Best Exfoliants for Hyperpigmentation

Ranked by community score across 27 mentions on Reddit

Top picks· 5

Reddit’s top pick

Paula's Choice8 mentions

The why

A 2% salicylic acid leave-on exfoliant for clogged pores, blackheads, and texture. Redditors call it a HG for congestion, and studies found salicylic acid helps acne. Sensitive or over-exfoliated skin often hates it.

One minus

Can sting, peel, or wreck the barrier if you overdo it

Good forOily Skin, Sensitive Skin, Combination Skin

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Studies found glycolic and salicylic acids clear acne; Reddit says: handle with care.
The Ordinary9 mentions
Daily Microfoliant
Salicylic acid powder exfoliant smooths rough texture and clears congestion; pricey, fragrance-heavy.
Dermalogica3 mentions
AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
Studies found glycolic acid helps acne; Redditors report overnight whitehead wins, with irritation.
COSRX3 mentions
Lactic Acid 10% + HA
10% lactic acid smooths texture and fades dullness; can sting sensitive skin.
The Ordinary4 mentions

Community take

For hyperpigmentation, Redditors most often recommend strong chemical exfoliants, especially The Ordinary’s AHA/BHA peel. People report fading stubborn dark spots, acne marks, and discoloration, though the strongest praise comes from personal experiences with that peel.

What works

People report stubborn dark spots and acne marks fading.
Some describe dramatic improvement in discoloration and overall skin tone.
The Ordinary’s peel is repeatedly praised for hyperpigmentation results.

Watch out for

Some users report burning and visible peeling after application.
Using the peel too frequently is cautioned against.

What the research says about hyperpigmentation ingredients

Strong evidence

2 ingredients

Multiple studies found these worked for hyperpigmentation.

Azelaic Acid
Most studies found azelaic acid helped fade dark patches better than a placebo
16 studies
Tranexamic Acid
Most studies found it helped fade dark patches, especially in melasma
21 studies

Some evidence

6 ingredients

Some studies found a benefit for hyperpigmentation, but the evidence isn't settled.

Arbutin
Most studies found arbutin helped fade dark spots or patches
9 studies
Glycolic Acid
Most studies found glycolic acid helped fade dark spots or patches
25 studies
Kojic Acid
Both studies that tested it on its own found it helped fade dark patches
10 studies
Niacinamide
All 5 studies that tested it on its own found it helped fade dark spots
20 studies
Retinol
Most studies found retinol helped fade dark spots or patches
12 studies
Vitamin C
Most studies found it helped fade dark patches or make skin tone look more even
20 studies

Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not any one product.

How we grade research