Experts recommend serums, creams, and cleansers that lighten and brighten.
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Treatment for melasma, a hormone-related skin discoloration, comes in many different forms. But, unfortunately, no matter what route you choose, it’s important to know that there is currently no cure for melasma, says Noreen Galaria, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Virginia. The good news is—quality treatment products and sun protection can lighten your dark spots significantly, notes Dr. Galaria.
Finding a melasma treatment that works for you is all about pinning down the active ingredients that your skin responds to best. This can take some trial and error and is best guided by a dermatologist. However, there are some over-the-counter serums, creams, cleansers, and even supplements that have been proven to stand out. To narrow down the best, we asked experts to share their favorites and did our own product research. Then we had a dermatologist from our Medical Expert Board review this article for medical accuracy.
Contains a blend of effective actives
Clinically proven to reduce the appearance of dark spots
Type: Serum | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Active Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide
Dr. Shamban recommends this professional-grade serum for fading melasma spots because it delivers multiple pigment-fighting actives in one bottle. It includes tranexamic acid and kojic acid to brighten, niacinamide to even out skin tone, and natural enzymes to exfoliate dead skin.
Brand-conducted clinical studies found participants saw a 60% average improvement in the appearance of stubborn brown patches, and the serum was specially formulated for use in conjunction with professional laser treatments. It’s effective yet gentle enough to apply twice daily with regular sunscreen use.
Because this serum contains tranexamic acid, it can irritate sensitive skin. Consult with a dermatologist before incorporating it into your routine.
Price at time of publication: $108
Contains nourishing hydrators and moisturizers
May deliver slower results than stronger products on this list
May feel heavy on oily skin types
Type: Serum | Size: 1.02 fl. oz. | Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid
If you’re in search of a good daytime vitamin C—a crucial skincare step for antioxidant protection against free-radical damage—as well as melasma treatment, this serum will deliver two for one. It earns Dr. Galaria’s seal of approval for its blend of high-quality yet gentle ingredients, including hydrating hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. These nourishing ingredients act as a buffer to the more potentially irritating brighteners of vitamin C and ferulic acid, leaving behind a happy, even glow.
This serum also contains natural soothers like konjac root, chamomile, and clary sage to balance the skin’s pH and further prevent potential irritation. Best of all, it’s under $50, which is a difficult price tag to find in its category of skincare.
This product is specifically made for people with sensitive skin, so it may work a bit slower than a more powerful product that could cause irritation.
Price at time of publication: $27
Less likely to cause irritation
Can be used head to toe
May take longer to deliver noticeable results on its own
May be drying for some
Type: Cleansing bar | Size: 3.2 oz. | Active Ingredients: Kojic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide
Although a cleanser shouldn’t necessarily be your only line of defense against melasma, it can certainly aid in the consistent and gentle delivery of active ingredients to your skin. Especially if you happen to have dark spots below your neck, this cleansing bar is a great addition to your routine.
Unlike liquid cleansers, this bar is travel-friendly and spill-proof and comes with a sponge for easy lathering and gentle exfoliation. It’s ideal for layering ingredients that are also in your melasma-fighting serums, like kojic acid, azelaic acid, and niacinamide. The brand also notes that it pairs well with powered cleansing devices.
A cleanser alone won’t get rid of melasma but can be a helpful supplement to treating it.
Price at time of publication: $58
May run out quickly if used day and night
Type: Moisturizer| Size: 1 fl. oz. | Active Ingredients: Alpha arbutin, azelaic acid, botanical extracts
Dr. Shamban recommends this nourishing cream for its versatility and potent ingredients. Given its light moisturizer form, it’s very easy to incorporate into any skincare routine. Its active melasma fighters have good concentrations of azelaic acid and alpha arbutin, a form of prescription-grade skin lightener hydroquinone. It also contains calming botanical extracts that combat redness and sensitivity.
The texture is very lightweight, making it appropriate for day and night use and ideal for wearing under makeup.
This cream contains fragrance, so if you’re sensitive to fragrance, you may want to opt for another product on this list.
Price at time of publication: $110
May pill when layered with other products
Type: Cream | Size: 1 oz. | Active Ingredients: Azelaic acid
Azaelic acid is a known treatment for acne and melasma, so if you suffer from both, this affordable yet potent cream is worth trying. It contains minimal ingredients (just 10% azelaic acid to get the job done), and it won’t break the bank.
The tube packaging is convenient and hygienic, though we wish it was a little bigger and lasted longer. All in all, there’s little at stake in trying an effective product like this one.
To see results from azelaic acid, you’ll need to use it daily. Applying it every so often won’t lead to results. This cream may irritate sensitive skin and it could cause pilling under makeup.
