10 Best Creams for Dark Spots in India [August,2023]

Dark spots, also known as hyperpigmentation, are a common skin concern for many people. They can be caused by sun exposure, acne scars, aging, and hormonal changes. Choosing the right dark spot removal cream helps lighten these dark patches, revealing a more even complexion.

In this post, we discuss the cream for dark spots that deliver the best results. We reviewed over 50 products and narrowed it down to the top 10 dark spot correctors and acne scar removal creams in India based on ingredients, effectiveness, safety, and reviews.

Best Creams for Dark Spots in India

Let’s look at each of these creams for dark spots in detail:

1. Lotus Herbals Whiteglow Skin Whitening & Brightening Gel Creme

One of the best creams for dark spots and acne scars, Lotus Whiteglow contains powerful natural ingredients like mulberry, saxifrage, grape, bearberry extracts, and milk enzymes that gently lighten dark spots and improve skin texture.

Key Features:

• Contains mulberry, saxifrage, milk enzymes, and grape extracts
• Lightens dark spots and evens out complexion
• Improves skin texture
• Suitable for oily to combination skin
• Paraben-free and non-greasy gel formula

Rating: 4.1/5

Pros:

• Lightweight gel-based formula suitable for oily skin
• Evens out skin tone and reduces appearance of dark spots
• All-natural ingredients are safe for long-term use
• Paraben and soap-free

Cons:

• May not show quick results, takes time
• Not ideal for very dry skin types

Buy on Amazon

2. Biotique Bio Dandelion Ageless Lightening Serum

Biotique’s Bio Dandelion serum contains dandelion and nutmeg along with mineral-rich extracts that lighten dark spots and improve uneven complexion. The lightweight, non-greasy serum is suitable for all skin types.

Key Features:

• Dandelion and nutmeg lighten pigmentation
• Mineral-rich Himalayan water improves complexion
• Non-greasy light serum quickly absorbs
• No parabens, chemicals or additives
• Dermatologically tested

Rating: 4.2/5

Pros:

• Lightweight, quick absorbing serum
• Natural ingredients are safe for daily use
• Improves texture and evens skin tone
• Works on acne scars, tanning, and melasma

Cons:

• Takes time to see visible difference
• Not suitable for very oily skin

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3. Kaya Pigmentation Reducing Complex

Kaya’s Pigmentation Reducing Complex is a dermatologist-recommended treatment enriched with multivitamins, hyaluronic acid, and ferulic acid that counters pigmentation. The ultra-light, easily absorbing cream calms irritation and reduces stubborn dark spots and acne marks.

Key Features:

• Multivitamins (Niacinamide & Vit C)
• Hyaluronic and ferulic acid
• Lightweight cream formula
• Suitable for oily, dry, sensitive skin
• Dermatologically tested

Rating: 4.3/5

Pros:

• Multivitamins and acids effectively reduce pigmentation
• Ultra-light cream gets quickly absorbed into skin
• Safe for all skin types
• Dermatologically tested, non-irritating

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other creams
• Takes time to show noticeable difference

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Nykaa

4. Himalaya Herbals Clear Complexion Whitening Day Cream

Himalaya’s Clear Complexion day cream helps fade dark spots and improve skin tone. It contains licorice, white dammer, and vetiver that have anti-pigmentation effects along with SPF 15 sun protection. The rich but non-greasy formula is suitable for dry to normal skin.

Key Features:

• Licorice, white dammer and vetiver
• SPF 15 sun protection
• Non-greasy day cream
• No parabens, soap or synthetic colors
• Herbal formulation safe for regular use

Rating: 4.0/5

Pros:

• Lightens blemishes and evens skin tone
• Herbal ingredients are safe long-term
• Contains SPF 15 sunscreen
• Non-greasy texture suits dry skin
• Budget-friendly pricing

Cons:

• Not for very oily or acne-prone skin
• Takes time to show significant results

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Flipkart

5. Garnier Light Complete Serum Cream

Garnier’s Light Complete Serum Cream contains vitamin C that visibly reduces dark spots and acne marks. Lemon essence helps brighten dull complexion while yogurt nurtures the skin. The fast-absorbing cream has a lightweight texture excellent for oily to combination skin.

