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2024's Top Spot Correctors for Bright, Even-toned Skin at Any Age

We'll reveal the top 5 dark spot correctors for age spots & hyperpigmentation on the face, neck, hands & décolletage.

Causes Key Ingredients Top 5

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Uneven skin tone? Dark spots? As we notice skin discoloration begin to show up on our face, neck, hands, or décolletage, it's common to feel frustrated or even self-conscious. And, unfortunately, age spots don't usually go away on their own. 

"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.

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

A Quality Spot Corrector Can Reduce the Look of:

Dark spots, age spots & sun spots

These small, flat dark areas on the skin vary in size and usually appear on areas that are overexposed to the sun. They primarily appear on the face, hands, neck & décolletage, but can show up anywhere on the body.

Blemish scars

When excess bacteria or oil starts to build up under your skin, in an attempt to heal itself, your pores swell and create pimples or blemishes. When the pimple pops, this break in the skin can potentially lead to scarring if not treated properly.

Blurry, widespread discoloration

There are many causes for darker discoloration or blurry-looking skin, including hormonal changes, aging, chronic sun exposure, certain skin conditions, or skin damage.

Uneven skin tone

Uneven skin tone is a broad term that typically refers to issues like blotchy skin, dry patches, rough or bumpy skin texture, and redness. One of the more common causes of uneven skin tone is hyperpigmentation, where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding areas.

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." 

To avoid these side effects, we'll show you what to look for in quality dark spot corrector that will brighten and even out the appearance of the skin on your face, hands, neck & décolletage. But first, it's important to know...

What Causes Age Spots?

With prolonged sun exposure, our skin releases a pigment called melanin to protect itself from UV rays. Sometimes this results in a glowing tan, but this natural UV response can also often cause excess melanin to pool in sun-exposed areas like your hands, neck, and face, which can then cause discoloration or dark spots over time.

Post-acne marks are also frequently darkened due to overexposure from UV light which can cause this kind of discoloration.

This is why high-quality spot correctors typically contain a combination of antioxidants and exfoliants that work together to help prevent melanin from collecting in concern areas.

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 to Look For:

Niacinamide

This vitamin not only helps diminish the look of skin pigmentation, dark spots, and age spots on the face, hands, neck & décolletage, 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 on delicate areas of the body.

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 5,000 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 the ingredients above will go a long way to help even out your skin tone on your face, hands, neck, and décolletage, but there are also some things you should watch out for before making a purchase.

Beware:

Hydroquinone

This synthetic ingredient can cause unwanted results. In fact, hydroquinone is banned Europe and Japan because prolonged use can result in serious, irreversible skin discoloration.

Insufficient Guarantees

Avoid companies with guarantees that are too short in duration or 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.

Top 5 Spot Correctors of 2024

When putting together our rankings, we consider the quality of ingredients, safety, return policies, projected effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.

First, here's a side-by-side comparison of how industry-leading spot correctors stack up against each other.

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*Scroll to compare

Below are the final rankings from our beauty editors, complete with detailed reviews of each spot corrector:

1. Spot Check

by Tru Alchemy [1]

Owned by the Smarter Reviews Group of Companies

hat
a bottle of red liquid

Total Ranking

9.9/10

A

Overall Grade

PROS

  • Naturally derived ingredients that help brighten and hydrate dry skin
  • Formulated for face, hands, neck & décolletage
  • 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
  • Featured in Vogue, Byrdie, Life & Style, Who What Wear, & Teen Vogue

CONS

  • Only sold in the U.S. & Canada
The Bottom Line

Named "Best Brightening Serum" by Vogue, Tru Alchemy's Spot Check is our #1 pick because of its naturally derived formula that brightens the skin while minimizing the appearance of age 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 on your face, hands, neck, and décolletage.


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. Discoloration Repair Serum

by Paula's Choice

graphical user interface, text, application
Paula's Choice Discoloration Repair Serum Product Image

Total Ranking

9.2/10

A-

Overall Grade

PROS


  • Niacinamide
  • Brightening acids
  • No hydroquinone
  • No sulfates, parabens, or fragrances
  • Under $60
  • 60-day money-back guarantee

CONS

  • No hyaluronic acid

  • No polyglutamic acid
  • No white shiitake mushroom
The Bottom Line

Paula’s Choice Discoloration Repair Serum ranks #2 on the list of best spot correctors. With a commitment to clean ingredients, this dark spot serum is free of hydroquinone, sulfates, parabens, and fragrances, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin.


This spot corrector uses niacinamide, bakuchiol, and brightening acids such as tranexamic acid and malic acid to help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration and promote an even skin tone.


At $52, this product is less expensive than some of the lower ranking products on this list. However, this serum lacks several key ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, and white shiitake mushrooms. Thankfully, Paula’s Choice offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, so even if this serum falls short of expectations, customers can still get a refund.*

*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

graphical user interface, application
packaged goods

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

hat
packaged goods

Total Ranking

8.4/10

B

Overall Grade

PROS

  • Fast results
  • Good return policy

CONS

  • High price point at $78
  • 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 synthetic additives.

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®

number
a white tube with a black label

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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Disclaimer:

Smarter Reviews is owned and operated by the same company that owns certain products featured on this website, including the products ranked number one.

In addition, we receive compensation from certain companies whose products are featured on this website when you purchase a product using the links on this website.

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Our Main Sources

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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 Age Spots?

Key Ingredients To Look For

Top 5 Spot Correctors of 2022

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

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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