The Best The Ordinary Products for Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots

If you deal with hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone, then you know that there is no over-the-counter miracle cure that easily gets rid of skin discoloration.

If you are anything like me, you may have even tried a product or two and given up because you didn’t see results or didn’t see results fast enough.

I’ve learned that you need to be patient and consistent when using skin care treatments to reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots. You may see even better results when you use more than one product and use these products daily in your skincare routine.

Using multiple products can get pricey quickly, but The Ordinary is a skincare brand that formulates several affordable cruelty-free products that target hyperpigmentation, dark spots, sun spots, and other discolorations.

In this post, we’ll look at the best The Ordinary products for hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

Multiple The Ordinary hyperpigmentation products that work differently can be added to your arsenal to target hyperpigmentation in different ways.

From increasing cell turnover to targeting the formation of hyperpigmentation, the following are the best products from The Ordinary for hyperpigmentation, dark spots, sun spots, uneven skin tone, and discoloration.

This post on the best The Ordinary products for hyperpigmentation and dark spots contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information.

The Best The Ordinary Products for Hyperpigmentation, Dark Spots, Sun Spots, and Discoloration

These are some of the best The Ordinary products for hyperpigmentation and dark spots. They are not only budget-friendly but very helpful at targeting those pesky dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Note that you won’t use all of these products at once.

If you are looking for a sample The Ordinary hyperpigmentation routine using some of the products in this post, please see how to build a skincare routine with The Ordinary products.

The Ordinary Direct Acids

Direct acids from The Ordinary exfoliate the top layer of skin cells to reveal brighter skin with improved skin texture. They also help break up pigmentation and dark spots.

The Ordinary offers many exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) at different strengths to sweep away dead skin cells for a more radiant complexion and to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Please note that direct acids will make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.

You should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher while using these products and for a week afterward.

It also contains a Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative to reduce irritation associated with acid use.

Glycolic acid has the smallest molecule size of all alpha-hydroxy acids, meaning it will penetrate deeper into the skin for better exfoliation.

Although it provides the best exfoliation of all alpha hydroxy acids, it may also irritate your skin, so if you have sensitive skin, you might be better off with another AHA like lactic acid (see below).

Related Post: Can You Use The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner With Niacinamide?

Other Direct Acids from The Ordinary for Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots

Both of these formulas contain a Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative to reduce irritation associated with acid use.

If glycolic acid is too strong for your skin, consider these AHAs serums. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that has a larger molecule size than glycolic acid.

While lactic acid doesn’t penetrate the skin as deeply as glycolic acid, it is less irritating.

Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid with a larger molecule size than glycolic acid and lactic acid and, as a result, is typically less irritating.

This acid may be appealing to those whose skin is sensitive to more potent acids.

Mandelic acid can help lighten dark spots and melasma. Like other alpha hydroxy acids, mandelic acid accelerates cell turnover and improves skin texture and radiance.

Related Post: How To Use The Ordinary Lactic Acid

The formula also includes 2% beta hydroxy acid in the form of salicylic acid. Salicylic acid helps to remove congestion in the pores that may lead to breakouts.

This weekly treatment helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and improve skin texture, radiance, and fine lines with continued use. This is a 10-minute rinse-off treatment that can be used weekly.

This is a powerful formula and should not be used on sensitive, peeling, or compromised skin. It is intended for experienced users of acid exfoliation only.

Like other products from The Ordinary, please patch test before using and see The Ordinary’s website for complete usage instructions.

For more details on the peel, please see these posts on How To Use The Ordinary Peeling Solution and What to Use After The Ordinary Peeling Solution.

It also acts as an antioxidant and is an anti-inflammatory. This high concentration of azelaic acid is formulated in a lightweight cream-gel.

Azelaic acid is a tyrosinase inhibitor. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that stimulates melanin production. Azelaic acid interferes with melanin production, so it can prevent hyperpigmentation.

Azelaic acid is helpful for acne as it is anti-inflammatory. In addition, it is an antibacterial that helps unclog pores.

