24 Incredible The Ordinary Products for Hyperpigmentation
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase.
The Ordinary products for hyperpigmentation provide a cost-effective solution for a common skin concern.
As one of the most trusted skincare brands, The Ordinary is known for distinctive packaging and powerful yet affordable formulations.
Their targeted line helps address dark spots and pigmentation through potent actives.
Read on to learn about the top products worth trying in your routine to fade signs of this pesky skin issue.
- Features a mix of 30% AHA and 2% BHA as chemical exfoliators
- Formulated with Tasmanian pepperberry
- Contains hyaluronic acid and pro-vitamin B5
- Formulated with 7% glycolic acid
- Has a pH of 3.6 and pKa of 3.6
- Made with Tasmanian pepperberry
24 Best The Ordinary Products for Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots
Thinking of jumping into a The Ordinary hyperpigmentation regimen but don’t know where to begin? Here are their best products:
Best The Ordinary Retinoids
This holy grail retinol serum is loved by many, and it’s easy to see why!
Key Benefits: Fades hyperpigmentation; prevents and minimizes signs of skin aging; moisturizes skin
Features:
- Available in 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1% concentrations
- Has a lightweight texture
- Water-free formula
Achieving a youthful glow is a piece of cake with The Ordinary’s Retinol in Squalene!
Available in concentrations of 0.2%, 0.5%, and 0.1%, the Ordinary provides a tried-and-tested formulation of the skincare powerhouse ingredient: retinol.
it’s important to note that retinol can be a potent ingredient that can cause irritation or sensitivity in some individuals, especially those with sensitive or dry skin.
For this reason, it’s recommended that individuals who are new to retinol start with a lower concentration, such as 0.2%, and gradually work their way up to higher concentrations.
Along with its anti-aging benefits, it also slows down melanin production, helping to fade and eventually stop hyperpigmentation.
This particular retinol product this brand offering contains squalene. This ingredient helps increase your skin’s hydration and helps fade hyperpigmentation.
Despite being newer in skincare, granactive retinoid is a must-try for hyperpigmentation.
Key Benefits: Prevents the development of dark spots; helps minimize signs of aging; keeps skin moisturized and elastic
Features:
- Available in formulas containing 2% or 5% granactive retinoid
- Contains squalene for maximum hydration
- Has a gentler formula
Keep your skin looking young, bright, and fresh with The Ordinary’s Granactive Retinoid in Squalene!
What makes granactive retinoid unique is that our body metabolizes it to retinol and retinoic acid once absorbed.
For this reason, it can offer the benefits associated with both retinol and retinoic acid, but often with less irritation or side effects than direct application of retinoic acid.
Retinoids like these promote skin cell turnover, which can help remove the upper layers of the skin where hyperpigmented cells are located, leading to a more even skin tone.
Available in both 5% and 2% concentrations. Higher concentrations generally mean a more potent product that may yield more noticeable results but could also be harsher on the skin.
Lower concentrations are typically milder and may be better suited for those with sensitive skin or those new to using retinoids.
This granactive retinoid product contains a water-free formula made with squalene instead.
While Granactive Retinoid is less irritating than retinol and other retinoid forms, the squalene in this product ensures that the likelihood of irritation is low.
Reap the benefits of The Ordinary’s Granactive Retinoid without the sticky, oily feeling by trying this product.
Key Benefits: Fights hyperpigmentation; reduces fine lines and wrinkles; boosts collagen and elastin production; helps brighten and even out skin complexion
Features:
- Formulated with a 2% granactive retinoid concentration
- Comes in an emulsion form
- Has a gentle formula
Prevent dark spots and keep looking young and fresh with The Ordinary’s Granactive Retinoid in Emulsion.
Not a fan of watery squalene, but want to try granactive retinoid? The Ordinary has your back with its emulsion version of this incredible skin treatment ingredient.
This product is a creamy emulsion that’s more lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin.
