Even before the best products for hyperpigmentation came to light, the skin care industry has gone hard on the disappearing act. Slather on this cream and you’ll erase your pimples. Dab on this serum, and fine lines will be gone. Sure, the marketing technique has probably sold a few billion tubes, but the reality is more complicated: Patience is paramount when it comes to building a routine that lasts. That’s especially true for addressing hyperpigmentation on the skin. The sun, hormones, and inflammation from acne can all create dark spots and discolorations that are tricky to get rid of—luckily, there are solid options out there that, with consistent use, can help this to fade. I tried a bunch of them: Here’s my take on the best products for hyperpigmentation.
The Best Products for Hyperpigmentation, According to GQ
- Best Product for Hyperpigmentation Overall: Cyspera Intensive Pigment Corrector, $170
- Best Vitamin C Serum: IS Clinical Super Serum, $165
- Best Two-Step System: Skinceuticals Duo for Skin Discoloration, $263
- Best Hyperpigmentation Product with Tranexamic Acid: SkinMedica Even & Correct, $178
- Best Hyperpigmentation Cream: Revision D.E.J Face Cream, $165
- Best Hyperpigmentation for Scars: Topicals Faded Serum, $18
- Best Hyperpigmentation Peel: Dr. Dennis Gross Extra Strength Peel Pads, $92
- Best Retinol: Skinbetter Science Alpha Ret Overnight Cream, $140
- Best Preventative Hyperpigmentation Product: Alastin A-Luminate Brightening Serum, $182
- Best Drugstore Hyperpigmentation: La Roche Posay Mela B3, $34
Looking for Something Specific?
The Best Product for Hyperpigmentation Overall: Cyspera Intensive Pigment Corrector
The gold standard in getting rid of hyperpigmentation is an ingredient called hydroquinone, but in recent years, its safety profile has been called into question (whether or not that is warranted). Because of this, dermatologists and skin care companies have been studying other ingredients, one of which is “cysteamine hydrochloride,” and it’s been found to hold its weight against hydroquinone.
Cyspera incorporates this ingredient into its formula that I’ve been testing for a few months. The cream comes in a double-barrel pump, and you apply it to your face once a day, leave it on for 15 minutes, and then wash it off. I’ve seen a substantial reduction in the pigmentation on my cheeks that is a result of sun damage. The only major drawback is that there is a fairly pungent chemical smell that you have to put up with while you’re wearing it. One of my favorite attributes about this product is that it’s not phototoxic, so you can use it in the summer months without making your skin more sensitive to the sun.
The Best Vitamin C: IS Clinical Super Serum
Another top ingredient for those looking to help fade hyperpigmentation is vitamin C, which sometimes goes by L-ascorbic acid on a skin care label. Many vitamin C serums can feel sort of sticky or goopy on the skin, making it hard to layer on other products afterward, but this one is really light and lays nicely on the skin. I’ve used it in conjunction with Cyspera for a couple of months and have noticed that my skin is much brighter when using it than not. Because of the cocktail of vitamin C and the other ingredients, including peptides and hyaluronic acid, this product is amazing for those who are dealing with scarring from acne or other causes—and in my experience, a couple of drops goes a long way.
The Best Two-Step System: Skinceuticals Duo for Skin Discoloration
For those looking for a two-step system that reverses and prevents pigmentation, we gotchu. Many people know SkinCeuticals because of the famous CE Ferulic Serum—the Rolex of skincare; however, for those with dark spots, the Duo of Discoloration Defense and Phloretin CF gives you even better protection. For starters, the Phloretin CF has both the key ingredients of the star CE Ferulic Serum, and it adds Phloretin, which actively helps reduce discoloration. Meanwhile, the Discoloration Defense helps to reverse (though, not erase) dark spots with a blend of tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, and HEPES. I’ve tested the duo, layering on the Phloretin in the morning to help defend against additional hyperpigmentation forming and the Discoloration Defense at night to help deal with what I’ve got, and I’ve found the a.m./p.m. routine to be a nice way to support and reduce the patches of hyperpigmentation on my cheeks. If you’re a before-and-after bro, SkinCeuticals does a great job at testing its products to measure efficacy, and the proof is in the pics.
The Best Hyperpigmentation Product with Tranexamic Acid: SkinMedica Even & Correct
The brand behind Botox—unsurprisingly—has an incredibly effective product to guard against hyperpigmentation. In recent years the brand has evolved its beloved Lytera line into Even and Correct, a product that uses a blend of tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and lotus sprout extract to help deal with hyperpigmentation, as well as ingredients to help with skin hydration. You can use this product in the morning and in the evening, but because it has high levels of acids to help chip away at hyperpigmentation, you need to take great care to wear at least an SPF 30 or above while using it so that you don’t sunburn or cause more hyperpigmentation on your skin. On skin, it feels super light and is easy to layer other products on top. I personally love that I can have one product to use morning and night that helps target and reduce my hyperpigmentation.
The Best Hyperpigmentation Cream: Revision D.E.J Face Cream
If you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation but also have something like rosacea and need to take care that one product that you’re using doesn’t provoke an outbreak of the other, then the revision D.E.J face cream is a really nice compromise. While many of the other products on this list have targeted actives to help reverse the signs of discoloration, this face cream is instead formulated with a blend of 11 antioxidants that help to guard against future damage while also brightening up dull skin. If you have mild hyperpigmentation and want to keep it from getting more intense, this one-and-done cream could be a great option.
