Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Serum

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.

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.

Our dark spot corrector serum can be used as a spot treatment or can be applied to the entire face twice a day, morning and night, before applying a moisturizer. You can also apply the facial serum to help reduce visible discolorations on the hands, neck and chest.

Our dark spot corrector formula is recommended for all skin tones and skin types, including sensitive skin and was tested for efficacy on a multi-ethnic panel of users.*

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

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!

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.

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:

1. Dark Spots Intensity -39%
2. Sallowness -17%
3. Post-Acne Marks/ Redness -27%
4. Even Tone +43%
5. Luminosity +42%

Results based on expert grading in a 12-week clinical test. Sallowness results based on expert grading in a 14-week clinical test.

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.

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.

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.

Please consult your physician with any specific skincare questions or concerns while breastfeeding or pregnant.