Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector

All Skin Types, including Sensitive Skin

A dark spot corrector and brightening serum that helps visibly reduce dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and post-acne marks. Paraben-free

Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector is rated 3.7 out of 5 by 678.

Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector

A dark spot corrector and brightening serum that helps visibly reduce dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and post-acne marks. Paraben-free

$56.00

or 4 installments of $14.00 by

Learn more

Select a Size

1.0 fl. oz. Bottle

1.7 fl. oz. Bottle

3.4 fl. oz. Bottle

In Stock

*You have chosen to pick up your item in store. If you would like to ship items to your home, you must create a separate order or modify the entire order.

JOIN KIEHL'S REWARDS TODAY

TRY IN STORE! Book an in-store consultation to get your personalized skincare routine! Find a Store

Book an in-store consultation to get your personalized skincare routine!

What It Is

A targeted dark spot corrector that helps even skin tone and boost radiance. Formulated with Activated C (a stabilized form of Vitamin C), buffered Salicylic Acid, and Peony extract, this efficacious brightening serum helps visibly reduce the appearance of a broad array of discolorations including dark spots, hyperpigmentation and post-acne marks. Our dark spot corrector has been tested on all ethnicities and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.*

Paraben-free, mineral oil-free, and dye-free.

After using one bottle of our dark spot corrector:**

97% saw a visible reduction in hyperpigmentation
97% saw a visible reduction in dark spots
87% saw a visible reduction in post-acne marks

*This product was tested on a multi-ethnic panel equally distributed: 25% African American, 25% Asian, 25% Caucasian, 25% Hispanic
**Results based on expert grading in a 12-week clinical test on 104 subjects.

What It’s Good For

Clinically proven to reduce hyperpigmentation by -49%, dark spots by -39% and post-acne marks by -27%
Dark spot corrector visibly reduces a broad spectrum of dark spots including those caused by age and UV exposure
Helps visibly reduce post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation
Helps visibly brighten skin over time for a more even and radiant skin tone
Dermatologist-tested for safety and gentleness on all skin types, including sensitive
Made with recyclable packaging

*Based on a 12-week clinical study of 17 women with all skin types presented with mild to moderate severity of attributes, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Key Ingredients

ACTIVATED C

Activated C, which is a stabilized form of Vitamin C that specifically addresses uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation, goes to work immediately upon contact with the skin with 100% efficacy. Within our formula, Activated C works deeply to visibly brighten, boost clarity, and reduce the look of dark spots. Our Activated C is a lab-engineered, renewable ingredient known for its stability and efficacy.

BUFFERED SALICYLIC ACID

Targeting skin’s surface, it works together with Activated C to visibly reduce discoloration and renew the look of skin's texture.

PEONY EXTRACT

Used in traditional Chinese medicine, Peony Extract is a natural antioxidant that helps protect against oxidative damage. In our formulas, it works with Activated C to enhance skin clarity.

See full list

How to Use our Dark Spot Corrector

Apply dark spot corrector morning and night, before your moisturizer
May be used as spot treatment or over entire face
Dark spot correcting serum may also be used to correct visible discolorations on hands, neck and chest
For optimal results, apply a daily sunscreen
Explore the rest of the Clearly Corrective™ collection including our skin brightening face wash, treatment water, brightening moisturizer and ampoules

A Universal Dark Spot Corrector

Our dark spot corrector has been tested on all ethnicities and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.*

*This product was tested on a multi-ethnic panel equally distributed: 25% African American, 25% Asian, 25% Caucasian, 25% Hispanic

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions

What Ingredients are in Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution and How Do They Help Brighten Dark Spots?

Our efficacious dark spot corrector is formulated with Activated C and Buffered Salicylic Acid. The Activated C-enriched formula helps specifically target existing visible dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Within our formula, Buffered Salicylic Acid works together with Activated C to visibly reduce discoloration and renew skin texture. Over time, this powerhouse formula helps bring new cells to the surface to visibly brighten skin and prevent future damage that can lead to discoloration.

How Does Activated C Target Dark Spots?

Activated C is a potent, highly stabilized form of Vitamin C that goes to work immediately upon contact with the skin. Within our formula, Activated C helps to address uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation, simultaneously improving visible brightness and fading dark spots to visibly diminish dullness. Our formula with Activated C also helps bring fresh, new cells to the surface to reveal more radiant-looking skin.

Is Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Serum Recommended to Use as a Spot Treatment or on the Entire Face?

Can Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Serum be Used on Darker Skin Tones?

What Causes Dark Spots on Your Face and What are the Different Types of Dark Spots?

Discoloration on the skin is caused by an over-production of melanin, or the natural pigmentation that gives skin its color, which can lead to visible dark spots on the skin’s surface, creating an uneven skin tone. Discoloration typically falls into one of three categories: dark spots, hyperpigmentation, or sun spots. Hyperpigmentation and dark spots can be brought on post-acne or due to inflammation in a concentrated area of the skin, age or something that triggers an excess of melanin production in a defined area. Sun spots are brought on by sun exposure, and all three types of discoloration can become visibly darker with continued unprotected sun exposure, which is why it’s important to incorporate an efficacious sunscreen into your daily routine!

How can you Help Prevent Dark Spots on Skin?

The best defense against dark spots appearing on skin is to limit your amount of unprotected sun exposure or overexposure to damaging visible light. The use and regular application of a daily SPF such as our facial sunscreen with SPF 50+ can help shield skin from potentially harmful UV rays. Broad spectrum sunscreen protection and a targeted brightening skincare routine are recommended to help prevent dark spots from appearing and help diminish visible signs of discoloration that may already exist for an overall more even, radiant appearance.