Although it is only available in a 2% concentration, it’s at the right level to be effective enough against hyperpigmentation while being less irritating on the skin than other forms of retinol.
For this reason, it is one of the best The Ordinary products for dark spots.
Best The Ordinary Topical Vitamin C Products
Use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to your advantage with the help of this suspension treatment.
Key Benefits:Fights free radical damage; slows down skin aging; hydrates the skin
Features:
- Comes as a versatile suspension
- Formulated with a potent 23% concentration of pure l-ascorbic acid
- Also has 2% hyaluronic acid for added hydration
Start reaping the skin-brightening benefits of vitamin C using The Ordinary’s Vitamin C Suspension + HA Spheres.
One of the best The Ordinary products for hyperpigmentation is this vitamin C suspension. It comes with pure vitamin C, helping you reap benefits ASAP.
This ingredient helps your skin become more radiant by minimizing dark spots and preventing them from returning.
It also has hyaluronic acid spheres that ensure your skin is hydrated after every use.
Do note that this contains a stronger concentration of vitamin C, it may not be suitable for those who are new to vitamin C or have sensitive skin, as it could lead to skin irritation or discomfort.
If you’re looking for a potent vitamin C concentration for your dark spots, this one is for you!
Key Benefits: Provides antioxidant benefits; evens out skin texture and complexion; promotes healthy skin cell turnover; fights signs of skin aging
Features:
- Formulated with a 30% concentration of pure L-ascorbic acid
- Made with a water-free base
- Contains light silicones
Achieve a well-balanced complexion with this vitamin C suspension from the Ordinary
If you want strong and potent, The Ordinary provides that with their Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone.
Using this serum properly can easily eliminate pesky hyperpigmentation spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.
On top of that, the brand added superlight silicone to its formula, which helps reduce that tingly feeling many people associate with using topical vitamin C.
Similar to the other vitamin C products with a high concentration, this may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin or those just starting with vitamin C.
Harness the brightening benefits of two powerhouse ingredients in this serum!
Key Benefits: Brightens complexion; fades visible dark spots; helps fight free radical damage and signs of skin aging
Features:
- Contains an 8% concentration of vitamin C
- Comes with a 2% concentration of alpha arbutin
- Boasts a water-free formula
It’s time to stop worrying about uneven skin tone and dark spots with this serum.
If you want the best The Ordinary skincare product for dark spots, this is it!
This well-loved product features ascorbic acid and alpha arbutin. Vitamin C acts as a melanin inhibitor, while alpha arbutin helps improve your complexion by fighting off hyperpigmentation.
This serum for dark spots from The Ordinary also banks on both ingredients’ antioxidant properties to fight environmental stressors and maintain your skin’s radiance.
Those who use this vitamin C topical solution can’t get enough of it for a good reason!
Key Benefits: Helps balance uneven skin tone; brightens skin and fades dark spots; minimizes signs of skin aging
Features:
- Contains 15% ethylated ascorbic acid
- Comes in a stable formulation
- Has an oil-like but lightweight texture
Want visible results in a shorter period? Try out The Ordinary’s Ethylated Ascorbic Acid solution.
If you’re looking for a more stable, less irritating vitamin C product from The Ordinary, this one is a must-try.
Unlike the other vitamin C products, this solution is formulated with an ethylation process, which gives it a smaller molecular size better absorbed by the skin. This process also makes this product less irritating.
On top of that, ethylating vitamin C makes it more stable, so you know that it retains its potency and efficacy.
Want to try a lightweight but stable topical vitamin C product? This one’s for you!
Key Benefits: Provides antioxidant properties; prevents premature skin aging; lightens hyperpigmentation; evens out skin tone
Features:
- Formulated with 12% ascorbyl glucoside
- Comes in a lightweight water base
- Has a less irritating formula
Take care of your skin by treating hyperpigmentation with this vitamin C serum.
This serum from The Ordinary boasts a 12% concentration of vitamin C that works for most skin types.
