Pigmentation

Pigmentation is uneven skin tone, including dark spots, post-blemish marks and patches of discolouration caused by excess melanin, often triggered by sun exposure or inflammation. This collection focuses on brightening, tone-evening formulas built around ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide and tranexamic acid. Try the SKIN1004 Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule, the Mary&May Tranexamic Acid + Glutathione Eye Cream for under-eye darkness, or the niacinamide-rich Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream.

Acne marks and post-blemish marks. What a breakout leaves behind is not a scar. Flat brown or grey patches are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, while pink and red marks are post-inflammatory erythema. Both fade on their own, though slowly, and sun exposure makes the process slower still. The same brightening actives work here: the Medicube TXA Niacinamide 15 Serum, the AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum, or the PURITO Azelaic Acid 10 Kojic Tea Tree Serum, which suits skin still breaking out. Daily SPF matters more than any active, since UV deepens existing marks.

Most brightening actives sit in our serums, under-eye darkness overlaps with dark circles, and active breakouts sit in acne. Key actives are grouped in our tranexamic acid, niacinamide and azelaic acid collections. To choose between them, read niacinamide vs vitamin C and how tranexamic acid brightens.