GHS 10 BEST
10 Best Cruelty-Free Products for Fading Dark Spots
We’ve put together a GHS curated regimen of cruelty-free skin care products for fading hyperpigmentation (aka dark spots). We only link to products that we absolutely believe in. We’ve chosen the below products based on the necessary ingredients needed to provide successful results, and all products are paraben-free, sulfate-free, and phthalate-free.
Why we love this cruelty-free cleanser
This cruelty-free foam cleanser is specifically formulated for darker skin tones (which are more prone to hyperpigmentation and dark spots), and it cleanses your skin without stripping your skin of its natural complexion nor interfering with the delicate pH and moisture balance of your skin. The cleanser works to loosen dead skin cells and unclog pores, prepping your skin to be able to absorb active ingredients from serums applied post cleanser.
Use as your AM & PM cleanser
Cleanse 2x daily and rinse thoroughly with warm water. Be sure to apply sunscreen during the day since the salicylic acid in this cleanser can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Key ingredients for hyperpigmentation
✓ Salicylic Acid (BHA)
✓ Purslane Extract
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free
Price: $$$$
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Why we love this cruelty-free toner
An anti-aging toner that also fades mild to moderate dark spots by exfoliating dead skin cells. Remember, old skin cells are darker, and fresh skin cells are more even toned.
Use after cleansing in your PM routine
After cleansing, apply this cruelty-free toner using a cotton pad, and apply to face and neck. Do not rinse off - instead, follow up with any additional serums or creams.
Key ingredients for hyperpigmentation
✓ Glycolic Acid (AHA)
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, gluten-free
Price: $$
SEE MORE TULA SKINCARE PRODUCTS
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Why we love this cruelty-free AHA serum
Not only is this cruelty-free AHA serum working to fade hyperpigmentation, but it also improves hydration as well as fine lines and wrinkles. A gentle AHA, lactic acid treats the skin without the irritation that sensitive skin can suffer from with other AHAs (like glycolic acid). You can either apply the serum to leave on or rinse off. This serum does cost a pretty penny; however, if you're going to splurge on a lactic acid treatment, you won't go wrong with this one.
Use after toner 2-3x weekly in your PM routine
After cleansing and toning, apply one or two pumps of this cruelty-free serum to your entire face and neck. Do not rinse off - instead, follow up with any additional serums or creams.
Key ingredients for hyperpigmentation
✓ Lactic Acid (AHA)
✓ Licorice Root Extract (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free
Price: $$$$
SEE MORE SUNDAY RILEY PRODUCTS
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Why we love this cruelty-free AHA facial mask
A strong at-home cruelty-free AHA facial treatment that exfoliates dead skin, helping to fade dark spots, improve your skin's texture, and minimize existing fine lines and wrinkles.
Use after toner 2-3x weekly in your PM routine
After cleansing, apply this cruelty-free hyperpigmentation treatment mask, and rinse off after 20 mins. Note: it is normal for a slight tingling to occur. Do not use this product within 24 hours of using a retinol formula.
Key ingredients for hyperpigmentation
✓ AHAs - Glycolic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free
Price: $$$$
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Why we love this cruelty-free vitamin C serum
This cruelty-free serum pairs vitamin C vitamin E to fight free radicals and reduce melanin (skin pigment) production, targeting dark spots & sun spots. This serum also has hyaluronic acid so it can help keep your skin hydrated while fighting hyperpigmentation.
Use after exfoliator & AHA serums in your AM & PM routine
After cleansing, exfoliating, and toning, apply this cruelty-free serum morning and night. Follow up with moisturizer and sunscreen to prevent further hyperpigmentation.
Key ingredients for hyperpigmentation
✓ Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
✓ Vitmain E (Tocopherol)
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free
Price: $$
SEE MORE TRUSKIN PRODUCTS
Why we love this cruelty-free pigment blocker serum
Using strong and effective ingredients like kojic acid and 4-butylresorcinol, this cruelty-free pigment blocker serum works to fade hyperpigmentation while also delivering protective anti-aging and hydration benefits. Multitasking at its finest.
Use after exfoliator & AHA serums in your AM & PM routine
After cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and any AHA or vitamin C serums, apply 3 to 5 drops of this cruelty-free serum to affected areas only. Follow up with a moisturizer and sunscreen. Do not use this product within 24 hours of using a retinol formula. The ingredients in this serum make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so remember to always apply SPF daily as well as limit your sun exposure while using this serum. Since this serum contains strong pigment blocker ingredients, only use it consistently up to 3 months at a time.
