11 Best Serums for Hyperpigmentation That Ensure an Even Skin Tone

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Apr 08, 2024
Best Serums for Hyperpigmentation
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Welcome to our ultimate guide on buying products for hyperpigmentation! I understand the frustration of dealing with acne scars, pigmentations, and blemishes firsthand because, throughout my teen years, I've had to deal with pesky problems like this. Solution? The best serums for hyperpigmentation that are specially curated to address skin problems like that! That's why I have personally tested various products to bring you the best products for hyperpigmentation. 

It is everybody’s dream to have clear skin and not be bothered with unwanted scars and dark patches. But with so many products claiming to fight the signs of hyperpigmentation, it can be overwhelming to choose the best serum for pigmentation and dark spots. That's where I come in. My rigorous testing process goes beyond personal preference – I’ve considered the opinions and experiences of countless users to ensure that the recommendations are truly the people's choice.

With the best serums specifically catered for hyperpigmentation, you can bid farewell to discoloration and dark patches easily. So whether you're dealing with recent blemishes or stubborn scars from years past, trust me to provide you with the expert guidance you need to reclaim your confidence and achieve flawless skin. Let's embark on this journey together toward a smoother, more radiant complexion by choosing the best product!

11 Best Serum for Hyperpigmentation

Get radiant skin with this serum from Ebanel — it targets spots, fine lines, uneven pigment, sun spots, wrinkles, age spots, and acne scars. Plus, it gives amazing results within just four weeks. You can use it on your hands, knees, underarms, neck, elbows, face, and inner thighs to treat discoloration and boost skin health. It’s a treat for makeup lovers as well — they can use it under makeup without any worries. Infused with skin-friendly ingredients, this serum renews and soothes the skin to give it a healthy glow. Plus, it offers soothing benefits for people dealing with melasma! 

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, kojic acid, vitamin C, green tea, and licorice root extract

Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Sensitive, Combination, Oily

Scent: Aloe

Size: 1.23 fl. oz.

Pros
  • Incredibly powerful on old scars
  • Effective on wrinkles
  • Works on the face and legs
  • Value-for-money
  • Does not cause breakouts
  • Promotes skin exfoliation and recovery
Cons
  • Might not suit people with skin sensitivities
  • Best to Facilitate Glowy Skin

    InstaNatural Dark Spot Corrector Face Serum

    InstaNatural Dark Spot Corrector Face Serum
  • The dark spot corrector facial serum is designed to diminish sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and scarring and enhance overall skin tone. It is odorless and has a gentle formula that makes it a suitable pick for people with sensitive skin. This serum not only helps remove scars and pigmentation but also gently exfoliates the skin to remove dead skin cells, unveiling a radiant complexion. 

    Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, glycolic acid, and niacinamide

    Skin Type: All

    Scent: Not Specified

    Size: 1 fl. oz.

    Pros
    • Effective at fading surgical scars
    • No notable scent
    • Suits both light and dark complexion tones
    • Gradual yet discernible progress throughout time
    • Compatible with other topical prescriptions
    Cons
    • Not for people with hyper skin sensitivities
  • Best Anti-acne Formula

    Matkas Korean Deep Corrector Dark Spots Face Serum

    Matkas Korean Deep Corrector Dark Spots Face Serum
  • Revitalize your skin with this brightening serum, fortified with beta-glucan and green tea extract, for a youthful and radiant glow. You can witness dramatic improvements within a couple of weeks. Furthermore, this serum for melasma treatment effectively enhances skin texture and lightens dark spots. Infused with special botanical extracts, it nourishes and repairs your skin barrier, promoting a healthier radiance. Trust me when I say that you can experience the transformative power of this serum packed with a special formula for brighter, more even-toned skin.

    Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, green tea, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and oat extract

    Skin Type:  Normal, Oily, Sensitive, Combination, Dry

    Scent: Unscented

    Size: 1 fl. oz.

