🇳🇱Netherlands

Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Gel for skin with dark spots

Superior

  • SuperiorNormal Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • ExcellentSafety

One of the best serums for skin with dark spots.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dark spots: hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and uneven skin tone. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

How to apply

  • Apply this serum as part of your PM routine starting 3x/week and build up to daily use if your skin likes it.
  • Place the serum after cleansing and toning, but before your moisturizer.
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute for it to absorb.
  • Apply the serum on dry skin to help fade pigmentation effectively.
  • Avoid the eye area and always use SPF 30+ during the day.

People Say

★4.5Overall rating based on 2.5k+ reviews

Based on a very large amount of data, users find this serum highly effective for fading hyperpigmentation, post-acne marks, and melasma, with many reporting success where other products have failed. A significant number of reviews mention that results take time, typically 1-3 months, and note a strong, unpleasant sulfur-like smell and fragile packaging.

Highlights

  • Fades dark spots Mostly Mentioned
    • “lightened dark bullseye on forehead”
    • “faded stubborn post-acne marks”
    • “visible reduction in sun spots”
    • “helped old scars finally fade”
  • Unpleasant smell Mostly Mentioned
    • “smells like rotten eggs”
    • “strong sulfur/chemical scent”
    • “smells like perm solution”
    • “scent lingers for a while”
  • Evens skin tone Often Mentioned
    • “skin looks more uniform”
    • “reduced overall redness”
    • “gave me a glowy complexion”
    • “corrected uneven patches”
  • Poor packaging Often Mentioned
    • “metal tube cracked on side”
    • “product oozes out uncontrollably”
    • “leaked all over my bag”
    • “cap broke off easily”
  • Gentle but effective Sometimes Noted
    • “didn't burn my sensitive skin”
    • “effective without damaging barrier”
    • “gentle enough for daily use”
    • “moisturizing unlike other actives”
  • Improves texture Sometimes Noted
    • “skin feels much smoother”
    • “softened rough patches”
    • “helped with texture bumps”
    • “reduced look of pores”
  • Breakouts or purging Sometimes Noted
    • “caused tiny whiteheads”
    • “broke me out in cysts”
    • “clogged my pores”
    • “triggered fungal acne”
  • Texture issues Rarely Noted
    • “feels sticky/tacky on skin”
    • “pills under makeup/sunscreen”
    • “too heavy for oily skin”
    • “leaves a weird film”

Sources: lovi.care, sephora.com, amazon.com, mytopicals.com, reddit.com, skinsort.com, and more

Questions and answers

What makes Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Gel one of the best fits for skin with dark spots?

This product is one of the best fits because it features niacinamide, tranexamic acid, alpha-arbutin, and kojic acid dipalmitate, which effectively target dark spots and even out skin tone. It also contains glutathione and azelaic acid to further support brightening, while licorice root extract and centella asiatica leaf extract keep the skin calm.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2014

Which ingredients make this gel a good fit for skin with dark spots?

This gel is a great fit for skin with dark spots because it features niacinamide, alpha-arbutin, tranexamic acid, and kojic acid dipalmitate, which effectively target dark spots and even out your skin tone. Glutathione and azelaic acid are also included to further support brightening, while licorice root extract and centella asiatica leaf extract help keep your skin calm.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2014

What does Niacinamide do for skin with dark spots?

Niacinamide helps fade dark spots and uneven pigmentation by slowing down the transfer of pigment in the skin. It is generally well tolerated and may improve overall skin brightness with consistent use.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

What does Tranexamic Acid do for skin with dark spots?

Tranexamic acid helps fade dark spots and uneven patches by slowing down the signals that trigger excess pigment in the skin. Studies show that using it regularly can significantly improve skin tone with a low risk of side effects.

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2016Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2019

Where does this gel go in a skincare routine for skin with dark spots?

This treatment goes in your evening routine, applied after cleansing and toning and before moisturizing, for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure.

Can I use this gel with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this treatment with retinol by applying your retinol first at night, waiting a few minutes for it to sink in, and then putting on this gel. Because both products work actively on your skin, using them together may occasionally cause dryness or irritation, so it helps to start slowly.

