The 10 best ingredients for hyperpigmentation

If you’re part of the ever-growing population of people with unwanted dark spots on your skin—a.k.a. hyperpigmentation—you’ve probably found yourself wondering: What exactly are those discolored patches of skin, and more importantly, how do you get rid of them?

The causes of hyperpigmentation: Dark spots and discoloration on the skin can pop up as a result of both internal and external factors, such as unprotected sun exposure over time, inflammation from chronic health conditions or skin injuries such as acne or burns.

The best ingredients for hyperpigmentation:

1. Arbutin

A natural alternative of hydroquinone, arbutin is an extract of the bearberry plant

2. Tranexamic acid

This skin care ingredient is a derivative of the amino acid lysine that inhibits the activity of melanocytes, which contribute to stubborn brown patches and dark spots.

→ 4% tranexamic acid + 10% niacinamide in one serum: Anua Niacinamide + TXA

3. Kojic acid

Kojic acid is a byproduct of rice fermentation. It’s typically used in the production of sake, but in skin care, it’s one of the best ingredients for hyperpigmentation because it helps inhibit unwanted pigment. It’s also very effective at improving the appearance of inflammatory marks from acne.

4. Azelaic acid

Derived from grains like barley, wheat and rye, azelaic acid provides anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help clear bacteria from pores and address breakouts. Additionally, it’s also one of the best ingredients for hyperpigmentation because it is a natural botanical brightener that addresses uneven skin tone and dark spots

→ 10% azelaic acid, ready for sensitive skin: Anua Azelaic Acid Serum

5. Licorice

Licorice extract is another great ingredient that’s beneficial in diminishing hyperpigmentation. It delivers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect and purify the skin. More importantly, it also contains an active ingredient called glabridin that inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase that, as previously discussed, accelerates the formation of dark spots.

6. Retinol

Retinol is a favorite of dermatologists for its clinically proven ability to smooth wrinkles and fine lines. It also is one of the best treatments for hyperpigmentation because it boosts cellular turnover and also blocks tyrosinase in your skin to reduce the excess melanin production that can lead to hyperpigmentation.

→ Retinal (the strongest retinoid form): Arencia Retinal Booster Shot

7. Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol, heralded as a natural alternative to retinol, is a plant extract that is derived from babchi seeds. It’s gained popularity in recent years as a hyperpigmentation treatment because of its ability to improve the appearance of skin discoloration as well as fine lines and wrinkles.

8. afaLUXE

afaLUXE is a patented skin care ingredient made from a blend of amino-based filaggrin antioxidants, vitamin C and Dead Sea minerals. It acts as a gentle yet effective exfoliant to help improve uneven skin tone, reduce acne breakouts and diminish the appearance of acne scarring.

9. Glycolic acid

Glycolic acid is a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that’s usually derived from sugar cane. It’s a chemical exfoliant, meaning it helps remove the top-most layer of skin, which over time can help improve hyperpigmentation, acne and other signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

10. Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that has really become an all-star ingredient when it comes to skin care. In addition to treating hyperpigmentation such as dark spots, niacinamide also helps reduce acne, soothe irritated skin and diminish fine lines and wrinkles. This makes it not only one of the best ingredients for hyperpigmentation but also an all-around power player in skin care

New to K-Beauty? Read our complete guide to Korean cosmetics — the brands, your first routine and the ingredients that actually work.