8 Best Vitamin C Serums for Hyperpigmentation 2024

By Dr Frank Yap, MD - June 27, 2024

Vitamin C serums are serums that contain vitamin C which you can apply on your skin. These serums have a wide array of benefits. They help even skin tone, blur fine lines, remove acne spots, and achieve a natural glow. They are also vital for skin growth and repair. They help with collagen production too.

Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the global pigmentation disorders treatment market, which was USD 6.5 billion in 2022, would rocket up to USD 12.3 billion by 2030 and is expected to undergo a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 7.30 % during the forecast period.

Reasons for this growth include increased spending on personal care products and a growing prevalence of skin disorders — many of which are due to global warming. Additional reasons for the worldwide market boost include high disposable income, increasing adoption of smoking in young adults, and growing demand from millennials.

How Does Vitamin C Treat Hyperpigmentation?

Vitamin C reduces the effects of hyperpigmentation by decreasing melatonin formation and fading dark spots.

Check out the recommendations below for the best Vitamin C Serums online!

1. Eva Naturals Skin Clearing Serum Vitamin C+, 30ml

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- 2% Retinol, 3.5% Niacinamide, 5% Hyaluronic Acid, 2% Salicylic Acid, 10% MSM, 20% Vitamin C

- Skin Clearing, Anti-Aging Skin Repair, Face Serum

- Best Vitamin C Serum for Hyperpigmentation

Best Anti Aging Serum -

Loaded with antioxidants, our Vitamin C Serum helps protect against UV rays while repairing sun-damaged skin. For an anti-aging boost, Hyaluronic Acid provides incredible hydration by holding up to 1000 times its weight in water!

Glowing Complexion -

Acne and other skin conditions leave your complexion looking red and uneven. The Niacinamide found in our formula supports healthy skin by naturally reducing inflammation and soothing troubled skin for an overall more even skin tone! This is also an effective dark spot corrector and hyperpigmentation treatment.

Best Acne Treatment -

When pores are clogged with dirt and oil, they become larger and more visible. Retinol works to cleanse the pores, thereby making them appear smaller. Add to that the exfoliating effects of Salicylic Acid, and our serum is ready to fight blemishes and improve acne prone skin. A powerful alternative for products like Retin A, aha serums, hydroquinone and other retinoid products on the market.

Natural Skincare -

Packed with vitamins, essential oils, and organic ingredients like Aloe, our organic vitamin c serum is an adult acne treatment and dry skin facial treatment all in one! We focus on natural ingredients to keep our formula safe and effective for all skin types.

Ratings: 4.3 out of 5 - more than 50,000 global ratings

Review

This stuff is so amazing, after just a couple of weeks of use I saw such a difference (and I'm 60 years old!)...honestly, I keep touching my face..it's so smooth and soft and moisturized!

2. LilyAna Naturals Vitamin C Serum, 30ml

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- Face Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E

- Anti Aging Serum

- Reduces Age Spots and Sun Damage

- Promotes Collagen and Elastin

- Best Vitamin C Serum for Oily Skin

HIGH-POTENCY FORMULA.

High-potency, prescription strength Vitamin C serum to help visibly revitalize and boost dull, tired, lackluster skin, and encourage healthy collagen and skin elasticity. Refreshing and light, our serum helps quench dryness while delivering potent antioxidants for a radiant, glowing complexion.

MAXIMUM ANTI-AGING.

Natural blend of proven anti-aging actives work together to refresh and rejuvenate while promoting overall healthy, youthful skin. Formulated with Vitamin C & E; Aloe Leaf Juice, MSM, Wild Geranium, Horsetail, and Dandelion Extracts; as well as Jojoba Oil and 5% Botanical Hyaluronic Acid, which helps encourage moisture retention in the skin.

LIFT, BRIGHTEN, FIRM.

Dark spots, hyper-pigmentation, scars, acne redness, and dull skin tone are no match for the revitalizing benefits of Vitamin C, and our formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin, yet powerful enough to deliver real improvement to skin's appearance.

BEAUTIFUL RESULTS.

Water-based Vitamin C Serum applies light and cool to the skin, absorbs instantly, is non-comedogenic, and safe for all skin types including normal, oily, dry, and mature. Wear it morning and night for all-day protection against environmental aggressors.

Ratings: 4.3 out of 5 - more than 12,000 global ratings

Review

This stuff is amazing!!! Rarely do you find something that does everything it claims but this did it. Brightening skin tone? Check. Improve texture? Check. Fade scars and hyperpigmentation? Check and check! And it's natural on top of all that. I've been using it since April 18, 2017 and I still have a really good amount left and I apply this day and night. LilyAna Naturals was very quick to respond when I had a question about the order of applying this with my skin care regimen. Will order my next bottle soon!

