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    40 Products Designed To Help You Get A More Even Skin Tone

    Whether you have acne scars, sun spots, or dark spots you'd like to minimize, these products are here to the rescue.

    1. A L'Oreal Paris 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum that combines vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to target dark spots.

    The gel serum

    2. The Foreo Luna Mini 3 – an amazing face-cleaning brush that vibrates to remove makeup, dirt, and oil, removing all the bad stuff in your face, and leaving you with amazing skin in as little as 60 seconds.

    (left) BuzzFeed editor Maitland Quitmeyer with the Foreo on her face with the words "Makeup, dead skin cells, excess oil, grim, etc. All gone in 60 seconds" (right) Closeup of the hot pink brush, showing what the silicone brush looks like

    3. A 2.5% retinol serum formulated to boost collagen production and fade discoloration. (Just be careful and start using this product slowly — and always apply sunscreen before heading outside!)

    the bottle of retinol serum

    4. Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant more than 17,000 (!!!) reviewers swear by to unclogs pores, get rid of dead skin cells, and leave you with clearer skin. Plus, people with sensitive and allergy-prone skin say it's great.

    5. A splurge-worthy Sunday Riley lactic acid serum with a cult following and more than 2,000 five-star reviews praising its ability to make your skin look better by targeting pores, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots.

    the white and gold lactic acid treatment bottle

    6. Mighty Patch Original pimple patches made to pull out all the gunk in your zit, reducing the size and appearance in only a matter of hours. Just be warned — you may be grossed out by what comes out of your face.

    On the right: a hand with a pimple patch stuck to the finger with gunk on it On the left: the pimple patches sitting next to the packaging, showing how small they are

    7. Nip + Fab Daily Cleansing Pads soaked in 5% glycolic acid to give you a gentle chemical exfoliation that will make your skin brighter and clearer. Plus, it also has hyaluronic acid that adds moisture and witch hazel that tones and soothes your face. Yes, this one product really can do it all.

    8. A Bioré Charcoal Daily Face Wash that strives to exfoliate and remove dirt and makeup leaving a cleansed, gleaming face.

    The face wash in its packaging

    9. Some Weleda skin food, which is technically an ultra-rich body cream, but many reviewers use it as a face mask to help hydrate their skin the natural way, without preservatives, fragrances, colorants, or mineral oils.

    the green skin food bottle

    10. Glossier Solution made with a 10% blend of skincare acids to "unglue" dead skin and clearing your complexion.

    11. A dark-spot corrector cream made from natural ingredients formulated to brighten and even out skin tone.

    Collage of images showing before and after using Citygoo Dark Spot Corrector Cream for acne and dark spots, alongside the product container

    12. A THAYERS Alcohol-Free Coconut Water Witch Hazel Facial Toner that removes impurities from the skin and establish a health pH balance for the skin.

    The Thayer's witch hazel

    13. A Mario Badescu glycolic foaming cleanser to not only remove makeup, dirt, and oil, but also exfoliate the skin and leave it looking brighter.

    reviewer holding the cleanser bottle

    14. A LilyAna Naturals retinol cream you can use both day and night to fade sun damage, spots, and acne scars.

    15. A jar of Aztec healing clay masks cult-followed by many (you may have seen all over your TikTok FYP) because it works to get the gunk out of your pores, eliminating the acne you have now *and* preventing acne in the future. Yes, it really is that good.

    16. A Garnier SkinActive micellar water made with vitamin C to brighten dull skin and combat dark spots. Use it as a gentle cleanser in the morning to prep your skin for the day, or as a makeup remover at night to wipe away anything that might be irritating your face.

    Reviewer photo of the yellow bottle of micellar water

    17. A L'Oréal Paris BB Cream for hydrating your skin and neutralizing its tone in a single application. Perfect for those days when you don't feel like putting on a full face, but want a little *something* to even out redness, fatigue, dark spots, or splotchiness.

    Tan tube of anti-fatigue bb cream

    18. A La Roche-Posay moisturizer formulated with ceramide and niacinamide to soothe your skin, retain hydration, and protect its barrier, thus giving you a baby-soft and even complexion!

    reviewer side by side of their red skin and their skin with reduced redness
    tube of the moisturizer

    Promising review: "I am 60-years-old with rosacea and very sensitive skin. I’ve tried several lotions with age related ingredients and I always seem to run into issues with the product either doesn’t work or it’s too strong for my sensitive skin. This lotion is great! I have been using for a few weeks now and it has softened my skin, evened out my skin tone and reduced wrinkles. I’ve already ordered my second tube." –Beth

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in two sizes and in sets).