It’s water-based, but you don’t have to worry about its stability since it doesn’t use pure L-ascorbic acid. Instead, this formula uses a derivative that only converts to vitamin C when applied to the skin.
For this reason, it provides all the benefits of topical vitamin C while minimizing the potential for skin irritation. It also helps minimize dark spots and slow down skin aging.
You’re in control when you use this topical vitamin C product from The Ordinary!
Key Benefits: Targets hyperpigmentation; helps fight free radical damage; helps even out skin complexion
Features:
- 100% pure L-ascorbic acid powder
- Versatile enough to be combined with other liquid skincare products
- Vegan, cruelty- and paraben-free
Want to add the potency of pure vitamin C to your existing skincare? Try out The Ordinary’s 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder!
The Ordinary’s 100% pure L-ascorbic acid powder allows you to personalize your skincare regimen. Just dilute it to a concentration your skin can tolerate, and you’re done!
With its help, you don’t have to switch to new products just to fade dark spots and slow skin aging.
However, note that it is best to avoid using vitamin C with some ingredients that may react to it, including benzoyl peroxide.
This solution is one of The Ordinary's top vitamin C products that target multiple skin issues, including hyperpigmentation.
Key Benefits: Helps brighten skin; fights premature skin aging; minimizes fine lines and dark spots; nourishes and hydrates the skin
Features:
- Uses 20% ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate
- Contains vitamin F
- Lightweight oil formula
Brighten and nourish with this vitamin C product from The Ordinary.
If you find pure vitamin C too strong and irritating, then you must try this serum!
It still has the anti-aging and skin-brightening properties of vitamin C, but it comes with the intense hydration of vitamin F’s omega-3 and omega-6 content.
Plus, it uses an oil-soluble formulation that only becomes vitamin C when applied to the skin, providing all the benefits while minimizing irritation and maximizing absorption.
Best The Ordinary Exfoliator Products
When it comes to the most popular The Ordinary products ever, this toning solution is a top contender.
Key Benefits: Exfoliates the surface of the skin; lessens hyperpigmentation; balances skin tone; promotes healthy skin cell turnover
Features:
- Formulated with 7% glycolic acid
- Has a pH of 3.6 and pKa of 3.6
- Made with Tasmanian pepperberry
The Ordinary’s glycolic acid toner for hyperpigmentation exfoliates gently and effectively, leaving you with an even complexion.
The Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is one of The Ordinary’s holy grail products. It’s an exfoliating toning solution that promotes healthy skin cell turnover.
A healthy skin turnover is essential for the treatment of hyperpigmentation because it helps remove pigmented cells, enhances the absorption of skincare products, and promotes a more even skin tone.
This solution taps the power of glycolic acid which helps to exfoliate and promote a more even skin tone and Tasmanian pepperberry which provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, helping to calm and protect the skin.
It also has a pH level of 3.6 and a pKa (acid availability) of 3.6 to ensure maximum effectivity while preventing irritation.
Looking to exfoliate to get rid of dark spots but afraid of discomfort? Look no further than The Ordinary’s AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution!
Key Benefits: Exfoliates skin for healthy skin cell turnover; helps even skin texture; clears buildup and impurities from pores
Features:
- Features a mix of 30% AHA and 2% BHA as chemical exfoliators
- Formulated with Tasmanian pepperberry
- Contains hyaluronic acid and pro-vitamin B5
For healthy skin and an even skin tone, exfoliation is key. Try out The Ordinary’s peeling solution for dark spots.
Exfoliation should be a key part of your skincare routine if you have dark spots on your skin because it helps to fade these stubborn spots and prevents them from reappearing.
For this purpose, you can try The Ordinary’s Peeling Solution for hyperpigmentation.
Made with a 30% concentration of AHAs and 2% BHAs, this skincare product helps easily lift dead skin cells and clear the pores of impurities.
