Best Serums For Hyperpigmentation & 7 Ingredients To Look Out For

Kojic acid is known for reducing hyperpigmentation and has been well-studied upon as well. This is one ingredient that my dermatologist has also suggested time and again. Studies have shown that it is one of the safer ingredients to use for the skin. It works by inhibiting the effect of melanin formation (1). 

The Derma Co.'s 2% Kojic acid serum has all the right ingredients. It's free from alcohol and fragrance, comes with the benefits of 1% Alpha Arbutin and multiple ceramides as well. Users too, can't stop raving about this product and how well it works with regular use. 

User rating: 4.3/5

If there's one ingredient that comes to mind when talking about achieving clear and glowing skin, it's vitamin C. it's a powerful and potent ingredient that is loved by skincare enthusiasts not only because of it's ability to deal with hyperpigmentation but also because of its additional benefits of preventing sun damage, boosting hydration, and helping shield from free radicals. 

Suganda as a brand stays true to the formulations and offers great products with clean and high-quality ingredients. The product comes in two parts, first is a powder that carries your vitamin C agent and the other is the solvent. They've done this so that there is no oxidation to the product and it remains untouched till the time it reaches you. The product is wonderful, it's got hydrating and soothing ingredients and also lactic acid, which mildly helps with exfoliation. There's also the magic of ferulic acid to enhance the effect of vitamin C.

User rating: 4/5

Pro-Tip: Incorporating vitamin C is more than adding a great product, here's everything you need to know before purchasing a serum.

A superstar ingredient that has just so many benefits! It helps with hyperpigmentation, protects your skin barrier, calms inflammation and so much more.

The Ordinary offers a range of great products, one of the underrated ones being their niacinamide serum. It's a simple and clean formula with niacinamide being the star ingredient. Users have seen improvement in acne and pigmentation with just one to three months of regular use.

User rating: 4.4/5

Pro-Tip: Read about all of the benefits with in-depth research here.

Azelaic acid is a great exfoliator, that helps with acne and with hyperpigmentation as well. Many of the studies performed on this are with 20%, but most of the products available range with 10% only, which means that it isn't going to be as effective but the good thing is that this is a versatile ingredient and can be used in combination of a lot of great ingredients like niacinamid, vitamin C derivatives, salicylic acid, mandelic acid and alpha arbutin being some of them. 

I'd recommend going for the Dr. Sheth's Probiotics & Azelaic Acid Serum. It's got 12% azelaic acid, which helps with gentle exfoliation along with red algae extracts that are rich in protein, vitamins and antioxidants. Users love the affordable price point of this serum and its ability to work effectively.

Glycolic acid is a form of AHA that is able to help with exfoliation on the deepest level. It's known to boost collagen, help with fine lines, wrinkles and tanning.

Most would define Murad to be on the price side, but this serum is worth it. It comes in a cocktail of vitamin C and glycolic acid, which together enhance the effect of each other. The best part is that this comes in an airless pump with opaque packaging ensuring that the product doesn't oxidise and stays effective.

User rating: 4.2/5

A very well-researched ingredient that has been used for decades. It's an excellent tyrosinase inhibitor, the enzyme responsible for melanin (responsible for pigment in our skin). Alpha Arbutin works well for melasma, acne scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This one isn’t irritating to the skin, and you can easily apply this after exfoliating your skin as well.

Deconstruct's Clearing serum is a great pick that comes with the goodness of both, alpha arbutin and niacinamide. It helps with hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and freckles. Users love the lightweight and easy to use formula that gets absorbed pretty quickly. 

User rating: 4.4/5

A much loved ingredient in the industry by enthusiasts and experts alike, Retinol is the solution to a lot of skin concerns. Retinol is best suited for people who are 25 or above, should be used at night and be religiously followed up by sunscreen every morning. Retinol is a vitamin A derivative, which helps with acne by exfoliation and also boosts collagen production, which means it has anti-ageing benefits. 

The Ordinary once again tops our list, it's a simple formula at an affordable price point. It's suitable for all skin types and users have seen effects within two to three months of regular use.

User rating: 4.5/5