    Pros
    • Causes no redness
    • Substantially improves skin texture
    • Fades hyperpigmentation within 6 weeks
    • Reduces acne
    • Replenishes thoroughly
    • Gentle and soothing on sensitive skin
    Cons
    • May work only after regular and consistent use
  • Best for Dark Spots

    Anua Peach 70% Niacinamide Serum

    Anua Peach 70% Niacinamide Serum
  • Upon use, you can see the enchanting natural light pink color of this serum, derived solely from vitamin B12, without any artificial coloring. Best suited for dry skin, it immerses your skin in moisture with the hydration maximizer, featuring triple hyaluronic acid and desert yeast oil, sourced from the resilient Atacama desert, ensuring maximum hydration. It unveils radiant, glass skin with its glow-boosting formula. This peach-infused elixir instantly brightens dull skin while providing gentle texture care for a luminous complexion. It repairs the skin barrier, and minimizes pores, leaving your skin flawlessly radiant.

    Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, peach extracts, desert yeast oil, vitamin B12, and triple hyaluronic acid

    Skin Type: Dry

    Scent: Peach

    Size: 1.01 fl. oz.

    Pros
    • Doesn't feel heavy on the skin
    • Minimal to nonexistent aroma
    • Significantly brightens the skin
    • Gives it a pleasant sheen
    • Helps minimize dark spots
    • Evens out the complexion
    Cons
    • Not suitable for people with oily skin
  • Best for Boosting Skin Radiance

    Face Theory Exaglow Serum S10

    Face Theory Exaglow Serum S10
  • You can unleash the potency of this skin-brightening serum, enriched with niacinamide, lactic acid, and sodium hyaluronate, holy grail skincare ingredients that promote brighter, clearer skin and illuminate dark spots. The formulation also features vitamin C to fade dark spots, revealing a brighter complexion. Plus, you can experience its efficacy in acting as a hyperpigmentation treatment, combating discoloration, and lightening skin. It's great for gently lightening areas affected by discoloration, including age spots and melasma, ensuring a more even and smoother skin texture.

    Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, licorice, and tranexamic acid 

    Skin Type: All

    Scent: Aloe

    Size: 1.0 Fl. Oz.

    Pros
    • Quickly fades acne scars
    • Non-irritating formula
    • Facilitates visible skin improvement
    • Hydrates thoroughly
    • Boosts skin radiance
    Cons
    • Poor packaging
  • Best Lightweight Formula

    Divulge Beauty Mandelic Daily Exfoliating Serum

    Divulge Beauty Mandelic Daily Exfoliating Serum
  • Introducing this gentle yet effective daily alternative to abrasive scrubs, harsh and facial peels! The serum effectively clears and diminishes scars, dark spots, sun damage over time, and hyperpigmentation. Unscented and enriched with skin-soothing ingredients, it stimulates elastin and collagen production. You can use it as a daily leave-on serum as well. It also treats folliculitis and moderate acne on the face or body. What's more? The serum also calms shaving bumps.

    Key Ingredients: Mandelic (almond) acid, Aha (alpha hydroxy acid)

    Skin Type: Dry, Combination, Oily, Normal

    Scent: Unscented

    Size: 1 fl oz

    Pros
    • Lightweight texture
    • Antifungal effects
    • Clears old acne spots
    • Heals skin
    • Value-for-money
    Cons
    • None
  • Best Soothing Effects

    Odacité Brightening Serum

    Odacité Brightening Serum
  • Experience the transformative power of this hyperpigmentation serum concentrate from Odacité! If you want to rejuvenate aging skin and reduce dark spots with just 2-3 drops, this is your answer! Mix with moisturizer or apply directly to get radiant pigmentation-free skin. 

    Handcrafted in California, the serum is all for delivering noticeable results. Witness improvements, especially in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It gives your skin the care it deserves and the credit goes to its botanical compounds like lemon oil, geranium oil, papaya seed oil, etc.