How often should I use this gel?

Use this treatment in the evening as part of your routine, starting once a week to see how your skin responds. People who tolerate it well and see good results may carefully use it more often.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2014

Can this gel clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for skin with dark spots?

This gel may cause breakouts or purging for some users. It is a treatment with active ingredients like niacinamide and tranexamic acid that actively renew skin and target dark spots, which can occasionally lead to temporary breakouts.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

Is this gel fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Behenyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohol are fatty alcohols, which soften the skin.

What the research says

  • Niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use in women by inhibiting melanosome transfer.

    The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
  • Encapsulation of alpha arbutin in an optimized ethosomal gel significantly improved skin melanin reduction, moisture content, and elasticity in human volunteers compared to conventional formulations.

    Heliyon, 2023
  • Topical oxidized glutathione significantly decreases the skin melanin index and improves moisture content, smoothness, wrinkle formation, and elasticity compared to placebo in healthy women.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2014
  • Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components.

    Molecules, 2023
  • Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
  • Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women.

    The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008
  • Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging.

    Dermatologic Surgery, 2005
  • A non-hydroquinone topical formulation (SKNB19) improved hyperpigmentation by 28.5% in patient self-assessment and 27% in independent reviewer assessment compared with 4% hydroquinone in 18 adult subjects, while showing significantly less irritation and better tolerability.

    Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020
  • Combining a home-based radiofrequency device and arbutin cream reduced mMASI scores by 25.6% and melanin index by 22.8% at 8 weeks compared to baseline in 38 participants.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
  • Polyvinyl pyrrolidone-K90/Eudragit RL100 dissolving microneedle patches loaded with alpha-arbutin and resveratrol enhanced intradermal delivery by approximately 2.6 times compared to cream and slightly decreased the melanin index in human participants without causing skin irritation.

    Biomaterials Science, 2023
  • Azelaic acid nanocrystal hydrogel 10% achieved a higher success rate and greater lesion reduction than azelaic acid cream 20% in patients with mild to moderate facial acne.

    Pharmaceutics, 2021
  • Application of 15% azelaic acid gel significantly reduced post-inflammatory erythema and hyperpigmentation, decreased hemoglobin and melanin content, improved quality of life, and contributed to acne improvement in patients with mild to moderate acne compared to placebo.

    Dermatology and Therapy, 2024
  • Topical application of a dermocosmetic containing Myrtus communis extract and azelaic acid reduced acne relapses and helped maintain remission compared to a light moisturizing cream in adult females in the acne maintenance phase over 16 weeks.

    Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2023
  • A topical formulation containing kojic acid, emblica extract, and glycolic acid demonstrated efficacy parity compared with hydroquinone 4% in multiethnic participants with mild to moderate facial dyschromia.

    Cutis, 2010
  • A nanoemulsion containing 1 mg/mL kojic dipalmitate and 5% rosehip oil demonstrated high incorporation efficiency, suitable physicochemical stability, antioxidant and depigmenting efficacy close to 1 mM ascorbic acid, and no cytotoxicity at concentrations from 0.06% to 1% in vitro.

    Pharmaceutics, 2023
  • Topical application of iron chelators kojic acid and deferiprone significantly accelerated wound healing in rats compared to control groups, with deferiprone showing superior efficacy due to higher antioxidant and iron chelation abilities.

    International Wound Journal, 2013

Ingredients

Water, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Glyceryl Stearate, Tranexamic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Shea Butter, Jojoba Seed Oil, Alpha-Arbutin, Behenyl Alcohol, Kojic Acid Dipalmitate, Glutathione, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Ethylene Brassylate, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate, Azelaic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Melatonin, Phytic Acid, Squalane, Allantoin, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Arginine, Lecithin, Glycine Soja Soybean Sterols, Cetyl Palmitate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sclerotium Gum, Zinc Ricinoleate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Tetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, Phenoxyethanol

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

How does it fit your skin?

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