    19. A Paula's Choice Discoloration Repair Serum that's aptly named for its hyperpigmentation-and dark spot-combatting powers! It's made with ingredients like tranexamic acid, bakuchiol, and niacinamide that target uneven marks in your skin, visibly reducing their pigment (on all skin types). 

    Purple bottle of Paula's Choice Discoloration Repair Serum with pump dispenser on a soft background
    Amazon

    Promising review: "This lotion is amazing! You can see improvement within two or three days. I have serious skin damage on my face, brown spots that absorb the sun when exposed. This product will lighten those areas and can be used before bed and under makeup. I'm not so self-conscious any more." –Judy Denver

    Get it from Amazon for $55

    20. A soothing K-beauty snail mucin essence whose hydrating formula repairs and rejuvenates stressed and irritated skin, as well as fades dark spots. Bonus points: it also helps to prep your skin for the rest of your skincare routine, allowing your skin to drink up your other products more effectively.

    Promising review: "This stuff is AMAZING! I was super hesitant to buy it because I was weirded out by it but decided I’m almost 40, I’ll try anything to stay young. I’ve been using it for just under 2 weeks and I can’t believe how much my skin has improved. More even skin tone, less sun spots, overall just smoother skin. I have sensitive skin so when I start using a new product, I always breakout. Not with this. My skin has never looked so great, and after just 2 weeks. I’ve recommended this to so many people already. Just buy it already!" —Bonnie

    Get it from Amazon for $19.35+ (available in two sizes).

    21. A face and body oil formulated with lavender and chamomile, plus vitamin A and E for dry, dull, and uneven skin. Reviewers love to use it to tackle hyperpigmentation and scars (both old and new) and even as a makeup remover!

    Promising review: "I feel like the redness and irritation on my skin have gotten better after just a few applications! I have PCOS, which also gives me these darker patches of skin on my neck and inner thighs and this seems to have really improved that already too! I’ve been putting this on as part of my morning and evening routine (it recommended using it twice a day) my skin stays hydrated all day but not oily like I was worried about, it seems to absorb fairly quickly! I will definitely be making this a permanent part of my skincare routine and buying more." –Darcy Y. McDaniel

    Get it from Amazon for $10.26+ (available in three sizes).

    22. An exfoliating body scrub that reviewers with keratosis pilaris (aka, "strawberry skin") and other textured skin-related issues swear by. It'll gently buff and brighten your skin, leaving you with a radiant complexion and seriously reduced redness. 😍

    model using the scrub on their thigh and holding the purple bottle
    before and after of a person's red and bumpy arm and then their smoother, less irritated skin
    Sephora

    Promising review: "Honestly…wow. I have sensitive skin and usually can’t deal with manual exfoliation but this didn’t irritate my skin at all. AND IT WORKED! It helps with KP on my arms, sebaceous filaments on my chest and ingrown hairs on my legs. Literally perfect." –Meliss27

    Get it from Sephora or Amazon for $12+ (available in two sizes and three scents). 

    23. A Herbivore Blue Tansy mask that'll make you look like a Smurf while it helps balance out your skin tone and clarify any blemishes.

    24. An e.l.f. tone adjusting face primer that'll neutralize your skin tone with its green hue and help your makeup stay put all day long.

    25. A Cetaphil redness relieving facial moisturizer with SPF 40 because we love a multi-tasker. Not only will this protect you from the sun's harsh rays, but it'll make your skin look good doing it.

    26. Stila One-Step Color-Correcting Facial Serum that'll help brighten and color-correct your complexion before you apply makeup. A blend of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins help prep your skin and minimize dark circles and redness.

    The reviewer above used this facial serum to cover up a bad sunburn!

    Promising review: "I bought this to combat the redness that my face would get after a few hours at work. At first i didn't really notice anything spectacular, just another primer. But after a while i realized when i looked in the mirror at work i wasn't all red! I didn't change my makeup, after a few weeks i actually switched to a lower coverage makeup and still didn't look like a teenager who just said something stupid to her crush! I don't know what kind of gods or witches or warlocks make this stuff but i will be buying it forever. Thank you for this awesome product!" —Pezgirl

    Get it from Amazon for $32 (available in two other shades).

    27. Glow Recipe Redness Relief Serum is formulated with ceramides to help reduce redness and irritation, while antioxidant-rich avocado works to deeply nourish your skin.

