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The best dark spot erasing serums

Plagued by pigmentation? Try these superstars

By Briar Clark

BEAUTYcrew Beauty Editor / June 04 2024

Is it just us, or is there something soul-crushing about having a solid skin care routine, only to be plagued endlessly by pigmentation and dark spots?

We’re not taking this lying down though, no, we’re stocking up on dark spot erasing serum formulas and hitting pigmentation where it hurts.

Brightening is the aim of the game here, so look forward to ingredient lists packed full of skin-saving heroes like vitamin C, AHAs and retinol – we’re bringing in the big guns, baby...

YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum

Caffeine and a hefty portion of vitamin C power this energy serum that works to target tired-looking, pigmented, puffy skin. Look forward to a brightened, even-toned and even-textured complexion with daily use. Plus, the lightweight, non-sticky, and fragrance-free formula is a perfect pick for sensitive skin.

$104 at Sephora

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter

You can look forward to clini-level results with this super-powered dark spot corrector. The double-dose formula streamlines a cocktail of tone-improving ingredients to the skin, reducing the appearance of dark spots, discolouration and acne scars, as well as a blend of anti-irritants and botanicals that help to prevent future photo-damage.

$197 at Clinique

ALPHA-H Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum

Apply a few drops of this complexion-rebooting serum each night and wake up to glowy, bright, even-toned skin. Glycolic acid and granactive retinoid target texture, tone and premature signs of ageing for plump, refreshed skin that’s impeccably clear. Dark spots who?

$129 at Sephora

Dermalist AllSerum Skin Perfector

This all-in-one serum contains over 15 actives including several peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, squalane, and vitamin E. Yep, this skin perfector employs a veritable banquet of skin-loving ingredients to hydrate, clarify and revitalise your complexion. Work smarter, not harder, y’know?

$159 at Adore Beauty

SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum

Folks all over the internet can’t stop raving about this stuff and after looking at the hardworking ingredient list (AHA, BHA and PHA, plus 14.5% Centella Asiatica Extract, just to name a few), and an alluring price point ($39.00... say what?) it’s not hard to see why. Specifically formulated for steamrolling through dark spots caused by acne scarring, you can look forward to some impressive results in just 30 days.

$39 at Adore Beauty

Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment

The OG of dark spot erasers just got a little bit of a packaging makeover. Now available in a hefty 50mL size, you can enjoy this no-joke formula for a little bit longer. Lactic acid buffs away surface level build-up, while licorice brightens and evens skin tone, banishing unwanted discolouration for a stunningly clear complexion.

$174 at MECCA

Rodan + Fields REVERSE Targeted Dark Spot Corrector

Dealing with stubborn dark marks and patches? Add this discolouration corrector to your dark spot-combatting kit. Packed with the brand's clever ToneRF technology (which is just as fancy as it sounds), it's all about precisely targeting anything from brown spots to post-acne dark marks that won't seem to budge.

$89 at Rodan + Fields

Now that you're skin is looking *chefs kiss*, really show it off and enjoy these 9 gorgeously glossy foundations for glowing skin.

Main image credit: @rowanblanchard

Briar Clark

Briar Clark got her start in the media industry in 2017, as an intern for Marie Claire and InStyle. Since then, her keen interest in fashion and beauty has landed her gigs as a Digital Content Producer and Beauty Editor with titles like Girlfriend, Refinery29, BEAUTYcrew and beautyheaven. She loves the way seemingly innocuous topics like skin care and style have the ability to put a smile on people’s faces or make them think about themselves a little differently. A big believer in self love and experimentation, Briar has made a point of becoming the Australian beauty industry’s unofficial guinea pig for unusual treatments and daring hair trends. When she’s not testing out the latest beauty launches, Briar is big on broadening her horizons, mostly in the form of food but she’s also partial to travelling to new destinations both near and far (and of course, allocating an extra bag to bring their best beauty offerings home with her).