Check out this post for a complete review of The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%.

Related Post: The Inkey List vs The Ordinary: Anti-Aging Skincare on a Budget

Arbutin is derived from plants such as cranberries, blueberries, and pears. Arbutin competitively inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme that stimulates melanin production.

This The Ordinary serum for pigmentation lightens dark spots and generally works well for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Unlike other active ingredients that help to reduce hyperpigmentation, arbutin does not cause sensitivity to the sun. There are two kinds of arbutin: alpha and beta. Alpha arbutin is considered to be more effective (and more expensive) than beta arbutin.

Since alpha arbutin may degrade in water when formulated at the wrong pH, The Ordinary has formulated this product at a pH of approximately 4.9.

This is the pH level that will minimize the degradation of alpha arbutin.

For more on The Ordinary alpha arbutin serum, please see my complete review.

Related Post: Best The Ordinary Products for Acne Scars

There are so many benefits to using a skincare product formulated with vitamin C.

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and is on a shortlist of skincare actives that brighten the skin and help reduce the appearance of the signs of aging.

Like alpha arbutin, vitamin C helps to reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin formation.

Vitamin C reduces the look of wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, discoloration, and uneven skin texture and tone.

Vitamin C protects skin against environmental aggressors such as free radical damage caused by sun exposure. It also supports collagen production.

Pure vitamin C comes in the form of L-ascorbic acid. There are a variety of vitamin C derivatives, which are usually less effective than L-ascorbic acid.

The Ordinary offers eight different types of vitamin C, so it can get confusing when determining which kind will work best for your skin.

See my post A Complete Guide to The Ordinary Vitamin C Skincare Products for more details on these vitamin C products.

A Brief Summary of Every The Ordinary Vitamin C Product

This product has a grainy texture and feel on the skin upon application which dissipates after it is absorbed.

Silicone provides a smoother skin feel yet interferes with vitamin C exposure to the skin since silicone entraps vitamin C.

With this 30% suspension, you will get slightly less efficient exposure to Vitamin C than The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% formula.

This product’s higher vitamin C content (30% vs. 23%) will offset the reduced vitamin C exposure to the skin.

You should not mix it with products containing niacinamide, peptides, direct acids, retinoids, or EUK 134 0.1%.

It’s a water-free formula containing pure vitamin C and alpha arbutin.

These actives brighten skin, reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots, and reduce the appearance of the signs of aging.

Due to its high stability and comfortable texture and use, The Ordinary states that it is considered the gold standard of vitamin C derivatives.

This is my current favorite The Ordinary vitamin C product for daily antioxidant protection.

It also contains vitamin F and squalane, which act as emollients. This vitamin C derivative would be ideal for those with dry skin.

It has a similar molecular weight to pure vitamin C, which provides faster visible results from the formula.

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10%

The Ordinary is currently reformulating Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10%. It is a water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C.

This formula has been shown to offer better specific skin brightening benefits than other Vitamin C derivatives.

Zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid is also included in this formula at 1% to balance visible aspects of sebum activity.

Niacinamide is an all-star skincare ingredient. It is a multi-benefit skincare ingredient that offers brightening and oil regulation along with many anti-aging benefits.

For benefits regarding hyperpigmentation, niacinamide has been shown to prevent the transfer of pigment within cells and lighten dark spots and other discoloration.

If you have oily skin and deal with breakouts in addition to dark spots and/or have age-related skin concerns, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% may help address multiple skin concerns at once.

Related Post: The Best The Ordinary Skincare Products for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin

Retinoids increase cell turnover rate and interfere with tyrosinase activity. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that contributes to melanin production.

While prescription retinoids will be more effective at reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots, over-the-counter retinoids can also be helpful.

Please keep in mind that retinol can come with side effects, especially for those with sensitive skin. So it is very important to use it correctly.

Since retinoids can be potentially irritating to the skin, you shouldn’t use them in conjunction with other potent actives like other retinoids, direct acids, and vitamin C.