3. Vibriance Super C Penetrating Serum, 30ml

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- All-In-One Hydrating & Lifting Vitamin C Serum

- For Face Anti-Aging Skin Rejuvenation, Wrinkle, Hyperpigmentation & Dark Spot Remover

- Best Anti Aging Vitamin C Serum

A TRUE MULTI-TASKER:

One drop of Vibriance Super C Vitamin C Facial Serum nourishes your skin with a powerful dose of vitamins and nutrients. This multi-tasking serum combines several products into one, making you look and feel more vibrant than ever.

NOT JUST WATER:

A quality face serum shouldn’t be watered down and should have highly concentrated ingredients. The base ingredient in Vibriance Super C Serum is made from evaporated lemons, while other brands base ingredient is simply tap water.

QUICK ABSORPTION:

Vibriance Super C penetrating serum contains a unique active lock delivery system. This helps our active ingredients quickly penetrate your skin and remain within the top levels as a reservoir for maximum nourishment.

FOR ALL SKIN TYPES:

Vibriance Super C anti aging serum was thoughtfully developed for all skin types, including those with extremely sensitive skin.

Ratings: 4.2 out of 5 - more than 11,000 global ratings

Review

I love this serum. Glides on very light ( a little goes a long way). Smells amazing and is so hydrating . This is my second tube , well worth the cost . Superior product

4. Goodal Green Tangerine - Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum+ , 30ml

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- For Sensitive Skin

- Brightening, Dark Spot Treatment, Anti-Aging, Acne Scars, Fine Lines, Hyperpigmentation, and Dark Circles

- Best Vitamin C Serum for Wrinkles

[IMPROVE SKIN IMPURITIES AND BRIGHTNESS IN 2 WEEKS]

Our Vita C Dark Spot Serum+ targets impurities (dark spots, blemishes, wrinkles, fine lines, uneven skin tone, dullness) and prevents signs of aging in as little as 2 weeks. Its advanced formula corrects the innermost layers of the skin even before the hidden impurities surface.

[NOTICEABLE RESULTS]

Based on a consumer panel test of users with a variety of skin types, in just 2 weeks, 95% of users felt their skin was brighter and clearer.

[10x MORE VITAMIN C IN OUR SERUM]

Our Vita C Dark Spot Serum+ contains 70% of green tangerine extract full of vitamin C derivatives. Green tangerines contain up to 10x more vitamin C than their mature counterparts, and we’ve captured every drop into our serum.

[ADVANCED FORMULATION FOR SENSITIVE SKIN]

Contrary to popular belief that vitamin C products can be harsh on your skin, our serum is made of advanced formulation that uses vitamin C derivatives instead of pure vitamin C. Pure vitamin C can only be used at night due to photosensitivity and can make your skin prone to irritation. However, our serum is certified as non-irritating, which means it’s kind even to sensitive skin and lightweight enough for both AM and PM.

Ratings: 4.4 out of 5 - more than 3,000 global ratings

Review

I noticed that my skin pigmentation got lighter. After noticing the difference and having used around 2 bottles, my skin pigmentation got lighter and lighter and some of it is literally gone.

If my skin pigmentation was like big O, now it's small o with parts of it being completely my original skin color.

5. Neoprosone Vitamin C Serum, 30ml

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- For Dark Circle, Wrinkles & Dark Spots, Hyperpigmentation Treatment

- With Alpha Arbutin and Castor Oil

- Promotes collagen and elastin synthesis. Antioxidants also prevent damage to our skin by neutralizing free radicals, which are generated by our bodies when exposed to certain conditions, including pollution and UV rays.

- Best Vitamin C Serum for Dark Spots

- NEOPROSONE FORMULA: Enriched with a potent antioxidant agent that helps reduce skin inflammation, irregular pigmentation, and promotes healthy collagen production.

- MAXIMIZE THE BENEFITS: Apply thin layer to affected areas on dry, cleansed skin, preferably at night. To avoid further pigmentation, always follow up with our SkinProtect SPF 50 Sunscreen daily during and after brightening treatment

- SKIN TYPE: Normal / Oily skin

Ratings: 4.1 out of 5 - more than 2,000 global ratings on Amazon

Review

Honestly its been only about a week since I started using this serum and i can already see an improvement in the evenness of my face and hands.( I never get results from products I've used in the past to act this quick) Another good thing is it doesn't irritate my eyes as some fade products have done to me. Its also not oily as I wake up in the morning with less oil on my face compared to other products I've used in the past. This is a super plus for people with oily and acne prone skin. I'm acne prone with very oily skin and I've had not one single breakout since using this product.

