Hormonal changes and overexposure to the sun can lead to dark spots all over the face called melasma. While there are no risks associated with melasma, they make you feel conscious. On your doctor’s recommendation, you can use some of the best melasma products available in the pharmacy to tackle them. Here is a list of some of the melasma products you can try. 

What Is Melasma?

Melasma is a skin condition characterized by dark, discolored patches all over the skin. It is caused due to excess sun exposure or hormonal changes during pregnancy. It is a common skin condition among women, while men may also get affected. There is no definitive cause of melasma. It most likely occurs when melanocytes overproduce pigmentation. People with darker skin tones are more prone to melasma as they have more active melanocytes. A few common triggers of melasma are sun exposure, hormonal changes, and irritation from certain skin products.

Most people wonder if melasma is the same as hyperpigmentation and age spots. What is the truth?

What Is The Difference Between Melasma, Hyperpigmentation, And Age Spots?
Hyperpigmentation is a broad term used to describe many different skin conditions caused by melanin. Melasma is one such condition and a form of hyperpigmentation, where dark patches are formed in your skin due to hormonal imbalances. Meanwhile, age spots are a common occurrence in people over the age of 50. Age spots mostly appear among people with a fairer skin tone and are caused in those areas more frequently exposed to the sun.

Since melasma is a common skin condition, treating it is fairly easy. Certain over-the-counter products may help. Here is a list of 14 best anti-melasma products available on the market.

14 Best Anti-Melasma Products

1.Best Moisturizing: Admire My Skin Ultra-Potent Brightening Serum

 3.7

BUY ON AMAZON | $24.99

The Admire My Skin Ultra-Potent Brightening Serum helps brighten and fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and melasma. The serum is formulated with salicylic acid, azelaic acid, lactic acid, and vitamin C. These acids help reveal brighter skin. The brand claims to show results in just 4 weeks of regular use of the product. For best results, you can use the serum once or twice every day. However, do a spot test on your skin before using it on your face. The serum also helps decrease fine lines and wrinkles. Check out this YouTuber’s review of the product if you require more details.

Pros

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Moisturizes skin
• Suits sensitive skin

Cons

None

Pro Tip

Apply 3-5 drops of the serum to your skin twice daily. Massage gently after the cleansing and toning steps for the best results.

2. Best For All Skin Types:Ebanel 2% Hydroquinone Serum

3.7

Image: Ebanel

BUY ON AMAZON | $22.99

The Ebanel 2% Hydroquinone Serum is a great product that helps lighten dark spots, sunspots, age spots, liver spots, freckles, uneven pigmentation, and reduce skin discolorations. The product also helps remove acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. The product can be used on the face, neck, hands, elbows, knees, inner tights, underarms, and more. Additionally, it can also be used under your makeup. The serum contains azelaic acid, arginine, and stem cell extracts that may help soothe and nourish skin. Before using the serum, do a patch test to check if it suits your skin. The serum is good for all skin types and has not been tested on animals, making it cruelty-free as well as hypoallergenic and paraben-free.

Pros

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Ideal for all skin types
• Cruelty-free
• Hypoallergenic
• Paraben-free

Cons

• Overpowering fragrance

3. Best Fragrance-Free:MESANDY Dark Spot Corrector 

4.2

Image: Mesandy

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.99

The MESANDY Dark Spot Corrector is formulated with butylresorcinol, kojic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid, which inhibit tyrosinase and reduce hyperpigmentation. It contains arbutin, which helps with skin brightening, and licorice root extract that enhances the natural glow. It delivers visible results, according to a majority of reviews online. This corrector also shields the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays and reduces the appearance of dark spots.

Pros

• Paraben-free
• Sulfate-free
• Phthalate-free
• Suitable for all skin types

Cons

None

4. Best For Daily Use:IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Dark Spots Niacinamide Serum

4

Image: It Cosmetics

BUY ON AMAZON | $27.5

The IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Dark Spots Niacinamide Serum contains 4% niacinamide that reduces melanin production, dark spots, and discoloration. It also contains 1% ethyl vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that helps lighten scars and even out skin tone. This serum is formulated with licorice root extract and panthenol, which soothe and moisturize the skin. This dermatologist-tested serum helps control melasma pigmentation and enhance the healthy glow of your skin. This clinically backed skincare has been proven to deliver visible results.

Pros

• Dermatologically tested
• Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons

None

5. Best Hypoallergenic Formula:Dearskin Tranexamic Acid Serum

4.1

Image: Dearskin

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.99

The Dearskin Tranexamic Acid Serum is a great product that effectively reduces dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and melasma. The serum works by blocking any formation of melanin, which, in turn, gives your skin a healthy complexion. The product claims to reduce your skin concerns by 60% in the first 4 weeks of use. It shows full results after 12 weeks of regular use. The serum is dermatologically tested for allergy and sensitivity. The serum has a non-irritating and hypoallergenic formula. The serum is cruelty-free, paraben-free, and formulated with natural and organic ingredients. This clinically-tested and dermatologist-tested product shows proven efficacy in 4 weeks.

