--- title: Best Products to Correct Hyperpigmentation description: Find out what dermatologists say are the best products to address hyperpigmentation. canonical: https://time.com/4759984/beauty-products-hyperpigmentation/ author: TIME article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2017-04-28T19:13:59.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-04-13T09:05:32.233Z og:title: Experts Share Their Must-Haves for Dealing With Hyperpigmentation og:description: ‘Curing hyperpigmentation is a matter of finding the right products for you’ og:url: https://time.com/4759984/beauty-products-hyperpigmentation/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt48ad87b81b64e40a/6988cb3b656a3f1adabcfc51/hyperpigmentation-best-beauty-products.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 7905 og:image:height: 4447 og:image:alt: Overhead grid of creams and lotions og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: Experts Share Their Must-Haves for Dealing With Hyperpigmentation twitter:description: ‘Curing hyperpigmentation is a matter of finding the right products for you’ twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt48ad87b81b64e40a/6988cb3b656a3f1adabcfc51/hyperpigmentation-best-beauty-products.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # Experts Share Their Must-Haves for Dealing With Hyperpigmentation > Sponsored content. 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Worth Your Time is TIME's culture newsletter, published Tuesdays and Saturdays to 40,000 subscribers as of August 2026. #### Who writes TIME's culture recommendations? Culture editor Eliza Berman writes Worth Your Time, drawing on TIME's critics and culture desk. #### Is Worth Your Time free? Yes. It is a free newsletter available at time.com/newsletters. by [Deena Campbell / Essence](https://time.com/author/essence/) ## Deena Campbell / Essence Contributor Apr 28, 2017 7:13 PM UTC  An overhead grid of creams and lotions in dishes on white. An overhead grid of creams and lotions in dishes on white.Dwight Eschliman—Getty Images by [Deena Campbell / Essence](https://time.com/author/essence/) ## Deena Campbell / Essence Contributor Apr 28, 2017 7:13 PM UTC Take notes as four experts break down their must-haves for correcting uneven skin tone. I know, I know: if you hear the h-word (that being [‘hyperpigmentation’](http://www.essence.com/galleries/top-15-skin-peels-brown-skin?iid=sr-link5)) one more time, you’re going to seriously flip. And for good reason. Black women are real suffers of the condition, but not all products actually solve the problem. Just walk into any drugstore and you’ll see a myriad of creams and serums that claim to do the job, but in reality they fall flat. But there’s good news—curing [hyperpigmentation](http://www.essence.com/beauty/skin/paul-wharton-beauty-collection?iid=sr-link7) is a matter of finding the right products for you. **_Subscribe to our_** [**_daily newsletter_**](http://www.essence.com/newsletter) **_for the latest in hair, beauty, style and celebrity news._** That’s why we asked tops dermatologists to give us their favorite picks for getting rid of those pesky darker areas. So take notes, remember to wear sunblock during the day, and of course, before starting any treatment, consult with your regular derm first. CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with SPF 30 “Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher is the most important thing in a skin care regimen as it will help to prevent further hyperpigmentation caused by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. CeraVe is one of my favorites because it’s non-comedogenic (which basically means it won’t clog pores), it’s accessibly priced and readily available in most stores.” –[**Yolanda Lenzy, M.D.