6. GoRadiance Vitamin C Serum for Face, 60ml

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- Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Organic, Eco-Friendly

- With Pure Hyaluronic Acid & Vit E

- Best Natural Formula for Wrinkles & Sun Damage

- Best Vegan Vitamin C Serum for Face

YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN -

This product provides up to eight-fold antioxidant protection, helping to slow down the aging of your skin by preventing and restoring free radical damage as well as stimulating the production of collagen; Regular users can expect a reduction in wrinkles, fine lines, crow's feet, sun damage, dark circles, hyper-pigmentation and age spots; Leaving beautiful soft plump skin with a natural glow

FAST ACTING RESULTS -

Due to the laser targeted way in which our Vitamin C Serum tackles the signs of aging on your face, you can expect to see visible improvements in skin tone and texture in as little as 1 to 2 weeks; And don't worry, the skin cell damage caused by your teenage sun-worship days IS reversible with consistent use; Even if anti-aging isn't your main concern, this is the perfect addition to a preventative skincare regime, with 20 % Vitamin C and 6.5% PH for maximum effectiveness

Ratings

4.4 out of 5 - more than 1,000 global ratings

Reviews

I absolutely love this serum. It was a complete game changer for me. When used correctly it works wonders. I have been using it after cleansing my skin and before moisturizing for the last 4 nights before bed and it has already repaired years worth of damage on my skin and cleared up my acne. 4 days ago I took a picture before I started using this stuff. I had just had a major breakout and went crazy pinching my face up. And 4 days later I have taken another picture. No makeup just my bare face. I am going to order more of this miracle juice right now!

7. DEAR KLAIRS Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop Hypoallergenic Vitamin C Serum

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Designed with naturally effective ingredients that are safe and non-irritating, the Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop is made to energize and rejuvenate your skin with the power of pure vitamin C! This hypoallergenic vitamin serum was formulated with stabilized pure Vitamin C to treat dead skin cells, dull skin tone and enlarged pores.

The Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop is designed with key ingredients directly from nature and concentrated pure vitamin C for an innovative multi-solution, non-irritating formula to revitalize, maintain, and transform your skin!

- 5% Hypoallergenic pure vitamin C serum, 35ml

- A daily serum

- Safe and non-irritating to energize and rejuvenate the skin with the power of Vitamin C

- Fresh drop of 5% pure Vitamin C

- Concentrated Vitamin C and key ingredients from nature provides plentiful moisture and nutrition for skin.

- Multi functional serum

- Clear up irritation, scar, prevent breakouts and minimize pore, fade brown spots, protects the skin from pigmentation.

- Containing *non-comedogenic* ingredients ONLY

- Gentle enough for sensitive skin

- Vegan

- Use overnight to enjoy clearer complexion and clearer skin on the following morning!

- Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop contains 5% Ascorbic acid and is suitable for all ages and skin types, even if you have the most sensitive skin.

- Best Vitamin C Serum for Sensitive Skin

Review

Before and after 20 days of use. I’ve been using this product 2X a day(AM & PM) and I’ve definitely noticed results. Some of my acne marks are fading and I can tell an overall evening out of my skin tone and my dark circles under my eyes aren’t so bad anymore either. It doesn’t feel greasy on the skin and I do wear makeup over it once it’s dried. I consider my skin VERY sensitive and this does not burn my skin whatsoever. I will continue to use this product hopefully for continued results

Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 - more than 3,000 global ratings

8. Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum | 20% Vitamin C + 10% AHAs

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Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 - more than 400 global ratings

Dark spots, uneven skin tone, texture, and fine lines don’t stand a chance against Tatcha’s brightening serum. Through a blend of 20% stabilized vitamin C, Japanese Beautyberry, 10% fruit-derived AHAs, and Japanese Angelica root, this elixir protects against free radicals and combats hyperpigmentation to reveal a radiantly glowing complexion.

Key Ingredients: 20% Vitamin C and Japanese beautyberry, 10% mild fruit AHAs, and Japanese angelica root

Benefits: Resurfacing, brightening, smoothing

Best For: Hyperpigmentation, dull skin, enlarged pores, all skin types

How to Apply: According to Tatcha, apply one to two pumps of this serum at night.