    Key Ingredients: Papaya seed oil, lemon oil, and geranium oil

    Skin Type: Not mentioned

    Scent: None

    Size: 0.17 Fl. Oz

    Pros
    • Skin-friendly
    • Decreases puffiness
    • Reduced dark circles
    • Provides calming sensation
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Feels greasy
  • Best Packaging

    Babsely Niacinamide Serum for Face

    Babsely Niacinamide Serum for Face
  • You can now discover the effective yet gentle benefits of niacinamide serum, perfect for sensitive skin types. If you want to tighten pores for smoother makeup application, trust this lightweight serum, which is packed with organic ingredients to soothe and calm your skin. The serum reduces hyperpigmentation and acne scars to help you unlock luminous and even skin tone! Designed to refresh and mattify oily skin all day long, this niacinamide serum delivers efficient and safe results, ensuring your skin feels the best.

    Key Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid and collagen

    Skin Type: Sensitive

    Scent: Unscented

    Size: 1.01 fl. oz.

    Pros
    • Glides smoothly
    • Attractive packaging
    • Locks in moisture
    • Reduces the appearance of acne scars
    Cons
    • Smells bad
  • Most Budget-friendly

    OOTD Potent Vitamin C Serum

    OOTD Potent Vitamin C Serum
  • This serum from OOTD is all for diminishing hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and dark spots while revealing radiant-looking skin. With a high concentration of vitamins, this serum ensures effectiveness and maximum potency. Packed with organic ingredients that are formulated alongside ascorbic acid, the serum hydrates and soothes the skin, delivering even and bright skin. You can notice the visible changes in your skin with every use. No wonder why it is rated one of the best serums for pigmentation and dark spots. 

    Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid

    Skin Type: All

    Scent: Aloe

    Size: 1.69 fl. oz.

    Pros
    • Improves wrinkles
    • Easy to use
    • Improves skin texture
    • No strong scent
    • Affordable
    • Contains beneficial ingredients
    Cons
    • Light and fast absorption
    • Not for daytime use
  • Best to Control Puffiness

    Pour La Peau Brightening Shot Sérum

    Pour La Peau Brightening Shot Sérum
  • The brightening shot serum from Pour La Peau comes with a Korean innovation that especially targets uneven skin tone so that you get a glow that is unstoppable. Hydrating your skin is important, and this product is a game-changer, leaving your skin supple and revitalized overnight from the very first use. It is packed with hydrating and glowing agents like hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid that work like magic on pigmentation and dark spots. Day by day you'll be ensuring a youthful appearance with its regular use!

    Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Salicylic acid

    Skin Type: All

    Scent: None

    Size: 1.01 fl. oz.

    Pros
    • Premium bottle design
    • Effective in reducing redness
    • Provides lasting effects
    • Controls puffiness
    • Lightweight and hydrating
    • Doesn't clog pores
    Cons
    • Some may find the scent unpleasant
  • Andalou Naturals Dark Spot Corrector

    Andalou Naturals Dark Spot Corrector
  • Unveil your radiant glow with Andalou Naturals Dark Spot Corrector! This powerful face serum, enriched with Vitamin C, offers a transformative solution to hyperpigmentation. Watch as it works wonders on acne scars, age spots, and UV damage, leaving your skin beautifully even-toned and brightened. Suitable for all skin types, this unscented formula targets dark spots and provides antioxidant protection, ensuring a luminous complexion you'll love to flaunt. Say hello to smoother, more radiant skin with this spot corrector!

    Key Ingredients: Vitamin C

    Skin Type: Combination, All

    Scent: Unscented

    Size: 1 fl. oz.

    Pros
    • Easy to use
    • Contains antioxidants
    • Works excellently for combination skin
    • Affordable
    • Diminishes sunspots
    • Gentle on skin
    • Lightweight
    Cons
    • May take time to show the results

    Now that you've checked the products, take a look at how you can pick the best one:

    How to Select the Best Serum for Hyperpigmentation?

