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Best Korean skincare for dark spots and pigmentation
Not all dark spots are created equal, and the best way to treat them is to find the right ingredients and products to target the root cause of your pigmentation.
not sure which type of pigmentation you have? tap to find out
the four types of pigmentation explained
sun spots
flat brown patches from UV exposure. appear on cheeks, forehead, and nose over time.
post-acne dark marks (PIH)
brown marks after breakouts heal. caused by excess melanin production in the skin.
post-acne redness (PIE)
pink or red marks after breakouts. caused by damaged blood vessels, not pigment. needs different Korean skincare to PIH.
melasma
symmetrical patches from hormones or sun exposure. the hardest type of pigmentation to treat. needs tranexamic acid and strict SPF.
Flat brown patches caused by UV exposure over time, most common on cheeks, nose, and forehead. The best ingredients are vitamin C, niacinamide, and AHA exfoliants to gradually fade existing marks. SPF every morning is non-negotiable. Without it, new spots will keep forming.
Brown or tan marks left after a breakout heals, caused by excess melanin production in the skin. Responds well to niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and vitamin C. Consistent use over 8 to 12 weeks is key. These marks take time to fade but they will respond to the right actives.
Pink or red marks left after a breakout, caused by damaged blood vessels rather than excess pigment. Because it is a vascular issue, not a melanin one, ingredients that target dark marks will not help. Look for niacinamide, azelaic acid, and centella asiatica to strengthen vessel walls and calm redness.
Symmetrical patches usually triggered by hormones or UV exposure, most common on the upper lip, cheeks, and forehead. The most stubborn type of pigmentation to treat. Tranexamic acid is the gold standard active. Strict daily SPF is non-negotiable. Melasma will return without it, even after fading.
no exact matches. chat to our team and we will find what works for you.
SPF is essential for every type of dark spot and pigmentation.
shop SPF →active ingredients guide
effective ingredients for dark spots and hyperpigmentation
azelaic acid
PIE and inflammationreduces redness from PIE and fades post-acne dark marks. anti-inflammatory and gentle on sensitive skin.
niacinamide
where to startreduces melanin transfer, fades dark spots, and calms redness. suits all skin types.
vitamin c
sun damage specialistblocks melanin production and protects skin from UV damage.
tranexamic acid
deep pigmentationthe gold standard for melasma and pigmentation.
retinal / retinol
cell renewalaccelerates skin cell turnover to fade dark spots faster.
AHA / BHA
exfoliation boostchemical exfoliants that speed up pigment turnover.
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skin cupid explains
watch Skin Cupid explain the types of pigmentation
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