Size: 30 mL

What is Hyperpigmentation?

What Causes Hyperpigmentation?

The most significant causes of hyperpigmentation are sun exposure and inflammation, as both can increase melanin production. The greater your exposure to the sun, the greater your risk of increased skin pigmentation. Additional risk factors include:

Pregnancy
Oral contraception
Chemical or physical injury
Tobacco smoking
Inflammatory diseases (allergies, asthma, hepatitis, autoimmune disorders, actinic lichen planus, etc.)
Obesity
Hormonal fluctuations
Darker skin tone
Chronological (intrinsic) aging
Ethnicities with darker skin
Prolonged exposure to cosmetic or other topical products
Exposure to moderate heat or infrared radiation
Certain drugs, including those used during chemotherapy
Insulin resistance
Certain medical conditions such as Addison’s disease, diabetic dermopathy, and hyperthyroidism

Types of Hyperpigmentation

The three most common forms of hyperpigmentation include melasma, sunspots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Melasma: Many people compare melasma VS hyperpigmentation, but the reality is, they are one and the same. Melasma is believed to be caused by hormonal changes which spark an overproduction of melanin, resulting in a condition known as “the mask of pregnancy.” However, this form of hyperpigmentation can appear on the abdomen or other areas of the skin.
Sunspots: Also referred to as liver spots or solar lentigines, sunspots are a common form of hyperpigmentation. They’re caused by excessive sun exposure over time and appear where the skin is exposed to the sun, such as the face, décolleté, and hands.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: PIH results from injury or inflammation to the skin — like acne, for example.

How to Prevent Hyperpigmentation

The best way to prevent the onset of hyperpigmentation (and aging skin) is sun protection. This means wearing an SPF of 30 or higher each day — even when it’s cloudy outside — and reapplying it every two hours and after swimming or excessive sweating. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that, even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays can penetrate the skin.

If you’re wearing makeup, opt for mineral powders, sprays, or foundation to make the reapplication process easier. To help keep you on top of your game here’s some food for thought: A single day of excessive sun exposure can undo months of treatment.

Remember, no sunscreen can completely protect your skin, so the best way to avoid the sun is to stay out of it — especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Sunbeds are also off-limits if you want to prevent hyperpigmentation along with premature aging and a risk of skin cancer.

Best Serum for Hyperpigmentation: Vitamin C is Key

To understand how vitamin C works against hyperpigmentation, you first have to have a grasp of what free radicals are and how they adversely affect the skin. Despite being natural molecules, free radicals can contribute to aging (including hyperpigmentation) and illness in high numbers. Antioxidants such as vitamin C help neutralize free radicals, which combat these adverse effects.

One of the best products for hyperpigmentation is a vitamin C serum. This potent antioxidant interferes with the production of pigment in the skin, fading signs of hyperpigmentation. Once you add a vitamin C serum to your skincare regimen, you may start seeing noticeable improvements in approximately one month, more so over time.

Worn underneath a moisturizer, serums deliver high concentrations of various active ingredients deep into the skin. They are formulated with molecules that can penetrate deeper than creams that only work on the surface level. When treating hyperpigmentation, look for a serum formulated with magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP), the most stable and preferred ascorbyl ester. Other desirable forms include L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.

Additional considerations when purchasing a vitamin C serum for hyperpigmentation include:

How the vitamin C serum is packaged. While traditionally, dark glass bottles were the preferred material, companies have made many packaging innovations to keep the C stable. When C is exposed to light, the product turns yellow — you don’t want this to happen because it may darken your skin instead of helping with any hyperpigmentation issues. Always store your vitamin C serum in a cool, dark place.
Next, you’re going to want to choose the suitable vitamin C serum for your skin type. For example, If you have dry, mature skin, look for more moisturizing serums containing lipid-soluble forms of vitamin C, like ascorbyl palmitate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. If you’re on the oilier side, a serum with L-ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbyl phosphate is better because these ingredients are water-soluble, which means they are lighter and better suited for an oily skin type.
Lastly, keep an eye out for the serum’s concentration level in vitamin C to ensure its effectiveness. Most experts agree that a level between 10 and 20% is the sweet spot — 8% is too low, whereas going over 20% could cause irritation and isn’t any more effective.

Best Treatment for Hyperpigmentation - Other Methods

If you’re wondering how to get rid of hyperpigmentation, keep in mind that these dark spots don’t always fade. Even with a dedicated hyperpigmentation treatment, some discoloration will be permanent. On average, it can take anywhere between 3 to 24 months to see an improvement, depending on the severity and size of the dark patches. Before we get into the best vitamin C serum to combat hyperpigmentation, here are some other standard treatment methods.

