Dark spot sufferers: listen up. If you want to fade discoloration fast and keep your skin barrier happy, quick fixes and DIY shortcuts won’t cut it – you need something smarter. Clinical, expert-approved ingredients are the real MVPs here, a.k.a formulas that don’t just lighten spots, but actively support healing. These are the gold-standard ingredients pros actually recommend and the only ones that deserve a spot on your face (or body):
Vitamin C
A powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals (from UV, pollution…our own bodies even produce them) that cause oxidative stress and speed up the appearance of lines, sagging and discoloration. It works by binding to these free radicals to prevent oxidative damage and signs of premature aging.
Vitamin C is a tried and true ingredient due to its powerful and versatile benefits, including:
-
Antioxidant Protection
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution, UV rays, and free radicals. It neutralizes these harmful molecules and prevents premature aging and skin damage. It also enhances the skin’s natural defense process by boosting the skin’s ability to protect itself against oxidative stress. -
Brightening + Even Skin Tone
Vitamin C can brighten the complexion. It helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and sunspots, promoting a more even and radiant skin tone. Vitamin C inhibits the enzyme responsible for melanin production (tyrosinase), helping to fade dark spots, acne scars, and discoloration. -
Skin Firmness + Elasticity
Vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis, which is essential for keeping skin firm and plump. It can also contribute to elastin production. This helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves skin texture by supporting healthy skin cell turnover. -
Hydration + Skin Barrier Support
Vitamin C can also help improve skin hydration by attracting moisture and when combined with other hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C helps amplify their effectiveness, contributing to a more nourished skin. Additionally, it strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, reduces inflammation, and supports the production of lipids, helping the skin stay resilient and protected.
Tranexamic Acid
A synthetic ingredient derived from the amino acid lysine that is shown to suppress melanogenesis (production of melanin). As confirmed by clinical trials*, it's suitable for all skin types and can remove pigmentation and lighten dark spots from sun exposure.
Niacinamide
This skin-strengthening vitamin B3 helps improve the appearance of environmental damage, problem pores, uneven tone, lines, and dullness. It helps spot target hyperpigmentation, irregular discoloration and inhibit PIH and melasma.
Phenylethyl Resorcinol
Nature-inspired, this ingredient derives from a powerful molecule naturally occurring in pine trees. Acting at the source of skin pigmentation, it's clinically proven to brighten skin tone, treat uneven skin, and reduce UV-induced pigmentation.
Acerola Cherries
A natural alternative source of vitamin C, this super fruit has a vitamin C content 65x greater than an orange. In fact, it has the highest antioxidant activity level of fruits with over 150 phyto-nutrients + a multitude of minerals to brighten and promote radiance.
Individually, these ingredients are superstars for dark spots – but together? Say hello to your ultimate dark spot solution. No, seriously – meet our NEW vc10 dark spot solution, a hyper-focused vitamin C creme that works only where it’s needed to improve dark spots and discoloration caused by sun, aging or post-acne damage.
Powered by our signature vc10 concentration of 10% stabilized vitamin C triple-sourced from C derivatives + natural acerola cherries, we added clinical doses of niacinamide, tranexamic acid and phenylethyl resorcinol to target pigmentation formation, improve irregular discoloration and correct the appearance of dark spots. Clinically proven to reduce dark spots in 2 weeks*, this efficacious treatment fits seamlessly into any AM or PM routine.
*scientifically tested results clinically measured via spectrophotometer in a 2-week study of 15 participants (ages 41–65, Fitzpatrick II–V) with mild to moderate facial hyperpigmentation, applying vc10 dark spot solution twice a day.
