15 Best Dark Spot Correctors For Beautiful & Clear Skin – 2023

Enjoy spotless, clear skin and enhanced complexion with the right products at hand.

By Oyendrila KanjilalOyendrila Kanjilal, Certified Skin Care Coach  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

It is difficult to get rid of dark spots once they become old. On the contrary, these spots get darker when you are constantly exposed to the sun or have sensitive, acne-prone skin. To help you out, we have listed the best dark spot correctors for you to try.

Products with retinol, vitamin C, azelaic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, niacinamide, SPF, and kojic acid are recommended by dermatologists. These elements lessen the appearance of acne scars, sunspots, age spots, and freckles by exfoliating hyperpigmented skin and lightening its look.

In this article, we have compiled a list of the 15 best dark spot correctors available online. Scroll down!

Top PicksCheck Price
Olay Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream– Best Drugstore CreamPrice on Amazon
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Crème– Best Retinol Anti-Aging CreamPrice on Amazon
Whitening Labs Dark Spot Corrector CreamPrice on Amazon
Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar– Best Dark Spot CleanserPrice on Amazon
L'Oreal Paris Youth Code Dark Spot Corrector– Best Niacinamide SerumPrice on Amazon
Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot CorrectorPrice on Amazon
LAAREX Dark Spot Corrector Cream
Price on Amazon
Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer– Best For Acne ScarsPrice on Amazon
EnaSkin Dark Spot Corrector– Best For All Skin TypesPrice on Amazon
HSBCC Beauty Dark Spot CorrectorPrice on Amazon

15 Best Dark Spot Correctors For The Face

1. Olay Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream– Best Drugstore Cream

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If you are looking for a drugstore dark spot corrector, the Olay Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream is the answer. It is formulated with advanced tone-correcting ingredients like niacinamide (vitamin B3) and antioxidants that penetrate the deep layers of the skin to treat sun and dark spots.

This cream with Pearl Optics Science eliminates skin discoloration and makes the skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing within a few weeks. It is fast-absorbing, non-greasy, and suitable for all skin tones. The cream can be used as a day and night moisturizer.

Pros

  • Absorbed quickly
  • Lightweight
  • Non-greasy
  • Suitable for all skin tones
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Contains fragrance
StyleCraze Trivia
Graham Wulff, an ex-Unilever employee and the founder of Olay, created the Anti-aging Elixir, the first Olay product, for his wife.
Price at the time of publication: $14.99

2. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Crème– Best Retinol Anti-Aging Cream


The RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Crème is a non-comedogenic, anti-aging treatment infused with retinol and hyaluronic acid. It plumps and firms the skin, fading age spots, and sunspots.

The antioxidants and chelating agents prevent retinol denaturation. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin E reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The pure RoC retinol helps remove dead and dull skin, revealing smooth and youthful skin. This product is oil-free, provides 24-hour hydration, and can be used daily.

Pros

  • 24-hour hydration
  • Plumps the skin
  • Smoothens the skin
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Oil-free
  • Reduces wrinkles in 8 weeks
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Contains fragrance
Pro Tip
Use a sunscreen lotion with SPF 30 or higher alongside your dark spot corrector, as sun exposure makes your dark spots more noticeable.
Price at the time of publication: $24.97

3. Whitening Labs Dark Spot Corrector Cream

The Whitening Labs Dark Spot Corrector Cream is formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, willow bark, and licorice. The cream is highly effective with its blend of anti-aging and natural ingredients that fade dark spots, revealing an even-toned skin complexion. It also works on sun spots and brown spots to make your skin clear and bright. It also hydrates and plumps up your skin for a supple and firmer texture. This formula is also free from parabens and silicones.

Pros

  • Organic
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • Lightweight
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Can be applied to whole body

Cons

  • Takes time to show results
Price at the time of publication: $19.98

4. Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar– Best Dark Spot Cleanser

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Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar Image: Urbanskinrx

What if you could start your dark spot correcting treatment right from cleansing? The Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar comes with an exfoliating sponge to help slough off dead and pigmented skin. It is formulated with kojic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide, and licorice root.

These complexion-perfecting ingredients reduce dark spots and even the skin tone, revealing healthy and soft skin. Moisten the sponge with lukewarm water. Apply the cleanser on your face and rub the sponge in a gentle, circular motion.

Pros

  • Comes with an exfoliating sponge
  • Rejuvenates the skin
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Not suitable for dry skin
Pro Tip
To remove dark spots caused due to skin conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis, you must treat the underlying skin problem alongside or before the dark spot correction treatment.
Price at the time of publication: $24.25

5. L’Oreal Paris Youth Code Dark Spot Corrector– Best Niacinamide Serum

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The L’Oreal Paris Youth Code Face Serum brightens and smoothens your skin. It is formulated with niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, glycerine, butylene glycol, and chestnut seed extract. This dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic dark spot corrector helps fade dark spots, sun spots, age spots, and acne marks. It also makes your skin even-toned and plump.

This product treats signs of sun damage and premature aging. It addresses wrinkles, fine lines, brown spots, acne marks, and hyperpigmentation. This gentle formula is suitable for all skin types and tones.

