Here's Exactly What You're Looking To Fade Dark Spots Quickly

Best serum (overall): Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum

This is a product that skyrocketed to the top of “best of lists” across the internet, has earned countless glowing reviews, and (at one point) amassed a 3K waitlist. The people have spoken: This is an obsession-worthy dark spot corrector. The delivery system (called “Smart Melanin Technology” ensures that only the appropriate dosage is released into the skin only where it's needed, so as to not spur irritation (which can make dark spots worse) or bleach the surrounding areas. The serum uses workhorse ingredients such as licorice root, niacinamide, algae, vitamin C, and fruit enzymes.

What our reviewers say:

This is an mbg beauty team favorite. Just take it from beauty editor Jamie Schneider, “It has the most deliciously creamy texture that feels like heaven on the skin. Every time my complexion looks a little dull or inflamed, I grab for Milk Marvel like it's a safety blanket. It's the skin care hero I consistently come back to in a pinch." 

Or as assistant beauty editor Hannah Frye wrote, “The one-stop-shop for easing dark spots, melasma, post-acne spots, and overall reviving a dull complexion. In my experience, the formula is lightweight and so easy to layer with other products. As someone who loves a dewy glow, I'm as obsessed with the instant shine the serum gives my skin every morning. The second I apply it, my complexion goes from dull to dewy, almost like magic.”

Best for sensitive skin: Tata Harper SuperKind Bio Barrier Serum

Folks with sensitive skin have to walk a thin line with any sort of “treatment” product, such as dark spot correctors. Irritation only makes dark spots worse, and sensitive skin is triggered quite easily. This serum, first-and-foremost, works to soothe inflammation and restore the skin barrier—two things folks with sensitive skin and dark spots need. It also uses a special tri-algae complex and licorice root extract to specifically target pigmentation issues. 

What our reviews say:

If all I used for the rest of my life was Tata Harper’s SuperKind collection, my skin would be very happy. The serum is smooth, silky, and has the most deliciously earthy natural scent (it has no added fragrance, but the natural ingredients inherently have a natural aroma). My skin just drinks it up, and leaves my complexion lifted and bright. 

Best for acne marks: Topicals Faded

Best for sun & age spots: YSE Beauty The Problem Solver

Best spot treatment: Versed Out Of Sight Dark Spot Gel

Best face cream (Day): Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Moisturizer

This silky face cream uses vitamin C, a holy grail ingredient that’s not only great for brightening but helps boost collagen production and fights free radicals. The base is the brand’s signature squalane, which is an excellent source of lipids to hydrate the skin. 

What our reviewer says:

This cream makes me look dewy, dewy, dewy. (It’s one of my favorite face creams actually.) The rose-tinted formula really brings that splashy hydration and glow. Thanks to the vitamin C, I’m definitely seeing improvements in my overall tone. I’ve found that it pairs well with other products, too, so you can definitely use it with a more potent dark spot serum (like some of the above) for extra brightening capabilities. 

Best face cream (night): Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting Glycolic Night Cream

Best sunscreen: OleHenriksen Banana Bright Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

If you want to fade dark spots—no matter if it’s hormone, acne, or sun induced—you have to wear sunscreen. UV damage not only triggers pigment overproduction, but it makes existing dark spots worse. This luminous formula instantly brightens skin with “banana powder inspired pigments,” which basically just means that it provides a soft-focus glow that’s universally flattering. But it’s not just a superficial boost, it uses the power of niacinamide and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to brighten tone, help fade dark spots, and protect the skin from further damage by neutralizing free radicals. 

What our reviewer says:

I can’t say enough good things about this sunscreen. (It made my list of favorite natural sunscreens, too!) The texture is next-level smooth. It just envelops on the skin, providing a perfectly soft-focus finish. It’s ideal for both makeup-free days, as well as under foundation. I love the formula so much, I’d be tempted to wear it daily even if it didn’t give me sun protection.

Best AHA: Farmacy Honeymoon Glow

AHAS and BHAs can help buffer away dark spots, encourage skin cell turnover, and help reduce blemishes. This makes them excellent additions to a routine that’s targeting pigmentation concerns. This serum uses an AHA blend that contains lactic, glycolic, and citrus acids—as well as willow bark extract, which is a natural BHA. The formula is chock-full of antioxidants and hydrators, too, to help ease any irritation. . 

What our reviewers say:

Cosmetic chemist Krupa Koestline sold me on this formula, saying: “"There was a time when everyone was using lots of acids. I'm not a fan of acids, especially outside of the spa. But I love this product because it doesn't have a crazy amount of acid and has just the right amount of moisturizers too. It's the perfect formula for what it does. I use it once or twice a week." And she’s right—it’s exfoliating without being too harsh.

Best vitamin C: BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner Vitamin C Serum

Best niacinamide: FAB Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum

Best retinol: DWB Retinal Night

There is a reason that retinol is loved by skin care pros, beauty editors, and dermatologists: It does just about everything. The ingredient upregulates collagen production, helps manage acne, and increases skin cell turnover. The last point makes it excellent at helping get rid of dark spots. This serum actually uses retinal (clock the “A” there), which is the most potent form of vitamin A you can get your hands on without a prescription. 

What our reviewer says:

There’s no one I trust more than top derm & mbg collective member Whitney Bowe, M.D. And this serum only further confirms she knows how to make a good product. This installment of Bowe’s skin cycling routine is the holy grail of vitamin A products. But if all this talk of high-powered ingredients is scaring you off, please note that I have very sensitive skin and can still tolerate it a few times a week.

Best drugstore: L’Oreal Bright Reveal Dark Spot Serum

Best splurge: Ourself Daily Dark Spot Intercept