Out of all the skin concerns one can experience, hyperpigmentation and dark spots are some of the most pesky, but common, to handle. These concerns can arise after a breakout or excess UV exposure, making the complexion appear uneven, aged, or dull. The good news is that they are treatable and will fade over time when assisted by specific skincare ingredients. With a consistent routine that incorporates these ingredients, there is hope: this is your ultimate guide to the best ingredients that will reduce pigmentation, fade sun spots, and get your complexion bright and glowy once again. Keep scrolling to get started.

Ask any skincare junkie what to use for sun spots and hyperpigmentation, and they’ll likely point you towards Vitamin C. This vitamin is vital to the body for the growth and repair of tissue. In terms of skincare, it prevents pigmentation by blocking pigment synthesis and reducing the appearance of discoloration. It’s also a powerful antioxidant against free radical damage, and serves to stimulate collagen production.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Jumiso

Fading dark spots is no easy feat, but the Jumiso All Day Vitamin Pure C 5.5 Glow Serum is up to the task. Promising to fade dark spots by 30% in just 2 weeks, this booster is formulated with pure Vitamin C (specifically L-Ascorbic Acid) to enhance skin radiance and fight dullness, supported by Aronia Fruit extract to support the stability of the active Vitamin C. The non-irritating formula is dermatologist tested to make sure it doesn’t sting the skin or cause inflammation.

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Niacinamide is an all-rounder vitamin offering a plethora of benefits, one of them being the ability to improve hyperpigmentation. It repairs cells that have been damaged by environmental stressors and blocks the specific enzyme that is responsible for discoloration, so that the pigmentation does not come to the skin’s surface. This ingredient is safe to use on all skin types and generally works well when combined with other ingredients.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - numbuzin

Glow-getters, take note of the numbuzin No.3 Super Glowing Essence Toner. This toner hits the marks of enhancing skin brightness, glowiness, and elasticity with the help of Niacinamide and 50 fermented ingredients. Its viscous texture sinks into the complexion to improve various skin concerns, such as dullness, dehydration, fine lines and texture. It leaves the skin hydrated and bouncy, elevating both how your complexion feels and how it looks.

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Alpha Arbutin is a skincare ingredient that reduces melanin formation. It does this by slowing down the cells that produce melanin and replacing tyrosine in tyrosinase, which is needed for the formation of melanin. The antioxidant and skin brightener works on these 2 levels to improve the appearance of dark spots, freckles and more. Derived from the Bearberry Plant, Alpha Arbutin can fade discoloration and even skin tone.

Courtesy of Skincare Brand - The Ordinary

Leave it to the skincare experts at The Ordinary to provide a solution for both skin tone unevenness and hyperpigmentation with the Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA booster. The former ingredient addresses dark spots at the root of the problem, as the latter aids product absorption into the skin. Slick on a layer in the AM and PM before your moisturizer, and sit back as this serum works its magic on your skin concerns.

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Tranexamic Acid is not as well known as other dark spot-fading ingredients, but you’ll actually find it on the ingredients list of many brightening products. When applied topically, aka on the skin, it inhibits the skin cells from producing melanin, which is what makes up hyperpigmentation. This ingredient is also known to visibly improve redness and correct skin discoloration. It’s suitable for all skin types and can be used during the AM and PM.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - SKIN1004

The fan-fave Madagascar Centella ampoule gets an illuminating kick in the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule. Its namesake star ingredient is combined with Tranexamic Acid, a Vitamin C derivative, and Niacinamide to target dark spots and brighten the complexion, all the while soothing irritation and inflammation. This ampoule absorbs quickly into the skin so you’re not left with residual stickiness, slotting into your routine without a fuss.

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Many cultures have been using Rice in their skincare practices for centuries, and it’s proved to be an effective skin brightener. Rice contains many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, in addition to Ferulic Acid that shields the skin from pigmentary changes induced by external factors. Combined with its hydrating properties and ability to target signs of aging, this ingredient is becoming increasingly popular with unfamiliar skincare users.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - THANK YOU FARMER

Skin brightness is one thing, but clarity is another; it’s a good thing the THANK YOU FARMER Rice Pure Essential Toner tackles both with its nourishing blend of Rice, Lotus Flower, and Centella Asiatica extracts. This multi-tasking product can be used as a toner for an instant hit of hydration post-cleanse, or as an essence layered in between a more comprehensive routine. With every drop, it turns up the dial of skin radiance while strengthening the skin barrier and perfecting skin tone.

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The first defense against sun spots and hyperpigmentation is prevention, which is why SPF is so important (amongst other reasons). By adding an SPF to your daily regimen you can avoid sun damage and the consequential skin concerns that arise, as well as benefit from the skin-loving ingredients that different formulations offer.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - PURITO

Wearing sunscreen is an everyday affair and here to remind you of that is the PURITO Daily Go-To Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++. Free of harmful ingredients, this broad spectrum sunscreen melts into the skin for a sheer finish that leaves no white cast. Centella Asiatica extracts support skin health and maintain a calm, irritation-free complexion. Users give this 5 stars for how easily it blends into the skin, sans pilling or excess greasiness.

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