Over-the-Counter Lightening Creams

OTC lightening creams are formulated with specific ingredients to help decrease pigmentation when applied religiously once or twice a day. Standard components include hydroquinone, niacinamide, licorice extract, and N-acetylglucosamine. Many topical creams or gels are also available in prescription strength, but you’ll need to be diagnosed with hyperpigmentation by a dermatologist first.

Retinoids

Derived from vitamin A, retinoids are among the most popular and effective OTC skincare ingredients on the market. Their small molecular structure allows them to penetrate deep into the skin and treat the layers below your epidermis. They’re often used in formulations that target fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, texture, and hyperpigmentation. If you do not see any results from OTC retinoids, there are more potent prescription-strength formulas available with a dermatologist’s prescription.

Related: Retinol vs. Retinoid

At-Home Face Peels

At-home face peels are not as strong as the professional variety administered by a doctor or medical esthetician, but they can still be effective when performed regularly. Peels work by exfoliating the top layer of skin, making it easier for new, healthy skin cells to emerge. The result is a more even and smoother appearance.

Prevalent face acids that can be found in OTC, at-home face peels include:

Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, malic, tartaric, citric)
Kojic acid
Salicylic acid
Azelaic acid
Vitamin C (the l-ascorbic acid form)

Non-Prescription In-Office Chemical Peels

A chemical peel for hyperpigmentation uses acids at more substantial concentrations than at-home peels to treat the desired skin area at a deeper layer. They reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation by removing the epidermis. Yet, some more profound formulations can also penetrate the dermis (the middle layer of the skin) to treat more stubborn discoloration. In-office peels often provide faster results. However, they also post a greater risk of side effects. Speak to a dermatologist to determine whether or not an in-office peel is right for you.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is a non-invasive treatment that uses lasers to remove layers of your skin. Depending on the severity of your hyperpigmentation, either an ablative or non-ablative laser tool will be used. Ablative only removes the top layer of skin, so your dark patches would have to be less pronounced.

Non-ablative lasers, on the other hand, also remove those top layers but also heat up the dermis (underlying skin tissue) so that the body produces new collagen. As the treated area of the epidermis (outer layer) of skin heals and regenerates, the skin appears smoother, tighter, more toned, and more even in color.

While results can be favorable, you’ll need to repeat the laser for hyperpigmentation every few months. Keep in mind that there’s also a risk of additional hyperpigmentation and scarring.

Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL)

IPL therapy (otherwise known as a photofacial) is a non-ablative (fractional) laser treatment that stimulates collagen growth within the dermis. IPL is used for general pigmentation issues, but flat spots especially respond to this treatment after multiple sessions.

FAQs

Can I Use Vitamin Serum Everyday?

Vitamin C should be used everyday for best results. These serums are most effective when your skin is properly exfoliated.

Side Effects of Vitamin C Serum?

Vitamin C serums are generally safe for all skin types, however hyper-sensitive skin types might experience side-effects such as..

- Slight Irritation

- Itching

- Tingling Sensation

- Redness

Best Vitamin C Serum for Hyperpigmentation: The Bottom Line

Hyperpigmentation is a common, typically harmless condition that surfaces when patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the pigment that produces normal skin color, forms concentrated deposits in the skin.

Skin hyperpigmentation can be challenging — but not impossible — to get rid of. The three most common forms of hyperpigmentation include melasma, sunspots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Popular treatment methods include over-the-counter lightening creams, retinoids, at-home, and in-office peels, laser treatments, and IPL.

However, vitamin C — especially when incorporated in a stabilized serum — can be an easy yet effective arsenal because it interrupts the critical steps of melanogenesis. Vitamin C interacts with copper ions at the tyrosinase-active site and inhibits the action of the enzyme tyrosinase, which decreases melanin formation.

Worn underneath a moisturizer, serums deliver high concentrations of various active ingredients deep into the skin. They are formulated with molecules that can penetrate deeper than creams that only work on the surface level. When treating hyperpigmentation, look for a serum formulated with magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP), the most stable and preferred ascorbyl ester. Other desirable forms include L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.

When purchasing a vitamin C serum, other considerations include how it’s packaged so it remains stabilized, your skin type, and the concentration level to ensure its effectiveness. Most experts agree that a level between 10 and 20% is the sweet spot — 8% is too low, whereas going over 20% could cause irritation and isn’t any more effective.

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