Is retinol or vitamin C better for hyperpigmentation?

Author: Emie Upton  |  Last update: Friday, September 19, 2025

The choice should come down to what you're looking to do for your skin. While vitamin C is most notable for helping to brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, retinol is typically considered best-in-class for wrinkles and fine lines.

Is retinol or vitamin C better for pigmentation?

They are both excellent in anti aging and repairing sun damage, both act on hyperpigmentation, vitamin C is antioxidant and photoprotective, retinoids are useful for increasing skin turnover and getting into the pore.

Which is better vitamin C or retinol?

They both provide similar benefits which is why dermatologists have even given a go-ahead to use the two together. If you have dull and dry skin then you should try Vitamin C first. If your problem is fine lines and wrinkles then you should start incorporating Retinol into your daily skincare routine.

Will retinol get rid of hyperpigmentation?

Retinol benefits the skin in many ways – by stimulating cell turnover, renewing the skin, reducing sebum production and has even been proven to lighten some forms of pigmentation over time. This has resulted in retinol being increasingly touted as a solution for many skin conditions including hyperpigmentation.

Which serum is best for hyperpigmentation?

Shop the Best Hyperpigmentation Serums
  • Best Overall. SkinMedica Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment. Read more.
  • Best for Sun Spots. La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum. Read more.
  • Best for Mature Skin. Dr. Loretta Anti-Aging Repair Serum. Read more.

Alpha Arbutin vs Vitamin C Serum for Hyperpigmentation | Which is Better?

How fast can vitamin C fade hyperpigmentation?

Vitamin C can help reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone, with noticeable results in as little as 3-4 weeks.

What is the most effective treatment for hyperpigmentation?

Hydroquinone. Topical HQ is regarded as the gold standard for the treatment of facial hyperpigmentation. HQ is a bleaching agent that acts by inhibiting tyrosinase to limit melanin production in the skin.

How long does it take for retinol to fade hyperpigmentation?

It can take several weeks before you'll start to see results from retinol, and your skin may look worse before it gets better, so try not to get discouraged. Start slowly and increase your use of retinol gradually.

What is the best retinol for hyperpigmentation and dark spots?

The best retinol we tried for dark spots is The Inkey List SuperSolutions 1% Retinol Serum. It also features apricot kernel oil and squalane in its formula to provide deep nourishment while resurfacing the skin's texture, evening out tone, and addressing dark spots and other blemishes.

Is it better to use vitamin C or retinol at night?

Retinol is recommended for overnight use only and vitamin C is well suited to apply in the morning. In light of this, using your vitamin C in the morning and your retinol at night is a simple and easy way to ensure that these ingredients won't interfere with one another.

Do you put vitamin C or retinol first?

Apply Vitamin C first because it is water-soluble and has a lower pH than retinol, allowing it to absorb fully into the skin for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, your skin will return to its natural pH level-this is vital so that the Vitamin C doesn't lower the pH of the retinol and lessen its effect.

Why can't you use vitamin C and retinol together?

“I don't advise using retinol and vitamin C in the same AM or PM skincare routine, as they are both powerful ingredients, which when together, can irritate the skin,” explains Dr. Hartman. It's easy to separate them, so doing so will ensure you get the maximum benefit without risking irritation, he adds.

Is retinol or vitamin C better for glowing skin?

Benefits Of Using Foxtale's Retinol and Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C and retinol are both effective for anti-ageing, but when combined, they become a powerhouse duo. Vitamin C brightens skin tone and increases collagen production, while retinol minimizes ageing signs and evens out skin tone.

Is retinol or niacinamide better for pigmentation?

Niacinamide and retinol are popular skin care ingredients that can treat acne, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging. While they have similar effects, retinol is more potent. However, it may also cause more significant side effects. It is possible to use the ingredients alone or in combination.

Should you put moisturizer or retinol first?

It's important to always start with clean, dry skin to make the most out of using retinol. Retinol penetrates the skin better and is more effective when applied after gently cleansing the skin with a mild face wash and toning it but before any moisturizer, since it acts as a treatment.

What fades hyperpigmentation fast?

“Treatments containing ingredients like vitamin C, licorice root, and kojic acid help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for the formation of skin-darkening melanin," says Ni'Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist in New York City.

Why is retinol making my hyperpigmentation darker?

If your skin is prone to melasma or has a history of hyperpigmentation, retinol may initially worsen the appearance of dark patches before it improves. Additionally, some individuals experience a “purging” phase where the skin becomes inflamed before showing results, which can contribute to temporary darkening.

How long do retinol uglies last?

The retinol uglies can last anywhere from 4–8 weeks. The exact length of a retinoid purge depends very much on your skin type and sensitivity. The amount and strength of your retinoid product can also play a part. Some people experience a purge flare-up for only a few days, and others don't get it at all.

What worsens hyperpigmentation?

As sun exposure worsens hyperpigmentation it is important to protect the skin with sunscreen on a daily basis. Treatment often begins with a skin care regimen composed of a daily sunscreen, moisturizers, and skin care brighteners.

How do I get rid of hyperpigmentation ASAP?

The fastest way to get rid of hyperpigmentation is through dermatologist treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling, and laser treatments.

What form of vitamin C is best for hyperpigmentation?

"The water-soluble vitamin C is more powerful than the fat-soluble variant." However, if you have sensitive skin, Patel says esterified vitamin C products may be less irritating. They're fat soluble and may be slightly less effective, but can be a better option if your skin is prone to irritation.

Can too much vitamin C cause pigmentation?

It could actually be causing inflammation that leads to even more pigmentation. Vitamin C is also notorious for causing irritation in sensitive skin types, particularly when mixed in your skincare routine with other active ingredients such as AHA's and retinoids.

Which vitamin is best for hyperpigmentation?

Three of the best vitamins for lightening dark spots are vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Vitamin C helps your skin produce more collagen while inhibiting the formation of melanin. Vitamin B12 also promotes collagen formation while supporting the growth of new skin cells.

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