13 best hyperpigmentation products for dark skin, according to experts

Whether it’s from impatiently popping a pimple (of which I am very guilty) or from scars left behind after a breakout, I’ve come to accept that dark spots are an inevitable part of my life. As someone with darker skin, addressing hyperpigmentation and discoloration are a common part of my routine, so I asked three dermatologists about the best ways to get a more even complexion.

Read on for guidance from three board-certified dermatologists: Dr. Michelle Henry, a cosmetic surgeon and head of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery in NYC, Dr. Hope Mitchell, expert in hyperpigmentation and skin of color with over 20 years of experience and lead of Mitchell Dermatology in Ohio, and Dr. Nkem Ugonabo, a specialist in cosmetic dermatology at Union Derm in NYC . I also rounded up a list of the best hyperpigmentation products for dark skin according to their advice and suggestions, along with some of my own personal picks.

SKIP AHEAD What is hyperpigmentation? | How I picked the best hyperpigmentation products for dark skin | The best hyperpigmentation products for dark skin | How to shop for hyperpigmentation products | Why trust NBC Select?

Selected.

Best cleanser

La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Brightening Deep Cleanser

$14.49

$26.99

Amazon

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Best daily treatment

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

$35.00

Amazon

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Editor’s pick

Topicals Faded Serum

$38.00

Amazon

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Best moisturizer

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

$14.97

$19.99

Amazon

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Hyperpigmentation is any dark spot or patch of skin that’s darker than the surrounding area, usually due to an excess stimulation of melanin, says Henry. According to Ugonabo and Mitchell, causes of hyperpigmentation can vary depending on the type of dark spot. “Common causes include inflammation, such as from acne, eczema, or injury, hormonal changes like melasma, sun exposure, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is common after skin conditions or trauma,” says Mitchell.

Hyperpigmentation is more common in people with darker skin tones due to the naturally higher amount of active melanocytes, which are cells that produce melanin, and melanosomes, the part of the cell where melanin is made and stored, in our skin. “These organelles are distributed more densely and more thoroughly throughout the epidermis,” says Henry. “Therefore, when you encounter trauma or inflammation as a person with a darker skin type, your skin is more likely to stimulate excess melanin production.” Mitchell adds that those with darker skin are more prone to hyperpigmentation from even minor skin injuries and irritations.

Using expert guidance, I rounded up the best hyperpigmentation products for dark skin, including recommendations from the dermatologists I consulted, NBC Select staff picks, and more. A range of product types is included, and each of them contain key ingredients to target hyperpigmentation.

Mitchell likes this cleanser from La Roche-Posay because it “contains exfoliating agents that help to brighten skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots over time.” It uses lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA), a derivative of salicylic acid, to exfoliate the skin and glycerin, a humectant, to hydrate and maintain the moisture barrier. The cleanser also has a cream to foam formula that cleanses without stripping the skin, and is suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin, according to the brand.

Size: 16 oz

To treat hyperpigmentation or keep it at bay, Mitchell says keeping the skin moisturized and maintaining a healthy skin barrier are key. Cerave makes some of our staff’s favorite cleansers (including the one I use in my daily routine), and Mitchell suggests this option for gently yet effectively removing dirt and oil from your face. The cleanser’s cream-to-foam formula transforms once lathered with water, and its ceramides- and hyaluronic acid-infused formula helps to lock in hydration, according to the brand.

Size: 16 fl oz

This exfoliant from Paula’s Choice has been a key part of my daily routine for years — it keeps my oily skin from getting greasy during the day, and helps to prevent breakouts. Mitchell says that it’s “ideal for hyperpigmentation,” and is great for helping to fade dark spots, unclog pores, and even out skin tone. It uses salicylic acid to exfoliate and humectants and antioxidants to hydrate and protect the skin, which in turn helps boost the absorption and efficacy of the salicylic acid, according to the brand.

Size: 4 fl oz

This brightening serum, which Mitchell recommends, is stacked with brightening ingredients like vitamin C, kojic acid, and turmeric, according to the brand. The turmeric, along with salicylic acid, also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps to heal and reduce breakouts. This serum is best applied to the entire face (not as a spot treatment), and should be followed up with moisturizer and sunscreen, according to the brand.

Size: 1 fl oz

All three experts recommend this serum from La Roche-Posay, which Mitchell says contains glycolic acid, kojic acid, and thermal water “to help exfoliate and reduce pigmentation.” The serum is formulated to target hyperpigmentation from a range of different causes, including age spots, acne scars and sunspots, according to the brand. This makes it a great option for those looking to address multiple types of hyperpigmentation. It also has a non- comedogenic formula, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Size: 1 fl oz

This concentrated booster serum “helps fade dark spots, improve skin texture, and reduce discoloration by regulating melanin production,” says Mitchell. It has niacinamide to brighten the skin and boost your moisture barrier, and antioxidants like licorice root to soothe and protect skin from free radicals, like sunlight (UV rays) and air pollution. It also has a very light, liquid formula that can easily blend into your favorite moisturizer or serum.

Size: 0.67 fl oz

I tried this serum with two of my colleagues — NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez and NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider — and loved the results. In three weeks, I saw improvement in scars that I’d had (and tried to treat) for over a month beforehand. This serum has a cream-like texture and uses kojic and azelaic acid to brighten the skin, along with niacinamide to help reduce oil production, which helps stop breakouts that may cause further hyperpigmentation. Check out our full review here.