Key Features:

• Vitamin C reduces dark spots
• Lemon brightens and yogurt nourishes
• Light serum cream texture
• Suitable for oily to combination skin
• Dermatologically tested

Rating: 4.2/5

Pros:

• Affordable pricing
• Lightweight formula absorbs quickly
• Vitamin C and lemon reduce pigmentation
• Gives a brighter, more even complexion
• Good for oily and acne-prone skin

Cons:

• Not for very dry skin
• Can cause irritation in sensitive skin

Buy on Amazon

6. VLCC Snigdha Skin Whitening Day Cream

The Snigdha Whitening Day Cream by VLCC contains the power of wild turmeric, liquorice, and lemon peel oil. This helps lighten pigmentation and brighten dull complexion. The rich, creamy formula provides deep nourishment making it ideal for dry and combination skin.

Key Features:

• Wild turmeric and liquorice lighten skin
• Lemon peel oil brightens complexion
• Rich, creamy texture nourishes dry skin
• Paraben-free
• Affordable pricing

Rating: 4.1/5

Pros:

• Rich formula intensely moisturizes
• Herbal ingredients reduce dark spots
• Brightens and evens out skin tone
• Safe for regular use
• Budget-friendly pricing

Cons:

• Not for oily or acne-prone skin types
• Strong fragrance might not suit sensitive skin

Buy on Amazon

7. Lakme Absolute Perfect Radiance Skin Brightening Night Cream

Lakme’s Absolute Perfect Radiance night cream contains a powerful combo of vitamins B3, C, E, and liquorice extracts that work while you sleep to reduce dark spots and brighten complexion. The luxuriously rich formula restores radiance and evens skin tone.

Key Features:

• Vitamins B3, C, E and liquorice extracts
• Brightens and lightens while you sleep
• Rich, nourishing cream texture
• Suitable for all skin types
• Paraben-free

Rating: 4.4/5

Pros:

• Multivitamins and liquorice reduce pigmentation
• Luxuriously rich formula hydrates skin
• Brightens and evens out skin overnight
• Safe for all skin types
• Lightens acne scars and tan

Cons:

• Expensive
• Takes time to see significant results

Buy on Amazon

8. Pond’s Bright Beauty Spot-Less Cream

Pond’s Bright Beauty Spot-Less cream reduces the appearance of dark spots and blemishes with the power of Vitamin B3 and E. It prevents further melanin production revealing brighter, even-toned skin. The velvety soft cream deeply hydrates and suits all skin types.

Key Features:

• Vitamin B3 and E
• Lightens dark spots and prevents more
• Brightens complexion
• Deeply moisturizing texture
• Suitable for all skin types

Rating: 4.2/5

Pros:

• Affordable pricing
• Vitamins B3 & E effectively reduce dark spots
• Brightens complexion revealing even skin
• Soft, velvety texture hydrates skin
• Can be used daily by all skin types

Cons:

• Produces gradual lightening over time
• Heavy fragrance

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9. Olay Natural White 7 in 1 Instant Glowing Fairness Cream

Olay Natural White cream provides 7 skin benefits in one including reducing the appearance of dark spots. It contains vitamins B3, E, pro-vitamin B5, and allantoin to improve complexion and lighten pigmentation. The non-greasy cream gives instant glow.

Key Features:

• 7-in-1 formula with vitamins
• Allantoin and pro-vitamin B5
• Reduces dark spots and brightens
• Light, non-greasy texture
• Suitable for all skin types

Rating: 4.3/5

Pros:

• Provides multiple benefits
• Vitamins and allantoin improve tone
• Non-greasy, gets absorbed easily
• Instantly brightens dull skin
• Good for daily use by all skin types

Cons:

• Not 100% natural or herbal
• Can cause breakouts in very oily skin

Buy on Amazon

10. Biotique Bio Sandalwood 50+ SPF UVA/UVB Sunscreen Ultra Soothing Face Cream

Biotique’s Sandalwood face cream contains SPF 50 PA+++ broad-spectrum sun protection along with sandalwood and wheat germ oils to lighten dark spots, improve complexion, and reverse sun damage. The soothing, cooling formula is great for oily to normal skin.

Key Features:

• SPF 50 PA+++ sun protection
• Sandalwood, wheat germ oils
• Lightweight cooling cream
• No parabens or chemicals
• Soothing formula for oily to normal skin

Rating: 4.1/5

Pros:

• High sun protection prevents tanning
• Lightens existing pigmentation
• Soothing, cooling sensation
• Gets absorbed quickly without oiliness
• Herbal ingredients are safe for skin

Cons:

• Expensive for just 50g
• Too light for very dry skin

Buy on Flipkart

How to Choose the Best Dark Spot Remover Cream

With countless creams in the market promising spotless skin, choosing the right dark spot remover can be confusing. Here are a few tips to select the best cream for your needs:

1. Know your skin type

Choose creams designed specifically for your skin type – oily, dry, or combination skin. For oily skin, pick gel-based or serum formulas. For dry skin, go for richer, nourishing creams.

