Differin’s Dark Spot Correcting Serum with 4% Niacinamide helps lighten acne marks, hyperpigmentation, age spots, and freckles over time if used daily. Niacinamide lightens dark spots after four weeks but stops lightening after two months (via Healthline). It also has vitamin C, which can assist in skin brightness. It currently retails for $21.99 at Ulta.
Differin’s hydroquinone serum was a favorite of many dermatologists and won many beauty awards. “I’m a huge fan of Differin’s powerful over-the-counter formulas, and this dark-spot corrector tops my favorites,” dermatologist Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, M.D., told Glamour. Unfortunately, the niacinamide serum hasn’t achieved the same level of love yet, though niacinamides are predicted to be one of the biggest skincare trends of 2022 (via Allure). This serum ultimately has an average rating of four out of five stars on Ulta’s website, with most people saying it’s worked for them when used consistently for several months. Perhaps with time, we’ll find more promising reviews from dermatologists and reviewers, but it hasn’t gained the same momentum that its uber-successful hydroquinone version had. People might still be mourning its loss too much to be open to a replacement this soon.
If you are looking to deal with hyperpigmentation or dark spots, you may be better off using vitamin C serums for hyperpigmentation or Differin Acne Treatment Gel to reduce acne scarring.
