When it comes to hyperpigmentation, skipping a key step in your skincare routine—or using products that aggravate the skin—can actually make things worse. That’s why choosing a high-quality skincare brand with products specifically designed to treat hyperpigmentation and formulated to work together is so important.
If you’re ready to lighten the look of dark spots but feel overwhelmed by hundreds of brands and products, don’t worry—we’ve researched for you. At Face Dr, our skin experts treat hyperpigmentation regularly and have helped clients of all skin types and tones find the right products to achieve real results.
Want personalised advice? Book a free online skincare consultation and get tailored recommendations for the best brands and products for your skin.
What is hyperpigmentation?
Most of us will experience hyperpigmentation at some point. It’s a natural reaction where patches of skin become darker than your overall skin tone. Completely harmless, but often unwanted.
Hyperpigmentation occurs due to excess melanin, the pigment that gives skin, eyes, and hair their colour. Key triggers include:
- Sun exposure
- Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or the contraceptive pill
- Inflammation, from acne, eczema, cuts, or burns
The good news? There are products that can lighten dark spots, even out discolouration, and prevent new patches from forming.
The Best Skincare Brands for Hyperpigmentation
Here are our top skincare brands, with products that work together as a complete system to tackle hyperpigmentation:
ZO Skin Health
Good for: All skin types, even sensitive skin
Product to try: Brightalive Skin Brightener
Prices start from £40 and are available to view on our website
ZO Skin Health has a range of products designed to tackle moderate to severe hyperpigmentation. From enzymatic peels to lightening creams, the brand has several products to try individually or ready-to-go programs containing a set of products which work together to treat hyperpigmentation.
The skin brightening program, for example, contains a cleanser, an exfoliator, exfoliating pads and skin brightening serums. These products don’t use retinol or hydroquinone, so they’re perfect for sensitive skin and those prone to reactions and irritation.
Obagi Medical
Good for: All skin types, even sensitive skin
Product to try: Nu-Derm Blend FX
Prices start from: £38
Obagi Medical has been voted the #1 physician-dispensed skincare brand in the world, providing professional products that improve skin function at a cellular level. Obagi have created a range of systems or kits for specific skincare concerns, including sun damage, dull skin, fine lines, acne and pigmentation. Their skin systems include Obagi Nu-Derm®, ELASTIderm®, Professional-C® and more.
Obagi Medical is a leading skincare brand that has been helping people achieve healthy, radiant skin for over 35 years. Founded by renowned dermatologist Dr Obagi, the company is dedicated to developing innovative, science-based skincare products that deliver real results.
Bioderma
Good for: All skin types, even sensitive skin
Product to try: Pigmentbio Night Renewer
Prices start from: £10
French brand Bioderma has a range called Pigmentbio, which is specifically designed to treat hyperpigmentation. There’s a night cream that brightens discolouration while you sleep, a vitamin C serum to target specific spots, two different types of cleansers and a daily moisturiser with SPF.
The range uses ingredients like vitamin C and E to protect the skin from UV rays and other damage, azelaic acid to reduce the amount of melanin being produced, and glycolic and salicylic acid to remove dead discoloured skin cells and reveal a brighter complexion.
Glytone
Good for: All skin types
Product to try: TranEXamide Discoloration Treatment Serum
Prices start from: £48
When it comes to treating hyperpigmentation, Glytone stands out as a medical-grade skincare brand. Its formulations are packed with high concentrations of Glycolic Acid, a key ingredient known for its exfoliating and skin-renewing properties. Combining pharmaceutical expertise with a focus on corrective and aesthetic dermatology, Glytone delivers professional-grade solutions that provide clinically proven results.
To ensure effectiveness and authenticity, Glytone products are only available through authorised medical professionals or official retailers.
For the first time in the UK, you can now experience Glytone exclusively at Face Dr.
SkinCeuticals
Good for: Combination and oily skin
Product to try: Discolouration Defense Serum
Prices start from: £28
With plenty of products in the hyperpigmentation section, you’re spoilt for choice at SkinCeuticals. This skincare brand has different products designed to protect your skin and prevent dark spots from forming as well as correcting any hyperpigmentation you may have already. There are also cleansers and toners you can add to your daily skincare routine which help to hydrate, exfoliate and keep skin healthy.
Ingredients such as glycolic acid in the cleanser exfoliate and brighten your skin and retinol in the night cream reduce melanin production.
One thing to be aware of when using the retinol night cream is to start slowly. Though it’s designed for first-time users, you should still start by using it once or twice a week as it can irritate the skin. It also makes your skin more sensitive to the sun so be sure to wear sunscreen and avoid excess sun exposure.
Medik8
Good for: All skin types, including dark skin tones and sensitive skin
Product to try: Oxy-R Peptides
Prices start from: £20
Medik8 harnesses its patented Oxy-R formula to target hyperpigmentation and promote a brighter, more even complexion. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, Tetrapeptide-3, and a clinically proven 1% Oxyresveratrol concentration, Oxy-R Peptides work across all skin tones to reduce dark spots and post-imperfection marks.
What sets Medik8 apart is its click-activated stabilisation system, which preserves maximum peptide potency, delivering visible results from the very first drop to the last.
The Medik8 range includes lightening serums, overnight creams, cleansers, and high-protection sunscreens, offering a complete solution for brighter, healthier-looking skin.
La Roche Posay
Good for: All skin types, even sensitive skin
Product to try: Pure Vitamin C10 Serum
Prices start from: £10
La Roche Posay has a range called Pigmentclar, which includes a serum, a moisturiser with SPF and an eye cream. Specifically designed for those with sensitive skin, this range uses ingredients like Ferulic Acid, Biloba leaf extract and Ginkgo to lighten the look of dark spots.
The brand also has a 10% pure vitamin C serum, which—along with signs of aging and dryness— reduces dark spots and patches, especially over large areas like overall discolouration on the face.
Which one should you choose?
So there you have it, six of our favourite skincare brands with products and ranges designed to tackle hyperpigmentation and lighten the look of dark spots.
Of course, there are still six to choose from, so if you’re ready to invest in some products but not sure which ones are best for you, why not get tailored advice from our skin experts? Our team can analyse your skin tone and type to give you the best recommendations with a free online skincare consultation.
We only recommend brands that use active ingredients and give you real results. We’ll analyse your skin, ask about your exact concerns—whether that’s just hyperpigmentation or other skincare issues too—and then recommend the best brands for the job. We can also recommend which products to use from those brands, and help you build an entire routine.
