Best Skincare For Hyperpigmentation
- Kavya Goswami
- Sep 24
- 6 min read
Dark spots, dull skin, redness, and those pesky brown patches—hyperpigmentation can be a frustrating issue for many of us. It’s understandable to feel disheartened, as hyperpigmentation can flare up on our skin for various reasons. At its core, this condition arises from the activation of melanin cells within the epidermis.
For those with skin of color, hyperpigmentation can feel particularly challenging. It’s important to recognize that our melanocytes—those pigment-producing cells—are generally larger and more susceptible to triggers. This sensitivity means that even a minor scratch can lead to hyperpigmentation, and the road to recovery may take a bit longer.
So, what are the best ways to address hyperpigmentation?
Let’s explore this together. We’re here to support you as we delve into our skincare library, where we’ll highlight some of the top-rated skincare products available in India, specifically for treating hyperpigmentation. You’re not alone in this journey; we’re here to help you find effective solutions for your skin.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition where certain areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin. How exactly does it happen? It happens when the enzyme Tyrosinase comes in contact with melanin-producing cells, Melanocytes, and triggers them to produce pigment. Hence, causing our skin to form dark colored patches.
What are the different forms of Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation has a common process of occurrence, but it becomes visible on the skin in different forms.
Melasma
Melasma is a skin condition that usually occurs due to sudden hormonal changes. These are brown or grey-brown patches on the face or other areas of the skin, typically appearing on cheeks, forehead, nose, upper lip, and sometimes forearms.
PIH (Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation)
PIH is the most common skin problem. It appears as flat spots of darkened skin that remain after an injury or inflammation. The most common reasons for triggering PIH are acne, eczema, psoriasis, burns, cuts, and cosmetic procedures (like chemical peels or lasers).
PIH is very common in medium to darker skin tones, which covers a wide array of Indian skin tones.
Sunspots
"Sunspots," as such, you can guess, occur due to overexposure to the sun. These are flat, oval, brown to black spots, and they commonly occur in the face, especially around the eyes, nose, forehead, and on hands, forearms, and shoulders. The primary reason for sunspots is overexposure to UVB rays. Hence, wearing sunscreen is a big protection.
Freckles (Ephelides)
Freckles usually occur due to genetic tendencies along with prolonged sun exposure. These are small, flat, light-brown spots that get darker with sun exposure. These are more common in lighter skin tones.
Sometimes medical conditions and medications can also lead to hyperpigmentation.
Top Skincare Actives for Hyperpigmentation
Suppose you are searching for the best skincare for hyperpigmentation. In that case, you must know, skincare for Hyperpigmentation starts with skincare actives that specifically work as antioxidants, hence help protect from free radical damage, and second, the tyrosinase inhibitor, which means it inhibits or blocks the pathway of entry of the enzyme Tyrosinase with the melanocytes.
Protection is the best cure for hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure is the most prominent cause of hyperpigmentation or worsening of hyperpigmentation. So, wearing sunscreen is the ultimate and long-tem protection.
Must-have skincare actives in your skincare routine for treating hyperpigmentation are:
Alpha Arbutin
Retinoids
Kojic Acid
Tranexamic Acid
Azelaic Acid
Vitamin C
Niacinamide
Licorice Root Extract
Best Skincare Products for Hyperpigmentation
Here, you will find the best serums that help in treating hyperpigmentation over the long term. Serums are the best skincare for hyperpigmentation as they help address skin problems more effectively. However, to see the best results, you need to consistently use these targeted serums for about 6-8 weeks as part of your skincare routine. Hyperpigmentation is difficult to treat and requires a significant amount of time to fully diminish.
The Derma Co 2% Kojic Acid Serum, contains tyrosinase inhibiting skincare actives for treating hyperpigmentation like:
Kojic Acid
Alpha Arbutin
Curcuma Longa Extract (Turmeric)
This serum does contain 'Witch Hazel' in it, although it is in a small amount. But witch hazel can be irritating for the skin as it dries very quickly and can dry your skin over time. So, if you feel any sort of itching or irritation, avoid using.
