The Best Hyperpigmentation Serums To Fade Dark Spots, According To The Experts

“Serums have a very fine and lightweight texture, so they are able to penetrate the skin,” explains Ayodele, while Dr Vanita Rattan, cosmetic formulator and CEO of Skincare by DrV, adds a caveat: “Serums with a higher fat content tend to absorb better into the skin compared to silicone-based gels and watery serums.” Then, of course, it’s all down to the ingredients.

“You want a mixture of things that all work in slightly different ways on pigmentation,” shares Ayodele. She recommends hexylresorcinol, alpha arbutin, kojic acid, hydroquinone (on prescription only), niacinamide, vitamin C, retinoid, and liquorice extract. Tranexamic acid, which is similar to glutathione, is also great to use, while “glycolic, lactic and azelaic acid all help to smooth and refine skin texture, getting rid of old skin cells that can hang on to stale pigment on the surface of the epidermis”.