Due to these potent ingredients, it also promotes skin cell turnover and improves the complexion while minimizing hyperpigmentation.
This solution also contains Tasmanian pepperberry for minimizing irritation, plus hyaluronic acid and pro-vitamin B5 for hydration and nourishment.
Those with dry, hyperpigmented skin will love this exfoliator for its effective hydrating formula!
Key Benefits: Exfoliates the skin; helps fight signs of skin aging; brightens and evens out complexion; hydrates skin
Features:
- Contains either a 5% or a 10% concentration of lactic acid
- Formulated with hyaluronic acid
- Water-based and best suited for people with dry skin
Worry less about dark spots and dry skin with The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid + HA serums.
Another effective exfoliator you can use is lactic acid. The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid + HA is a product that works well to exfoliate dry skin.
Its lactic acid content removes the skin’s dead surface layer for better skin cell turnover, therefore addressing hyperpigmentation.
Along with having balanced pH and pKa levels, this water-based serum comes with Tasmanian pepperberry that helps minimize irritation so that you can enjoy its benefits without worries.
The Ordinary’s Mandelic Acid 10% + HA is an AHA exfoliant you should get if you want clear and radiant skin.
Key Benefits: Exfoliates the skin; enhances skin clarity; helps balance skin tone; smooths out skin texture
Features:
- Formulated with 10% mandelic acid
- Contains hyaluronic acid
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Got sensitive skin? No problem! You can still achieve a stunning glow free of hyperpigmentation with The Ordinary’s Mandelic Acid 10% + HA serum.
Looking for an AHA that is both gentle and effective? This one’s for you.
This serum features 10% mandelic acid, which can help brighten hyperpigmentation and correct skin texture.
It also has hyaluronic acid for added hydration that can help keep your skin’s protective barrier intact.
For acne-prone skin with dark spots, this exfoliating solution is a must-have!
Key Benefits: Aids in skin clarifying; exfoliates the skin; minimizes the appearance of dark spots; helps even out skin texture; reduces skin irritation and redness
Features:
- Contains a 2% concentration of salicylic acid
- Formulated with a squalene base
- Beginner-friendly, minimally irritating formula
Give your skin some tender love and care with The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution.
If you have acne-prone skin, the Salicylic Acid Anhydrous Solution from The Ordinary is a good product for exfoliation. Salicylic acid reduces hyperpigmentation and fights skin aging without too much irritation.
This squalene-based product ups the game for skin moisture. It’s formulated in such a way that it’ll balance your skin.
The cherry on top: it’s less irritating than many other direct acid formulations in the market today.
Best The Ordinary Antioxidant Products
People love this serum for its effective skin-brightening effects that combat hyperpigmentation.
Key Benefits: Brightens skin; provides skin hydration; smooths out skin texture
Features:
- Contains a gentle 2% concentration of alpha arbutin
- Formulated with hyaluronic acid for extra hydration
- Has a pH of 4.9
Take advantage of a popular skin-brightening ingredient by using this product from The Ordinary.
Alpha arbutin is a tried and tested ingredient that will help fade dark spots and prevent them from returning.
If you’re looking for a super effective and ultra-hydrating version of this skin-lightening agent, don’t hesitate to try this serum for hyperpigmentation from The Ordinary.
This water-based formula contains 2% alpha arbutin with hyaluronic acid for more skin hydration so you can get rid of those dark spots without drying your skin.
Many skincare lovers have this product as a mainstay in their regimen, and we can’t blame them.
Key Benefits: Helps fade dark spots; brightens skin tone; improves skin texture
Features:
- Contains a 10% concentration of azelaic acid
- Not as irritating as other direct acids used in skincare
- Multifunctional formula that addresses multiple skin issues
Give your skin a glow-up with this Azelaic Acid Suspension from The Ordinary!
If you have sensitive skin but still need a direct acid for your hyperpigmentation lineup, why not get The Ordinary’s Azelaic Acid suspension?