Minimalist 2% Alpha Arbutin Serum contains tyrosinase-inhibiting skincare actives for treating hyperpigmentation including:
Alpha Arbutin
Lactic Acid
Ferulic Acid
Sodium Hyaluronate
4-N-Butylresorcinol (it is also a tyrosinase inhibiting active, and also helps in amplifying the effect of ingredients like alpha arbutin)
Minimalist 3% Tranexamic Acid Face Serum contains tyrosinase-inhibiting skincare actives for treating hyperpigmentation including:
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract (Oat Extract)
Tranexamic Acid
Mandelic Acid
Acetyl Glucosamine
Sodium Hyaluronate
Salicylic Acid
Hydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid (Melasma synthesis inhibitor, helps to reduce dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone)
Hyphen Golden Hour Glow Serum contains tyrosinase-inhibiting skincare actives for treating hyperpigmentation including:
Aloe Vera
Glycerin
Niacinamide
Terminalia Fermandiana (Kakadu Plum Extract) - Natural form of Ascorbic Acid [can be very irritating]
Hyaluronic Acid
Alpha Arbutin
Peptide
Minimalist 16% Vitamin C + E + F Face Serum is a newer formula that contains tyrosinase-inhibiting skincare actives for treating hyperpigmentation including:
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Sodium Gluconate
Ferulic Acid
Fullerenes
Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E)
Minimalist 10% Vitamin C Face Serum contains tyrosinase-inhibiting skincare actives for treating hyperpigmentation including:
Centella Asiatica
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Gluconolactone
Glycerin
Acetyl Glucosamine
Sodium Hyaluronate
The Formula RX Vitamin C Brightening Face Serum contains tyrosinase-inhibiting skincare actives for treating hyperpigmentation including:
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Glycerin
Arbutin
N-Acetylglucosamine
The Formula RX Gentle Retinol Night Serum contains tyrosinase-inhibiting skincare actives for treating hyperpigmentation including:
Niacinamide
Glycerin
Bakuchiol
Retinol
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (Granactive Retinoid)
Conscious Chemist Pigmentation Corrector Serum contains tyrosinase-inhibiting skincare actives for treating hyperpigmentation including:
Niacinamide
Tranexamic Acid
Alpha Arbutin
Apart from these 3 there are a few more good ingredients but at less that 1% including, Zinc PCA, Rice Extract, Saccharomuces Ferment, Lactobacillus Ferment, Allantoin and Panthenol (Vitamin B5).
The Derma Co 5% Niacinamide Serum contains tyrosinase-inhibiting skincare actives for treating hyperpigmentation including:
Niacinamide
Alpha Arbutin
Zinc PCA
Betaine
Deconstruct Clearing Serum contains tyrosinase-inhibiting skincare actives for treating hyperpigmentation including:
Niacinamide
Alpha Arbutin
Dictyopteris Membranance
Glycerin
Re'equil Pitstop Blue Serum contains tyrosinase-inhibiting skincare actives for treating hyperpigmentation including:
Niacinamide
Glycerin
Panthenol
Copper-Peptide-1
The Ordinary 10% Mandelic Acid Serum is a good exfoliating acid to use in hyperpigmentation skincare routine as it helps in surface exfoliation, hence, helps to remove top layer of dead skin cells and also, Mandelic Acid has a large molecular weight so it doesn't irritate the skin. It can be used by people with sensitive skin.
Minimalist 3% PHA Toner, this is a new generation AHA, which means this is minor form of Alpha hydroxy Acid, hence it helps in mild surface exfoliation and helps in making an even skin tone.
The Derma Co Tran-Zelaic Acid Serum contains tyrosinase-inhibiting skincare actives for treating hyperpigmentation including:
Azelaic Acid
Niacinamide
Tranexamic Acid
Betaine
Alpha Arbutin
D-Panthenol
Glycerin
4-Butylresorcinol
Ferulic Acid
Kakadu Plum
Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum is a good option for acne-prone skin because it is anti-inflammatory serum.
Skincare Actives:
Azelaic Acid
Panthenol
Betaine Salicylate (Betaine + Salicylic Acid)
Glycerin
Green Tea
Hyphen Advanced De-Pigmentation Serum contains tyrosinase-inhibiting skincare actives for treating hyperpigmentation including:
Pineapple Fruit Extract (Bromelain) [Enzymatic Exfoliator]
Tranexamic Acid
Licorice Root Extract
Kojic Acid
It contains an enzymatic exfoliator so it can be a bit irritating. If your skin stings or burns in use. Avoid using it.
Hyperpigmentation can be stubborn, often taking months or even years to improve. That’s why choosing skincare products that are effective yet gentle is so important. Overusing harsh ingredients or products with excessively high concentrations of actives can actually make hyperpigmentation worse instead of better.
Educating yourself is the first step! Always pick products that suit your skin type—not just what’s trending. Explore our complete hyperpigmentation skincare guide to achieve glowing, even-toned, and healthier-looking skin.
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