The Ordinary currently offers six retinoids in its product catalog. Three of the retinoids are varying strengths of retinol in a squalane base. The remaining three are Granactive Retinoids.

A Granactive Retinoid is a complex of solubilized Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR).

HPR is a non-prescription ester of all-trans direct retinoic acid, which provides better results regarding the visible signs of aging when compared to retinol.

This type of retinoid also avoids the irritation associated with other retinoids and retinol.

A Brief Summary of Every The Ordinary Retinoid Product

This retinoid is in a creamy, hydrating emulsion form. (This is my favorite retinoid from The Ordinary.)

Squalane is a non-comedogenic emollient and is fast-absorbing and hydrating.

Squalane is a non-comedogenic emollient and is fast-absorbing and hydrating.

Squalane is a non-comedogenic emollient and is fast-absorbing and hydrating.

If you prefer retinol to Granactive Retinoids and haven’t used high-strength retinol products in the past, The Ordinary recommends starting here.

Squalane is a non-comedogenic emollient and is fast-absorbing and hydrating.

Squalane is a non-comedogenic emollient and is fast-absorbing and hydrating. Although high strength, this is the most irritating retinoid offered by The Ordinary.

Want a The Ordinary skincare routine that is tailored to your unique skin type and concerns? Take my exclusive The Ordinary Skincare Quiz now!

The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

When it comes to preventing hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and other discoloration, the importance of sunscreen cannot be overstated. Melanin absorbs UV rays to protect the skin from damage.

Sunlight causes these pigment-making cells to overproduce, resulting in hyperpigmentation.

The best solution is to apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to not only your face but areas of your body that will be exposed to the sun. Every. Single. Day.

This formula uses a refined dispersion of micronized ZnO and TiO2 in flexible, high-volatility, non-comedogenic silicones instead of nanoparticles.

The result is a lightweight formula that uses ZnO to reflect light and absorb UV rays.

The formula’s Bio-Active Antioxidant Network neutralizes UV rays, and its Bio-Sugar Complex provides short and long-term hydration.

Skin Identical Lipids improve the skin barrier while preventing transepidermal water loss. A Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative soothes and calms stressed and irritated skin.

Related Post: The Best Drugstore Mineral Sunscreens

This The Ordinary serum for dark spots contains aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder to soothe and hydrate your skin and N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG) to reduce the look of uneven skin tone.

Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 targets textural irregularities and supports a healthy skin barrier.

The serum helps to reduce the look of pores and redness, too, so it’s a great product to incorporate into your The Ordinary hyperpigmentation routine.

While it’s ideal for blemish-prone skin, it’s also great for easily irritated and dry skin.

Related Post: The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution Review

The set contains four products: a cleanser, eye serum, vitamin C serum, and exfoliating acid toner:

• The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
• The Ordinary Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution
• The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
• The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Squalane Cleanser gently removes makeup while moisturizing your skin.

Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG is an under-eye serum that helps brighten the look of dark circles and reduce the look of puffiness around the eye contour.

Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution is a vitamin C derivative serum that offers antioxidant benefits and targets uneven skin tone.

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is a chemical exfoliant that utilizes alpha hydroxy acid glycolic acid to improve skin texture, tone, and clarity.

Sample The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Hyperpigmentation and Texture Issues

When dealing with hyperpigmentation, consistency is key, so be patient and consistent with your The Ordinary hyperpigmentation skincare routine.

You don’t have to use all of these products, but selecting a combination of products that suits your skin’s unique complexion and needs will work toward giving you a brighter and smoother complexion over time.

Remember to always finish your morning skincare routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, as UV exposure can further darken hyperpigmentation spots.

While I can’t fit every The Ordinary hyperpigmentation serum in a single routine, here is an example routine of The Ordinary for target dark spots and uneven skin tone and texture:

Morning:

• Glycolipid Cream Cleanser OR Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
• Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution
• Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
• Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (for eye contour pigmentation and puffiness) OR The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum (for dark circles, puffiness, wrinkles, crow’s feet, and eye bags)
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
• Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants or preferred sunscreen

Evening:

• Squalane Cleanser (if double cleansing)
• Glycolipid Cream Cleanser OR Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
• Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% OR Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
• Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
• Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG OR The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Weekly:

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is a 10-minute exfoliating facial that is only suitable for experienced users of acid exfoliation.

