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2024's Top Dark Spot Correctors

We'll reveal how to find a quality product that reduces the look of dark spots.

Causes Key Ingredients Top 5

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Dark spots? Uneven skin tone? As we notice skin discoloration begin to show up in the mirror, it's common to feel frustrated or even self-conscious. And, unfortunately, dark spots don't go away on their own.

That's why dark spot correctors are popping up in retail stores everywhere promising skin that looks bright, radiant and youthful.

A Quality Spot Corrector
Can Reduce the Look of:

Dark spots

Sun spots

Blemish scars

Blurry, widespread discoloration

Hyperpigmentation

Age spots

Uneven skin tone

"Some of the other treatments that people may use to try to achieve that glowing skin could be really expensive, like lasers or peels," says Dr. Nikki Starr MD. "Whereas with a (spot-correcting) serum, it's really affordable and you can achieve the same results in a safer way," continues Dr. Starr.

However, some inexpensive retail brands add cheap fillers and unnecessary ingredients to their formulas that not only make the product less effective, but can be potentially harmful to your skin and overall health. 

Dr. Nikki Starr MD explains, "Some of the side-effects that I've seen can actually be discoloration, peeling of the skin, redness, dryness, and itching, especially for sensitive skin—and even burning in some formulas that are too strong or not high quality." 

That’s why many consumers are shopping exclusively online for their skincare needs. But, regardless of where you buy your skincare, finding a quality dark spot corrector can become extremely complicated. So, to help you choose the right product, we’ll show you what really causes dark spots and the top ingredients to look for in a high-quality spot corrector.

What Causes Dark Spots?

Our skin is constantly adapting to new environments, and one of its most important roles is producing melanin. When we expose ourselves to the sun, our skin releases this pigment to protect itself from UV rays. It's a normal and healthy reaction to sun exposure, and generally, the more melanin protecting us, the better. 

Sometimes this results in a gorgeous, glowing tan, but this natural UV response can also often cause excess melanin to pool in key areas of our skin, which can then cause discoloration or dark spots. Unlike freckles, these melanin deposits are less likely to fade away on their own.

This is where age spot correctors come in. High-quality spot correctors typically contain a combination of key vitamins and botanicals. These ingredients work together to exfoliate the skin to maintain smoothness, and help prevent melanin from collecting in that area again. As a result, quality spot correctors can reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Dr. Nikki Starr MD says,"Whenever choosing any of your skincare products, it's so important to read the label. Look for science-proven ingredients that (...) reduce the appearance of sun damage and visibly reduce dark spots."

Top Ingredients for Fading Dark Spots:

Niacinamide

This vitamin not only helps diminish the look of skin pigmentation, dark spots, and age spots but also helps maintain a smooth-looking complexion.

Hyaluronic Acid

Often listed as Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful ingredient that deeply moisturizes and smooths the look of wrinkles around your eyes.

Brightening Acids

A group of skin-smoothing ingredients that gently exfoliate and moisturize, for a dewy complexion. Look for a formula that lists some or all of Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, and Phytic acid.

Polyglutamic Acid

An intensely hydrating acid that can hold up to 10,000 times its weight in moisture and works synergistically with hyaluronic acid to visibly smooth and plump skin.

White Shiitake Mushroom

Nature's answer to hydroquinone, white shiitake is a kojic-acid rich brightener that gently exfoliates to minimize the appearance of age spots, discoloration, dark spots, and redness.

Making sure your age spot corrector contains these ingredients will go a long way to help even out your complexion, but there are also some things you should watch out for before making a purchase.

Beware:

Disreputable Companies

Look for a spot corrector from a reputable seller with positive reviews. If you're unable to find this information, you should proceed with caution.

Hydroquinone & Mercury

These synthetic ingredients can cause unwanted results. In fact, hydroquinone is banned in every country except the U.S. because prolonged use can result in serious, irreversible skin discoloration.

Hidden Guarantees

Avoid companies that hide details in their return policy's terms and conditions. They can make it difficult to get your money back, if at all.

Overnight Results

Be on the look out for age spot correctors that promise fast results. Real skin enhancement takes time."Consistency is key for lasting results," says Dr. Nikki Starr MD.

Here's who made the cut...

After closely analyzing almost 70 different dark spot correctors and over 10,000 user reviews, we unfortunately only found 5 dark spot correctors that met our requirements. There were a surprisingly high number of ineffective products with either sub-standard ingredients, or confusing money-back guarantees. Quality dark spot correctors aren't easy to find, and out of 67 products that we reviewed, only 5 of them carry our recommendation.

