Best Skin Pigmentation Products of 2023
Which products are the biggest bang for your buck?
For the past year, we’ve been asking our readers to submit their favorite products via email, Facebook and Twitter so we could review the top favorites for our annual Skin Care Roundup. We received hundreds of submissions in nearly every category from anti-aging creams to eyeliners. Thanks to our voting process, we were able to narrow down the top three contenders in each category. Our editors then went out and actually purchased these products so we could find the ones that were deserving of our Editor’s Choice Award. We tested each product for at least one month and considered every factor such as product effectiveness, customer service and refund policies. What we found was quite shocking – some products were truly miracles in a bottle where as others completely failed to live up to their manufacturers’ claims.
Should you avoid Hydroquinone for Hyperpigmentation?
Skin lighteners have been around for decades, but these days more and more people are finding uses for these products to help with common skin conditions like age spots, acne scars and melasma. In the past, it was difficult to find reputable products and most manufacturers were using high concentrations of hydroquinone in their formulas. Hydroquinone can be effective, but there are also many concerns regarding its safety.
Fortunately, in the past few years, more natural alternatives have started to come up and it’s now very easy to find high quality products from reputable brands. While we appreciate the industry’s push towards natural ingredients, it’s becoming more and more difficult to deceiver which ingredients actually work and which products live up to their claims.
Some of the skin lightening ingredients we preferred were natural extracts such as arbutin, kojic acid, niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and bearberry. Most of these ingredients are tolerable by majority of skin types and don’t have the same side effects of hydroquinone. Skin Care Cop tested over a dozen products and found one worthy of our Editor’s Choice award.
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We tried numerous products, ranging from high end department store brands down to affordable over the counter creams. While we did find some products that stood out in one or two areas, only Meladerm by Civant Skin Care checked all of the boxes on our list. We considered many factors such as the quality of the finished product and also the customer service track record of the manufacturer. Meladerm by Civant Skin Care excelled in every category and was also voted highly by our readers.
Meladerm has been on the market for over 10 years, and in that time has established quite a reputation. Despite the long list of glowing reviews on the company’s website, what really compelled us to order was the unconditional money back guarantee. A product is only as good as the company behind it – so with this in mind, we sent Civant Skin Care a few email inquiries and fortunately they responded quickly and answered all of our questions with thorough responses. Additionally, we also liked the company’s commitment to using safe and natural ingredients as there are many dangerous products out there in the skin lightening market.
Bottom Line
Meladerm is one of the most popular skin lighteners on the market today. The formula was effective in our tests and contains a long laundry list of active ingredients. Overall, it appeared that most of Civant Skin Care's customers tend to be satisfied with the product. And for those unfortunate few that don't see noticeable results, the company will offer a refund within 30 days.
Product Details
- Manufacturer - Civant Skin Care
- Compatible with all skin types
- 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
- Strongest formula available over the counter
- Suggested Price - $49.99 for 1.7 oz
Pros
- Strongest formula available over-the-counter
- Hydroquinone-free
- Manufacturer offers a money back guarantee
- Professionally tested for safety
- Packaged in an airless dispenser preventing light and air from damaging cream
- Results seen in a short period of time
Cons
- Does not come in very large sizes
- Sunblock has to be purchased separately
- Currently only available online
Shiseido is a Japanese company and probably one of the oldest skin care companies out there. White Lucent consists of several products and replaced the popular UV White skincare line. We did not test every product in the White Lucent line but rather focused on the Brightening Moisturizing Cream since this is the one that really targets hyperpigmentation and was popular with our readers.
The White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Cream consists of mostly natural extracts and was very well suited for individuals with sensitive skin types. While the cream has a rich feel, it goes on smoothly and almost provides a calming sensation to the skin. The Shiseido company is known for extremely high quality products so this one is no exception. It is easy to order online or through many big retailers like Sephora and Macy’s.
Bottom Line
While Lucent is one of the best selling product lines in Japan where skin lightening products are always in high demand. Shiseido is well known and reputable company known for luxurious products and luxurious prices. The White Lucent Brightening cream was easily one of the most expensive products in our tests, however it still proved to be very popular with our readers.
Product Details
- Manufacturer - Shiseido
- Sold in majority of retail stores
- Part of the White Lucent product line
- Suggested Price - $59.50 for 1.7 oz
Pros
- Goes on smoothly
- Highly moisturizing
- Hydroquinone-free
- Well established brand with long history
- Easily available in many department stores
- Suitable for sensitive skin types
Cons
- Heavy consistency
- Sunblock has to be purchased separately
- More expensive than competitors
Potent Botanical Skin Brightening Gel Complex
By: Peter Thomas Roth
Rating: 3.9/5 (19726 votes cast)
- Hydroquinone Free
The Peter Thomas Roth brand consists of over 100 products that target everything from acne to wrinkles. The company was launched in the early 90s and has gained a lot of popularity in the past few years. The brand is now sold through many online and retail distributors.
We really like gels when it comes to skin lightening products. The benefits of a gel is that it goes on much lighter than a cream and can often penetrate further into the skin. The Potent Botanical Skin Brightening Gel Complex not only has a very long name, but also a long list of active ingredients. Many of these actives are acids such as salicylic and azelaic which not only help with hyperpigmentation, but also with exfoliation of dead skin. The downside to acids is that sometimes they can be a bit irritating, especially on those with very sensitive skin types.
Bottom Line
The Potent Botanical Skin Brightening Gel Complex is a strong formula that consists of various acids and natural skin lightening ingredients. The formula penetrates well and helps with exfoliation, however it can also be drying and irritating to the skin for some individuals. The bottle comes in a 2.0 oz size which lasts a very long time since only a small amount is needed per application.