Use once a week in the PM after cleansing and follow with Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA only. This masque is not intended for sensitive, peeling, or otherwise compromised skin.

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that is characterized by darkened patches of skin. This discoloration occurs due to excessive melanin production in the skin

Melanin is a natural pigment. It gives human (and animal) skin, hair, and eyes their color.

Hyperpigmentation is commonly brought about by sun exposure, pregnancy, hormones, or certain medications and medical conditions. It also can be a residual effect of inflammation caused by acne or injuries to the skin.

Age spots, sun spots, and liver spots are types of hyperpigmentation attributed to sun exposure and are commonly seen on hands, face, and other areas of the body exposed to damaging UV rays.

Melasma

Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation that presents as patches of darkened skin. Melasma can occur not only from sun exposure but also from hormonal changes. It is often seen during pregnancy and can appear after taking birth control pills.

Melasma tends to be a little more challenging to treat than other types of hyperpigmentation due to the hormonal factors driving the condition. A dermatologist can help determine the best course of treatment.

Freckles are clusters of pigmented cells. They appear due to genetics and sun exposure.

Ingredients to Look for in Hyperpigmentation Skincare Products

When dealing with hyperpigmentation, choosing the right ingredients can make all the difference. These ingredients help with hyperpigmentation and evening out skin tone:

• Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant, Vitamin C not only combats free radicals but also lightens dark spots and enhances your skin’s radiance. Look for products with ascorbic acid (l-ascorbic acid) or its derivatives like magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or ascorbyl glucoside.
• Niacinamide: Also known as Vitamin B3, niacinamide is well-known for its brightening properties. It helps reduce redness and lighten dark spots, plus it strengthens your skin’s barrier function.
• Alpha Arbutin: A natural skin lightener derived from the bearberry plant. Alpha arbutin works by inhibiting melanin (pigment) production.
• Retinoids: Retinol and its derivatives stimulate cell turnover and can help fade dark spots and improve skin texture. Always use sunscreen during the day when incorporating retinoids into your routine.
• Licorice Root Extract: This natural ingredient contains glabridin, which has been shown to diminish the appearance of dark spots and discoloration. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid are types of AHAs that exfoliate the skin, accelerating the removal of darkened skin cells and revealing a brighter complexion. Don’t forget to use sunscreen when using AHAs.
• Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): Salicylic acid, a BHA, not only targets acne but also penetrates deep into the pores, helping to lighten post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and help with acne and breakouts.
• Tranexamic Acid: Initially used as an oral medication to reduce bleeding, tranexamic acid is now recognized for its ability to reduce melasma and hyperpigmentation when applied topically. The Ordinary does not currently have any tranexamic acid serums.
• Kojic Acid: Derived from fungi, kojic acid is a potent antioxidant and a natural skin lightener that inhibits melanin production. The Ordinary does not currently have any kojic acid serums.

When considering any product to combat hyperpigmentation, it’s essential to remember that not every ingredient will work for everyone. The key is to find a combination that works for your specific skin type and concerns.

The Best The Ordinary Products for Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots

I love that many of these products from The Ordinary for dark spots and hyperpigmentation have multiple benefits and that you can address more than one skin concern simultaneously.

For instance, vitamin C and retinoids address many visible signs of aging in addition to helping to reduce hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and discoloration.

Remember that while The Ordinary offers many products that can help reduce the visible look of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, sun spots, discoloration, and uneven skin tone, what works for me may be different than what works for you.

It may take some trial and error to get the results you are looking for.

One benefit of The Ordinary for pigmentation issues is that they are very inexpensive, and some are downright cheap.

So if you need to try more than one, you can purchase multiple products at a very affordable price.

What are your favorite The Ordinary products for dark spots and hyperpigmentation? I’d love to know…

Thanks for reading!