Top 5 Dark Spot Correctors of 2024

Click to see the list of spot correctors we evaluated >>

1. Spot Check

by Tru Alchemy [1]

Total Ranking

9.6/10

A

Overall Grade

PROS

  • Naturally derived ingredients that help brighten and hydrate dry skin
  • Made in the USA with imported ingredients
  • Clear list of ingredients
  • Noticeable results
  • Niacinamide, polyglutamic acid, brightening acids, sodium hyaluronate and white shiitake mushroom for youthful skin
  • No sulfates, fillers, or synthetic components
  • 60-day, risk-free, money-back guarantee

CONS

  • Only sold in the US
The Bottom Line

Tru Alchemy's Spot Check is our #1 pick because of its naturally derived formula that brightens the skin while minimizing the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, dark circles, and post-blemish shadows.


It contains a patented version of sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide, white shiitake mushroom, polyglutamic acid, and a blend of 3 brightening acids—phytic, lactic, and glycolic—as well as other ingredients that work together to visibly smooth and hydrate the skin.


Spot Check is also free of hydroquinone, mercury, synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrances, petroleum, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals. And, Tru Alchemy offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked, which shows us they stand by their product.*

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

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2. Advanced Pigment Corrector

by Skinceuticals

Total Ranking

9.2/10

A-

Overall Grade

PROS


  • Formulated for all skin types
  • 3 brightening acids
  • Noticeable results

  • Great return policy and customer service

CONS

  • High price point at $119 for 1 fl. oz.

  • Customers had to make multiple purchases to see results
  • Contains few naturally derived ingredients for skin
The Bottom Line

The Advanced Pigment Corrector by Skinceuticals came in at #2 on our list of top five spot correctors. We like that it contains three brightening acids: salicylic acid, hydroxyphenoxy propionic acid, and ellagic acid. And the 90-day return policy is one of the best we’ve seen.


The main complaint about this product is the high price point.  At one fluid ounce, Advanced Pigment Corrector costs $119.91. A few customers ran out of the corrector and needed to repurchase before they saw their results.


Though it's expensive, Advanced Pigment Corrector by Skinceuticals earns the #2 pick for its quality formula and 90-day return policy.*

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

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3. Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum

by Dr. Gross

Total Ranking

8.8/10

B+

Overall Grade

PROS


  • Well-known name brand
  • Includes 2 brightening acids

  • Vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free and fragrance-free

CONS

  • High price point at $92

  • Limited 30-Day Return Policy only for unopened products
  • Some customers reported receiving discolored, rancid product
The Bottom Line

Dr. Dennis Gross’ Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum comes in 3rd place on our list because of its formula that contains 2 brightening acids: kojic acid and lactic acid. However, at $92, the treatment itself is expensive.

While our researchers appreciate the addition of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), consumers have complained that they received rancid, discolored products due to improper packaging and frequent oxidation after only a few uses. It’s also important to note that Dr. Gross offers a limited 30-day return policy for unopened products only, so this is quite inconvenient if the product doesn’t work for your skin type.

Despite these concerns, all of Dr. Gross’ products are vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free. For those reasons, Dr. Gross landed our #3 spot.*

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

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4. Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum

by Murad

Total Ranking

8.4/10

B

Overall Grade

PROS

  • Fast results
  • Good return policy

CONS

  • High price point at $78
  • Contains hydroquinone
  • Formulated with other synthetic additives

  • Sticky texture
The Bottom Line

While Murad's Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum is quite popular, it does contain hydroquinone, a potentially unsafe ingredient.

We ultimately decided to include Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum on our list because it's a potent formula that may act faster than others, but at a possible cost to your skin's health.

Users also felt that this was a relatively more cost-effective item, so buyers on a budget might be willing to take the chance. Despite its active ingredient, we decided to take our Smarter Shoppers word for it and put Murad's Rapid Age Spot Pigment Lightening Serum in the 4th spot on our list.*

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

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5. Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector

by Neutrogena®

Total Ranking

8.2/10

B-

Overall Grade


PROS

  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Mica
  • Vitamin C

CONS

  • May cause mild irritation
  • May not be suitable for the eye area
The Bottom Line

Neutrogena’s Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector ranks 5th on our list. This dark spot corrector contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and retinol, all of which can help support a brighter appearance.

And Neutrogena goes as far as to claim that their dark spot corrector will show results within one week. Although this is unlikely to happen, the formula does contain mica, a mineral which may help conceal dark spots temporarily.

The issue with this product is that some users report experiencing irritation, especially around the eyes. This may be due to the retinol which, while effective, is a known irritant.

If you’re concerned about irritation, you can rest easy knowing Neutrogena® offers a 30-day guarantee.*

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

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Our Main Sources

Sources used for research purposes. Smarter-Reviews.com are not officially affiliated with these sites.

What You Will Learn:

100%

Estimated Read Time 4 Minutes

What Causes Dark Spots?

Key Ingredients To Look For

What To Avoid

Top 5 Spot Correctors of 2022

CITATIONS

  1. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/dermatologist-shines-light-on-natural-ingredients-used-in-new-topical-treatments-for-hyperpigmentation
  2. Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-E
  3. US National Library Of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. Short, RW. Department of Dermatology, Malcolm Grow Medical Center, MD, USA. 2007 Jan;32(1):88-90. Epub 2006 Nov 27. PMID:17137484. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17137484

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