Price at time of publication: $11
Effective, yet gentle on sensitive skin
Clinically proven to deliver results
Type: Serum | Size: 2 oz. | Active Ingredients: phenylethyl resorcinol, tranexamic acid
Dr. Shamban recommends this professional-grade serum. It contains the antioxidant phenylethyl resorcinol, which helps clear discoloration, and melasma heroes tranexamic acid and niacinamide. If you’re looking for a powerful product that doesn’t contain retinol or hydroquinone, this is your pick.
It’s a bit pricey, but the airless pump ensures you can use the product inside (a full 2 ounces!) to the last drop.
Most professional-grade serums are only available at select retailers, so you won’t be able to pick up this product at a drug store.
Price at time of publication: $160
Suitable for all skin types
May cause skin to look oily
Type: Serum | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Active Ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid
If you’ve ever been in the market for a vitamin C serum, you’ve likely heard of this highly praised product. The hype speaks for itself, but it helps that Dr. Shamban also recommends it. That’s because it contains an ultra-high concentration of 15% pure vitamin C to fade dark spots and brighten skin. It also offers vitamin E and ferulic acid to neutralize free-radical damage from environmental pollutants and the sun. In turn, the combo of ingredients reveals smoother, brighter skin over time.
This Vitamin C serum has a strong scent, so if you’re sensitive to fragrance, it may not be your best option. It also may cause your skin to appear shiny or oily.
Price at time of publication: $182
Boosted with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid
May take longer to see results
May cause irritation to first-time retinol users
Type: Serum | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Active Ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
Retinol works to treat melasma by speeding up cell turnover so that darker patches of skin are removed and replaced by new, even skin, explains Dr. Galaria. Therefore it may lighten melasma over time. “But it is not really strong enough to treat melasma on its own,” Galaria adds. While prescription-grade retinol (known as tretinoin) may be more effective, this over-the-counter retinol can help fade spots while reducing fine lines.
This serum, in particular, contains pure, gradually-releasing retinol to minimize potential irritation caused by rapid cell turnover. It also contains skin-evening niacinamide (also called vitamin B3) and hydrating hyaluronic acid to buffer sensitivity.
If you’re new to using retinol, you may find that your skin is sensitive to it at first. Start using it in small doses and be sure to do a patch test before using it on your face.
Price at time of publication: $45
Protects against UV and blue light
May feel heavy on oily skin
Type: SPF | Size: 2 fl. oz. | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide
Dr. Galaria urges everyone to use a good mineral sunscreen to prevent melasma from occurring in the first place. She notes that, of all sunscreen ingredients on the market, you should opt for zinc oxide because it has the broadest ultraviolet coverage. Her go-to is a tinted formula like this one because it also contains iron oxides, which dually protect against blue light damage.
You can use all of the dark spot-correcting products you want, but if you don’t include SPF in your rotation, you can very easily reverse their effects. This formula is a great pick because it also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and may offer light coverage to even out skin tone.
This product won’t work on all skin types, because it only comes in one shade.
Price at time of publication: $40
May decrease skin’s susceptibility to sun damage
Does not replace effective skincare or SPF
Type: Supplement | Size: 60 tablets | Active Ingredients: Polypodium leucotomos
If you want to take extra precautions to ensure sun exposure doesn’t worsen your melasma, Dr. Glaria recommends supplements that contain polypodium leucotomos. She explains that this supplement essentially creates an internal layer of sun protection. Likewise, the pycnogenol ingredient is known to both treat and prevent melasma. She adds that the supplements also contain other antioxidants that are known to help absorb free radical damage.
Although these supplements can be an excellent addition to your routine, you still need to use sun protection to prevent melasma and skin cancer.
Price at time of publication: $44
Over-the-counter melasma treatments, like our best overall pick SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense, can be effective at fading dark spots, dermatologists recommend in-office laser treatments for the fastest and most effective results. But because you can’t cure melasma, the best way to combat it is to prevent it from occurring in the first place with quality SPF products. Opt for products with zinc oxide as they have the broadest protection. SPF products will also stop melasma from worsening over time.
Yes! Dr. Shamban explains that products with retinol and other forms of retinoids can decrease melanin production and quicken cell turnover. It works best when used in combination with antioxidants like vitamin C and, of course, sun protection, she adds. It’s also worth noting that prescription retinol, tretinoin, is likely to be more effective than most retinol you can purchase over the counter.
Though you can treat melasma at home, the quickest and most effective way to treat it is through dermatological procedures like chemical peels, gentle fractionated laser, and microneedling, says Dr. Shamban.
Sun exposure can trigger melasma, darken spots, and cause new dark spots to appear, says Dr. Shamban. Because it’s triggered by hormonal changes, birth control and pregnancy can also worsen melasma.
Unfortunately, melasma has no cure and requires lifetime management. Dr. Shamban assures readers that melasma can fade and can be minimized with treatment though.
Kayla Blanton is a freelance writer with a bachelor's degree in journalism and a specialization in public health and women, gender, and sexuality studies. She's covered health, nutrition, lifestyle, and beauty at various outlets for five years and has interviewed dozens of dermatologists about skincare and skin health.
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