This skincare product is less likely to irritate sensitive skin, so it’s safe for daily use.
On top of that, it contains a 10% concentration of azelaic acid that lets you effectively reap its skincare benefits.
When used regularly, the azelaic content of this suspension helps minimize hyperpigmentation, brighten your complexion, and improve your skin texture.
Many choose to pamper their skin with this incredible skincare serum!
Key Benefits: Fades acne marks; soothes irritated skin; improves skin complexion; hydrates skin
Features:
- Features 2% aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder
- Also has 2% N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG)
- Contains added peptide (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4)
Help your skin reach a healthy state with The Ordinary’s Aloe + NAG Solution!
Brighten and soothe your skin with this incredible skincare solution for dark spots from The Ordinary.
It contains aloe extract for calming down your skin and has NAG that helps make your skin more radiant by addressing hyperpigmentation.
In addition to these two potent ingredients, this solution also contains palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 to help with skin texture and barrier support.
So if your dark spots are a result of acne, The Ordinary’s Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution is a must-try.
If you want an organic serum to solve your skin’s hyperpigmentation issues, The Ordinary’s 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil is for you!
Key Benefits: Helps fade hyperpigmentation; boosts skin elasticity; provides extra hydration for the skin
Features:
- All-natural, 100% organic, cold-pressed oil from rose hip seeds
- Gentle enough to be used daily by all skin types
- With high omega-3 fatty acid content
Achieve balanced, radiant skin with this Rosehip Seed Oil from The Ordinary!
With this rose hip seed oil, you can go all-natural and organic when fighting dark spots.
Rose hip seed oil is high in trans-retinoic acid, which has exfoliating and cell-renewing properties that help accelerate skin cell turnover to fade hyperpigmentation spots more quickly.
This potent but gentle ingredient helps hydrate and moisturize the skin while balancing your uneven skin tone and improving your skin’s elasticity.
For those who want to minimize oxidative damage while addressing hyperpigmentation, this serum is a good pick!
Key Benefits: Fights oxidative stress; brightens skin; reinforces skin’s protective barrier
Features:
- Formulated with a 5% concentration of pycnogenol
- Enriched with French maritime pine bark
- Has an oil-like but lightweight texture
Say bye-bye to oxidative stress and dark spots by using The Ordinary’s Pycnogenol serum!
Try The Ordinary’s Pycnogenol 5% if you’re battling dark spots along with oxidative stress.
This serum gives your skin a bright glow by mitigating free radical damage and its visible effects on your skin through its pycnogenol content.
On top of that, its oil-like formulation easily sinks into the skin, ensuring maximum absorption so you can reap its skincare benefits fully.
Keep your skin protected and free of hyperpigmentation with this amazing antioxidant concoction!
Key Benefits: Helps reinforce skin’s protective barrier; mitigates the impact of oxidative stress on the skin; brightens skin complexion; fights signs of skin aging
Features:
- Contains a 3% concentration of resveratrol and 3% ferulic acid
- Has a water-free formula for increased stability
- Suitable for daily use
For radiant, youthful-looking skin, try The Ordinary’s Resveratrol + Ferulic Acid serum!
Up the ante when achieving radiant skin using holy grail skincare ingredients like resveratrol and ferulic acid.
In this two-in-one concoction, you will get antioxidant benefits that improve your skin’s brightness, even out skin tone, and tone down the signs of skin aging.
It’s also good to know that this formula is water-free, so you don’t have to worry about its stability and potency.
Ensure that your skin is protected from UV rays that cause hyperpigmentation with this mineral sunscreen.
Key Benefits: Protects skin from both UVA and UVB rays; minimizes signs of skin aging; keeps skin hydrated and protected; protects from free radical damage
Features:
- Contains broad-spectrum SPF30
- Uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block UV rays
- Formulated with Tasmanian pepperberry extract
Don’t let harmful rays damage your skin using this sunscreen from The Ordinary!
