Does Natural Skincare Really Work for Hyperpigmentation? I've Tested Dozens of Products. - Here Are 5 That Actually Work
By: Dr Maame Benko, MD, MBBS, BSc, Skin Care Specialist
Latest update: June 6, 2024
Which skincare products actually work for hyperpigmentation and dark spots?
Vitamin C serums? Retinol creams? Chemical peels? Hydroquinone treatments? Natural oils?
The list of products promising to fade dark spots and even out skin tone seems endless! But what's even more important is that they all have different active ingredients.
Kojic acid? Alpha arbutin? Niacinamide? How do you know which one to choose?
In my experience, some hyperpigmentation products do work, but most don't - and trying each and every one isn't just expensive, it can be downright damaging to your skin.
Throughout my many years of experience as a Skin Care Specialist, it's my job and life's passion to help my clients achieve healthy, radiant skin. Fortunately, I've been lucky enough to try almost every type of hyperpigmentation treatment and product out there on myself and my diverse clientele.
Prescription treatments do work, but there has always been one consistent winner I recommend to clients who want a gentler, more natural approach.
Hydroquinone creams are not proven to be safe for long-term use, as studies indicate that prolonged application can lead to ochronosis, a condition that paradoxically darkens the skin.
My favorite hyperpigmentation product? All-natural, multi-purpose skin creams!
While internal consumption of biotin supplements has shown positive effects on hair health, the topical application through shampoos lacks substantial scientific support for promoting hair growth.
My favorite hair growth product? Biotin hair vitamin gummies!
Using a carefully formulated natural cream allows for gentler yet effective treatment of hyperpigmentation, delivering essential vitamins and plant extracts directly to the affected areas without harsh chemicals.
But with so many natural skincare brands out there, it wasn't easy for my clients to find the ones that really worked.
I've examined and tested many natural skin creams (so you don't have to!), and would love to share with you my top 5 that actually helped me and my clients achieve visibly brighter, more even-toned skin.
#1 Ava Estell Magix Cream
This cream absolutely blew me away! I came across it during my research endeavors, and have been thoroughly impressed.
Whenever I would recommend Ava Estell Magix Cream to my clients after their consultations - they'd always come back raving about how their friends and partners complimented them on how radiant and even-toned their skin looks.
Ava Estell Magix Cream is 100% natural, vegan, and suitable for sensitive skin - So you don't have to worry about any unexpected side effects or irritation.
Its skin-transforming superpower secret? A unique blend of natural ingredients formulated to address multiple skin concerns simultaneously.
But don't let the words "natural cream" fool you. Our skin naturally produces melanin to protect us from UV radiation, however, sometimes this process goes into overdrive, causing hyperpigmentation. Finding a great cream with a quality natural formulation is essential for restoring balance to your skin.
The reason that Ava Estell Magix Cream was my number one pick was its instant effectiveness from their ingredients blend and how quickly it started to fade dark spots and even out skin tone.
It contains a powerful combination of Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, and nourishing oils like Grapeseed, Avocado, and Rosehip, which work together to hydrate, protect, and rejuvenate the skin. But the real stars of the show are the Licorice Root Extract, Mulberry Extract, and Bearberry Extract - natural ingredients known for their skin-brightening properties.
Due to its high-quality, synthetic-free ingredients, the skin-evening effects became noticeable within just 1-2 weeks of daily use, with complete skin transformation in 8-12 weeks. No other natural cream I've tried worked faster or more effectively.
Check Out Ava Estell Magix Cream
#2 Shani Darden Body Reform Treatment Serum
Shani Darden may cost an arm and a leg at $68 for 1.7 oz, but if you have stubborn dark spots and uneven skin tone, then this high-potency serum could be a serious game-changer for you.
Enriched with 2% Granactive Retinoid and niacinamide that work together for maximum skin rejuvenation, it plays a key role in evening out skin tone and improving overall skin texture — while also playing a significant role in preventing future hyperpigmentation in the long run. It comes in at #2 instead of #1 because we saw similar results as Ava Estell Magix Cream, but it's nearly twice the price. If you're also looking for a product that addresses multiple skin concerns like stretch marks or eczema, Shani Darden might not be your best choice.
Check Out Shani Darden
#3 Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector & Interrupter
This hard-working serum is pricey, but is highly effective at tackling stubborn dark spots. This product contains Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant known for its role in inhibiting melanin production and brightening the skin.
Additionally, it incorporates salicylic acid, which supports overall skin health and helps to fade dark spots, contributing to a more even complexion.
We felt that this serum, while it does work, took longer to show noticeable results compared to some of the others, which is why it takes my #3 spot. Again, it's not all-natural, so I don't recommend it to those who prefer an all-natural approach or have very sensitive skin.
Check Out Clinique Even Better
#4 Peach & Lily Transparen-C Pro Spot Treatment
Most are familiar with Peach & Lily. This trusted brand contains potent ingredients that are better for stubborn dark spots, at a premium price. It also contains glycolic acid to improve overall skin texture and tone.
This made our list because of its targeted application, however, we did not see the same comprehensive results as Ava Estell Magix Cream. It's still worth trying if you're looking for a spot treatment specifically.
Check Out Transparen-C Pro Spot Treatment
#5 CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
CeraVe is a long-time trusted skincare brand known for its high-quality products, and their Vitamin C serum is no exception. Made up of 10% pure Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, it aims to brighten skin and strengthen the skin barrier. While this product does work, I saw slightly less dramatic improvements than with the others on this list, which might be due to its lower concentration of active ingredients. That's why CeraVe takes my #5 spot.
Check Out CeraVe
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