Concern Guide
Pigmentation & Dark Spots
Dark spots and uneven tone come from excess melanin production, usually triggered by sun exposure, inflammation (including old acne), or hormonal changes. Every ingredient here works faster with daily sunscreen and slower without it.
N
Niacinamide
Regulates oil, calms breakouts, and fades post-acne marks — a form of vitamin B3.
R
Retinol
Speeds up skin renewal — effective for acne, texture and pigmentation, but needs a real ramp-up period.
P
Pure Vitamin C
The gold-standard vitamin C for fading dark spots and adding antioxidant protection — but it oxidizes fast, so store it away from light.
A
Azelaic Acid
A gentle multi-tasker for acne, pigmentation and redness — one of the few actives most sensitive skin tolerates well.
G
Glycolic Acid (AHA)
The fastest-penetrating AHA — strong results on texture and dark spots, with a real risk of over-exfoliating if rushed.
K
Kojic Acid
Fades dark spots by blocking melanin production — never combine with vitamin C in the same routine.
A
Alpha-Arbutin
A gentle, stable pigmentation-fader — a sensible first active for dark spots if you haven't used one before.
T
Tranexamic Acid
Interrupts the inflammatory trigger behind dark spots — especially useful for hormonal or post-inflammatory pigmentation.
F
Ferulic Acid
An antioxidant that stabilizes and boosts vitamin C — almost always used alongside it, in the morning, under sunscreen.
Z
Zinc Oxide
A mineral UV filter that reflects rather than absorbs sunlight — the one ingredient every other active on this page depends on.
L
Lactic Acid (AHA)
A gentler AHA than glycolic acid — a reasonable first exfoliating acid for sensitive or beginner skin.