Dealing With Pigmentation? These Are the Skincare Products to Start With
Sadaf Razi is Adore Beauty's Senior Beauty Editor.
She's a former fashion editor (who worked at various glossy mags) and stylist-turned digital beauty and lifestyle writer. She has been in the lifestyle/media industry for over 10 years and her work has also been featured on international covers like Elle France and Vanity Fair Mexico.
Some of her fave Adore Beauty products include Cicaplast B5, CeraVe Cleansing Oil and Lancôme Renergie Triple Serum.
Pigmentation is, without question, one of the trickiest and most stubborn skin concerns to treat and manage.
In most cases, the most effective approach for managing pigmentation long-term is a dual strategy: consistent use of targeted topical skincare, paired with in-clinic treatments like lasers or professional peels.
To help you get started, we’ve rounded up some of the best skincare for pigmentation, from high-performance serums to daily SPF (because yes, sunscreen is non-negotiable here and the sun can actually flare up pigmentation and make it worse).
If you’re looking to build a routine that actually works, consider this your go-to starting point.
Best Pigmentation Tips
In this Beauty IQ article, our resident dermal clinician Yads Cauchi gave us some of her best pigmentation tips and the best ways to reduce pigmentation, which include:
- Being realistic and consistent - Pigment doesn’t fade overnight. Skincare takes time to work and results come from sticking with it because pigment is managed and won’t ever disappear forever.
- The most effective treatments go deep and you will need a combination of ingredients to treat pigmentation. Think: tyrosinase inhibitors (pigment blockers), gentle exfoliants, hydroquinone, kojic acid, retinoids, niacinamide, vitamin C and, yes, SPF!
- Don’t skip sun protection - SPF isn’t optional when you’re treating pigment. Even tiny amounts of UV exposure can undo weeks of progress. Yes, even in winter. Alongside heat, which is another reason you might notice your pigment coming back.
- Less irritation = better outcomes - Over-exfoliating or using too many actives can actually trigger more inflammation, especially in sensitive or melanin-rich skin. Calm skin = clear skin.
Best Products for Pigmentation and Dark Spots
Whether you’re looking for the best serum for pigmentation, the best sunscreen for pigmentation or even the best cream for pigmentation, the below products are a great place to start.
Which Face Cleanser Is Good for Pigmentation?
No7 Radiance+ Daily Energising Exfoliating Cleanser, $22.99
- A glow-boosting exfoliator powered by vitamin C and fruit extracts.
- Helps refresh smooth and visibly brighten your skin.
- Ideal for those with dull or tight-looking skin or those who want a cleanser that evens tone.
- Promises to help fade the appearance of dark spots whilst supporting your skin's natural barrier.
- How to use No7 Radiance daily energising exfoliating cleanser?
- Step 1: Every morning or evening, gently massage onto damp face and neck.
- Step 2: Rinse off with warm water.
- Step 3: For best results, follow with No7 Radiance+ 15% Vitamin C Serum.
No7 Radiance+ Daily Energising Exfoliating Cleanser Serum review:
"I absolutely love this face wash! I bought it in a deal along with the vitamin C radiance eye gel masks and vitamin C radiance toner and they are all amazing! Skin is so soft and instantly brightened and even more so in the morning. Very happy with this range!" - No.7 website.
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Cleanser, $40.65
- A clarifying gel cleanser for all skin types that’s designed to help reduce dark spots and enhance skin radiance.
- Has an alcohol-free, non-comedogenic and dermatologically tested formula.
- Is hydrating and suitable for sensitive skin.
- Is powered by Melasyl™, niacinamide, and Poly-Hydroxy Acid (a gentle exfoliating acid known to boost skin’s surface cell renewal for a more radiant, even complexion) to help deliver brighter and more even-looking skin.
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Cleanser reviews from the La Roche-Posay Australia website:"It does work, my dark spots have faded and it helped clear up the redness from my peri menopause."
"Started using this about a month ago and can see noticeable changes in my skin. It looks more even-toned, clearer and brighter. My skin was once very dull with dark spots and as a tanned person, dark spots were difficult to manage. Very happy with the results and will definitely be repurchasing this."
Best Serum for Pigmentation and Dark Spots.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum, $258
- The GOAT of vitamin Cs – this serum needs no introduction, but in case you needed a refresher, it has been praised as one of the best vitamin C serums for evening skin, making skin more radiant and even as well as real results when it comes to fading pigmentation.
- Brightens, firms and protects the skin.
- Provides advanced antioxidant protection.
- Delivers long-lasting radiance.
- Key Ingredients:
- L-Ascorbic Acid (15%) - brightens and provides antioxidant defence
- Alpha Tocopherol (1%) - strengthens skin and supports repair
- Ferulic Acid (0.5%) - enhances stability and efficacy of antioxidants.
Has over 500 star reviews; here's just a couple:
"The absolute GOAT! I've tried for years to find a cheaper alternative, but nothing compares! This really is the gold standard for Vit C!"
"Good serum, absorbs in quickly and helps with discolouration.
