin cells and unclog pores, prepping your skin to be able to absorb active ingredients from serums applied post cleanser.

Use as your AM & PM cleanser
Cleanse 2x daily and rinse thoroughly with warm water. Be sure to apply sunscreen during the day since the salicylic acid in this cleanser can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Key ingredients for hyperpigmentation
✓ Salicylic Acid (BHA)
✓ Purslane Extract

Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free

Price: $$$$

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Why we love this toner
An anti-aging toner that also fades mild to moderate dark spots by exfoliating dead skin cells. Remember, old skin cells are darker, and fresh skin cells are more even toned.

Use after cleansing in your PM routine
After cleansing, apply this toner using a cotton pad, and apply to face and neck. Do not rinse off - instead, follow up with any additional serums or creams.

Key ingredients for hyperpigmentation
✓ Glycolic Acid (AHA)

Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free

Price: $

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Why we love this AHA facial mask
A strong at-home AHA facial treatment that exfoliates dead skin, helping to fade dark spots, improve your skin's texture, and minimize existing fine lines and wrinkles.

Use after toner 2-3x weekly in your PM routine
After cleansing, apply this hyperpigmentation treatment mask, and rinse off after 20 mins. Note: it is normal for a slight tingling to occur. Do not use this product within 24 hours of using a retinol formula.

Key ingredients for hyperpigmentation
✓ AHAs - Glycolic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid

Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free

Price: $$$$

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Why we love this vitamin C serum
This serum pairs vitamin C vitamin E to fight free radicals and reduce melanin (skin pigment) production, targeting dark spots & sun spots. This serum also has hyaluronic acid so it can help keep your skin hydrated while fighting hyperpigmentation.

Use after exfoliator & AHA serums in your AM & PM routine
After cleansing, exfoliating, and toning, apply this serum morning and night. Follow up with moisturizer and sunscreen to prevent further hyperpigmentation.

Key ingredients for hyperpigmentation
✓ Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
✓ Vitmain E (Tocopherol)

Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free

Price: $$

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Why we love this pigment blocker serum
Using strong and effective ingredients like kojic acid and 4-butylresorcinol, this pigment blocker serum works to fade hyperpigmentation while also delivering protective anti-aging and hydration benefits. Multitasking at its finest.

Use after exfoliator & AHA serums in your AM & PM routine
After cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and any AHA or vitamin C serums, apply 3 to 5 drops of this serum to affected areas only. Follow up with a moisturizer and sunscreen. Do not use this product within 24 hours of using a retinol formula. The ingredients in this serum make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so remember to always apply SPF daily as well as limit your sun exposure while using this serum. Since this serum contains strong pigment blocker ingredients, only use it consistently up to 3 months at a time.

Key ingredients for hyperpigmentation
✓ Kojic Acid
✓ 4-Butylresorcinol
✓ Lactic Acid (AHA)

Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free

Price: $$

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Why we love this pigment blocker serum
This serum works to fight stubborn hyperpigmentation and skin discoloration with powerful ingredients, making even skin tones possible for all skin types (both light and darker skin). The tranexamic acid and phenylethyl resorcinol in this serum work to correct the appearance of hyperpigmentation and support a healthy melanin balance, while niacinamide and tetrapeptide-30 work to prevent the appearance of new spots and help support a healthy skin barrier.

Use after exfoliator & AHA serums in your AM & PM routine
After cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and any AHA or vitamin C serums, apply one pump of this serum to dark spots to your entire face or to affected areas only. Follow up with a moisturizer and sunscreen. Do not use this product within 24 hours of using a retinol formula. The ingredients in this serum make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so remember to always apply SPF daily as well as limit your sun exposure while using this serum. Since this serum contains strong pigment blocker ingredients, only use it consistently up to 3 months at a time.

Key ingredients for hyperpigmentation
✓ Phenylethyl Resorcinol
✓ Tranexamic Acid
✓ Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
✓ Tetrapeptide-30

Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free

Price: $$$$

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Why we love this pigment blocker serum
If you’re looking to get serious, this clinically proven pigment blocker serum is a winner for fading more severe hyperpigmentation, and it’s hydroquinone-free.

Use after exfoliator & AHA serums in your AM & PM routine
After cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and any AHA or vitamin C serums, apply 3 to 5 drops of this serum to your entire face or to affected areas only. Follow up with a moisturizer and sunscreen. Do not use this product within 24 hours of using a retinol formula. The ingredients in this serum make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so remember to always apply SPF daily as well as limit your sun exposure while using this serum. Since this serum contains strong pigment blocker ingredients, only use it consistently up to 3 months at a time.

Key ingredients for hyperpigmentation
✓ Kojic Acid
✓ Tranexamic Acid
✓ Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)

Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free

Price: $$$$

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Why we love this pigment blocker serum
Packing a punch, this pigment blocker serum uses powerful and effective ingredients like azelaic acid, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), glycolic acid, and kojic acid to penetrate deeply into your skin and fade acne scars, dark spots, age spots, freckles, and sun spots.

Use after exfoliator & AHA serums in your AM & PM routine
After cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and any AHA or vitamin C serums, apply 3 to 5 drops of this serum to your entire face or to affected areas only. Follow up with a moisturizer and sunscreen. Do not use this product within 24 hours of using a retinol formula. The ingredients in this serum make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so remember to always apply SPF daily as well as limit your sun exposure while using this serum. Since this serum contains strong pigment blocker ingredients, only use it consistently up to 3 months at a time.

Key ingredients for hyperpigmentation
✓ Azelaic Acid
✓ Glycolic Acid (AHA)
✓ Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
✓ Kojic Acid

Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free

Price: $$$

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Why we love this acne scar fighting serum
This multi-tasking serum uses a 10% concentration of azelaic acid to fight acne, acne scars, melasma, and redness. Azelaic acid works to improve the look of post acne marks and dark spots by increasing the turnover rate of dead skin cells and reducing melanin production in hyperactive areas (i.e. acne scars on your face). This serum also contains salicylic acid (BHA), a gentle exfoliator that works to remove dead skin cells and excess oil in your pores, as well as licorice root extract which works to calm redness and brighten your skin.

Use after exfoliator & AHA serums in your AM & PM routine
Apply this acne-scar fighting serum to your face post cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and any AHA or vitamin C serums. Follow up with a moisturizer and sunscreen.

Key ingredients for hyperpigmentation
✓ Azelaic Acid
✓ Salicylic Acid (BHA)
✓ Licorice Root Extract (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)

Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free

Price: $$

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Why we love this retinol oil
This oil contains a gentler version of retinol that delivers all of the benefits of traditional retinol (fades hyperpigmentation and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles) without the irritation.

Use after serums 2-3x weekly in your PM routine
After cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and serums, apply this night oil to face and neck at night only. Be sure to apply sunscreen during the day as any form of retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Key ingredients for hyperpigmentation
✓ Trans-Retinol Ester

Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free

Price: $$$$

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Why we love this sunscreen
Great for all skin types (yes, even sensitive skin), this sunscreen protects your skin from further hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage without clogging pores. Plus, it has matte finish (a.k.a. shine free!).

If you are heading to the beach for your next vacay or spend a lot of time in the ocean (surfer and kitesurf babes we see you!), check out our favorite reef safe face sunscreens for environmental-friendly water resistant protection against harmful UV rays.

Use as the final step in your AM routine
After moisturizing, apply sunscreen to your face and neck. Reapply every 2 hours if you're in the sun all day.

Key ingredients for UV protection
✓ Zinc Oxide
✓ Octinoxate

Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free

Price: $$

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