Pros

  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Gentle formula
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Suitable for all skin types and tones
  • Plumps the skin

Cons

  • Contains fragrance
Price at the time of publication: $15.53

6. Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector

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Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector Face Serum Image: Neutrogena

The Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector adds youthful radiance to your skin. It is formulated with three key ingredients – vitamin C, retinol SA, and hyaluronic acid, which renew and brighten the skin. This face serum fades stubborn dark spots and skin discoloration within a week.

The hyaluronic acid attracts and locks moisture to make the skin smooth and plump. This gentle formula is suitable for all skin tones and daily use. Apply sunscreen before stepping out to protect your skin from photo sensitivity.

Pros

  • Adds a youthful radiance
  • Non-greasy
  • Lightweight
  • Suitable for daily use
  • Suitable for all skin tones
  • Travel-friendly

Cons

  • Contains fragrance
Price at the time of publication: $17.97

7. LAAREX Dark Spot Corrector Cream

Hydrate your skin with the LAAREX Dark Spot Corrector Cream for youthful radiance. This dark spot corrector is specially formulated for sensitive skin. It is infused with plant-based ingredients that enhance your skin appearance by reducing dark spots, minimizing the appearance of scars, and evening the skin tone. You can use this cream on your face, knees, armpits, elbow, nipple, neck, lips, and intimate areas.

Pros

  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Cruelty-free
  • Safe and gentle
  • Smooth texture

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $12.99

8. Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer– Best For Acne Scars


Have post-acne marks? Try the Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer. It contains CL-302 complex that reverses the appearance of dark spots and blemishes.

This face serum also protects the skin from future pigmentation and dark spots. It is gentle and soothes inflamed skin. This fragrance-free serum also makes the skin soft and supple. It is allergy-tested, non-oily, absorbed quickly, and gives visible results in 4 weeks.

Pros

  • Allergy-tested
  • Fragrance-free
  • Soothes the skin
  • Softens the skin
  • Non-greasy
  • Absorbed quickly
  • Suitable for all skin types and tones
  • Visible results in 4 weeks

Cons

  • Faulty pump dispenser
Price at the time of publication: $37.59

9. EnaSkin Dark Spot Corrector– Best For All Skin Types


Sometimes, our skin acts weird, making us wonder about our skin type. If you are in that phase but need a dark spot corrector that does the job right, the EnaSkin Dark Spot Corrector is for you. It is formulated with powerful anti-irritants and advanced anti-spot ingredients like 4-butylresorcinol, kojic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and morinda citrifolia extract.

This potent serum exfoliates dead and pigmented skin, fades dark spots, and brightens the skin. It protects the skin from future damage and boosts the skin’s natural luminosity. This lightweight, quick-absorbing, and non-sticky formula hydrates and softens the skin. It is vegan, cruelty-free, unisex, and suitable for all skin types. This product does not contain parabens and gluten.

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Absorbed quickly
  • Non-sticky
  • Softens the skin
  • Hydrates the skin

Cons

  • Might cause itchiness
Price at the time of publication: $28.99

10. HSBCC Beauty Dark Spot Corrector

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The HSBCC Dark Spot Corrector aims at giving you a clear and spotless skin while reducing pigmentation due to age and sun damage. The cream is an active blend of niacinamide, arbutin, vitamin E-2, licorice root extract, SOD, and noni. This potent blend increases the production of melanin by minimizing tyrosinase activity in the skin. Niacinamide in the formula accelerates metabolism, reduces wrinkles and fine lines, and protects the skin from sun damage. This helps reduce dark spots over time. Remove melasma freckles, discoloration, scars, hyperpigmentations and age signs with this single spot corrector and give yourself a bright, spotless, clear skin tone. The quick-absorbing formula seeps into the skin without leaving any greasy residue.

Pros

  • Offers UV protection
  • Anti-aging benefits
  • Non-sticky formula
  • Antioxidant-rich formula
  • Ideal for daily use
  • Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons

  • May take time to remove marks
Price at the time of publication: $16.99

11. Burt’s Bees Dark Spot Corrector– Best For Sensitive Skin


If you want to go all-natural, the Burt’s Bees Dark Spot Corrector is a great option. It contains retinol’s alternative, bakuchiol, which is gentle and safe on sensitive skin. The bakuchiol and antioxidant-rich vitamin C help fade dark spots, age spots, sunspots, and hyperpigmentation. This face cream also reduces fine lines and wrinkles, brightens and hydrates the skin, and evens out the skin tone. It is dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic, and free of parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, and SLS.
Pros

  • Gentle formula
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Petrolatum-free
  • SLS-free

Cons

  • Unpleasant smell
Price at the time of publication: $14.99

12. Pond’s Clarant B3 Dark Spot Correcting Cream

The Pond’s Clarant B3 Dark Spot Correcting Cream has a moisturizing formula enriched with niacinamide and vitamin B3 that fades dark spots and treats uneven skin tone to reveal radiant skin tone within 2-4 weeks. It also has vitamin E to protect your skin against environmental stressors. This cream works as a great daily moisturizer for normal to dry skin types.

