If you’ve ever hung out with a baby and marveled at how flawless and spotless said baby’s skin was, you might’ve randomly found yourself wondering how you’ve managed to accrue so much hyperpigmentation on your own face. Hyperpigmentation is the technical term for dark spots on your skin. Whereas hypopigmentation can cause the skin to appear lighter in some areas, hyperpigmentation causes dark areas. These can be a few small dark spots or larger areas of discolored skin. You may get hope and it’s available for hyperpigmentation. You will get the best hyperpigmentation products by skin type.

Although hyperpigmentation can lead to a less-than-perfect complexion, all is not lost. Did you know you can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and even prevent dark areas from forming in the first place?

It’s true—and we have the best products for hyperpigmentation here to help you do it.

How Hyperpigmentation Happens

Hyperpigmentation is essentially damaged skin. Your skin contains melanin, which is the substance that gives your unique skin its natural color and tone. Hyperpigmentation is essentially the result of excess melanin in the skin. 

But why would the skin produce excess melanin? This can happen for a variety of reasons.

1. Sun damage

The skin naturally produces more melanin in response to sun exposure in an effort to protect itself. But while a tan will fade, spots of hyperpigmentation can remain, especially with repeated or prolonged sun exposure. 

2. Pregnancy 

People who are pregnant, take birth control pills, or are on hormone therapy are more at risk to develop hyperpigmentation, especially melasma, a type of hyperpigmentation that can cover larger areas of the skin. 

3. Scarring 

An injury to the skin, whether it’s from acne, an insect bite, an ingrown hair, or a scratch, can result in scarring that may lead to hyperpigmentation. 

4. Genetics 

Certain people are more likely to develop skin characteristics such as freckles in response to sun damage. Freckles are technically a form of hyperpigmentation. 

No matter what has caused your hyperpigmentation, it’s possible to help it fade. But, bear in mind that even the greatest hyperpigmentation solutions may not be able to entirely remove these dark areas, while they may help diminish them to the point where they are barely detectable.

Products to Consider to Help Hyperpigmented Skin

Are you ready to diminish dark spots and have a more even-looking skin tone? Check out these best products for hyperpigmentation to consider in 2023.

Concentrated Brightening Serum from Tata Harper

Specifically target dullness, dark spots, and uneven skin tone with this serum, which also provides hydrating benefits to smooth skin and even out texture. Hyaluronic acid, citric acid, micro-algae, and gotu kolu are part of this formula. Gotu kolu may help reduce photoaging and swelling in hypertrophic scars to potentially reduce hyperpigmentation. Use morning and night for best results.

Bearberry & Vitamin C Glow Serum from Alpyn Beauty

Fade dark spots with this serum from Alpyn Beauty, which contains vitamin C and plant-based retinol bakuchiol. It also features bearberry, which contains arbutin, a skin-lightening compound derived from plants. With AHAs glycolic acid and lactic acid for gentle skin resurfacing and licorice root for skin-brightening effects, this serum can transform dull or discolored skin. Use on clean skin morning and night for best results.

Squalene + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum from Biossance

With 10% vitamin C and shiitake mushroom, which may help inhibit melanin production, this serum has an instant brightening effect and supports collagen production for younger-looking skin. It contains water-soluble vitamin C, which tends to be more stable and less irritating than other forms of vitamin C. Use on clean skin morning and night before your other treatments.

Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment from Sunday Riley

This lactic acid product from Sunday Riley helps encourage cellular turnover and remove dead skin cells, which can help improve the appearance of discolored skin along with fine lines and wrinkles. The product can be used as a mask or a leave-on formula (with the mask option recommended for sensitive skin types). It also contains licorice for brighter skin. Use day or night and either rinse off after 15 minutes or leave on.

Bouncy Brightfacial™ from Drunk Elephant

Reduce the appearance of dark spots with this facial in a bottle from Drunk Elephant. Azelaic acid is the star of this formula, which may specifically help with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (think from acne or injuries) and melasma. Salicylic and ferulic acids, antioxidants such as vitamin E, and nourishing plant-based oils from marula, pumpkin, and chia seed help hydrate and brighten skin. Use as the final step in your skincare routine.

Peace Out Dark Spots from Peace Out Skincare

If you have smaller areas of hyperpigmentation, such as from acne scars, these microneedling dots from Peace Out Skincare can help. Each set contains 12 dissolving microneedling dots with 430 dissolving microneedles. Niacinamide, ferulic acid, arbutin, and licorice help lighten dark areas in this formula. Simply press the dot into the skin and wear six hours or overnight. For best results, use twice weekly for three to four consecutive weeks. 

Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster-Serum from Eminence Organic Skin Care

This extra-strength serum uses licorice, a plant-based hydroquinone complex, lactic acid, and antioxidants to help brighten dark areas. According to research, plant-based hydroquinone can help brighten skin and even out skin tone. It can be used as a spot treatment for dark areas or on your entire face. Apply a thin layer of the product and leave on to enjoy brighter skin.

Marina Biome Brightening Ampoule from Earth Harbor

This targeted formula from Earth Harbor is specifically made for hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and texture, and discolored or dull skin. Blueberry and rosehip seed oils deliver vitamin A to skin to even skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots, while Japanese green tea oil helps aging and hyperpigmentation. Apply alone as a concentrated treatment or mix into your moisturizer for an added glow with powerful benefits.

Take Our Free Quiz to Find Out Your Skin Type

Find out your skin type so YOU can determine what the best products for hyperpigmentation would be for your specific complexion. It’s fast, easy, and free, and will provide you with the information you need to develop an effective skincare routine, including one that can combat hyperpigmentation.