Best Treatments for Hyperpigmentation

Ranked by community score across 132 mentions on Reddit

Top picks· 13

Reddit’s top pick

The Ordinary42 mentions

The why

This 10% suspension targets acne, post-acne marks, redness, and uneven texture; studies found topical azelaic acid beats placebo and performs about like tretinoin. Redditors say it can work beautifully, but the thick silicone texture pills and irritates reactive skin.

One minus

Thick silicone texture pills under makeup and sunscreen

Good forOily Skin

Adapalene Gel 0.1%
Adapalene 0.1% clears acne and clogged pores; Reddit loves results, fears the purge.
Differin27 mentions
10% Azelaic Acid Booster
10% azelaic acid plus salicylic acid for redness and breakouts; can sting.
Paula's Choice15 mentions
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Reddit reports clearer pores from 2% salicylic acid; studies found similar acne results.
Paula's Choice8 mentions
10% Azelaic Acid Treatment
Studies found azelaic acid clears acne; Redditors report calmer redness and faded marks.
Good Molecules7 mentions

Community take

For hyperpigmentation, Redditors most often recommend azelaic acid, especially The Ordinary’s 10% suspension; adapalene and exfoliating acids also come up. Users report fading spots and more even tone, though results vary and improvement can take time.

What works

Azelaic acid is the most frequently recommended treatment option.
Users report fading spots and more even-looking skin.
Some users alternate azelaic acid with adapalene.

Watch out for

Some users remain unsure after two months of use.
Marks and scarring can take time to fade.

What the research says about hyperpigmentation ingredients

Some evidence

8 ingredients

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

Arbutin
Most studies found it helped fade dark patches, especially in melasma
9 studies
Azelaic Acid
Most studies found it helped fade dark patches, especially melasma
12 studies
Glycolic Acid
Most studies found glycolic acid helped fade dark spots or patches
23 studies
Kojic Acid
Both studies that tested it on its own found it helped fade dark patches
10 studies
Niacinamide
All 4 studies that tested it on its own found it helped fade dark spots
17 studies
Retinol
All 5 studies that tested it on its own found it helped fade dark spots or patches
12 studies
Tranexamic Acid
Most studies found it helped fade dark patches, especially in melasma
19 studies
Vitamin C
Most studies found vitamin C helped fade dark patches, especially in melasma
19 studies

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

How we grade research