Do Dark Spots Diminish Over Time?

It is possible to visibly diminish the appearance of dark spots over time. In 12 weeks, our efficacious formula is clinically-proven* to help visibly reduce:

Post-Acne Marks by -27%
Hyperpigmentation by -49%
Dark Spots Color by -39%

*Based on a 12-week clinical study of 17 women with all skin types presented with mild to moderate severity of attributes, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

What is Skin Clarity?

At Kiehl’s, skin clarity is just one of the qualities of healthy-looking skin. Skin clarity is achieved when you have a visibly even and radiant skin tone with minimal signs of dark spots, redness or dullness for a clear and healthy-looking complexion. Our Clearly Corrective Dark Spot solution helps visibly enhance skin clarity to reveal more even, glowing skin. For an added boost of brightness, you can try our Clearly Corrective brightening ampoules treatment for skin that looks and feels renewed.

HOW DOES SALICYLIC ACID TREAT DARK SPOTS?

Salicylic Acid has benefits that go beyond acne. Salicylic Acid is one of the most common types of BHAs in skincare. Salicylic Acid, like all BHAs, helps loosen dead skin cells to promote a more even skin tone. Research indicates Salicylic Acid can be used to improve the appearance of photodamage, freckles, and melasma in addition to acne. In our dark spot corrector, Salicylic Acid works together with Activated C to gently exfoliate the skin and visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots and discolorations.

CAN SALICYLIC ACID HELP FADE POST-ACNE MARKS?

Salicylic Acid is mostly known for being used to address active acne concerns. For example, our Blue Herbal Acne Cleanser Treatment and Breakout Control Acne Treatment Facial Lotion are both formulated with Salicylic Acid to specifically target active acne concerns. However, Salicylic Acid can also help what might come after: post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, also referred to as post-acne marks. This dark spot corrector combines Salicylic Acid with Activated C to effectively help minimize the appearance of post-acne marks.

Is Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Serum Safe to Use While Pregnant?

What Causes Dark Spots?

Melanin is what gives hair, eyes, and skin their color, and dictates whether areas of your skin may have dark spots, discoloration, or hyperpigmentation. Their appearance may be due to sun damage (sun spots), inflammation (often a result of eczema, psoriasis, or acne), and hormones—sometimes seen in pregnant women. Dark spots and hyperpigmentation are common, and potent formulas like Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector and brightening serum are an effective way to treat them.

Before and After Using our Dark Spot Corrector

Kiehl’s brightening serum and dark spot corrector is incredibly effective, with results showing a brighter, more even skin tone. Consistent application of our serum for dark spots showed improvements in everything from hyperpigmentation to sun spots. Regular use of this dark spot correcting serum is clinically-proven* to help visibly reduce:

Dark Spots Color by -39%
Hyperpigmentation by -49%
Post-Acne Marks by -27%

*Based on a 12-week clinical study of 17 women with all skin types presented with mild to moderate severity of attributes, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Treat Dark Spots & Discolorations

From hyperpigmentation to sun spots, learn how diminish discolorations. **LEARN MORE**

Future Made Better

True to our founding family’s mission, we strive to improve the quality of the communities we serve by reducing our
environmental impact, formulating responsibly, and supporting charitable causes. This formula is made with:

Responsible Formulation

Learn more

Rated 5 out of 5 by Jangel from Excellent product I been using for over a month an clear all my black spots, face looks more clean and clear. I was trying a lot of stuff but this one really works for me.

Date published: 2021-06-16

Rated 4 out of 5 by sirsphaere from Clearly, it can’t take Clearly, it can’t take away your dark spots, but ot amelioreates them. I used it on a very dark spot and it has become lighter. I wasn’t expecting a miracle.

Date published: 2021-06-06

Rated 4 out of 5 by RobinCSS from It takes time but it works Had to use an entire bottle before seeing results. the results are slow but my spots are noticeably lighter. Sadly I expect I will have to use 3-4 bottles before they are as light as I would like them to be and the product is expensive. But if it works and I am happier, it was worth it

Date published: 2021-05-25

Rated 4 out of 5 by shemekar from I order from Sephora, I order from Sephora, it smells delightful, and it’s the lightest of oil treatments I’ve used to date. It’s a great option if you’re wanting to add some activated c, birch and peony to your routine. It’s quite lovely. The moisture cream (gel) is a great compliment also!

Date published: 2021-05-24

Rated 3 out of 5 by brittanyu6 from This oil was ok! This oil was ok! Has a light smell that’s not too overwhelming, but I did not see a difference after using this product! For the money it just felt like another oil!

Date published: 2021-05-24

Rated 5 out of 5 by Roshondalla from Holy grail Pictures are about 5 months apart. Had super bad scaring and this had been the best product, makes you skin soft too.

Date published: 2021-05-22

Rated 5 out of 5 by ReRe from The production is working my skin is peeling off. Is that what it supposed to do to your skin

Date published: 2021-05-06

Rated 1 out of 5 by Nanny23 from Disappointed I bought this at Costco and I’m so dissatisfied. I used it twice a day for 16 weeks and seen no difference. I took a before pic and nothing has changed. I’m so embarrassed to upload it. I wish I could say great things, as I was looking forward to seeing results.

Date published: 2021-05-05