Pros

  • Dermatologically-tested
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Lightweight
  • Pleasant scent

Cons

  • Contains mineral oil
  • Contains parabens
Price at the time of publication: $15.94

13. Kiehls Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution– Best Vitamin C Corrector


The Kiehls Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution is formulated with activated C, white birch, and peony extracts that brighten the skin and fade dark spots and discolorations. It evens out the skin tone and reduces post-acne marks. This product is suitable for all skin types and gives visible results within a few weeks.

Pros

  • Clinically-tested
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Brightens the skin
  • Gentle formula
  • Quick absorbing
  • Non-sticky

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $6.48

14. Murad Environmental Shield Rapid Age Spot Correcting Serum– Best For Mature Skin

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The Murad Environmental Shield Rapid Age Spot Correcting Serum is formulated with rice bran extract, niacinamide, plankton extract, squalene, and soy amino acids. It is clinically proven to fade age spots, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation.

This serum also reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The vitamin C and oligopeptides help enhance the skin’s natural radiance. This cruelty-free product does not contain parabens, phthalates, gluten, mineral oil, and petroleum.

Pros

  • Suitable for mature skin
  • Lightweight
  • Non-sticky
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Petroleum-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Expensive
Price at the time of publication: $78.0

15. ZitSticka Hyperfade Microdart Blur Patch– Best For Zit Spots

Struggling to get rid of the stubborn zit? Try the ZitSticka Hyperfade Microdart Blur Patch. It is a specially designed pimple patch with a hydrocolloid baking layer that helps dissolve the zit without leaving any dark spots. The active ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, kojic acid, licorice root extract, and arbutin fade fresh dark spots, reduce inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and brighten the skin. This thin patch can also be worn under makeup.

Pros

  • Easy stick-on
  • Can be worn under makeup

Cons

  • Expensive
Price at the time of publication: $34.0

These are the 15 best dark spot correctors that you can buy online. Before you decide on a product, go through this checklist to make the right choice.

What To Look For In A Dark Spot Corrector

  • Skin Type: Check if the dark spot corrector is formulated for your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, avoid products with high concentrations of vitamin C and retinol.
  • Ingredients: Check if the product contains vitamin C, retinol, bakuchiol, glycolic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide, lactic acid, and kojic acid. These ingredients reduce dark spots effectively. If you have mature skin, look for a product with hyaluronic acid.

Dark spots are the common visible aging signs. And these spots get darker when exposed to the Sun. So, you can use the best dark spot correctors to minimize the appearance of scars, freckles, age spots, and sunspots. These correctors are loaded with anti-aging ingredients that combat the aging signs. In addition, the correctors remove the dead skin cells, minimize the appearance of wrinkles, and make the skin look youthful. Consider investing in the non-greasy dark spot correctors that blend well on the skin.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach. She believes that dark spot correctors help fade out aging spots and make your skin appear clearer. So, she browsed hundreds of reviews and researched various platforms and checked the user feedback to provide you with the best dark spot correctors. The spot corrector creams listed above rejuvenate the skin, keep it smooth, and minimize the visibility of acne marks, dark spots, and sunspots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does vitamin C help with dark spots?

Yes, vitamin C helps fade dark spots, brown spots, sunspots, and age spots. However, it might make your skin photosensitive. Therefore, wear sunscreen before stepping out.

How long do dark spots take to fade?

Dark spots are stubborn and take time to fade. However, it might take up to 4-6 weeks to see effective results after following your skincare routine.

What is the most effective dark spot corrector?

The Kiehls Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution is the most effective dark spot corrector. The clinically approved formula reduces acne marks within weeks and is suitable for all skin types.

How can I remove dark spots at home permanently?

• Get rid of stubborn dark spots at home with these six remedies.
• Mix lemon juice with yogurt. Apply the paste to your face as a mask.
• Apply buttermilk to your dark spots with cotton. Leave it for 20 minutes, then wash your face with clean water.
• Apply aloe vera extract to your dark spots.
• Apply tomato paste to your face and keep it on for 10 minutes. Then, wash your face with cold water.
• Apply ripe papaya paste to your face. Let it dry and wash it with clean water.
• Apply pure honey to your dark spots.

Does Retinol fade dark spots?

Yes. Retinol boosts collagen production and reduces dark spots. However, it takes a lot of time to show clearer skin.

How do you use dark spot correctors?

• Cleanse the face.
• Squeeze the product on your finger.
• Apply it to your face and spread it evenly.
• Rub the skin gently to absorb the product.

Do dark spot correctors work on freckles?

Yes. Freckles result from the overproduction of melanin, and dark spot corrector effectively diminishes them.

Can topical creams or serums fade dark spots?

Yes. Topical creams or serums with vitamin C or retinol are highly effective in treating and fading dark spots.

Should I be using SPF while trying to fade dark spots?

Yes. Although sunscreens do not help fade existing spots, wear them to prevent new dark spots, wrinkles, and blotchy patches.

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