10 Best Products to Lighten Hyperpigmentation from Bug Bites in 2022 Health ConditionsFeaturedBreast CancerIBD MigraineMultiple Sclerosis (MS)Rheumatoid ArthritisType 2 DiabetesSponsored TopicsArticlesAcid RefluxADHDAllergiesAlzheimer's & DementiaBipolar DisorderCancerCrohn's DiseaseChronic PainCold & FluCOPDDepressionFibromyalgiaHeart DiseaseHigh CholesterolHIVHypertensionIPFOsteoarthritisPsoriasisSkin Disorders and CareSTDsDiscoverWellness TopicsNutritionFitnessSkin CareSexual HealthWomen's HealthMental HealthSleepOriginal SeriesFresh Food FastDiagnosis DiariesYou’re Not AlonePresent TenseVideo SeriesYouth in FocusHealthy HarvestNo More SilenceFuture of HealthPlanHealth ChallengesMindful EatingSugar SavvyMove Your BodyGut HealthMood FoodsAlign Your SpineFind CarePrimary CareMental HealthOB-GYNDermatologistsNeurologistsCardiologistsOrthopedistsLifestyle QuizzesWeight ManagementAm I Depressed? A Quiz for TeensAre You a Workaholic?How Well Do You Sleep?Tools & ResourcesHealth NewsFind a DietFind Healthy SnacksDrugs A-ZHealth A-ZConnectFind Your Bezzy CommunityBreast CancerInflammatory Bowel DiseasePsoriatic ArthritisMigraineMultiple SclerosisPsoriasisFollow us on social mediaShopProducts by ConditionInsomniaStress ReliefBack PainNeck PainSleep ApneaHot SleepersAllergiesPain ReliefProduct ReviewsVitamins & SupplementsSleepMental HealthNutritionAt-Home TestingCBDMen’s HealthWomen’s HealthHealth ConditionsDiscoverPlanConnectShopSubscribe

10 Best Products to Lighten Hyperpigmentation from Bug Bites in 2022

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Sam Lauron — Updated on September 30, 2022Share on PinterestWe include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

A quick look at the best products to lighten hyperpigmentation in 2022

Best overall: Murad Environmental Shield Rapid Age Spot Correcting SerumBest budget: The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% HABest splurge: Skinceuticals Discoloration DefenseBest for clinical results: Paula s Choice Discoloration Repair SerumBest with SPF: Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Dark Spot Sun Defense SunscreenBest vegan: Truly Jelly Booster Pigment TreatmentBest moisturizer: Palmer s Cocoa Butter Eventone Fade CreamBest mask: Borghese Advanced Fango Delicato Moisturizing Mud MaskBest for darker skin tones: Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot SerumBest toner: Bolden Skin Brightening Toner While some are more prone than others, anyone who has spent time outside during the summer months has likely been bit by a mosquito at some point. The symptoms of the bite alone can be irritating — itchiness, redness, inflammation — but for some, mosquito bites can also leave behind dark spots known as hyperpigmentation.

How we chose

To help you determine the best product to use to treat hyperpigmentation, we chose the following lightening products based on expert recommendations, key ingredients, and effectiveness according to reviews.

Pricing guide

$ = under $25$$ = $25–$50$$$ = $50–$80$$$$ = over $80

Healthline s picks of the best products to lighten hyperpigmentation from bug bites

Best overall

Murad Environmental Shield Rapid Age Spot Correcting Serum

Price: $$$Pro: clinically proven to lighten dark spotsCon: product packaging misleading — you get less product than you thinkSkin type: all except sensitiveVegan: yesFragrance-free: noKey ingredients: niacinamide, vitamin C, oligopeptides Murad’s serum has long been a favorite remedy for dark spot correction—and for good reason: in clinical testing, 73% of users saw changes in their skin after six weeks of use. (The brand says that some people may even start seeing fading in just one week.) Formulated without parabens, sulfates or phthalates, this high powered serum evens out skin tone and works as an anti-aging treatment as well. While it’s formulated for all skin types, it may be too harsh on more sensitive skin. Shop now at Amazon

Best budget

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% HA

Price: $Pro: inexpensive yet effective Con: can feel sticky Skin type: allVegan: yesFragrance-free: yesKey ingredients: alpha arbutin, hyaluronic acid This lightweight serum from The Ordinary is highly rated and low cost, which makes it a valuable product for treating hyperpigmentation in general. Formulated with pure alpha arbutin and hyaluronic acid, this concentrated serum targets dark spots and helps reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Plus, because of the hyaluronic acid, skin is left feeling hydrated and soft. Reviewers say that a little goes a long way with this powerful serum. Many people who have used this report significant improvements in their hyperpigmentation and noticed fading of dark spots. Some say the results took longer than they hoped — typically around a couple of months — but otherwise, most users are satisfied with the effectiveness of this inexpensive serum.SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

