sixtyandme logo
We are community supported and may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Learn more

12 Best Products to Get Rid of Age Spots

By Sandra Roussy August 27, 2023 Beauty

Age spots, sometimes called sun spots or liver spots, happen to most of us as we age. They can appear on our face, our hands, and our chest area. They can be small or large and certainly can make us look older.

They are often caused by sun exposure throughout our lives, by hormones as we go through changes, and also genetics can be a determining factor if and when we get age spots.

  1. Loréal Paris Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30 – Loréal Paris REVITALIFT line of products are specially designed for older women. This moisturizer is filled with vitamin C, pro-retinol, and glycolic acid to help even out skin tone.
  2. Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 MAX BRIGHTENING SERUM – Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 MAX BRIGHTENING SERUM is a potent formula combining vitamin C and peptides to effectively brighten and even out the skin tone.
  3. Palmer’s Skin Success Anti-dark Spot Fade Cream – This cream is made with 2% spot-fading hydroquinone, retinol, and vitamin C. Palmer’s is known for affordable products and this cream is the best-selling dark spot corrector at a low price point.
  4. Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector – Neutrogena’s dark spot correcting serum renews the skin, brightens the complexion, and effectively reduces the appearance of stubborn dark spots and skin discoloration, promoting improved clarity and radiance with consistent use.
  5. REVITALIFT Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Peel Pads – Another REVITALIFT product on our list because they are affordable quality products. These daily peel pads resurface dull, uneven tone and rough texture to reveal fresh-looking skin.
  6. Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Dark Spot Corrector – This skin brightener from Garnier contains Hydroxy acids that are an excellent way to exfoliate dead cells from the surface of the skin. With regular use, this product can enhance radiance and improve the hyperpigmentation of your skin.

They are difficult to conceal with regular concealer or foundation, but sometimes CC creams can do a good job. Our Sixty and Me beauty consultant, Ariane Poole, reminds us:

“CC cream has little colour to the eye, but it evens the skin tone. It adjusts to the colour of your complexion. Fresh and youthful, but not anti-aging, it is a natural option for a makeup “novice.” It also slows down exaggerated aging. So, while it does not reverse aging, it can slow down the formation of deep lines and wrinkles.”

Read 7 BEST CC CREAMS FOR MATURE SKIN.

Also read 5 BEST NATURAL CC CREAMS FOR AGING SKIN.

The best thing to do is try to attack age spots as they appear. Many products on the market can help fade or lighten your age spots. These products come in day creams, night creams, serums, or peels.

Clinical procedures with a certified dermatologist are usually recommended when the age spots are very dark and have been there for a long time. However, some at-home products can help fade the look and lighten the affected areas as well.

What Should You Look for When Choosing an Age Spot Remover?

Look for words on the packaging that say:

  • Lightening
  • Brightening
  • Skin tone-evening

Age spot creams work through a combination of ingredients that help to lighten or fade the dark spots and even out the skin tone. While specific formulations may vary among different products, here are some common ingredients found in age spot creams.

Hydroquinone

It is a skin-lightening agent that inhibits the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for dark spots. Hydroquinone is often used in higher concentrations for prescription-strength creams but can be found in lower concentrations in over-the-counter products.

Retinoids

These are derivatives of vitamin A that promote cell turnover and stimulate collagen production. They can help fade age spots and improve overall skin texture and tone.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

AHAs such as glycolic acid and lactic acid help exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting the growth of new, healthy skin cells. This can help reduce the appearance of age spots and improve skin texture.

Vitamin C

As an antioxidant, vitamin C can help reduce the production of melanin and brighten the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help improve the overall appearance of the skin.

Kojic Acid

This natural ingredient is derived from fungi and helps inhibit the production of melanin, leading to a lightening effect on dark spots.

Drugstore Products to Get Rid of Age Spots

Loréal Paris Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30

Loréal Paris Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30

L’Oréal Paris REVITALIFT is a skincare line tailored for mature women. Among their products, the moisturizer stands out with its powerful blend of vitamin C, pro-retinol, and glycolic acid. 

This potent combination works synergistically to address various concerns, including uneven skin tone. Vitamin C brightens the complexion, pro-retinol aids in cell turnover and collagen production, while glycolic acid gently exfoliates, revealing smoother, more even-toned skin. 

With consistent use, L’Oréal Paris REVITALIFT moisturizer can help older women achieve a more radiant and youthful-looking complexion.

Pros

Contains SPF

Reduces dark spots

Cons

On the more expensive range of drugstore products

Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 MAX BRIGHTENING SERUM

The Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 MAX BRIGHTENING SERUM is formulated to target dull and uneven skin tones. This serum combines the brightening properties of vitamin C with the revitalizing effects of peptides. 

