The Best K-Beauty Products for Dark Spots and Pigmentation

Struggling with stubborn dark spots or an overall dull complexion? We know just how frustrating it can be to work with, from extra colour correction before applying makeup to overusing active ingredients and having to soothe irritated skin. 

There's a lot to consider but here at PURESEOUL, we've compiled some of our brightening faves for a more radiant, even complexion!

While cleansers aren't the heavy lifters in this routine, incorporating some tried and true brightening ingredients from the first step can help to maximise results and get you to your skin goals faster. 

beplain - Vita C Cleansing Balm

• This balm is formulated with 15 vitamins including vitamin C derivatives and niacinamide to brighten dark spots and pigmentation.
• Fruit-derived enzyme papin gently melts away dead skin cells and pore waste to smooth out rough texture and boost product absorption.
• Vitamins B and H fortify the skin's healthy barrier and vitamin F boosts moisture for a supple finish after cleansing.
• Its sherbet-like texture melts into a watery oil and rinses off seamlessly.

Hanskin - Vitamin C Glow Powder Cleanser

• The vitamin C derivative ascorbic acid powers this cleanser and helps to brighten dull skin and stubborn pigmentation.
• Papaya enzyme and amino acid-based cleansing agents remove impurities to leave the skin feeling refreshed.
• This powder lathers into a thick cream cleanser when you add water which you can control to customise the level of exfoliation.

Toners are essential in balancing your skin's pH levels and providing light hydration. Plus, these recommendations gently exfoliate makeup residue, dead skin cells and other impurities to rejuvenate and prepare the skin for the rest of your routine.

ONE THING - Niacinamide 10%

• Infused with the viral skincare ingredient niacinamide, this toner targets dark spots and pigmentation to promote a more even complexion.
• It also refines the look of pores and softens rough texture, preparing your skin for the next steps in your routine.
• With a watery, lightweight formula, this toner absorbs seamlessly to provide light hydration and is suitable for daily use. 

Sungboon Editor Meoru Podo VitaC Dark Spot Pad

• These pads are pre-soaked with the patented Meoru Vita C, a powerful blend of antioxidant-rich meoru extract, vitamin C derivatives, tranexamic acid and niacinamide to tackle pigmentation.
• PHAs gently exfoliate rough texture and promote cell turnover to reveal a glowing complexion. 
• Each pad is made of a soft, 3-layer material that you can stretch to sit on your face as a DIY mask. 

Finding an effective serum is a super important step when you're tackling dullness and pigmentation. Here are some of our recommendations that are guaranteed to reveal illuminated skin.

NEEDLY - Vita Glow Toning Ampoule 

• Formulated with Needly's patented Vita C_Trus complex containing a powerful blend of yuzu extract, kakadu plum extract and grapefruit extract.
• Niacinamide and the vitamin C derivative sodium ascorbyl phosphate work together to target stubborn acne marks for a visibly more even complexion in just 2 weeks.
• Hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration to leave the skin feeling plump and smooth.
• This hypoallergenic formula is suitable for all skin types, is lightweight and absorbs effortlessly for a moist, soft finish. 

NEOGEN - Real Niacinamide 15% Serum

• This triple-function treatment targets dark spots and promotes a more even complexion.
• A powerful blend of 15% niacinamide (vitamin B), ferulic acid and alpha-bisabolol refines texture, clears acne scarring and leaves the skin glowy. 
• With a lightweight formula, this serum leaves the skin moist without clogging your pores, perfect for acne-prone skin types.

Celimax - Pore + Dark Spot Brightening Serum

• Infused with a concentrated blend of tranexamic acid, niacinamide and the patented Melazero V2, this serum blocks the spread of excess pigmentation and brightens stubborn dark spots. 
• It refines the look of enlarged pores to leave the skin visibly smoother while plant-derived hyaluronic acid gives a boost of long-lasting hydration. 
• The lightweight formula absorbs without leaving a sticky residue and is suitable for daily use.

It's time to lock in all the hard work you've put into this routine with a nourishing cream to keep your skin looking glowy and feeling moist, plump and silky smooth.

Sungboon Editor - Meoru Podo VitaC Dark Spot Cream

• This lightweight lotion effectively brightens dark spots while deeply moisturising the skin.
• A concentrated blend of antioxidant-rich Meoru grape extract, ethyl ascorbic acid (a vitamin C derivative), tranexamic acid and niacinamide brighten the skin for a more even, glowing complexion.
• Pumped full of hyaluronic acid and resveratrol, moisture and elasticity are boosted to leave your skin plump and bouncy. 
• Made with 67% grape water giving it a light purple colour, this lotion absorbs seamlessly without a sticky residue.

Hanskin - Vitamin A Glow Retinol Cream

• Formulated with retinol, panthenol, ectoin and tocopherol (vitamin E), this powerful cream promotes cell turnover, improving the look of dark spots and pigmentation.
• It replenishes moisture to wrinkles caused by dryness and boosts elasticity for an overall bouncy, more youthful touch. 
• It comes with a hygienic pump dispenser, preserving the efficacy of the ingredients and making it super easy to use.
• This is a great beginner option for all skin types looking for a retinol to add to their PM skincare routine.

A powerful Sunscreen with broad UV protection is essential in any skincare routine but especially in a brightening one. Sun damage is the most common reason for new dark spots forming and active ingredients can leave your skin more sensitive than usual, so make sure you're topping up your sun protection throughout the day! 

Real Barrier - Cera Moisture Barrier Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++

• This sun cream provides your skin with powerful UV protection while nourishing the skin's healthy barrier.
• A patented Multi-Lamellar Emulsion (MLE) containing 3 ceramides mimics the skin's natural structure, allowing panthenol to absorb and soften rough texture.
• Hypoallergenic, lightweight and infused with 65% essence, it deeply hydrates and balances moisture levels, leaving the skin plump and supple.

Heveblue - Black Yuja Bean Water Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++

• Heveblue's patented black yuja bean blend containing brightening yuja water is perfect for a dark spot-targeting routine.
• Barrier-nourishing ingredients like the patented AAFerm complex combined with UVA and UVB-blocking chemical filters ensure all-day comfort under the sun without any white cast.
• Its milky texture effortlessly absorbs into the skin, designed to provide moisture and protect sensitive skin types.

MIGUHARA - Daily Herb Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++

• Keep your sun protection portable with this compact, sweat-proof formula which offers full spectrum UV protection.
• Infused with calming chamomile and lavender, protect easily irritated skin all day without a white cast. 
• Top up your sun protection throughout the day with hygienic, hands-free application.

Athé - Vegan Relief Sun Cushion SPF50+ PA+++

• This unique, vegan sun cushion is perfect for protection on the go and caters to sensitive skin with its mild formula.
• Enriched with the patented Alpinyouth complex, this cushion combats dryness with a botanical blend to leave the skin plump and with a natural finish.
• The jumbo-sized cushion is a must-have in any handbag, perfect for easy re-application on your whole body, not just your face!

Shop the full range online or an exclusively curated selection in store

Soho:

70 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0BJ

Westfield White City:

Westfield Shopping Centre, Ariel Way, London W12 7GA

Oxford Westgate:

Westgate Centre, 231 Quesn St, Oxford OX1 1PE

Brighton:

1-2 North St, Brighton BN1 1EB

Birmingham Bullring:

SU519A, Moor St, Birmingham B54BU

Manchester:

Unit U5, Manchester Arndale, Manchester M4 3AQ