Best pigmentation cream to fade age spots and melasma

Award-winning and suitable for vegans, the OSKIA Renaissance Brightlight serum is an intensive daily treatment to help target hyperpigmentation. Containing a huge 13 brightening ingredients, including Vitamin C, fruit AHAs, Arbutin, and Niacinamide, it can increase your skin's radiance and even skin tone. It does this by slowing the process of melanin production and exfoliating away melanin that's already present on the skin. The formula is firm and gently scented with natural rose and chamomile for positively glowing results.

Thanks to plenty of customer reviews, the Oskia Renaissance Serum comes with a respectable 4.2/5 average star rating. 75% of reviewers would recommend this product, packed with star ingredients (Vitamin C, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid, to name a few) to help your skin benefit from a much-needed boost. Widely praised for improving skin tone, reducing pesky dark spots and enhancing overall radiance, this pick is well-loved by reviews for its smooth texture and lightweight feel. You don't want something that feels heavy (!); though said to be sticky at first, it does sink in well. Reviews agree that results seem to come about when paired with a sun cream (which we should be using every day to protect our skin).

Though many customers love this luxury product - particularly the packing - a few users find it a little pricey for the size - and wish the results lasted longer. When it comes to skincare, consistency is key. However, this is said to be a great choice for tackling pigmentation and a brighter complexion.

This pigmentation repair cream from Skin + Me is full of antioxidants and moisture to care for your skin's barrier. With Azelaic Acid, the cream fights pigmentation caused by sun damage, melasma, and acne. If you're looking to prevent hyperpigmentation from scarring, the antioxidant will also help to fight inflammation, and redness, and soothe spots caused by acne and rosacea. And, it can help with melasma, too.

Skin + Me is the most unique pick on our list. Not so much for its ingredients - Azealic Acid and Niacinamide - are rudimentary when treating oily imbalances and rosacea - but it has a unique approach to skincare. With dermatologists on hand, a free consultation is available to help you find the right product for your skin type and problems. If people opt out of seeing the dermatologists and go straight to "buy", you're at risk of using the wrong product. After all, Azelaic Acid is a strong ingredient and causes reactions in some.

Many customers love the streamlined daily doser - said to deliver just the right amount of product and have seen visible improvements in skin texture (i.e. reduced blemishes and fading pigmentations) within weeks. When used with gentle, unscented cleansers and a high SPF consistently, results seem to appear most - from tackling acne to pigmentation to rosacea. Criticisms seem to be about the dropper - which some find ineffective, the higher cost and limited flexibility of the plans. But, Skin + Me does deliver on results.

La Roche-Posay is a fantastic brand with products specifically formulated for sensitive skin. So it's no surprise they have an excellent pigmentation cream in the La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Anti-Dark Spot Moisturiser SPF30. Having been through rigorous dermatological testing, La Roche-Posay ensures that this is the new corrective and protective care to "target hyperpigmentation and correct the look of dark spots", thanks to the ingredients. Yes - it's been formulated with Melasyl and Niacinamide which helps tackle tough spots. Available for daily use - even under make-up - this pick comes with a super-protective SPF 30 for further protection and TLC for your skin.

Since La Roche-Posay has changed the formula of its beloved "Pigmentclar", there are mixed reviews across the board. Yes - this newer formula with Melasyl is praised for its help with hyperpigmentation. Combination skin sufferers are super happy with the easy application and lightweight texture, causing little irritation. Some reviews reported fading melasma and noticed improvement in scars and dark spots.

However, with the replacement of the popular Pigmentclar, some customers are no longer happy with this pick. One customer said their skin became sore and dry after using and missed the old version. Others mention that they have concerns with possible allergens and SPF efficacy. Many agree that it's not best applied under a full face of make-up.

Suitable for all skin types, SkinCeuticals pigmentation serum has been proven to reduce the appearance of discolouration on the skin. Featuring a blend of anti-pigment and exfoliating ingredients, it can target a range of dark spots; those caused by hyperpigmentation, post-blemish scarring, and stubborn age spots. The active ingredient Tranexamic Acid helps to brighten dark spots and slow the production of melanin and Niacinamide helps to minimise uneven skin tone. Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid provides exfoliation to remove dead skin cells.

The SkinCeuticals Defense Serum is well-liked, with an average star rating of 4.3/5 and 89% of customers recommend this product for helping with hyperpigmentation. As for positive feedback, a review says that after two weeks of consistent use, they've noticed a reduction in pigmentation from acne marks and sun damage. As such, the skin appears brighter and has a glow. Another has found that this works great with other SkinCeuticals products like Phloretin and SPF for treating melasma over time. Overall, it's said to be great for calming inflammation with irritation on sensitive skin. Most reviewers have combination skin types - and recommend supporting this serum with Vitamin C and SPF for the best results.

As for mixed feedback and negative, there are a few things to take into consideration if this is the right product for your skin. Some used this on their hands for sun damage - and had great improvements - but cannot say the same for the face. Our thoughts? Results will be seen after months of consistent use - so, don't expect immediate visible effects. A few reviewers noticed some breakouts in areas where the serum was applied. So, if you're super-prone to acne, we'd recommend trying this with caution. Results are said to diminish during days when you don't use SPF.

With a potent, hydrating formula, Kiehl's dark spot solution visibly brightens the skin to help diminish the appearance of those dark spots and areas of pigmentation. Dermatologically tested for its gentleness on all skin types, the clinical test on 113 subjects over 12 weeks found double the reduction in dark spots. The Salicylic Acid helps to reduce blemishes and the Activated C specifically addresses uneven skin tone. It helps to make the skin more radiant and target hyperpigmentation, including Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) and Post-Inflammatory Erythema.

