What You Need to Know Before Buying a Dark Spot Corrector
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
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.
Finding a spot corrector with all the right components is crucial, but for best results, look for a product that can check both of the boxes below.
Many spot correctors only list a handful of their key ingredients. The ingredients on the label should match the ones on their website. If they're inconsistent, then it's likely that brand is trying to hide an ingredient they don't want you to know about.
Make sure to check with the ShopOwl algorithm before purchasing a product so you can get a clear understanding of what other customers liked and didn't like about it to help you make a more informed decision.
97/100
After our algorithm searched over 5,000 data points and analyzed 52 variables, Spot Check by Tru Alchemy received a high score for its quality.
100/100
Our algorithm determined that although there are not many reviews yet, all of the reviews for this product are accurate.
93.4/100
Considering these different variables, we determined that this product has a good purchase value.
90/100
After our algorithm searched over 5,000 data points and analyzed 52 variables, Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum by Dr. Gross received an A- grade for its quality.
100/100
Our algorithm marked 100% of the reviews as genuine and high-quality.
92/100
Considering the strong quality rank and review rank, our algorithm has determined that this product has an A- value rank.
97/100
After our algorithm searched over 5,000 data points and analyzed 52 variables, Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum by Murad received a high score for its quality.
75.3/100
Our algorithm determined that 24.7% of reviews showed signs of being fraudulent.
82/100
Considering both the high-quality score and low review rank, we've determined that this product has a B- value rank.
90/100
After our algorithm searched over 5,000 data points and analyzed 52 variables, Advanced Pigment Corrector by SkinCeuticals received a high score for its quality.
78.8/100
Our algorithm flagged 21.2% of the reviews for this product as being potentially fraudulent.
83/100
Considering the high-quality rank as well as the higher than average fraudulent reviews, our algorithm determined that this product's value score is a B-.
89/100
After our algorithm searched over 5,000 data points and analyzed 52 variables, Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops by Glow Recipe received an average grade of B+ for its quality.
81.5/100
Our algorithm marked 18.5% of the reviews as potentially fraudulent.
76/100
Considering the average quality rank and the below-average review rank, our algorithm has determined that this product has a C value rank.