# Ducray Kelual DS Cream for skin with dark spots

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for skin with dark spots.**
Normal Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/ducray/kelual-ds-cream/for/dark-spots

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Kingdom.

Brand: [Ducray](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/ducray)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dark spots: hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and uneven skin tone. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for skin with dark spots; other serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation and anti-inflammatory action suitable for your normal skin, with glycolic acid and bisabolol providing mild pore decongestion and soothing effects.
- Piroctone olamine and glycolic acid offer some scalp condition treatment, but the formula lacks specialized ingredients to effectively target your main goal of pigmentation.
- The product is safe for your normal skin, as it contains no harsh or prohibited ingredients and carries no risk of irritation.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/ducray/kelual-ds-cream/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/ducray/kelual-ds-cream/for/dry-skin): Low
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/ducray/kelual-ds-cream/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/ducray/kelual-ds-cream/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/ducray/kelual-ds-cream/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/ducray/kelual-ds-cream/for/dark-spots): Average (this page)
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/ducray/kelual-ds-cream/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/ducray/kelual-ds-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Low
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/ducray/kelual-ds-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Glycolic Acid, Piroctone Olamine, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Acetamide Mea

## What the research says

- Repeated short-contact 70% glycolic acid peels provided superior results in atrophic acne scars compared to daily low-strength glycolic acid cream or placebo in 58 women over 24 weeks. ([International Journal of Dermatology, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11095203/))
- Serial glycolic acid peels combined with a modified Kligman formula significantly reduced facial PIH severity in Indian patients compared to the modified Kligman formula alone. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28114204/))
- Scalp sebum accumulation negatively correlated with hydration and positively correlated with lipid oxidative stress biomarkers, which were reduced after a single wash with a shampoo containing 0.5% piroctone olamine in an Asian population. ([Skin Research and Technology, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42584365/))
- Topical application of a cream containing 2.5% glycyrrhetinic acid significantly reduced thigh fat thickness and circumference compared to placebo in healthy women. ([Steroids, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15894038/))
- A dermo-cosmetic formula containing 2% enoxolone significantly reduced erythema at 24 hours and pain at 30 minutes following non-ablative fractional laser treatment in 10 healthy subjects compared to a moisturizer control. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38622995/))
- Topical application of B-Resorcinol and Glycyrrhetinic acid effectively lightens hand solar lentigines after 4 weeks of treatment both with and without prior fractional laser photothermolysis, showing no statistical difference between the two approaches. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27325103/))

## Why other serums fit skin with dark spots better

- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/))
- Treatment with 14% ferulic acid and 12% l-ascorbic acid significantly reduced pigmentation and erythema while improving hydration and elasticity in 20 women with photoaged skin, with neither acid proving definitively more effective overall though ascorbic acid showed slightly greater skin lightening. ([Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34877760/))

## 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.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Ducray Kelual DS work for skin with dark spots?

Ducray Kelual DS Cream is an average fit for skin with dark spots because it offers mild exfoliation and soothing care, but lacks specialized ingredients to effectively target pigmentation. A treatment for dark spots needs a blend of effective antioxidants, hydrating components, and skin-repairing ingredients like niacinamide and propolis to enhance radiance.

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

Glycolic acid and bisabolol make this cream a moderate fit for skin with dark spots by offering mild pore decongestion and soothing effects, though it lacks specialized ingredients for deep pigmentation. To better target dark spots, a treatment of this type needs effective antioxidants, hydrating components, and soothing ingredients like niacinamide and propolis to fade spots while keeping normal skin safe and bright.

### What does Glycolic Acid do for skin with dark spots?

Glycolic acid helps fade dark spots and improves uneven skin tone by encouraging the shedding of pigmented surface cells. When used in treatments or peels alongside other brightening ingredients, it may further reduce the severity of stubborn discoloration.
Sources: [Dermatologic Surgery, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10417583/), [The Journal of Dermatology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17204097/)

### What does Piroctone Olamine do for skin with dark spots?

Piroctone olamine helps calm irritated skin and balances surface yeast that can make dark spots look more noticeable or last longer. This ingredient is unlikely to clear dark spots on its own, so a routine for this skin also needs brightening ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide.

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

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before your moisturizer. Skin with dark spots needs products featuring targeted brighteners and tone-evening ingredients to effectively fade discoloration.

### Can I use this cream with salicylic acid, and in what order?

You can use this cream alongside salicylic acid in your routine, but because it lacks specialized ingredients for dark spots, this skin needs targeted brightening ingredients and vitamin c for better results. Apply the salicylic acid first, let it absorb, and then follow with this cream.

### How often should I use this cream?

This treatment is used in the evening, starting once a week to see how your skin reacts. People who tolerate it well and see good results may carefully use it more often.

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

This cream is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for your skin, as it contains glycolic acid and bisabolol to help keep pores clear and calm. However, because it lacks specialized ingredients for dark spots, this skin type needs targeted brightening ingredients and gentle exfoliators to properly fade discoloration.

### Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for skin with dark spots

- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/dark-spots) — High fit — £36.96 at Amazon
- [Guerlain Abeille Royale Double R Renew & Repair Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/guerlain/abeille-royale-double-r-renew-and-repair-advanced-serum/for/dark-spots) — High fit — £107.78 at Amazon
- [La Mer The Regenerating Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-mer/the-regenerating-serum/for/dark-spots) — High fit — £372.06 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — £8.29 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/pyunkang-yul/calming-deep-moisture-toner/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — £11.65 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — £11.90 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in United Kingdom has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Cyclomethicone, Dicaprylyl Ether, Cetearyl Alcohol, Acetamide Mea, Glycolic Acid, Guanidine Carbonate, Glyceryl Stearate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Ceteareth-33, Crotamiton, Piroctone Olamine, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Tetrasodium Edta, Bisabolol, Ethanolamine, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Tocopherol
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/ducray/kelual-ds-cream/for/dark-spots
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/ducray/kelual-ds-cream/for/dark-spots (this page)
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/ducray/kelual-ds-cream/for/dark-spots
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/ducray/kelual-ds-cream/for/dark-spots
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/ducray/kelual-ds-cream/for/dark-spots
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/ducray/kelual-ds-cream/for/dark-spots
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/ducray/kelual-ds-cream/for/dark-spots
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/ducray/kelual-ds-cream/for/dark-spots
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/ducray/kelual-ds-cream/for/dark-spots
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/ducray/kelual-ds-cream/for/dark-spots
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/ducray/kelual-ds-cream/for/dark-spots
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/ducray/kelual-ds-cream/for/dark-spots
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/ducray/kelual-ds-cream/for/dark-spots