    Hyperpigmentation is a common skin concern but dealing with it can be disheartening. However, the best serums for hyperpigmentation are available to boost skin health and help you get clear and radiant skin. When selecting the best serum for hyperpigmentation, consider the following key factors:

    1 . Go through the Ingredients: Opt for products that contain effective ingredients for hy[erpigmentation like niacinamide, kojic acid, vitamin C, aloe vera, and glycolic acid. 

    2. Look for Niacinamide in the Formulation: Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a powerful ingredient that is known to fade the appearance of hyperpigmentation (study published in the NCBI). When buying a serum to fight the signs of hyperpigmentation, look for products that contain niacinamide. 

    3. Opt for a Gentle Exfoliator:  Glycolic Acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), helps boost cell turnover and fades acne scars and hyperpigmentation by exfoliating the skin (study published in NCBI). Choose a product enriched with glycolic acid to gently exfoliate the skin and get a smoother skin texture. 

    4. Vitamin C-enriched formula: Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that not only protects the skin from free radicals but also promotes collagen production, and brightens the complexion while reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation (study published in NCBI). Choose a serum that has vitamin C to unveil a brighter complexion.

    Conclusion

    If you want to achieve a brighter complexion, it is possible with the right ingredients and consistent use of the best serum for hyperpigmentation. They can reduce dark spots and help you achieve an even-toned complexion. Add these serums to your daily routine and bid farewell to uneven skin texture and hello to a radiant glow! You now know about products’ ingredients that cater to your unique needs. So, what are you waiting for? Ready to say goodbye to acne scars and hello to radiant skin? Try Ebanel Dark Spot Remover for radiant skin, InstaNatural Dark Spot Corrector to promote a healthy glow. Lastly, Matkas Korean Dark Spot Remover Face Serum for even-toned skin. Your skin will thank you!

    FAQ's

    What is the reason for hyperpigmentation?
    The main reason for hyperpigmentation is an overproduction of melanin, often triggered by hormonal changes, injury to the skin, sun exposure, or inflammation.
    How can we prevent hyperpigmentation and dark spots?
    To prevent hyperpigmentation and dark spots, it's essential to avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear sunscreen daily, and treat acne promptly to prevent post-inflammatory scars.
    What spot correctors or anti-acne ingredients are best to include in hyperpigmentation serums?
    Effective spot correctors and anti-acne ingredients for hyperpigmentation serums include niacinamide, vitamin C, retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and azelaic acid.
    Why are serums the best choice when it comes to fading hyperpigmentation?
    Serums are the best choice for fading hyperpigmentation because they contain high concentrations of active ingredients that can penetrate deeply into the skin, targeting dark spots more effectively than other skincare products.
    What ingredients to look for when reducing hyperpigmentation?
    When reducing hyperpigmentation, look for ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, licorice extract, kojic acid, alpha arbutin, and hydroquinone (in concentrations prescribed by a dermatologist).
    How long does it take the hyperpigmentation problem to totally go away?
    Slight darkening of the skin could potentially see some improvement over a span of 3-6 months. More assertive approaches like chemical exfoliation may yield speedier results. Stubborn melasma may demand a year or more to show noticeable progress.
    Can I incorporate hyperpigmentation serum alongside my other skincare products?
    Yes, you can incorporate a hyperpigmentation serum into your skincare routine alongside your other skincare products. However, it's essential to introduce new products gradually to monitor how your skin responds and to avoid potential irritation.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Unveil the expertise of our leading skincare specialist, Anoushka Sinha, and her dedicated team. With years of specialized experience, Anoushka meticulously selects products for effective scar healing and hyperpigmentation. She handpicked a few products and tested them all by herself before concluding. She has also considered the parameters like formula, ingredients, and consistency before giving her verdict.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More