Product Details
- Manufacturer - Peter Thomas Roth
- Sold through many online retailers
- Suggested Price - $44.99 for 2.0 oz
Pros
- Contains many acids and active skin lightening ingredients
- Hydroquinone-free
- Penetrates deep into the skin
- Small bottle lasts a long time
Cons
- Does not come in very large sizes
- Sunblock has to be purchased separately
- Some acids can be aggravating to the skin
- Contains alcohol which can be drying
Obagi is a company that needs no introduction. The brand has been extremely popular with doctors and estheticians and is typically only sold through professionals. The reason for this is that the Obagi products contain higher concentrations of active ingredients than most over-the-counter brands. Some of the products in the Obagi line also use prescription ingredients which require the guidance of a professional.
Nu Derm Clear uses hydroquinone as its active ingredient. Typically we like to see natural alternatives, but in some cases hydroquinone can be effective for really stubborn pigmentation. Because hydroquinone has some associated side effects, it is highly advised to use it only under the care of a doctor. We found that the Nu Derm Clear was effective in treating really deep pigmentation, but many users also found the formula to be a bit harsh on their skin.
Bottom Line
Nu Derm Clear is part of the Obagi Nu Derm System which comes with additional products to help with hyperpigmentation. Because Nu Derm Clear uses hydroquinone, it is recommended for pigmentation that doesn't respond to natural ingredients like arbutin and kojic acid. We would suggest trying Nu Derm if you have had zero luck with other products and if you are under the supervision of a doctor.
Product Details
- Manufacturer - Obagi
- Sold only through professionals
- Suggested Price - $74.95 for 2.0 oz
Pros
- One of the strongest formulas available for stubborn hyperpigmentation
- Penetrates deep into the skin
Cons
- Uses hydroquionone which can cause side effects
- Can be too strong for sensitive skin types
- Fairly expensive for a small bottle
- Has to be purchased and used under a doctor's supervision
DDF makes some really high quality products for nearly every skin problem you can imagine. The brand was developed under the guidance of dermatologists and has established itself as a leader in the skin care industry. One of the things we liked the most about DDF was the dedication to great customer service. We found their online chat representatives to be extremely helpful and the customer policies to be very fair.
The Discoloration Reversal Moisturizer is one of four products in the DDF Hyperpigmentation line. The moisturizer uses natural ingredients such as niacinamide (another name for Vitamin B3) and various plant extracts to help target pigmentation in the skin. We found the formula to be extremely gentle and suitable for every day use. It comes in a nice metallic dispenser which protects the product from light and air contamination. Though we did like the way the product felt on the skin, we didn’t see any significant changes in the first 3 weeks of use. This product may be suitable for individuals that have very sensitive skin and can not tolerate stronger products.
Bottom Line
The Discoloration Reversal Moisturizer is a very gentle cream that can be applied daily without any adverse effects. However, due to it's gentle nature, it may also take longer to see significant results. It may also be necessary to use the other products in the Hyperpigmentation line to improve overall performance. We would recommend this product to individuals with very sensitive skin.
Product Details
- Manufacturer - DDF
- Sold through many online retailers
- Suggested Price - $63.00 for 1.7oz
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients
- Hydroquinone-free
- Very gentle and suitable for daily use
Cons
- Does not come in very large sizes
- Sunblock has to be purchased separately
- Gentle formula takes longer to show results
Meladerm will this reduce the hyper pigmentation caused by psoriasis??
Will these products help my skin now and in the summer. As i have got older when i am in the sun i get really bad pigmentation i catch the sun really quickly as i have quite dark skin. I try not to put my face in the sun and always have factor 50 on but i still catch the sun and then i have marks come up on my face. I hate not wearing make up as my skin looks awful . My head comes out like i have big birth mark on it.I also have 4 dark scars on my face from spots that look like births marks and get darker with the sun.
If you send me free sample to clear my pigmentation I will give very good comment .
I’ve used tons of over the counter skin bleaching creams . I have raccoon eyes and horrible dark cheeks area. My face looks grey black and I’m desperate for a product that will work. I’m AfricanAmerican or maybe I should say I’m black very dark skin. It’s but my legs and areas covered are so much lighter naturally no products use on body only face and neck. Thanks for your help.
Can Meladerm be used over Differin cream for hyperpigmentation?
I am 71 and need help in getting rid of hyperpigmentation under my Nose!! Looks like a moustache and spots on my nose My skin is healthy otherwise
Hi, I believe I have hyperpigmentation on my chin & upper lip, what is the best cream to use please? Thank you in advance
Hi
I am enquiring about this Meladerm cream . What’s the rate including delivery.
We live in Darwin . Please advise, thanks
I need a cream for clear pigmantation
Can u help me
Where can I find your product to buy in Santa Monica, ca. Can you help me, give me a address., please, my number is 310’228-8104
I am 88 years old and for the past two years, I have had bumps which itch and feel rough like warts breakout primarily on the scalp on the top of my head and occasionally along my hairline. I have seen a dermatologist who said “Don’t worry about them, they are keratosis and not cancerous”. He prescribed Triamcinolone Acetonide which has helped along my hairline. I can’t use that on my entire scalp. Is there some sort of shampoo that can be used to help with this problem?
I am a 66 y/o African American female. I noticed my facial, neck, and chest skin has become dull with dark patches. I met with a dermatologist, who diagnosed me with Hyperpigmentation, but nothing has restored my face. What can I do to recognize myself?