Spot Corrector Buying Guide

For many, dark spots and discolorations are a frustrating thing to deal with. It is common for people who have spent years diligently attending to their skincare regimen to still experience hyperpigmentation. These pesky marks can be caused by many factors, such as sun damage, hormonal changes, and scarring, which can make them hard to treat effectively.

However, for those seeking options that may not include prescriptions or laser treatments from your dermatologist’s office (which often come at some hefty price tags), there has never been a better time to find a safe, effective spot corrector that gives your complexion a smooth, youthful, and radiant look.

But with so many brands trying to capitalize on this trend, there are bound to be ineffective products with unproven ingredients. If you're not diligent with your research, you could wind up with a low-quality spot corrector that produces side-effects like peeling, itching, and even patchy, irritated skin. That's why we put together this guide to help show you what to look for and avoid when searching for a quality spot corrector.

How to Choose the Right Dark Spot Corrector

It's important to choose a spot corrector with a combination of ingredients that work together to help give you the bright, even-toned, glowing complexion we all dream of. Here’s what to look for and avoid in a spot corrector:

Key Ingredients to Look for & Avoid in a Spot Corrector

Avoid Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a controversial skin-bleaching agent in many dark spot correctors, banned everywhere but the U.S. It can potentially cause adverse reactions like white patches on your skin or even more dark spots to form on top of ones you're trying to remove! This potent substance has also been found to accumulate inside of the body when applied daily—leading to hazardous side effects for your health, especially with long-term use.