    28. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer is a GOAT for many but rosacea sufferers will especially find its magic-like covering prowess helpful for when you're aiming for a full-coverage lewk.

    model with half of face with concealer, half of it without concealer

    29. Mario Badescu Azulene Calming Mask contains soothing azulene, chamomile extract, and balsam peru, making it a solid (anti-inflammatory) option for any babes who've found that their sensitive skin doesn't exactly gel with most masks on the market.

    a hand holding a brush and dipping into the jar of the mask

    30. A SolaWave LED therapy light that reviewers say can help fade dark spots and even tone with just a few weeks of regular usage.

    Person holding an LED facial tool with glowing lights, positioned over a woven surface

    31. An Estée Lauder night serum that'll help even out your skin tone while you get some beauty rest.

    Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum bottle with dropper, labeled "Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex."

    32. Ambi Even and Clear Advanced fade cream because it'll help lighten and clear up dark spots in as little as two to three weeks.

    Skincare progress collage: side views of a person showing gradual improvement in complexion from three months ago to today

    33. Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow, aka a godsend for your pores. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract, and cactus water, this toner not only locks in moisture and helps minimize the appearance of pores and wrinkles but also exfoliates and decongests your skin with PHA and BHAs! True to its name, it'll also leave you with a gorgeous dewy glow. ✨

    reviewer with glowing skin and minimized pores
    Glow Recipe skincare products with watermelon slices, featuring Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner and Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

    Promising reviews: "I am in love with this toner. It has given me the most perfect glow. I love applying makeup over it because it makes my skin look so flawless and pore-free! It is definitely worth the price!!" —Fatima

    "Sometimes it can be difficult to know if a skincare product is making a difference. I see the difference immediately with this product. It absorbs well into the skin, evens out the skin tone and helps with pores. This product is an example of how sometimes the most expensive is not always the best." —Jezabel

    Get it from Amazon for $16+ (available in two sizes). 

    34. TruSkin vitamin C serum that helps to even your skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Over 92,000 (!!) reviewers have given it 5 stars for its truly magical results, and many love it as a budget-friendly alternative to pricey faves like SkinCeuticals.

    A reviewer with dark skin showing the serum lightened the acne scars on their forehead and cheeks until they were basically gone
    reviewer's face with some acne spots on forehead and chin (left) and same reviewer's face (right) with less acne spots after using the serum for a week

    Just dab some on after cleansing your face and top it with your favorite moisturizer!

    TruSkin Naturals is a small business that specializes in skincare products. 

    Promising review: "This serum works wonders on my skin. I had slight hyperpigmentation on my face, and I do have acne scars; my skin looked dull and lacked moisture. After I applied this serum every day in the morning, my skin looks so much better than before. My pigmentation is reduced; my skin looks fresh and moisturized. I am very happy with my purchase, and I highly recommend this to buy." —Kavita

    Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in two sizes).

    35. Saem hydrating eye stick with ingredients like Icelandic glacial water, moss and seaweed extracts, and niacinamide to address dark circles, lines, and puffiness — all without oils. If you feel like *nothing* gets rid of those all-nighter eye bags, this might just be your savior. For a top-notch experience, use after refrigeration to help better reduce puffiness!

    The reviewer holding tube of eye stick next to box it came in
    Reviewer with dark undereye circles before using the stick and brightened, smoother undereyes after using the stick

    It also can help tighten the appearance of eye wrinkles if you'd prefer for them not to be as noticeable. 

    Promising review: "I have always had bags and dark circles under my eyes and have tried sooooo many things. I was skeptical that this would work, but oh. my. goodness. This little stick is amazing. The puffiness was gone. Dark circles, still there some but definitely not as bad. It also smells really nice and absorbs instantly. Plus, the container is cute. I highly recommend to anyone else who has tried all the things and been disappointed." —HeartsUnfold

    Get it from Amazon for $9.39 (also available in two other formulas).

    36. TirTir milk toner to give your skin a little hydration boost before moisturizing or putting on makeup. It's formulated with chamomile, which reduces redness and irritation, and rice bran extracts to help even skin tone and enhance brightness.

    Close-up of a hand holding TIRTIR Milk Skin Toner bottle with the lid off, placed on a marble counter, showcasing the product
    person with closed eyes and a clear skin complexion. Their hair is wrapped up in a towel

    Psst…It's also alcohol-free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free, making it perfect for even the most sensitive of skin.

    Promising reviews: "For a toner, this is SO hydrating and just heavenly. It's perfect for makeup prep as it has just a tad of tackiness right after applying. Goes on under my serums and moisturizer perfectly and I've noticed a huge difference in my skin. I saw it recommended by a YouTuber and tried it and it's now a daily use for me, which is rare because I have very sensitive, acne-prone skin and I'm very picky about skincare. I can't recommend this enough, truly." —Amazon Customer

    "One of my favorite finds from watching TikTok videos. Definitely worth the hype. Feels amazing on the skin. I keep it in the fridge!!" —VickyT

    Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in two sizes, a lighter version, and a travel size).

    37. Blume Meltdown Acne Oil that nourishes skin instead of drying it out. Use it before moisturizing or mix it in for a full-face coverage. Its rosehip, blue tansy, tamanu, and black cumin seed formula helps to fight current pimples, reduce acne scars, and even prevent future breakouts. 

    Side-by-side comparison of a person's facial skin condition before and after treatment, with less acne after
    Blume

    HuffPost Shopping writer Haley Zovickian says, "I have had hormonal, cystic acne since adolescence and still deal with painful hormonal acne, plus skin that's somehow dry *and* oily. On top of that, my skin has somehow become more sensitive with every passing year so I'm very careful about what I put on my face. I was initially skeptical that an oil of all things would help my skin, but I LOVE this thing. It is somehow so lightweight while feeling truly nourishing. My breakouts have cleared up since starting this product, and my skin is less oily and more even, like the oil has been balanced out. 

    "I've been looking everywhere for a skincare product with black cumin seed oil (a v underrated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory oil that helps fade pigmentation and is gentle enough to calm even eczema), so I was delighted that it was a main ingredient in this. Also, can I just say the product's push-down (instead of squeezing) dropper packaging is ingenious?!"

    Get a 0.5 oz. bottle from Amazon for $47 or  two 0.5 oz. bottles direct from Blume for $54 (originally $59).

    38. An Innisfree daily UV defense sunscreen is being called by reviewers their "holy grail" of sun protection. It has SPF 36, which is *chef's kiss* for everyday use. It’s formulated with green tea for hydration, cica to soothe redness and irritation, and sunflower seed oil to nourish the skin. And the best part? It leaves behind a beautiful glow with zero white cast.

    Close-up of a woman's face with text:
    Person in maroon shirt inside a car with sunlight on face, text above reads

    Promising reviews: "My holy grail SPF. The scent is mild, and the sunscreen goes on my skin like a dream. I’ve tried maybe 20 other sunscreens (American, Korean, and Japanese), and this one is my top pick for everyday wear." —Symphanie Park

    "I LOVE this product, I swear by it, and I’m pretty sure this is my 3rd or 4th time purchasing it! As a woman of color, finding a sunscreen that didn’t give me a white cast / ashy finish was very challenging, so I'm glad I’ve come across this product! It goes on the skin so smoothly. I apply moisturizer first, then the sunscreen, and have no trouble spreading a little over my entire face! I seriously don’t leave the house without this; I keep it on me at all times! It gives you a glow and makes your skin feel so much softer. I also feel like some of my dark spots have faded due to this product! Also, I have VERY sensitive skin, so everything breaks me out, but this has not!" —Sierra Keyes

    Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in two sizes).

    39. An Anua pore-clearing cleansing oil that visibly sucks out sebum from your pores and removes makeup residue and blackheads, leaving your skin looking clearer and more even, and feeling smoother. Reviewers of all skin types swear by it, including those with acne-prone skin (who say it doesn't cause breakouts)!

    the reviewer with glowy glass skin
    Close-up of a finger with a small speck, possibly a splinter, highlighted by a hand-drawn arrow

    BTW, many reviewers mention that they use this as part of their double cleansing routine. As the name implies, double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice: first with an oil-based cleanser, and again with a water-based cleanser to help get all the yucky stuff out of your pores.

    Promising review: "BEST OIL CLEANSER I SWEAR. I’ve gone through 3-4 bottles now, and it continues to cleanse my skin AMAZING. It melts makeup, clears pores. Honestly, it's heaven-sent. The first time I used it, it cleared a significant amount of my sebum, and even now, when I use it, it removes any dead skin and dirt I have, even when I don’t wear makeup. BUY IT, it's amazing. You can see all the dirt that came out of my face recently in the photo [above, right]." —rexichor

    Get it from Amazon for $17.69 (also available in a mild formula for sensitive skin).

    40. A kombucha skincare set because it's got everything you need to have your skin glowing and even in no time. Every product, from cleanser to eye cream, is made with kombucha to help reduce skin inflammation. Redness? I don't know her.

    Skincare products displayed against a tiled background, featuring various bottles and tubes labeled as kombucha-infused for face and body care

    Don't be this shocked when you look in the mirror and see how good your skin looks!

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