Best splurge

Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense

Price: $$$$Pro: easy to layer with other products Con: pricey Skin type: combination, oilyVegan: noFragrance-free: yesKey ingredients: tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide Suitable for all skin types, this powerful serum targets visible skin discoloration, whether in the form of dark patches or post-acne scars. Key ingredients include niacinamide, which is one of the most effective ingredients that reduce the appearance of skin discoloration, and acids such as kojic acid and tranexamic acid. Reviewers say they saw a noticeable difference in their skin’s overall brightness, and the dropper is easy to use. Some reviewers say the serum was effective on their melasma, as well as hyperpigmentation caused by acne scars. However, some say it took a long time — up to a few months — to start noticing any improvements.SHOP NOW AT SKINCEUTICALS

Best for clinical results

Paula s Choice Discoloration Repair Serum

Price: $$Pro: pump bottle is easy to useCon: strong formula may irritate sensitive skin Skin type: all except sensitiveVegan: yesFragrance-free: yesKey ingredients: tranexamic acid, niacinamide, bakuchiol, vitamin E Another highly praised treatment for hyperpigmentation, the clinical repair serum from Paula’s Choice is formulated with tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and bakuchiol, which all work together to fade dark spots and minimize discoloration. According to reviews, many who used this serum saw significant improvements to melasma, post-acne scars, uneven skin tone, and dark spots with consistent use. Reviewers report having brighter skin overall, and also praise the lightweight consistency of this serum. However, depending on your skin type, this formula could be too strong and lead to irritation. To avoid overuse, it’s recommended to gradually work this into your routine to see how your skin reacts. SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

Best with SPF

Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Dark Spot Sun Defense Sunscreen

Price: $$Pro: comes in recyclable packaging and is reef-safeCon: leaves a white castSkin type: allVegan: yesFragrance-free: yesKey ingredients: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, melatonin, vitamin C, vitamin E A versatile product, this sunscreen from Dr. Dennis Gross works to protect skin from damage caused by harmful UVA/UVB rays while also reducing the appearance of dark spots and providing other anti-aging solutions. In addition to SPF 50, this facial sunscreen contains a Mela-C complex — a combination of melatonin and vitamins C and E — that helps to prevent hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Many reviewers noticed a difference in the appearance of dark spots and the skin’s overall brightness. Reviewers also love the texture and consistency, saying it’s not too thick, not too thin, and doesn’t leave a sticky residue. However, this sunscreen does leave a white cast that most say doesn’t blend well. With that in mind, this sunscreen may work best for those with lighter skin tones.SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

Best vegan

Truly Jelly Booster Pigment Treatment

Price: $$Pro: easy-to-use dropperCon: has a strong smell Skin type: allVegan: yesFragrance-free: noKey ingredients: vitamin B12, pomegranate extract, witch hazel This vegan pigment treatment is specifically formulated to fade the appearance of hyperpigmentation that’s a result of scars, ingrown hairs, and more. Key ingredients include vitamin B12, which helps reduce skin inflammation — a necessity when treating hyperpigmentation — and antioxidants like pomegranate extract and witch hazel. With a near-perfect rating average, this serum is loved by many. One reviewer said they were “blown away” by how quickly this serum reduced the appearance of their dark spots. However, some reviews say it smells like baby powder, which may be a turn-off for some people. On the plus side, reviewers praise the dropper for being long enough to reach the bottom of the bottle, which helps prevent product waste.SHOP NOW AT TRULY

Best moisturizer

Palmer s Cocoa Butter Eventone Fade Cream

Price: $Pro: budget-friendly Con: can be difficult to blendSkin type: allVegan: noFragrance-free: yesKey ingredients: niacinamide, cocoa butter, vitamin E Nourishing cocoa butter and niacinamide work together to smooth marks and target dark spots and discoloration in this creamy moisturizer. Palmer’s uses its signature cocoa butter as a core ingredient in each product to help hydrate and smooth skin. Combined with niacinamide and retinol, this moisturizer can help create a more even tone. According to reviews, this moisturizer does a good job at evening out overall skin tone. Some say that because the moisturizer is on the thick side it can be difficult to rub it in well. But for the most part, many agree that this cream leaves skin feeling nourished and hydrated.Shop now at Amazon