2. Check the ingredients

Look for safe, skin-friendly ingredients like vitamin C, liquorice extracts, AHAs, kojic acid, niacinamide, etc. Avoid harsh chemicals like hydroquinone if you have sensitive skin.

3. Understand the cause

If it’s acne marks or melasma, creams with niacinamide work best. For sunspots, choose creams with brightening agents like vitamin C and liquorice that also offer sun protection.

4. Read reviews

Check user reviews on Amazon and Nykaa to understand real experiences and effectiveness before choosing a dark spot corrector cream.

5. Consult a dermat

For stubborn pigmentation or hyperpigmentation disorders, consult a dermatologist. They can prescribe creams with stronger ingredients or recommend treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy.

How to Use Dark Spot Remover Creams

Using your dark spot removal cream consistently and in the right way is key for getting best results. Here are some tips for usage:

• Cleanse – Wash face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry before applying the cream.
• Use SPF – Apply sunscreen in the day even if your cream contains SPF to maximize sun protection. Sun exposure worsens dark spots.
• Apply generously – Take an adequate amount and apply gently over entire face, focusing more on the darkened areas. Massage till it gets absorbed.
• Use twice daily – For best results, apply your dark spot correction cream twice daily – morning and night.
• Give it time – Be patient and use it consistently for at least 4-6 weeks before expecting to see significant lightening of stubborn dark spots.
• Avoid irritation – Do a patch test first especially if you have sensitive skin. If it causes irritation or redness, discontinue use.
• Use other treatments – You can combine your dark spot cream with other treatments like vitamin C serum, glycolic acid toners, etc that help boost its effectiveness.
• Protect from sun – Strict sunscreen usage and covering up can help prevent new dark spots from forming.

So choose the best suitable cream and use it the right way for at least a month to notice dark spots visibly lightening up and your complexion evening out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which ingredients should I look for in dark spot removal creams?

Look for creams containing actives like vitamin C, niacinamide, kojic acid, licorice extract, AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid, etc. They help inhibit melanin production and gently exfoliate to fade dark spots.

Q. Which is better for dark spots – creams or serums?

Serums have a higher concentration of active ingredients and penetrate deeper. But creams offer better moisturization. Combining a dark spot serum with a nourishing cream can give great results.

Q. Can dark spot remover creams lighten acne scars?

Yes, creams containing vitamin C, retinol, AHAs or products like Kojic acid creams that inhibit melanin production can help reduce the appearance of acne marks and scars gradually.

Q. How to remove dark spots naturally?

Some home remedies to lighten dark spots naturally include aloe vera gel, lemon juice, raw potato slices, honey, buttermilk, yogurt masks, and exfoliating with ingredients like oatmeal and sugar. But they provide slower and weaker effects compared to medicated creams.

Q. Is hydroquinone safe for skin lightening?

Hydroquinone can effectively lighten dark spots but can cause irritation in some people. Long term use or higher concentrations without medical guidance can cause side effects. So dermatologist-prescribed low concentrations are considered safe for limited short-term usage.

Q. Can dark spots return once removed?

Hyperpigmentation causing dark spots can recur if the underlying condition persists and with unprotected sun exposure. So while using dark spot creams, avoid further sun damage with sunscreens and cover-up. For melasma, keep using creams even after spots lighten.

Q. What is the price range for dark spot removal creams in India?

Effective dark spot removal creams from reputed brands cost between ₹200 to ₹3000 depending on the brand, formula, quantity, and ingredients. Prescription creams with hydroquinone cost higher starting from ₹600 onwards.

Q. How long does it take for a dark spot corrector to work?

It takes 4 to 6 weeks of consistent usage twice daily to see visible reduction in the appearance of dark spots and improvement in skin tone. For stubborn hyperpigmentation, using it for 12 weeks shows good results.

Conclusion

Dark spots and hyperpigmentation caused by various factors like sun damage, acne scars, aging, etc can make skin look uneven and dull. Using a good dark spot removal cream suited to your skin complaint helps brighten complexion, even out tone and reveal your inner glow.

Choose from popular options like Lotus Whiteglow cream, Kaya Pigmentation Reducing Complex, Olay Natural White cream and other creams containing vitamins, liquorice, AHA, Kojic acid etc based on your skin type and specific concerns. Use them diligently along with sun protection for spotless, radiant skin.