"I use this every day in the morning and it helped with my skin tone and fine lines. It definitely has brightened my skin as I have freckles and have seen an improvement. It's an investment but I feel it's worth it."
Ole Henriksen Peach Glow Serum, $63
- A 2-in-1 brightening and pore-refining gel serum powered by niacinamide and vitamin C.
- Delivers a smooth glass and glow.
- Designed to hydrate, smooth, and deliver luminous skin.
- Also works to help improve skin tone, texture and elasticity.
- Other star ingredients include:
- Hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid.
- Niacinamide – Brightens skin and helps minimise the appearance of pores while supporting a balanced, healthy-looking complexion.
- Vitamin C – Boosts radiance and provides antioxidant defence against environmental stressors.
- Peach Extract and Juice – Visibly brighten skin and deliver antioxidant-rich hydration for a fresh, plump look.
Aspect Pigment Punch+, $155
- A targeted brightening serum that helps reduce a look of pigmentation and uneven skin tone.
- Helps boost radiance and clarity while also offering antioxidant support against environmental aggressors.
- Most suitable for uneven or sun-affected skin.
Aspect Pigment Punch+ reviews:
"I don't suffer from a lot of pigmentation anymore, but I used to switch to this product as we entered summer when I was outside a lot more and prone to pigmentation. This product did a great job at lightening existing pigmentation and preventing further pigmentation from forming."
"Initially, I faced significant hyperpigmentation issues, but fortunately, this product delivered exceptional outcomes. Notably, the visible darkness dissipated within a month, and I acquired an additional bottle before depleting the first. Never regret buying this!"
"I have 1 bottle and I can see a definite difference. Dark spots faded to light. Make sure to use SFC to maximise the effects."
For more of the best products for pigmentation and dark spots watch the YouTube below:
Best Cream for Pigmentation.
Medicube Deep Vita C Capsule Cream, $60
Want a whole Medicube vitamin C capsule review? BIQ writer and K-beauty expert Juna XU wrote one that you can read here; otherwise here are some fast facts:
- This is a radiance-boosting moisturiser with vitamin C that’s gentle on the skin.
- Also has a gel cream texture that hydrates, evens tone and smooths fine lines.
- Also includes 5% niacinamide.
Medicube Deep Vita C Capsule Cream review:
"I have been using this capsule cream for the last few months, and it is very good. I am using it with vitamin C serum, and it works great together." - AB customer.
Dermalogica Powerbright Overnight Cream, $154
- A hard-working overnight cream that works to brighten the appearance of dark spots, age spots and pigmentation (all while you get your beauty sleep).
- Can also help with minimising the look of temporary skin redness.
- Smoothes the appearance of skin texture.
- Is suitable for all skin types.
- Key ingredients in Dermalogica Powerbright Overnight Cream:
- Vitamin C, Niacinamide + Hexylresorcinol - work in synergy to visibly fade dark spots and pigmentation
- Pumpkin Enzyme - gently smooths and refines skin texture
- Cranberry + Raspberry Seed Oils - antioxidant-rich oils that nourish, protect and help plump the look of skin
- Licorice Extract - helps calm and reduce the appearance of redness
Dermalogica Powerbright Overnight Cream reviews:
"Have been using this product for a few weeks now in conjunction with the PowerBright dark spot serum and it is making a difference to the pigmentation on my cheeks. Overall looks less red and pronounced. Cream absorbs nicely and leaves my skin feeling nourished as a night time treatment." - AB customer.
"Put on before bed and wake up with clear glowing skin. I have very sensitive skin and this product doesn't aggravate it!" - AB customer.
What Kind of Sunscreen Is Best for Hyperpigmentation?
mesoestetic mesoprotech melan 130 pigment control, $79
- Ideal SPF for those who have pigmentation
- Offers high broad-spectrum protection helping defend against both short- and long-term sun damage.
- Formulated with actives that help regulate melanin production, working to prevent and minimise the appearance of dark spots over time.
- Has a tinted formula that subtly evens out the complexion
- Advanced filter technology (Mesoprotech® complex), which combines physical, chemical and biological filters to protect against UV rays, visible light and infrared damage.
- Is water-resistant.
- A great post-treatment SPF often recommended after in-clinic pigmentation treatments (like peels or lasers) to protect sensitised skin.
At-Home Mask For Pigmentation.
Kahlia Skin LED Light Therapy Mask, $109
- For those looking for an at-home mask at more of an affordable price point to help tackle pigmentation and breakouts.
- Wireless, TGA-registered LED face mask with 7 UV-free light wavelengths.
- Also boosts collagen production
- Soothes and strengthens sensitive skin.
- Enhances the effectiveness of your skincare routine.
- Has an easy-to-use with an automatic shut-off feature.
- Who should NOT use the Kahlia Skin LED Light Therapy Mask? Pregnant or nursing individuals. Those with a history of seizures triggered by light. Anyone currently using Accutane for acne (or other light-sensitising medications). Individuals with specific medical conditions—consult your doctor if unsure.
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