Pigmentation

Key actives

• Tranexamic acid (TXA) and niacinamide: a common pairing for an even skin tone, such as the Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Correcting Serum by Anua or the TXA 6 Niacinamide 10 Retinal Serum by Purito.
• Vitamin C: an antioxidant that helps revive radiance; see our vitamin C skincare.
• Azelaic acid and kojic acid: often chosen for post-blemish marks, such as the Azelaic Acid 10 Kojic Tea Tree Serum by Purito.
• Gentle exfoliants: PHAs help renew the skin's surface, such as the Centella 3% PHA Gentle Liquid Exfoliating Serum by Haruharu Wonder.

SPF is essential

Without daily sunscreen, dark spot treatments lose much of their benefit: UV rays keep pigmentation going. Choose a high SPF and reapply when exposed; see our sun protection.

How long does it take?

Allow several weeks of regular use before judging a product. For acne marks, see also our acne scars selection. A spot that changes in appearance should be shown to a doctor.

Read more: Korean vs Western vitamin C: the same molecule, a different philosophy