**](https://www.instagram.com/dryolandalenzy/) Available at [Target](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=436138.1&type=10&tmpid=19902&RD%5FPARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fcerave-facial-moisturizing-lotion-spf-30-3oz%2F-%2FA-14353569%3Fref%3Dtgt%5Fadv%5FXS000000%2526AFID%3Dgoogle%5Fpla%5Fdf%2526CPNG%3DPLA%5FHealth%2BBeauty%2BShopping%2526adgroup%3DSC%5FHealth%2BBeauty%2526LID%3D700000001170770pgs%2526network%3Dg%2526device%3Dc%2526location%3D9067609%2526gclid%3DCj0KEQjwrYbIBRCgnY-OluOk89EBEiQAZER58jcyv4gIlXjkE6ojKWjwEO7B86uod0iMk9TaZqWfMdoaAluy8P8HAQ%2526gclsrc%3Daw.ds&u1=enbeul1hyperpigmentnb) | $14 [BUY HERE](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=436138.1&type=10&tmpid=19902&RD%5FPARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fcerave-facial-moisturizing-lotion-spf-30-3oz%2F-%2FA-14353569%3Fref%3Dtgt%5Fadv%5FXS000000%2526AFID%3Dgoogle%5Fpla%5Fdf%2526CPNG%3DPLA%5FHealth%2BBeauty%2BShopping%2526adgroup%3DSC%5FHealth%2BBeauty%2526LID%3D700000001170770pgs%2526network%3Dg%2526device%3Dc%2526location%3D9067609%2526gclid%3DCj0KEQjwrYbIBRCgnY-OluOk89EBEiQAZER58jcyv4gIlXjkE6ojKWjwEO7B86uod0iMk9TaZqWfMdoaAluy8P8HAQ%2526gclsrc%3Daw.ds&u1=enbeul1hyperpigmentnb) ## Differin 0.1% Acne Gel “Differin 0.1% gel was previously only available as prescription, but was made over-the-counter last year. I love Differin because it treats mild acne, decreases excess oil production and helps treat hyperpigmentation, too. Topical retinoids are also my favorite because they help to prevent collagen breakdown causing fine lines and wrinkles.” –[**Yolanda Lenzy, M.D.**](https://www.instagram.com/dryolandalenzy/) Available at [Target](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=436138.1&type=10&tmpid=19902&RD%5FPARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fdifferin-acne-treatment-45-g%2F-%2FA-51346360%3Fref%3Dtgt%5Fadv%5FXS000000%2526AFID%3Dgoogle%5Fpla%5Fdf%2526CPNG%3DPLA%5FDVM%2B006i000000gdxmvAAA-Differin%2520Search-2017-Flight-SC%2526adgroup%3DAd%2520Group%2520%2526gclid%3DCImJ7vaLxdMCFcvt6QoduAQFCw%2526gclsrc%3Dds&u1=enbeul1hyperpigmentnb) | $24 [BUY HERE](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=436138.1&type=10&tmpid=19902&RD%5FPARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fdifferin-acne-treatment-45-g%2F-%2FA-51346360%3Fref%3Dtgt%5Fadv%5FXS000000%2526AFID%3Dgoogle%5Fpla%5Fdf%2526CPNG%3DPLA%5FDVM%2B006i000000gdxmvAAA-Differin%2520Search-2017-Flight-SC%2526adgroup%3DAd%2520Group%2520%2526gclid%3DCImJ7vaLxdMCFcvt6QoduAQFCw%2526gclsrc%3Dds&u1=enbeul1hyperpigmentnb) ## Ambi Skincare Fade Cream “For spot treatment of hyperpigmentation, topical Hydroquinone (which blocks melanin production) containing creams are very effective. Hydroquinone 4% is available as a prescription but this Ambi cream contains Hydroquinone 2% strength which is available at most drugstores. It can be used twice daily as a spot treatment, but if you’re experiencing minimal improvement after 3 months I recommend seeing a dermatologist to discuss prescription topical options, chemical peels and possibly lasers.” –[**Yolanda Lenzy, M.D.**](https://www.instagram.com/dryolandalenzy/) Available at [Target](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=436138.1&type=10&tmpid=19902&RD%5FPARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fambi-skincare-fade-cream-2-oz%2F-%2FA-12435453%3Fref%3Dtgt%5Fadv%5FXS000000%2526AFID%3Dgoogle%5Fpla%5Fdf%2526CPNG%3DPLA%5FHealth%2BBeauty%2BShopping%2526adgroup%3DSC%5FHealth%2BBeauty%2526LID%3D700000001170770pgs%2526network%3Dg%2526device%3Dc%2526location%3D9067609%2526gclid%3DCj0KEQjwrYbIBRCgnY-OluOk89EBEiQAZER58nAsz20JYveUv2fkehxf7RWw-WjYSicyYKIQ5QY5wi0aAoG48P8HAQ%2526gclsrc%3Daw.ds&u1=enbeul1hyperpigmentnb) | $5 [BUY