Key ingredients: resorcinol, tranexamic acid, glycolic acid | Fragrance-free: no
Best for Mild Melasma: Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum
Why we love it: Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum has built a loyal following for its gentle yet effective approach to fading hyperpigmentation in a broad range of skin tones, including those with darker skin—for whom some potent skin-lightening agents can sometimes do more harm than good, leading to irritation and even hypo-pigmentation. That’s not the case with this formula, which was designed to be easygoing on skin. “I recommend this product to patients with sensitive skin who have mild melasma that want to treat it at home,” says Dr. Hartman. “It can be used all over the skin, or just on melasma patches specifically, and can be used daily.” The formula combines powerful but gentle ingredients like tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide to tackle dark spots, acne scars, and uneven tone. And while the sulfur-like scent might be a little strong at first, “it doesn’t linger,” says Dr. Hartman.
Editor’s tip: Niacinamide is a multitasker that blurs the look of dark spots, evens your skin tone, and balances your complexion.
Key ingredients: tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide | Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective treatment for melasma?
When it comes to treating melasma, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. “Melasma is one of the most frustrating pigment conditions to treat because it isn’t just a skin-deep issue—it’s hormonally and heat-sensitive, and easily re-triggered,” says Dr. Sung. That’s why she emphasizes a thoughtful, layered strategy that uses different approaches. “A thoughtful layering of microneedling, a topical lightening agent, and antioxidant-rich aftercare helps the speed and sustainability of results,” she says. Oral tranexamic acid (delivered as a pill) is also an effective option for many.
While lasers can help this skin condition in some cases, she notes that many laser or light devices (including red light therapy masks) can make melasma worse. “Microneedling can be excellent, especially when paired with PRP [platelet-rich plasma, which uses the patient’s own blood to boost healing, calm inflammation, and enhance results],” she says. “Chemical peels can work but must be carefully selected to avoid rebound pigmentation—I typically introduce peels later in the treatment plan, once the skin barrier is strong and daily SPF is a habit.”
How do you get rid of melasma ASAP?
There’s no one-step solution for melasma, but targeting it from multiple angles can deliver faster results. “The fastest results come when we approach melasma on four fronts: suppress melanocytes, exfoliate pigment, reduce inflammation, and block UV/heat triggers,” says Dr. Khalifian. That might look like a tailored routine of prescription topicals, gentle exfoliants, antioxidants, and religious sunscreen use of at least SPF 30
Does melasma go away on its own?
Melasma usually doesn’t go away on its own, and it can get worse without treatment. “At best, it may fade seasonally. At worst, it can deepen and spread, especially with sun, heat, or hormonal triggers,” says Dr. Khalifian. That’s why early intervention and long-term maintenance are key. While it won’t go away for good, melasma “can go into remission with diligent maintenance and symptom management,” she explains. Once visible pigment fades, Dr. Khalifian recommends shifting to a plan that includes “antioxidants, light peels, and occasional laser touch-ups—more about control than cure, similar to how you’d manage acne or rosacea,” he says.
Meet the experts
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology based in Birmingham, AL
- Asmi Berry, DO, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in LA
- Saami Khalifian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of SOM Aesthetics in San Diego, CA
- Sarah Sung, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist of The Perq based in Seattle
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
