Ingredients for the look of dark spots and uneven tone
For the look of dark spots and uneven tone, common ingredients with published research include vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid, alpha arbutin and tranexamic acid. Retinoids and exfoliating acids such as glycolic acid can also help tone look more even over time by working on the surface. Results are gradual, and a spot that changes or persists is worth showing to a dermatologist.
| Ingredient | What it does | Label flag |
|---|---|---|
| Acetyl Glucosamine | Acts as a water-binding skin conditioner and may support the look of uneven tone in some formulas. | No specific flag recorded |
| Arbutin and Alpha-Arbutin | Added to tone-focused products to help improve the appearance of dark marks and uneven skin tone. | No specific flag recorded |
| Azelaic Acid | Added to products aimed at the appearance of blemishes, redness and uneven tone. | No specific flag recordedContext matters |
| Bakuchiol | Used in formulas targeting the appearance of fine lines and uneven tone without being a retinoid. | No specific flag recorded |
| Glycolic Acid | Added to exfoliating products to help shed surface skin cells and improve the look of rough texture. | Context matters |
| Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate | Added to leave-on retinoid products to improve the appearance of fine lines and uneven texture over time. | Context matters |
| Mandelic Acid | It is added to exfoliating formulas to help smooth the appearance of rough texture and uneven tone. | Context matters |
| Niacinamide | Usually the headline active, added for the look of tone, texture and oiliness. | No specific flag recorded |
| Retinol | Retinol and related cosmetic retinoids are added to improve the appearance of fine lines, texture and uneven tone over time. | Context matters |
| Tranexamic Acid | Topical tranexamic acid is included in tone-focused serums and creams to help improve the look of dark marks. | No specific flag recorded |
| Vitamin C | Vitamin C and its derivatives add antioxidant support to formulas aimed at dullness and uneven-looking tone. | No specific flag recordedContext matters |
| Licorice Root | Added to conditioning and brightening formulas to support a comfortable, more even-looking complexion. | No specific flag recorded |