The Best Skincare Products To Treat Hyperpigmentation

Whether it’s the result of too much sun, a pesky mark from a past breakout or melasma caused by hormonal changes, getting rid of hyperpigmentation is notoriously tricky. Your best bet to help fade dark spots at home? Brightening ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide and exfoliating acids. Here are a few editor-approved skincare products to help treat stubborn hyperpigmentation. 

E.l.f. Skin Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum, $22

Touted as a dupe for an iconic—and expensive!—vitamin C and ferulic acid formula, this affordable option is an editor favourite. It goes on a little oily just like the OG, but it's lightweight and absorbs into the skin nicely for an instant glow.

Glow Recipe Vitamin C Brightening Toner Pads, $42 for 60 pads

These brightening pads are soaked in a fragrance-free serum formulated with five types of vitamin C, niacinamide and caffeine to reduce the appearance of dark spots, prevent future ones from forming and minimize puffiness. They can be swiped across the skin or left on for a few minutes as a targeted treatment.

Garnier SkinActive All-in-1 Micellar Gentle Peeling Water, $10

This no-rinse micellar water contains glycolic acid and one-percent polyhydroxy acid to cleanse and exfoliate at the same time. It's gentle enough for daily use and it's the perfect all-in-one skincare staple to streamline your routine.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum, $32

A gentle vitamin C serum you can use daily is a must-have when dealing with unwanted pigmentation. This one also features hyaluronic acid and ceramides to hydrate and prevent irritation, while delivering 10 percent pure vitamin C. Though it's affordable, it delivers the same results as much pricier options.

La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum, $73

This serum was the first to feature Melasyl, a patented molecule that targets dark spots on all skin tones and prevents new ones from forming. It's paired with niacinamide to work on brightening and evening out skin tone.

Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Peel, $126

Touted as a professional chemical peel in a bottle, this blend of alpha-hydroxy acid, polyhydroxy acid, mandelic acid and niacinamide delivers in-office results at home.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, $110

Viniferine—a powerful vitamin C alternative—is the star brightening ingredient in this luxe serum, which also contains squalane to calm and hydrate skin.

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum, $90

Squalane—Biossance's signature ingredient—is paired with a 10 percent concentration of vitamin C and white shiitake mushroom extract in this serum that's suitable for daytime use. It's lightweight and non-greasy, making it perfect to wear under makeup.

Vivier Skin Brightening Cream, $140

This cream by Canadian skincare brand Vivier is formulated with alpha arbutin, a gentle brightening ingredient, and resorcinol, a mild exfoliating compound with melanin-busting properties.

Dr. Idriss Major Fade Hyper Serum, $96

A one-stop shop for clearer and smoother skin, this innovative serum from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss' eponymous brand is packed with niacinamide, kojic acid and alpha arbutin. It comes housed in two sealed cartridges to ensure that ingredients stay fresh for longer.

Peace Out Dark Spot Microneedling Dots, $38

Made with niacinamide, tranexamic acid and ferulic acid to treat post-acne hyperpigmentation, these tiny adhesive dots have hundreds of dissolving microneedles to help ingredients penetrate deep into the skin. 

L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot Serum, $30

With 12 percent niacinamide to target hyperpigmentation and ferulic and amino sulfonic acids to exfoliate and brighten, this serum helps fade sun damage and post-acne marks.