Key ingredients for hyperpigmentation
✓ Kojic Acid
✓ 4-Butylresorcinol
✓ Lactic Acid (AHA)
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free
Price: $$
SEE MORE ENASKIN PRODUCTS
Why we love this cruelty-free pigment blocker serum
An everyday serum that fades dark spots and brightens your skin, in addition to hydrating your skin. It is powered by a combination of alpha arbutin (a pigment blocker ingredient) and squalane (a hydrating ingredient).
Use after exfoliator & AHA serums in your AM & PM routine
Apply this cruelty-free serum after cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and any AHA or vitamin C serums. Follow up with a moisturizer and sunscreen. Do not use this product within 24 hours of using a retinol formula.
Key ingredients for hyperpigmentation
✓ Arbutin
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, vegan
Price: $
SEE MORE THE INKEY LIST PRODUCTS
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Why we love this cruelty-free pigment blocker serum
This bad boy cruelty-free serum contains a pigment blocking ingredient called arbutin and the AHA lactic acid (non-pigment blocking skin care ingredient), which helps aid arbutin in fighting hyperpigmentation by promoting skin cell renewal and shedding existing dead skin cells that are already discolored.
Use after exfoliator & AHA serums in your AM & PM routine
Apply this cruelty-free serum after cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and any AHA or vitamin C serums. Follow up with a moisturizer and sunscreen. Do not use this product within 24 hours of using a retinol formula.
Key ingredients for hyperpigmentation
✓ Arbutin
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free
Price: $
SEE MORE THE ORDINARY PRODUCTS
Why we love this cruelty-free acne scar fighting serum
This cruelty-free multi-tasking serum uses a 10% concentration of azelaic acid to fight acne, acne scars, melasma, and redness. Azelaic acid works to improve the look of post acne marks and dark spots by increasing the turnover rate of dead skin cells and reducing melanin production in hyperactive areas (i.e. acne scars on your face). This serum also contains salicylic acid (BHA), a gentle exfoliator that works to remove dead skin cells and excess oil in your pores, as well as licorice root extract which works to calm redness and brighten your skin.
Use after exfoliator & AHA serums in your AM & PM routine
Apply this cruelty-free acne-scar fighting serum to your face post cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and any AHA or vitamin C serums. Follow up with a moisturizer and sunscreen.
Key ingredients for hyperpigmentation
✓ Azelaic Acid
✓ Salicylic Acid (BHA)
✓ Licorice Root Extract (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free
Price: $$
SEE MORE PAULA'S CHOICE PRODUCTS
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Why we love this cruelty-free retinol oil
This cruelty-free oil contains a gentler version of retinol that delivers all of the benefits of traditional retinol (fades hyperpigmentation and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles) without the irritation.
Use after serums 2-3x weekly in your PM routine
After cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and serums, apply this cruelty-free night oil to face and neck at night only. Be sure to apply sunscreen during the day as any form of retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Key ingredients for hyperpigmentation
✓ Trans-Retinol Ester
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free
Price: $$$$
SEE MORE SUNDAY RILEY PRODUCTS
Why we love this cruelty-free sunscreen
Great for all skin types (yes, even sensitive skin), this cruelty-free sunscreen protects your skin from further hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage without clogging pores. Plus, it has matte finish (a.k.a. shine free!).
If you are heading to the beach for your next vacay or spend a lot of time in the ocean (surfer and kitesurf babes we see you!), check out our favorite cruelty-free reef safe face sunscreens for environmental-friendly water resistant protection against harmful UV rays.
Use as the final step in your AM routine
After moisturizing, apply sunscreen to your face and neck. Reapply every 2 hours if you're in the sun all day.
Key ingredients for UV protection
✓ Zinc Oxide
✓ Octinoxate
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free
Price: $$
SEE MORE ELTA MD PRODUCTS
View more tips and products for fading dark spots
How to Fade Dark Spots - Causes, Treatments, & Top Ingredients
10 Best Products for Fading Dark Spots
Arbutin Products for Dark Spots
Arbutin Skin Care Benefits: All You Need to Know
Kojic Acid Skin Care Benefits: All You Need to Know
Vitamin C Skin Care Benefits: All You Need to Know
Glycolic Acid Skin Care Benefits: All You Need to Know
Azelaic Acid Skin Care Benefits: All You Need to Know
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