We love an at-home treatment that really works. The best dark spot correctors can help tackle stubborn hyperpigmentation, whether it’s from sun damage, acne scars, or natural spots from aging. To find the best options for all skin types and concerns, we spoke with dermatologists and then tested dozens of products ourselves, including Glamour Beauty Award–reader’s choice picks.

As a beauty writer who’s struggled with breakouts and blemishes for nearly a decade, I’ve tested brightening moisturizers, retinol serums, acne creams—you name it. One of my favorite products is SkinCeutical Discoloration Defense because it effectively fades away dark spots. After consistently using it, my skin looked clearer and brighter. Ahead, a list of derm-approved spot correctors for your face, hands, back, or arms that actually work. The best dark spot correctors, at a glance Best Overall: Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense, $108 Best Moisturizer for Dark Spots: The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, $12 Best Serum for Dark Spots: Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum, $60 Best for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum, $19 Best for Mature Skin: L’Oreal Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30, $14 Best for Melanated Skin Tones: La Roche-Posay MelaB3 Serum, $45 Your dark spot corrector questions, answered Best Overall: Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense Glamour staffers have tested dozens of Skinceutical products and overwhelmingly give the brand’s products rave reviews. Derms agree that if you’re targeting dark spots from the sun, acne, or medical procedures, you can’t go wrong with this one. Typically, Dr. Castilla recommends a combination approach to treating hyperpigmentation—that’s why she loves the trio of synergistic brightening ingredients present in Skinceuticals’ Discoloration Defence formula: tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide. This powerhouse product comes at a higher price tag than other dark spot correctors, but clinical studies have shown that it can be effective at reducing discoloration. Dr. Castilla also notes that this formula is safe to use during pregnancy. Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary has been a huge fan of this discoloration serum for about three years now. “This serum is extremely lightweight, melts into the skin, and absorbs quickly, which makes it easy to incorporate into my morning skin-care routine. After using it on and off for a couple of years, I always find myself going back to it when I have a stubborn spot left over from a pimple, and it takes about three weeks for it to fully fade away. This serum is consistent and reliable for that reason, and will always be my go-to solution. The only thing I don’t love about this pick is that it’s a little sticky and oxidizes quickly, so I recommend using it all at once. If you want to use it on a case by case basis like me, keep it stored somewhere dark and cool.” Key ingredient(s): Tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide Skin types: All skin types Size: 1 fl. oz. Pros: Pregnancy-safe Cons: Pricey Best for Mature Skin: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30 Looking for moisturizer, SPF, and dark spot treatment all in one? Look no further than L’Oréal Paris Revitalift. This brightening product also contains vitamin C, retinol, and glycolic acid—all at a drugstore price. “I generally say not to use retinol and glycolic on the same day, but this formulation is gentle while still being effective,” says Dr. Castilla. “I love the silky, smooth texture of this moisturizer,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley. “It spreads readily and evenly—two pumps was the perfect amount for my face and neck. I have a few small dark spots on my cheek, and while I haven’t yet seen significant improvement there, I do appreciate the instant brightening effect the product gives my skin. It adds the perfect light sheen for a glowy, low-maintenance makeup look.' Key ingredient(s): Glycolic acid, vitamin C, pro-retinol Skin types: Dry skin, sensitive skin Size: 1 fl. oz. Pros: Contains SPF, gentle formula Cons: Skin may be more sensitive to sunlight Best for All Skin Types: Charlotte Tilbury Glow Toner Suitable for all skin types, this acid-free hydrating toner is a favorite of Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology in NYC. She loves that it’s “powered by exfoliating prickly pear, plus peptides to support skin cell turnover,” she says. “It also contains sodium hyaluronate, shea butter, and niacinamide,” which collectively help soften, soothe, and smooth the skin. This toner has withstood the test of time for Glamour’s Kilkeary, who has been reaching for it for over a year now. “The niacinamide helps blur my pores and gently sloughs off dead skin cells, which is much-needed for my often oily and combination skin complexio