Daily sunscreen use is key to both preventing and treating hyperpigmentation by blocking the UV rays that trigger its worsening through melanin overproduction and skin damage.
This mineral-based sunscreen from The Ordinary has broad spectrum SPF 30 that protects your skin against both UVA and UVB rays, stopping hyperpigmentation in its tracks.
Made with Tasmanian pepperberry extract, this product also gives antioxidant support and soothes easily irritated skin.
The Ordinary’s Best Product Sets
Get all that you need to achieve a brighter complexion with this product set.
Key Benefits: Helps correct uneven skin complexion; eliminates dullness and dark circles; exfoliates skin; promotes healthy skin cell turnover; improves skin clarity
Features:
- Uses a holistic approach to skincare
- Contains a cleanser, caffeine solution, ascorbic acid solution, and a glycolic acid toner
- A no-frills skincare regimen suited for all skin types
Get your brightening skincare regimen started with The Ordinary’s Bright Set!
Creating a skincare regimen that brightens skin and fades dark spots doesn’t have to be complicated. With The Ordinary’s The Bright Set, you’ll have everything you need to get started.
This set includes the Squalene Cleanser, the Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG, the Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution, and the Glycolic Acid 7% Toner.
These products let you achieve a more radiant glow through a holistic approach that includes cleansing, nourishing, brightening, and hydration.
Easily keep your skin balanced and achieve a clear and radiant glow using products from this set.
Key Benefits: Helps clear up skin; brightens the complexion; minimizes skin dullness; smooths out skin texture; helps strengthen skin’s protective barrier
Features:
- Includes cleanser, serum, mask, and moisturizer
- Gentle for everyday use
- Contains products that work together
You can achieve perfect skin balance with this skincare set from The Ordinary.
Maintaining balance in your skin plays a pivotal role in addressing hyperpigmentation because when your skin is balanced, it’s less likely to produce excess melanin in certain areas.
If you need a regimen for this purpose, The Ordinary has your back with The Balance Set. It includes their best products for reaching a perfect balance for your skin.
It has the Squalene Cleanser for cleansing and added moisture, the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 10%, and the Salicylic Acid 2% Masque to improve skin tone and texture.
Additionally, this set also includes the Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA to provide hydration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Some People More Prone to Hyperpigmentation Than Others?
Yes. Usually, those with dark skin tones are more prone to getting dark spots and hyperpigmentation because the skin is already good at producing melanin.
For this reason, triggers like injuries or hormones can easily push it to produce more.
Can I Fade Hormonal Hyperpigmentation With Topical Skincare?
Yes. While the underlying cause of your dark spots is hormonal imbalance, you can also use skincare products and dermatological treatments to even out your skin tone.
Topical skincare targets melanin production at the source. Hormones trigger increased melanin synthesis, but topicals help inhibit the enzymes responsible for melanin production.
In doing so, they slow further darkening even if hormones remain elevated.
What Dermatological Treatments Can I Get for Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots?
Other than a brightening regimen, there are multiple skin treatments that you can get if you want to fade dark spots and fight hyperpigmentation.
These treatments include dermabrasion and microdermabrasion, laser treatments, IPL, and chemical peels which address hyperpigmentation by accelerating skin cell turnover.
They mechanically or chemically exfoliate pigmented layers to reveal lighter skin underneath.
Achieve a Brighter Complexion With The Ordinary Products for Hyperpigmentation
Fighting hyperpigmentation is just one of the many skin issues and concerns that The Ordinary can help you address.
Thanks to effective ingredients made more accessible due to their decent prices, you don’t have to worry about expensive treatments to brighten your dark spots.
Hopefully, this article has helped you create a skincare regimen using The Ordinary products for hyperpigmentation that can bring you that stunning, youthful glow.
Ready to get rid of those dark spots? Add these products to your lineup today!
Want To Know More About Skincare?
Check out these articles: