Best fade cream for dark spots on african american skin

Unfortunately, dark spots can be one of the most common (and, totally normal and natural!) skin concerns that get in the way of your #glowyskingoals. Whether you have acne scars, age spots, or sun spots, any dark mark on the skin is considered hyperpigmentation, and it happens when excess melanin—the pigment that makes up your skin's color—forms in the skin.

Dermatologist Dr. Oma Agbai, MD, says one of the most common types of hyperpigmentation is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the after-effect of inflammatory skin conditions like acne or eczema, that causes the release of excess melanin in affected areas. And, as annoying as it may feel, many of you (myself included!) may have experienced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation lasting long after those skin issues have healed—something Agbai says is extremely common. "Darker skin tones are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation because they have more cells in the skin that make melanin," she says. "Contrarily, people with lighter skin tones are more likely to develop solar lentigos [sun or age spots] by UV radiation from the sun."

Meet our experts: Oma Agbai, MD, director of multicultural dermatology and hair disorders at the University of California Davis, Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, a dermatologist with NYU Langone Health, Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, Laura Scott, MD, a dermatologist at the University of Miami Health System, Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologist with Shaffer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City, Mona Gohara, MD, president of the Women's Dermatologic Society, Tiffany Clay, MD, a dermatologist in Atlanta, Britt Craiglow, MD, a dermatologist in Fairfield, CT

See below for the 19 best dermatologist-recommended dark spot correctors—from serums to masks, moisturizers, toners, and more.

1. L'Oréal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum

“Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals from causing oxidative damage to the skin and blocks enzymatic processes that make more pigment in the skin,” explains dermatologist Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD. Translation: This L'Oreal serum will help stop those two causes of brown spots in their tracks.

Best Drugstore Product

Best Drugstore Product

Now 46% Off

Pros

• High potency vitamin C
• Available at mass retailers

2. Farmacy Honey Halo Ceramide Moisturizer

“Melanin goes into overproduction in the sun to protect our skin from harmful UV/UB rays, causing them to look darker than your natural skin tone,” says dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD. She recommends an antioxidant-rich product, like this honey-packed one from Farmacy, to protect skin against damage from free radicals like UV rays and pollution.

Most Hydrating

Most Hydrating

Pros

• Deeply hydrates skin with ceramides
• Clean formula

Cons

• Can be too heavy for some

3. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

One of Levin’s favorite products for increasing brightness, SkinCeuticals' serum packs in 15 percent of brightening antioxidants vitamin C and E. It's definitely a splurge, but if you can afford it, you'll love how lightweight the water-like consistency feels despite the high concentration of potent ingredients.

Best Splurge

Best Splurge

Pros

• Formulated with a research-backed combination of ingredients
• Liquid formula leaves skin dewy

4. Fresh Vitamin Nectar Glow Mist

Fresh's mist has a water-like formula built to really penetrate the skin deeply, so it can easily be used like a serum, but the fine mist also works great as a moisturizer, setting spray, or even makeup primer. Dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD, loves that the formula packs in both Vitamin C and E. “Vitamins C and E are potent antioxidants that work together to prevent free radical damage to the skin and interfere with the production of excess pigmentation,” he says.

Best Facial Mist

Best Facial Mist

Pros

• Convenient mist application
• Very hydrating on dry skin

Cons

• May not tackle stubborn spots

5. Garnier SkinActive Dark Spot Corrector

Lipo-hydroxy acid is the powerhouse in this affordable dark spot corrector. “Hydroxy acids are an effective way of exfoliating dead cells from the surface of the skin to enhance radiance and improve hyperpigmentation,” says Zeichner.

Best with AHAs

Best with AHAs

Pros

• Alpha hydroxy acids exfoliate skin
• Affordable price point

6. Sunday Riley CEO Glow Face Oil

Dermatologist Dr. Laura Scott works with a lot of melasma and acne-prone patients, so if you're in the same boat as they are, this is definitely the option for you. "I love the formulation in this. It has turmeric in it, so I use this to treat inflammation on my acne-prone skin, and it also brightens it," she says. "I have a lot of melasma patients and I’ll recommend this to them, too."

Best Oil

Best Oil

Now 25% Off

Pros

• Oil blend leaves skin glowy
• Formulated with natural ingredients

Cons

• Scent may be off-putting to some

7. SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

Dark spots are no match for the triple threat of kojic acid, tranexamic acid and vitamin B3 in this serum, according to dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD.“It’s clinically proven to improve brown patches, skin discoloration, and acne marks,” she says. Reviewers with acne scars particularly love this one, though it won't work overnight—like most of the products on this list, you'll want to be patient and give it at least two months to see long-lasting results.

Best For Acne Scars

Best For Acne Scars

Pros

• Works well to address acne scarring
• Uses effective, clinically-proven ingredients

8. The Ordinary Peeling Solution

This little guy rose to TikTok fame recently, and with good reason. For Engelman, it’s all about the acids—and this has plenty of them: lactic, glycolic, citric, hyaluronic, and salicylic acid. “Each acid provides exfoliation to help enhance skin texture and reveal healthy new cells,” she says.

Best Exfoliating Product

Best Exfoliating Product

Pros

• Contains a powerful blend of exfoliating acids
• Excellent value

Cons

• May be too strong for some

9. Ambi Fade Cream

“Hydroquinone is the gold standard for lightening dark spots,” says Levin—and it's the star ingredient in this mega affordable brightening cream that boasts thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon. The formula contains 2 percent of the active ingredient, which is one of the highest concentrations you can find available OTC.

Best With Hydroquinone

Best With Hydroquinone

Now 52% Off

Pros

• Contains a proven spot fader
• Excellent value

Cons

• Not for those who want to avoid hydroquinone

10. BYBI Bakuchiol Booster

“Bakuchiol is a retinoid alternative that's well tolerated, and works great with vitamin C to even out skin tone,” says dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara. Mix this "booster" in with any of your Vitamin C moisturizers or serums, or use it alone as the last step in your routine. The ultra hydrating formula is great for dry skin types.

Best Booster

Best Booster

Pros

• Can be added to any existing moisturizer
• Uses a natural alternative to retinol

11. Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector

If you're looking for a good drugstore dark spot treatment, Zeichner loves this one from Neutrogena. “The combination of vitamin C and retinol helps block abnormal pigment production and enhances shedding skin cells that contain extra pigment,” he says.

Best On Amazon

Best On Amazon

Now 12% Off

Pros

• Good value for the formula
• Combines vitamin C with retinol

Cons

• May be tough on sensitive skin

12. Differin Dark Spot Correcting Gel

“I like this gel because it contains a powerful retinoid to clear acne and prevent future pimples while preventing acne scarring,” says Engelman. “It is the first retinoid available over the counter and it is more gentle compared to other retinoids.” I swore by this during my teen acne phase, and then again through the acne I got in my late twenties—just be sure to top it with an ultra hydrating moisturizer or oil if you have dry skin, since (as Engelman noted) the retinoid is quite powerful in this.

Best For Acne Sufferers

Best For Acne Sufferers

Pros

• Works well to also fight acne
• Works well on acne scars

13. Bushbalm Bermuda Oil

Acne and dark spots don't just happen on the face, and that's exactly why Bushbalm made an oil that's safe to use on even the sensitive bikini and underarm area. "For those looking to naturally brighten the skin without harsh bleaching products, this is a go-to," says dermatologist Dr. Tiffany Clay. "Bermuda Oil works because it contains a natural exfoliant in lemon essential oil to help minimize the appearance of dark spots, and it also contains tea tree oil which helps calm inflammation.”

Best For Bikini Line

Best For Bikini Line

Pros

• Tackles dark spots on the bikini area
• Gentle formula

Cons

• May not be strong enough for stubborn spots

14. Ranavat Resurfacing Saffron Masque

If normal peels make you red AF and dry you out, try this nourishing mask instead. “A light yet hydrating AHA mask, this one helps diminish dark spots when applied once per week,” says Gohara.

Best Mask

Best Mask

Pros

• Soothing gel formula
• Works to refine and resurface skin

Cons

• Not for truly stubborn spots

15. Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel

These hydroxy acid pads have a cult following for a good reason. “They actually contain alpha, beta hydroxy, salicylic, glycolic, and malic acid—a great combination of acids to tackle a few problems, including hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. Engelman.

Best Peel

Best Peel

Pros

• Contains a cocktail of powerful acids
• Achieves results with only once weekly usage

Cons

• May be irritating on sensitive skin

16. Fresh Soy Makeup Removing Face Wash

The radiant benefits don't need to stop at serums, moisturizers, and masks. This makeup-removing cleanser can round out your full glowy skin routine. “Soy is a natural ingredient that has skin-brightening effects, which is why it’s commonly used in products that help lighten dark spots,” says Zeichner. It's also one of the few makeup removers I use that won't irritate my sensitive eye area.

Best Cleanser

Best Cleanser

Pros

• Contains soy to brighten skin
• Soothing, calming formula

Cons

• Not for stubborn spots

17. Pili Ani Self-Care Night Recovery Oil

Moisture is another key factor when it comes to treating dark spots, according to Engelman. "Adding moisture back into the skin with oils and lotions can reduce the appearance of existing dark spots and prevent new ones from forming," she explains. This one's packed with redness-reducing lavender, too.

Best Redness Reducer

Best Redness Reducer

Pros

• Calms skin to reduce redness
• Oil formula deeply hydrates

Cons

• Not ideal for hyperpigmentation

18. LiveTinted Huegard SPF30 Primer

You already know how important it is to protect your skin from the sun, and Agbai stresses that sun damage can seriously exacerbate existing hyperpigmentation. She recommends her patients wear a mineral-based sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30—we swear by this one from LiveTinted, made for and by melanin-rich skin.

Best SPF

Best SPF

Pros

• Protects skin against spot-causing UV damage
• All mineral formula

Cons

• Best for prevention, not treatment

19. FaceHaus The Bright Talent Serum

Dermatologist Dr. Britt Craiglow, MD reiterates the importance of incorporating a vitamin C serum in to your routine if you want to fade dark spots. "This FaceHaus serum is great for those looking for an effective, more budget-friendly option."

Best With Vitamin C

Best With Vitamin C

Pros

• Contains vitamin C to fight discoloration
• Good value for formula

Cons

• Some do not receive when ordered

Neha Tandon is the E-Commerce Editor of Women's Health—she's an expert in discovering the best products you can buy and giving recommendations. She discovered her love for magazines when as a teen, she started stealing her mother's magazines. Determined to see more women who look like her and her family members on the glossy covers of magazines, she was guided by seasoned editors and mentors to write for brands including New York Magazine, Bustle, BRIDES, POPSUGAR, Business Insider, Byrdie, and Well+Good. When she’s not grilling dermatologists about the latest skincare trends, she’s doing candlelit yoga or watching Humphrey Bogart movies over vegan pizza. Follow her on Instagram.

Daley Quinn is a Connecticut-born, Texas-bred beauty & wellness writer living in New York City. Her work has appeared in Family Circle magazine, WWD.com, TheCut.com, TheFinancialDiet.com, and San Antonio magazine. In her off hours, you can find Daley stalking her queen, Vanessa Carlton. 

Chelsea Burns is the Beauty Director for Women’s Health and has been writing in the beauty and wellness space for over six years with her work appearing in Real Simple, Health, Fitness, and Byrdie.com. She’s an expert at testing products and is always on the hunt for the best tinted moisturizer.

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