Best mask

Borghese Advanced Fango Delicato Moisturizing Mud Mask

Price: $$Pro: combats uneven skin tone, acne, and premature agingCon: not many applications per jarSkin type: allVegan: noFragrance-free: noKey ingredients: white honey extract, kaolin clay If you’re looking for a skin treatment that aids in fading dark spots, as well as provides moisture and anti-aging benefits, look no further than this cult favorite mask from Borghese. Formulated with aloe, which studies show has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, renewal and wound-healing effects, this mask is ideal for helping skin heal, especially for those with dry skin. While you can leave the mask on for longer, the brand suggests just 2 to 5 minutes once or twice a week to see results. Because of its gentle formula, it’s suitable for all skin types but is best for those needing extra moisture. Shop now at Borghese

Best for darker skin tones

Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum

Price: $$$Pro: designed specifically for darker skin tonesCon: expensiveSkin type: allVegan: yesFragrance-free: yesKey ingredients: amber algae, niacinamide, encapsulated vitamin C This milky serum is designed specifically for people of color with what the brand calls its Smart Melanin technology, which means that it won’t affect the enzyme that controls melanin production (tyrosinase). With powerful ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C to help combat hyperpigmentation, it’s an effective product that reviewers say also leaves their skin feeling silky smooth. Shop now at Sephora

Best toner

Bolden Skin Brightening Toner

Price: $Pro: works well for those with darker skin tones who may be more susceptible to hyperpigmentationCon: some reviewers said it irritated their sensitive skinSkin type: all, acne-proneVegan: yesFragrance-free: noKey ingredients: AHA glycolic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid This toner by Bolden is designed to fade dark spots and even skin tone while gently exfoliating. It works best on acne-prone skin but it’s suitable for all skin types, and especially those with darker skin. Formulated without animal-derived ingredients, parabens, sulfates or phthalates, all Bolden products are manufactured at a United States FDA certified facility. Shop now at Amazon

A comparison of the best products to lighten hyperpigmentation from bug bites

ProductPriceProConSkin typeVeganFragrance-freeKey ingredients
Murad Environmental Shield Rapid Age Spot Correcting Serum $$$clinically proven to lighten dark spotsproduct packaging misleading — you get less product than you thinkall except sensitiveyesnoniacinamide, vitamin C, oligopeptides
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% HA$inexpensive yet effective can feel sticky allyesyesalpha arbutin, hyaluronic acidSkinceuticals Discoloration Defense$$$$easy to layer with other products priceycombination, oilynoyestranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamidePaula s Choice Discoloration Repair Serum$$pump bottle is easy to usestrong formula may cause irritation on sensitive skin all except sensitiveyesyestranexamic acid, niacinamide, bakuchiol, vitamin EDr Dennis Gross Skincare Dark Spot Sun Defense Sunscreen$$comes in recyclable packaging and is reef-safeleaves a white castallyesyestitanium dioxide, zinc oxide, melatonin, vitamin C, vitamin ETruly Jelly Booster Pigment Treatment$$easy-to-use dropperhas a strong smell allyesnovitamin B12, pomegranate extract, witch hazelPalmer s Cocoa Butter Eventone Fade Cream$budget-friendly can be difficult to blendallnoyesniacinamide, cocoa butter, vitamin EBorghese Advanced Fango Delicato Moisturizing Mud Mask$$combats uneven skin tone as well as other skin concerns like acne and premature agingnot many applications per jarallnonoaloe, chamomile extract, kaolin clay, white honey extract, hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid
Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum$$$designed specifically for darker skin tonesexpensiveallyesyesamber algae, niacinamide, encapsulated vitamin CBolden Skin Brightening Toner $works well for those with darker skin tones who may be more susceptible to hyperpigmentationsome reviewers said it irritated their sensitive skinall, acne-proneyesnoAHA glycolic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

Why does hyperpigmentation happen

Hyperpigmentation occurs when areas of the skin appear darker than the rest. These dark spots are commonly a result of either melasma, sunspots, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — the latter of which can happen as a result of bug bites like those from pesky mosquitoes. “Any inflammation may leave hyperpigmentation,” according to Dr. Ted Lain, Austin-based board-certified dermatologist and chief medical officer at Sanova Dermatology. “However, it is more probable with longer-lasting inflammation.” Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation happens when the initial symptoms of the bug bite start to subside and your skin is left with a dark spot where the bite occurred. To reduce or prevent scarring left behind by bites, it’s important to treat those areas with products that can lighten or fade dark spots.