Vitamin C helps to fade dark spots, improve skin radiance, and even out discoloration. Peptides, on the other hand, promote collagen production and enhance skin firmness. Together, they work to provide a maximum brightening effect, leaving the skin looking more vibrant, youthful, and illuminated. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly, making it suitable for daily use and compatible with other skincare products.

Pros

Lightweight

Easily absorbed

Cons

May not suit sensitive skin

Palmer’s Skin Success Anti-dark Spot Fade Cream

Palmer's Skin Success Anti-dark Spot Fade Cream

Palmer’s Dark Spot Corrector Cream is a popular choice for those seeking an affordable solution to fade dark spots. It contains key ingredients such as 2% hydroquinone, retinol, and vitamin C. 

Hydroquinone is a spot-fading agent, retinol aids in skin rejuvenation, and vitamin C brightens the complexion. This combination targets and reduces the appearance of dark spots effectively. 

Palmer’s reputation for offering budget-friendly products makes this cream highly sought after. It provides an accessible option for individuals seeking a reliable dark spot corrector without breaking the bank.

Pros

Very affordable

Added sunscreen

Cons

Fragrance may not appeal to everyone

Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector

Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector

This serum from Neutrogena is a dark spot corrector that works to renew the look of skin. It helps to brighten skin tone while improving the look of stubborn dark spots and skin discoloration. It can improve skin’s clarity and radiance with regular application.

Pros

Contains retinol

Cons

Not a moisturizer

REVITALIFT Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Peel Pads

REVITALIFT Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Peel Pads

Another affordable and quality product in the REVITALIFT line is the daily peel pads, designed to address multiple skin concerns. These pads are formulated to resurface the skin by targeting dullness, uneven tone, and rough texture, resulting in a refreshed and revitalized appearance. 

By gently exfoliating the skin’s surface, the pads help to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, revealing a smoother and more even complexion. With regular use, these peel pads contribute to a fresher and healthier-looking skin texture.

Pros

Contains 10% Glycolic Complex

Easy to use

Cons

Needs to be replenished every 30 days

Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Dark Spot Corrector

Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Dark Spot Corrector

Garnier’s skin brightener is a powerful formula enriched with hydroxy acids, making it an excellent exfoliating agent for removing dead skin cells and promoting skin renewal. By effectively exfoliating the skin’s surface, this product helps to enhance radiance and improve hyperpigmentation, resulting in a more even and luminous complexion. 

With consistent use, the skin brightener from Garnier can contribute to a visible reduction in dark spots and an overall improvement in skin tone, leaving you with a healthier and more radiant appearance.

Pros

Contains Hydroxy acids

Affordable

Cons

Hydroxy acid may produce skin reaction

More Products to Get Rid of Age Spots

We have included some products that have higher price tags that can be found in more specialty skincare stores.

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter

Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter

This powerful brightening serum from Clinique helps visibly correct discoloration and spots. It can also help prevent the appearance of future dark spots on your skin.

Pros

Fragrance free

Contains vitamin C complex

Cons

Can’t find in drugstores

SkinCeuticals METACELL RENEWAL B3

SkinCeuticals METACELL RENEWAL B3

This cream from SkinCeuticals is a comprehensive daily emulsion that is formulated to improve the appearance of early signs of aging like brown spots.

Pros

Contains vitamin B3

Cons

On the pricier side

Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C™ Dark Spot Correcting Peel

Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C™ Dark Spot Correcting Peel

This peel from Algenist is a perfect blend of acids and vitamin C to leave your skin smooth and even toned. The formula is balanced out by botanical oils.

Pros

Fast results

Lots of active ingredients

Cons

On the pricier side

Dermalogica Rapid Reveal Peel

Dermalogica Rapid Reveal Peel

Another potent peel, this one from Dermatologica is clinically proven to enhance radiance and visibly reduce fine lines and age spots.

Pros

Contains lactic acid

Fast acting

Cons

On the pricier side

Philosophy – The Microdelivery Triple-Acid Brightening Peel

Philosophy – The Microdelivery Triple-Acid Brightening Peel

The Microdelivery Triple-Acid Brightening Peel from Philosophy delivers advanced anti-aging and brightening benefits in one step with zero downtime.

Pros

Instant brightening

Effects last for days

Cons

On the pricier side

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you tried any of these age spot remover products? Will you try any of them? Do you have any age spot products to recommend? Let us know in the comments below.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

The Author

Sandra is the middle-aged woman you hear about who sheds everything she owns and sets out into the world to rediscover and redefine herself. After more than twenty years spent in the fashion industry designing collections for brands such as La Senza, Victoria’s Secret, and JACOB Lingerie, she shifted her path and pursued her longtime passion for writing, traveling, and photography. Sandra was published in the NY Times best selling book Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It. A deeply personal essay hand-picked by Elizabeth Gilbert about loss, facing fears, and going after dreams. Visit her website: www.sandraroussy.com

You Might Also Like