HERE](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=436138.1&type=10&tmpid=19902&RD%5FPARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fambi-skincare-fade-cream-2-oz%2F-%2FA-12435453%3Fref%3Dtgt%5Fadv%5FXS000000%2526AFID%3Dgoogle%5Fpla%5Fdf%2526CPNG%3DPLA%5FHealth%2BBeauty%2BShopping%2526adgroup%3DSC%5FHealth%2BBeauty%2526LID%3D700000001170770pgs%2526network%3Dg%2526device%3Dc%2526location%3D9067609%2526gclid%3DCj0KEQjwrYbIBRCgnY-OluOk89EBEiQAZER58nAsz20JYveUv2fkehxf7RWw-WjYSicyYKIQ5QY5wi0aAoG48P8HAQ%2526gclsrc%3Daw.ds&u1=enbeul1hyperpigmentnb) ## Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 “Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer with SPF 30 and soy complex provides sun protection and the soy ingredient also treats hyperpigmentation.” –[**Adebola Dele-Michael, MD**](http://www.radiantskinnyc.com/about.aspx) Available at [Target](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=436138.1&type=10&tmpid=19903&RD%5FPARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Faveeno-positively-radiant-daily-moisturizer-with-broad-spectrum-spf-30-2-5-fl-oz%2F-%2FA-10800934&u1=enbeul1hyperpigmentnb) | $13 [BUY HERE](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=436138.1&type=10&tmpid=19903&RD%5FPARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Faveeno-positively-radiant-daily-moisturizer-with-broad-spectrum-spf-30-2-5-fl-oz%2F-%2FA-10800934&u1=enbeul1hyperpigmentnb) ## Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Gel “This is good for oily or breakout prone skin and the dark spots that follow.” –[**Ranella Hirsch, M.D.**](http://www.skincaredoctors.com/dr-hirsch/) Available at [Dermstore](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7936568/type/dlg/sid/enbeul1hyperpigmentnb/http://www.dermstore.com/product%5FPhyto+Corrective+Gel%5F1327.htm) | $66 [BUY HERE](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7936568/type/dlg/sid/enbeul1hyperpigmentnb/http://www.dermstore.com/product%5FPhyto+Corrective+Gel%5F1327.htm) See the [rest](http://www.essence.com/beauty/skin/hyperpigmentation-products#1132561) [of the recommendations](http://www.essence.com/beauty/skin/hyperpigmentation-products#1132561) at Essence.com This [article](http://www.essence.com/beauty/skin/hyperpigmentation-products#1132561) originally appeared on Essence.com _We’ve included affiliate links into this article._ [_Click here_](http://time.com/money/4607657/money-affiliate-link-policy/) _to learn what those are._ These are independent reviews of the products mentioned, but TIME receives a commission when purchases are made through affiliate links at no additional cost to the purchaser. ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/4759984/beauty-products-hyperpigmentation/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/4759984/beauty-products-hyperpigmentation/"},"headline":"Experts Share Their Must-Haves for Dealing With Hyperpigmentation","datePublished":"2017-04-28T19:13:59.000Z","dateModified":"2026-04-13T09:05:32.233Z","description":"‘Curing hyperpigmentation is a matter of finding the right products for you’","url":"https://time.com/4759984/beauty-products-hyperpigmentation/","keywords":["motto","E-Commerce","beauty","products"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt48ad87b81b64e40a/6988cb3b656a3f1adabcfc51/hyperpigmentation-best-beauty-products.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Deena Campbell / Essence"}],"articleSection":"","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt48ad87b81b64e40a/6988cb3b656a3f1adabcfc51/hyperpigmentation-best-beauty-products.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"Overhead grid of creams and lotions","caption":"Overhead grid of creams and lotions","creditText":"Dwight Eschliman—Getty Images","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/tag/motto/","name":"motto"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/4759984/beauty-products-hyperpigmentation/","name":"Experts Share Their Must-Haves for Dealing With Hyperpigmentation"}}]}] ```