Best Hyperpigmentation for Scars: Topicals Faded Serum
We know people keep telling you not to pick at your zits, but dammit, it’s just too hard to keep your paws off of them! Alas, those acne scars are a sad reminder of that Mount Vesuvius that cropped up on your face three months ago. But you don’t need to live with the lasting memory of your worst skin care nightmare. Topicals’ Faded Serum is a great way to treat any form of hyperpigmentation, but it’s especially great for acne scars. Its potent blend of ingredients gradually lighten dark spots, no matter your skin tone, and over time, it’ll be so faded that it’s like there was nothing ever there. Use once a day, either in the morning or night, and see a noticeable change in a few weeks.
Knock on the door of any GQ editor and you’re likely to find these in their bathroom cabinet. The Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads are oft name-checked for their gentle yet effective ability to smooth skin and target hyperpigmentation on a daily basis. The full line of peel pads includes gentle, universal, and body peels, but we like the Extra Strength option for folks with hyperpigmentation. Thanks to alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta hydroxy acid (BHA) combo, these pads slough off dull skin cells at the top of your skin to reveal brighter skin underneath. In each pack, there are two pads. Apply the first one, and wait for two minutes (it has the AHAs and BHAs), then swipe on the second pad, which has retinol and green tea extract. Note: You absolutely have to wear SPF when using these, as they can sensitize your skin and make it easier to sunburn. I’ve used this product since college, and even though new and shiny peels come out yearly, I always come back to these because they’re the best of the best.
The Best Retinol: Skinbetter Science Alpha Ret Overnight Cream
We wouldn’t usually recommend a product that plucked every buzzworthy ingredient and put it into one solid product, but Skinbetter Sciences has us beat. With retinol, lactic acid, and glycolic acid, this cream helps to slough away dead skin cells while a blend of ceramides, squalane, and hyaluronic acid helps to drive in hydration and vitamin C, E, and CoQ10 brighten skin. When you’re exhausted and just want to hit the sack, a whole skin care routine can feel daunting, but given this one product kinda handles most of your needs, it could be worth a go in your regimen.
The Best Preventative Hyperpigmentation Product: Alastin A-Luminate Brightening Serum
Preventing hyperpigmentation from popping up can be tricky, but few products are better at helping to fend off rebound spots than A-Luminate. While it was formulated to be a companion to in-office procedures like lasers and peels, we like that its proprietary ingredient (Path-3 Technology) helps to keep hyperpigmentation from returning, while tranexamic acid and niacinamide help to target any lingering dark spots. In fact, because it’s an in-office companion product, it’s formulated without harsh actives, so it’s great for folks who have sensitive skin. I’ve used it morning and night and find that it’s easy to layer, and doesn’t cause any lingering redness on skin while targeting my patches of discoloration.
The Best Drugstore Hyperpigmentation: La Roche Posay Mela B3 with Melasyl
Maybe you’ve gotten to the bottom of this list and wondered where the products that are under $50 are. Look, active ingredients that are potent and will reduce hyperpigmentation aren’t cheap, but there are products that make good on price while being effective. This one is formulated with a proprietary ingredient called Melasyl that was formulated on research of 23,000 people. It helps to reduce dark spots while also brightening skin with niacinamide. The result, based on a study of 73 people showed that it helped to reduce dark spots after two weeks. On skin, it feels lightweight and layerable, but just remember to wear SPF when using this product (as many others on this list).
Hyperpigmentation FAQ
What causes hyperpigmentation?
“Think of pigment as your skin’s memory—sun, hormones, acne, inflammation, even a scratch can leave a mark,” says Mona Gohara, a dermatologist in New Haven, CT. “The top culprit, though? Sun, sun, sun! Melanin rushes to the rescue to help protect the skin, and the result is complexion darkening. Genetics and ethnicity also play a big role in hyperpigmentation.”
Should I get a prescription?
It depends. Hydroquinone—the gold standard for treating hyperpigmentation—is only available as a prescription right now. So, if you’re looking to see speedy, clinically backed results, then it could be beneficial to see a dermatologist who can help you to formulate a routine. For some, things like lasers, in-office peels, and prescriptions can be a multi-faceted plan to get rid of hyperpigmentation.
How long does it take to see results?
It kind of depends, according to Dr. Gohara. ”Most people see visible improvement in 8 to 12 weeks, but it varies on the type and depth of the pigment. A simple freckle or acne mark, may respond more expeditiously than melasma,” she says. “In the case of melasma for example, it can take months or even years. Daily use and sun protection are essential—consistency makes all the difference.”
Which ingredients should I use?
“Look for ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, and retinoids. Others like kojic acid, azelaic acid, and licorice root extract are also proven to target excess pigmentation and brighten skin tone.”
Does it matter what kind of hyperpigmentation I have?
Yes! Finding a product that is aligned with the cause of your hyperpigmentation can yield the best results. “For melasma, gentle topicals like hydroquinone, tranexamic acid, and consistent sun protection work best. SPF is essential even inside, because visible lights such as your computer screen or bulbs in the house can worsen the condition, particularly in skin of color. Choose a tinted sunscreen with iron oxide for optimal protection,” says Dr. Gohara. “Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation responds well to retinoids, azelaic acid, and exfoliants. Sunspots are often treated with chemical peels or laser therapy—always backed by daily SPF.”
“If you’re treating hyperpigmentation, wear SPF,” says Dr. Gohara. “Hyperpigmentation can easily come back when exposed to sunlight or lighting indoors, so guarding with SPF is crucial.”
How We Tested
Ali Finney has been a beauty editor for over a decade, and has tried these products throughout her career as a journalist. Some, she tested over the span of the weeks or months before publishing, and others, she’s tested or interviewed people about in the past. All of these options choose clinically proven ingredients to help you target your hyperpigmentation.