Ingredients to look for

To treat hyperpigmentation, Lain recommends looking for over-the-counter (OTC) lightening or brightening creams that contain ingredients such as kojic acid, licorice root extract, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, antioxidants, niacinamide, or a combination of these. These products can be in the form of serums, creams, or moisturizers. Regardless of the type of product that works best for your routine and skin type, the most important thing to look for are a few of the key ingredients Lain recommends, as they’re effective at treating hyperpigmentation.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to lighten hyperpigmentation

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, discoloration on the skin will usually fade within 6 to 12 months, but deeper discoloration could take years to lighten. Discoloration may fade sooner if you treat these areas.

Why isn t my hyperpigmentation fading

Sun exposure and inflammation can increase the production of melanin and are the two biggest risk factors for continued hyperpigmentation.

Will hyperpigmentation go away completely

Sometimes hyperpigmentation doesn’t completely go away, depending on various factors, including medications you might take and exposure to the sun.

Takeaway

If you experience hyperpigmentation from mosquito bites, there are several types of skin care products you can use to treat the dark spots and brighten those areas. When you’re looking for a way to treat dark spots from bug bites, look for brightening creams that target dark spots using a combination of dermatologist-approved ingredients like kojic acid or niacinamide, to name a few. Sam Lauron is a freelance lifestyle writer based in Austin, TX. When she’s not writing about wellness, creativity, or personal development, she spends her time reading, listening to true crime podcasts, and soaking up the sunny Austin weather with her partner and their dog. Connect with her on Instagram or Twitter, or by visiting her website. Last medically reviewed on September 30, 2022

How we vetted this article

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Lain T. (2021). Personal interview.
Ludmann P. (2022). How to face dark spots in darker skin tones.
aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/fade-dark-spotsRazia S, et al. (2022). Synergistic effect of aloe vera flower and aloe gel on cutaneous wound healing targeting MFAP4 and its associated signaling pathway: In-vitro study.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35182666/Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Sep 30, 2022 Edited By Mellanie Perez Medically Reviewed By Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN Copy Edited By Naomi Farr Mar 14, 2022 Edited By Aline (Ren) Dias Copy Edited By Copy Editors VIEW ALL HISTORY Share this articleMedically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Sam Lauron — Updated on September 30, 2022

Read this next

Treating Acne with Azelaic AcidMedically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm.D. While the results of treatment with azelaic acid might not be obvious right away, evidence points to this ingredient as effective. Here's what it's…READ MOREHow to Treat Skin Hyperpigmentation NaturallyMedically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R.N. Hyperpigmentation of the skin is an aesthetic rather than a medical concern for people most of the time. Well share 10 at-home treatments you can try…READ MOREWhat's the Deal With Hyperpigmentation on Your Butt?Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Hyperpigmentation on your buttocks can feel embarrassing, but it’s common. Here’s why it happens, how to treat it, and the products that can help…READ MOREWhat Causes a Melasma Mustache and How to Treat ItMedically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Melasma is a skin condition that causes grayish-brown patches to appear, mostly on the face. When it appears on the upper lip, it's referred to as a…READ MOREThe 15 Best Products to Get Rid of Acne Scars, According to DermatologistsMedically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP While some types of acne scarring are best treated by a dermatologist, others may benefit from over-the-counter topical products.READ MOREIs Your Skin Ready for Fall? The Rejuvenating Post-Summer Skin Care You NeedMedically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP Sun exposure can take its toll. Here's how to revive before dry weather hits.READ MORE14 Best Pillowcases for Hair and Skin in 2022Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI Silk and satin pillowcases are considered the best for preserving good hair and skin. Here are the best pillowcases for the beauty sleep you need. READ MOREThe Best 13 Moisturizers for Dry SkinMedically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP Dry skin can happen for a number of reasons. Here are the best moisturizers for dry skin and some moisturizing tips.READ MORE10 Best Face Washes for Dry SkinMedically reviewed by Bukky Aremu, APRN Everyone can benefit from a good facial cleanser, and many products are specially formulated for dry, sensitive skin. Here are the pros and cons of…READ MORE*clone Market VIP* The 11 Best Mattresses for Lower Back Pain in 2022Medically reviewed by Gregory Minnis, DPT These 11 picks are some of the best mattresses for lower back pain. Offering medium-firm support, they’ll help keep you aligned and rested.READ MORE