Pros

• Dermatologically-tested
• Non-irritating
• Hypoallergenic
• Cruelty-free
• Paraben-free
• Formaldehyde-free
• Moisturizing
• No animal testing

Cons

None

6.  Best For Aging Skin:Naturium Tranexamic Topical Acid

4.1

Image: Naturium

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.99

The Naturium Tranexamic Topical Acid has 5% tranexamic acid, which helps eliminate hyperpigmentation. This dermatologist-tested melasma cream with kojic acid and niacinamide, helps brighten and even out the skin tone. Licorice root extract minimizes the appearance of black spots and discoloration and soothes the skin. This lotion also aids in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while leaving your skin smooth and supple. No animal tests were conducted with this product.

Pros

• Cruelty-free
• Paraben-free
• Exfoliates the skin
• Lightweight
• Absorbed easily

Cons

None

Pro Tip

This gel works best by itself but if you have dry skin you will need a moisturizer. Ideally apply a water-based moisturizer at least 10-20 minutes before applying the gel.

7. Best Cruelty-Free:Melloderm-Hq 2% Treatment

3.6

Image: Melloderm

BUY ON AMAZON | $15.64

The Melloderm-Hq 2% Treatment is a gel-based product that contains 2% hydroquinone as an active ingredient. This gel helps in the treatment of melasma and freckles. It also helps remove dark spots. For best results, you can apply the gel once a day.

Pros

• Treats freckles

Cons

• May not suit those with sunburns or hypersensitivity

8. Best Affordable:TOUCH Skin Whitening & Brightening Cream

3.9

Image: Touch

BUY ON AMAZON

The TOUCH Skin Whitening & Brightening Cream is formulated with azelaic acid. It reduces the formation of melanin, the pigment responsible for dark patches and hyperpigmentation. This melasma cream with azelaic acid enhances the skin texture and treats inflammation. It also contains kojic acid, a naturally occurring skin lightener that promotes skin brightness. Tranexamic acid and niacinamide, potent antioxidants, smoothen wrinkles and make the skin appear youthful. This pigmentation cream helps treat discoloration on the face caused by sun exposure, aging, or melasma. The product has not been subjected to animal testing.

Pros

• Alcohol-free
• Paraben-free
• Sulfate-free
• Phthalate-free
• Vegan
• Cruelty-free
• Oil-free
• Fragrance-free
• Visible results

Cons

None

9. Best Non-Sticky Formula:EnaSkin Professional Dark Spot Remover

4.3

Image: Enaskin

BUY ON AMAZON | $28.99

The EnaSkin Professional Dark Spot Remover contains citrifolia extract and 4-butylresorcino that help get rid of dark spots on the skin. These ingredients reduce hyperpigmentation and t dark spots. This product treats sun spots, post-acne marks, melasma, and irritation, and moisturizes and nourishes the skin to prevent future damage. The fast-absorbing formula eliminates black spots on the face without drying out the skin or leaving a sticky residue.

Pros

• Nourishes the skin
• Oil-free
• Fragrance-free

Cons

None

10. Best For Oily Skin:Cos De BAHA Tranexamic Acid Niacinamide Serum

4.1

Image: Cos De Baha

BUY ON AMAZON | $11.99

The Cos De BAHA Tranexamic Acid Niacinamide Serum includes 5% tranexamic acid and 5% niacinamide, which treat pigmentation. It contains additional therapeutic elements like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and licorice root extract, which minimize dark spots and brightens the skin. This serum also protects the skin against the harmful effects of the sun. It is also not tested on animals.

Pros

• Sulfate-free
• Paraben-free
• Dimethicone-free
• Mineral oil-free
• Fragrance-free
• No artificial color
• Vegan
• Cruelty-free

Cons

None

11. Best Lightweight :Paula’s Choice CLINICAL Discoloration Repair Serum

4.1

Image: Paula's Choice

BUY ON AMAZON | $52

The Paula’s Choice CLINICAL Discoloration Repair Serum contains 5% niacinamide, 3% tranexamic acid, and 0.5% bakuchiol that lighten the skin. This serum makes your skin brighter, smoother, and soft. It reduces inflammation and irritation while diminishing the appearance of dark spots, discoloration, and pigmentation. This serum is fast-absorbing, lightweight, and suitable for all skin types. It offers clinically proven results in 8 weeks, and is also not tested on animals

Pros

• Dye-free
• Paraben-free
• Suitable for all skin types

Cons

None

12. Best Long-Lasting:Eucerin ANTI-PIGMENT Pigment Reducing Night Cream

4.3

Image: Eucerin

BUY ON AMAZON | $25.72

The Eucerin ANTI-PIGMENT Pigment Reducing Night Cream reduces dark spots and pigmentation overnight. It contains thiamidol, which is scientifically proven to inhibit the synthesis of melanin, the pigment responsible for dark spots and hyperpigmentation. This clinically-proven product promotes the skin’s natural regeneration process and dexpanthenol diminishes fine lines and wrinkles. The high concentration of hyaluronic acid helps hydrate and plump the skin for a radiant and supple look.