Size: 1.7 oz

This serum comes recommended by Mitchell for those looking to “improve firmness, and smooth the appearance of fine lines” along with addressing hyperpigmentation. She also likes its brightening formula, which has fruit extracts and vitamin C to target pigmentation and even skin tone, according to the brand. This serum can be used both in the morning and evening, and has an oil-free, non-drying texture.

Size: 1.69 fl oz

This dark spot corrector from Cerave has glycolic and lactic acid to exfoliate skin and improve texture and discoloration, according to the brand. As with all Cerave products, it’s also formulated with essential ceramides to protect the skin’s moisture barrier. Mitchell suggests this treatment for daily use because of its gentle formula — it’s also non-comedogenic, fragrance free, and suitable for all skin types, according to Cerave.

Size: 1.7 oz

Mitchell suggests this moisturizer, which she says is “excellent for dark skin prone to hyperpigmentation,” because it contains niacinamide and ceramides. These ingredients are great for calming inflammation and repairing the skin barrier, and can help to calm active breakouts that may lead to further dark spots. It’s also our favorite night cream for oily/acne-prone skin.

Size: 16 oz

This gel-cream moisturizer has a lightweight texture yet still gives the hydration of a much thicker, heavier cream. Its thinner formula “hydrates the skin deeply without clogging pores, which helps prevent irritation that can lead to dark spots,” says Mitchell. It uses hyaluronic acid to help your skin retain water, and is also oil-free and noncomedogenic.

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Henry suggests this sunscreen from EltaMD, which is also our pick for best overall sunscreen. NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio is a big fan of the formula, which she says is the only one that doesn’t irritate her sensitive skin. It uses niacinamide to help soothe inflammation and sodium hyaluronate to maintain hydration, according to the brand. The oil- and fragrance-free mineral formula is also great for rosacea and acne-prone skin because it doesn’t absorb into the skin, and is also noncomedogenic.

Size: 1.7 oz

La Roche Posay’s Anthelios line has become a staple in my routine, and Mitchell recommends this sunscreen for “broad-spectrum protection with a lightweight, hydrating formula.” The sunscreen has an SPF of 100, making it great for sensitive skin that burns easily. It’s also unscented and oil-free, and contains antioxidants to protect the skin from free radicals, according to the brand.

Size: 3 fl oz

According to Mitchell, this sunscreen is “ideal for daily use to prevent hyperpigmentation from worsening due to UV exposure.” It moisturizes skin without leaving a greasy feel, and has a formula that, when combined with its lightweight texture, makes it great for oily skin. This sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection and uses glycerin and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin, according to the brand.

Size: 3 fl oz

To help you choose the best hyperpigmentation products for dark skin, I compiled a checklist of what to look for and avoid:

The following ingredients help to treat hyperpigmentation in dark skin, according to experts:

Dermatologists recommend avoiding harsh ingredients that may cause inflammation or irritation, which is especially common in people with darker skin who are more prone to PIH. They include:

All three dermatologists emphasize the importance of sun protection in treating hyperpigmentation in dark skin. “The most important thing is strict sun protection with a broad-spectrum sunscreen,” says Ugonabo. She suggests incorporating products with an SPF of at least 30, such as sunscreen moisturizer or tinted sunscreens. She particularly likes tinted sunscreens, which she says contains iron oxides, an ingredient that’s been shown to give additional protection against light damage.

How you prevent hyperpigmentation will depend on the root cause of it. “If it’s acne-related, you’ll want to treat that acne aggressively,” says Henry. “If hormonal, look at new regimens and ways to regulate those hormones.” Both her and Mitchell also emphasize the importance of using daily sun protection to prevent UV-induced hyperpigmentation or the progression of any existing hyperpigmentation. Additionally, Mitchell suggests avoiding picking at acne, bug bites or rashes, and seeking early treatment for any inflammation to avoid the forming of dark spots.

Henry and Mitchell agree that most hyperpigmentation products can be applied once or twice per day, depending on the product’s ingredients and formula. How often a product should be used will vary from product to product, according to the experts. For example, Ugonabo says that products like SPF should be applied everyday in the morning, while retinoids should be applied at night once per day at the most. “You want to be mindful to stick with the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions,” says Henry.

All experts agree that the time it takes to treat hyperpigmentation can vary from person to person, depending on how severe the pigmentation is. “Patience is key,” says Mitchell. “Most products help show visible improvement within 8 to 12 weeks, though some stubborn cases may take longer,” she says. Ugonabo says she usually advises her patients to give their skin at least four to six weeks before deciding whether or not a product is working for their hyperpigmentation.

Though some hyperpigmentation treatments may be safe for sensitive skin, certain ingredients like retinoids or exfoliating acids may cause irritation if not gradually introduced to sensitive skin, says Mitchell. Henry says that it’s very important to seek out products formulated specifically for sensitive skin, or to consult a dermatologist if you’re unsure of which products would be best. Mitchell also suggests performing a patch test before fully incorporating a new product into your routine.

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

I am an associate SEO reporter at NBC Select covering wellness and lifestyle who’s previously written stories on the best night creams, acne spot treatments, and more. To learn more about hyperpigmentation for dark skin, I spoke to three dermatologists to find out everything you need to know, including the best ingredients, product recommendations, and shopping guidance.

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Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter for Select on NBC News.