With an overall rating of 4/5 and a 74% recommendation rate, it's safe to say that Kiehl's Dark Spot Solution is a great choice for quick results. As a brand, Kiehl's is a mainstay in the skincare market; they're definitely on our list to try more of their fantastic range. We were pleased to see plenty of positive feedback on this Corrective Serum. Some observed improvement in dark spots within two weeks of consistent use - and some even noticed brighter and smoother skin after the first use. Lightweight, non-irritating and non-oily, many customers achieved glowing, even-toned skin after long periods of use; in some cases, dark spots faded completely and improved skin firmness greatly.

When it comes to mixed and negative feedback, some found that though their skin tone evened, dark spots remained. Very few reviews had problems with seeing results quickly, it'll vary from person to person, skin type to skin type. Others found it a little pricey. However, some customers had redness, irritations and breakouts despite the product being marketed as sensitive. Whereas, some reviews saw very few improvements or changes. Effectiveness will depend on your consistency, skin type and when you use the serum in your routine.

Much like Kiehl's formula, Garnier's contains active ingredients Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Salicylic Acid but for a fraction of the price. Suitable for all skin types and tones, the serum has promising benefits, such as helping to brighten and hydrate their skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots. The formula also comes enriched with Lemon Extract. This powerful superfood and antioxidant enhance the potent mix by helping to brighten your complexion. What are the reviews saying?

Based on over 800 reviews, this budget pick from Garnier is a standout, garnering an exceptional average of 4.5/5 and a 90% recommend rate. According to one user who noticed results within four to five weeks, it's the best product ever—"lightly scented, not sticky and effective." Another review claims that friends noticed a difference after just a week. Whether acne, scars, or sun spots, this serum is the go-to for an affordable glow and a sought-after even skin tone.

As for negatives, there are a few minor niggles from reviewers. Some found it caused a little irritation, redness, dryness, breakouts or a rash on their sensitive skin. So, make sure to check the ingredients before you buy. Some felt disappointed with the consistency between batches. One customer clarified: that their second bottle was a let-down because the formula had become thinner and "less effective".

Our tip: Use a SPF with this serum to maximise results and avoid sensitivity.

Not only does the Murad correcting serum help to treat the most stubborn dark spots, but it also uses antioxidant resorcinol that helps prevent the look of sun spots and discolouration for a more even skin tone in the future. Murad's patented resorcinol technology reduces the intense appearance of dark spots and promotes surface cell turnover for a brightened complexion. It claims that you can see rapidly reduced pigmentation in just 14 days on all skin tones.

With an amazing average rating of 4.7/5 stars, this Murad Serum is said to target spots, uneven tone, fine lines and sun damage, thanks to its patented formula - which contains glycolic acid for brightening. Free from parabens and sulfates, this pick ensures gentle use. One customer says they've used this since aged 10 - and is the only product that helps with skin texture. Another says it lightened dark spots within weeks (!) Many reviews are said to use it every day, consistently, absorbing quickly - for the brightest skin, which is radiant and even.

As for negatives or mixed reviews, some have experienced minor initial breakouts. Other reviews recommend pairing with a hydrating moisturiser for dryer and sensitive skin, to avoid any issues.

This gel from PCA Skin is a dermatologically tested corrective to fade the size and intensity of dark spots in as early as four weeks. Whether it's UV-induced or hormonally-induced hyperpigmentation, the formula uses their SynerPro Complex technology to inhibit melanin production and fade stubborn dark spots. Not to mention, it also helps to protect against the appearance of new dark spots, too. Apply on your face, neck, arms, or hands.

Based on user feedback, this PCA pick is the go-to for futureproofing, supporting hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Non-sticky, quick absorption and great investment are some great keywords from reviews (blessing this product with a great 4.5/5 average rating). One customer says they've noticed an improvement in just a "few weeks of use", thanks to this super-gentle formula. Another agrees that after spending so much money on products, this pick gave them visible results in a short time. Consistent, daily use could help results appear super quickly. One review mixes this with a vitamin C serum which is a winning combination.

However, patience is required - clinical results are generally visible over 4-16 weeks - be persistent! There are a few mixed reviews - but, results will depend on individual skin concerns. And, there are a few reviews that mention that it's a very premium price.

Wearing a high SPF is recommended for preventing sunlight exposure from triggering more dark patches. The Eucerin Sun Fluid Pigment Control SPF50 is an everyday facial sunscreen for all skin types that's non-comedogenic and suitable for wearing under makeup. It uses UVA/UVB filters with Licochalcone A to neutralise free radicals caused by UV light, while Glycyrrhetinic Acid supports your skin's own DNA repair mechanism. Each of Eucerin's products includes Thiamidol, a patented ingredient that reduces melanin production to reduce hyperpigmentation.

Eucerin's Anti-Dark Spot Sun Cream is raved about online, with the Boots community awarding this pick a solid 4.6/5 average rating; 81% of reviews would recommend this pick which is a lovely number. Reliable enough for holidays and daily sun protection, this SPF is vouched by quite a few different reviews for its help in creating a natural glow. It's easy to apply, won't leave you feeling greasy and sits well under make-up. Besides all that, it won't clog any pores - so suitable for acne-prone skin - and is effective in tackling dark spots and hyperpigmentation, no matter the time of year. Lightweight, it blends seamlessly into the skin.

However, some customers with dry or eczema-prone skin report a little irritation. It does include fragrance which may not be suitable for sensitive skin. And, you may need to reapply throughout summer days.