Pros

• Repairs damage by sun exposure
• Value for money
• Dermatologically tested

Cons

None

13. Best Sulfate-Free:RD Alchemy Vitamin C Cleanser

4.3

Image: Rd Alchemy

BUY ON AMAZON | $32

The RD Alchemy Vitamin C Cleanser helps you get fresh and vibrant skin. The vitamin C in the cleanser helps brighten your skin and makes it more vibrant. It also helps reduce melasma and hyperpigmentation as well. It can also help reduce the appearance of sunspots and age spots. The cleanser also offers various anti-aging benefits that will help keep your skin young and smooth while reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The cleanser is perfect for all skin types. It is formulated with organic and natural ingredients and is free of sulfates and soap.

Pros

• Reduces signs of aging
• Suitable for all skin types
• Sulfate-free
• Soap-free

Cons

None

14. Best Oil-Free:EltaMD Tinted Face Moisturizer

4.6

Image: Eltamd

BUY ON AMAZON | $30.8

The EltaMD Tinted Face Moisturizer is an oil-free moisturizer that also doubles as a sunscreen. The product contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that protect your skin from the harmful sun rays – and may also help reduce the severity of melasma. The moisturizer has a water-resistant formula. It also contains hyaluronic acid that helps boost moisture retention in your skin, giving it a smooth and youthful appearance.

Pros

• Water-resistant formula
• Moisturizing
• Lightweight
• Dye-free
• Fragrance-free
• Oil-free
• Paraben-free
• Non-comedogenic
• Dermatologically tested

Cons

None

These are the top anti-melasma products available on the market. But before you make a purchase, here is what you must consider.

How To Choose The Right Product For Treating Melasma

• Check If It Suits Your Skin Type: There are a variety of creams and serums available to treat melasma. You need to find the right cream for your skin type. It is best to consult your dermatologist. Also, do a patch test on the back of your neck or your arm to check if the product suits your skin. Opt for dermatologist-recommended products.

• Check The Ingredients: Most anti-melasma products contain hydroquinone, alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid), antioxidants, alpha-arbutin, or kojic acid. Hydroquinone is one of the most common ingredients that inhibit melanin production. Anti-melasma creams usually contain 0.1 to 2% of hydroquinone. However, this ingredient can cause skin irritation. Antioxidants protect your skin from sun damage and free radicals. Alpha-arbutin is a skin lightening agent that works by reducing melanin production. Most skin lightening products contain kojic acid, which lightens sun damage, age spots, and scars. Kojic acid also has anti-aging effects. Choose a product depending on your skin’s sensitivity to these ingredients and check for clinically examined and confirmed safe ingredients.

• Read Reviews: Go through reviews on various websites to understand how well the product works. Review can give you an idea of which skin type the product works best on. Look at the reviewer’s experience and choose according to your needs, as people experience different effects.

• Check Other Benefits: Some anti-melasma products come with additional benefits like reducing freckles and diminishing black spots. Go for these based on your requirement.

Note: There has been some debate on the safety of using hydroquinone. While some dermatologists say it is alright to use 2% hydroquinone, others suggest it is better to avoid it totally. Over-the-counter products may contain 2% hydroquinone, and higher concentrations require prescriptions.

We have seen the products that can help treat melasma. But can you prevent the condition altogether?

How To Prevent Melasma?

Melasma is caused due to hormonal imbalances. There is very little information available on melasma prevention. However, you may lessen its effect on your skin by following these steps:

• Have a healthy diet rich in greens and antioxidants. These foods may help improve your skin condition.

• Add vitamin D to your diet. The nutrient may fight skin damage caused by the sun.

• Only use skin care products that are gentle on your skin. Avoid products that may irritate your skin.

• Never forget to wear sunscreen, even if you are inside your house. Sunscreens are the best products that protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In Melasma Products

If you have melasma, dull skin patches and stubborn dark spots become a regular feature. A good melasma product can lighten those marks gradually because of the several potent ingredients it contains. The infographic below lists some of these ingredients and details their benefits. Check it out!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

 

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author of this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach. She understands skin needs completely and comes up with a recommended list of products after a detailed exploration. The list of best melasma products is compiled after thorough research and reading customer reviews online from trusted platforms. These products effectively deal with melasma and provide visible results with regular usage.
What is the most effective treatment for melasma?
Hydroquinone, tretinoin, or corticosteroid applied topically is the most effective treatment for melasma.