Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
discover Discover

Dermatologist recommended products for clear glowy skin, part 1: dark spots and pigmentation
Purple Star emoji 14 items
By
S&B profile picture
S&B
I’ve tested countless skincare products, so you don’t have to. I’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t), both in my own routine and from friends and family. Here are some of my top picks across all price ranges, from affordable staples, to mid-range g...
Sections
3
 
Affordable staples (less than $50)
 
Mid-range gems ($50-$100)
 
Luxurious splurges ($100 and up)

Affordable staples (less than $50)

 
S&B profile picture
I've been using this serum for a few weeks, and I'm genuinely impressed—especially for the price! It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and has helped fade a few dark spots on my cheeks. Definitely a great option if you're looking for something effectiv...
Radiant Tone Dual Serum
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
S&B profile picture
Another budge-friendly gem that feels high-end! It has a light gel-cream texture that applies well without feeling greasy. At only $30 for a 20g tube, it offers real results without the luxury brand sticker shock, a truly smart and affordable additio...
Dark Spot Corrector
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
S&B profile picture
A great product from a long-standing and trusted brand! After about a month of consistent use, I’ve noticed gradual lightening in my acne marks and sunspots without irritation. The product itself has a gel-like formula that glides on smoothly and lay...
Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum With Melasyl™ + Niacinamide
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
S&B profile picture
This serum is formulated with 13% niaciamide, glycolic acid, tranexamic, acid, and a proprietary blend of pepetids, so easing in slowly is the safer move. I’ve noticed a brighten complexion after about 3-4 weeks of nightly use. The lightweight formul...
LiftActiv B3 Serum for Dark Spots & Wrinkles
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
S&B profile picture
This serum with 10% glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, kojic acid and vitamin B5, gently exfoliates the skin and is great for overall brightening complexion without being harsh! I personally felt that my skin looked smoother and more radiant after just ...
Glycolic B5 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder

Mid-range gems ($50-$100)

 
S&B profile picture
I find myself reaching for one of these pads whenever I’m looking a bit dull. With a potent blend of 10% glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide, these pads gently exfolliate without stripping or over-drying my skin, and leave me feeling smoo...
Even & Correct Brightening Treatment Pads
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
S&B profile picture
This lightweight formula combines glycolic and azelaic acids to exfoliate and brighten the skin, while hyaluronic acid keeps the skin feeling hydrated. It is somewhat of a “slow burn” and may take more than one bottle, but that gentle and steady prog...
Enhance Brightening Serum
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
S&B profile picture
This lightweight serum includes powerful ingredients like PHAs to remove dead skin cells and reveal brighter skin underneath, vitamins C and E to fade discoloration and brighten overall tone, and hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated. It’s a grea...
Overnight Transformation Complex
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
S&B profile picture
This hydroquinone-free formula by PCAskin is great for those who are unable to tolerate hydroquinone due to irritation or sensitivity. It is lightweight, absorbs instantly, and highly effective for uneven skin tone due to many causes. PCAskin has ear...
Pigment Gel® HQ Free
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
S&B profile picture
A smart, non-irritating approach to minimizing pigmentation and correcting uneven tone. I was actually surprised and impressed by how quickly this worked! I noticed improvement in my skin tone and texture after the first week! And I have friends tell...
MelanoLyte Serum
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder

Luxurious splurges ($100 and up)

 
S&B profile picture
ISDIN may be less-known in the US, but it’s a well-established brand from Spain, appreciated among the dermatology community when it comes to pigmentation and sun care. This thick smooth serum layers well under moisturizers and makeup, and feels luxu...
Isdinceutics Melaclear Advanced
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
S&B profile picture
I can’t say enough good things about Obagi products! Developed by a dermatologist, Obagi Medical specializes in fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, and pigmentation. This step in the Obagi system is hydrating and brightening, the hydroquinone-free f...
Skin Brightening & Blending Cream
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
S&B profile picture
A true classic that I keep going back to! This lightweight formula absorbs instantly, dries without residue, and will quickly earn a spot in your routine. It may take a few weeks to see a notable improvement, but with consistent use, you are guarante...
Discoloration Defense Serum for Dark Spots | SkinCeuticals
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
S&B profile picture
This silky serum glides on effortlessly and absorbs without any residue, making it a breeze to layer under any moisturizer. The unique component of this serum are the AHA exfoliants that remove dead skin cells and reveals brighter skin underneath, an...
Even Tone Correcting Serum | Discoloration
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder