Dark spots, uneven skin tone, sunburn, and hyperpigmentation - if you’re dealing with any of these, trust me, you’re not alone. In fact, these are some of the most common skincare concerns among Nigerians. And who could blame us? With the scorching heat and intense exposure to the sun in Nigeria, anyone who isn’t religiously applying sunscreen and using the right brightening treatments in their skincare routine is at serious risk of developing stubborn dark spots.
But the sun isn’t the only culprit. Dark spots can also be caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Those are dark marks left behind by acne, bug bites, or even minor injuries. Additionally, normal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy or from conditions like melasma, can also lead to discolouration. And let’s not forget about improper skincare habits, like using harsh exfoliants or bleaching creams that do more harm than good.
If you’re reading this article, it’s a clear sign that you’re ready to get the right dark spot treatment to reverse any old acne scars, sun damage, or uneven skin tone.
I have rounded up some of the best dark spot correctors for your face and body, all under ₦20,000. This list contains potent serums with niacinamide and tranexamic acid to glow-boosting toners and sunscreens that prevent further darkening.
I can assure you that these budget-friendly products will have you on your way to a brighter, more even complexion in no time.
1. Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum
If you’re struggling with age spots, acne scars, or sun damage, this Good Molecules serum with a cult following is your skin’s new best friend. It’s powered by 3% tranexamic acid, a dermatological ingredient known to target discolouration and even out skin tone. It also has 4% niacinamide which works to refine texture, reduce dullness, and minimise pores.
With a pH level of 5.5, this serum helps prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from worsening. It can be used daily as the third step in your skincare routine before applying your moisturiser and sunscreen. Price: ₦16,625 (from ₦17,500). Where to Buy: Shop Beauty By Daz.
Customer review: “My daughter has had acne and scarring since her teens ( 27 now), and she has never found anything this effective!! She has been using it for about a month, consistently, and she says her face looks and feels smooth with much lighter spots. She said it gives her more confidence and she doesn’t feel bad without makeup. I’ve NEVER seen her so happy with a product.”
2. I’m From Rice Toner
Niacinamide and vitamin C usually steal the spotlight when it comes to brightening, but rice extract deserves just as much attention. The I’m From Rice Toner is formulated with ground Yeoju rice to deeply hydrate, remove impurities, and gently exfoliate for an even complexion. It also contains gamma oryzanol, a powerful antioxidant that helps to reduce dullness and protect the skin against UV damage.
Plus it’s also a gentler alternative to harsher brightening ingredients. If your skin feels dull or dry, this toner will bring it back to life.
Additionally, it contains niacinamide and purslane extract to further increase your skin’s radiance while soothing irritation. It is suitable for sensitive and dry skin. Price: ₦17,000. Where To Buy: Shop Nectar Beauty Hub.
3. Acwell 5.5 Licorice pH Balancing Serum
Licorice isn’t just great in tea; it’s also excellent for fading dark spots. This serum contains licorice water and licorice root extract, known for their brightening and anti-inflammatory properties. Liquorice calms and soothes irritated skin visibly fades dark spots and prevents pigmentation disorders like age spots and melasma.
This serum also uses Pycnogenol (pine bark extract) to boost antioxidants, while glutathione and niacinamide help fade scars and even out skin tone. It also has a pH-balanced and fragrance-free formula that is safe for even the most sensitive skin. Price: ₦13,500. Where To Buy: Shop Buy Better.
READ ALSO: Glow On A Budget: The Best Vitamin C Serums Under ₦20,000
4. Dr. Althea Vitamin C Serum
If you love a high-potency vitamin C formula, the Dr. Althea Vitamin C Serum is the one to grab. With 20% vitamin C complex, this serum works overtime to fade dark spots, boost collagen, and brighten dull skin. It targets stubborn discolouration, dullness, and uneven tone while improving skin firmness. But unlike some harsh vitamin C serums, this one is formulated with niacinamide and panthenol to keep your skin barrier happy.
It uses soothing botanicals like Centella asiatica and hippophae rhamnoides fruit extract (sea buckthorn) to calm and nourish while it brightens. Price: ₦18,500. Where To Buy: Shop Hermosamart.
5. Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum
If your skin is easily irritated but you still want to reap the benefits of vitamin C, this is the perfect solution. Consider this the gentler version of the serum above. With a lower concentration of 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (a stable vitamin C derivative) and a minimalist ingredient list, it gently brightens without causing redness.
It has an oil capsule system that gently breaks as you rub it on your skin for a refreshing and hydrating effect. It also uses Camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf water to soothe the skin.
This is a beginner-friendly vitamin C serum with a watery, non-sticky texture. It’s recommended for anyone with sensitive, acne-prone skin. Price: ₦18,500 (from ₦20,300). Where to Buy: Shop Hermosamart.
6. SKIN1004 Brightening Ampoule
If your skin needs brightening and deep hydration, this ampoule is a dream. Made with Madewhite™, a patented ingredient that naturally enhances radiance. It also contains 4% niacinamide and 2% tranexamic acid which work together to fade dark spots and prevent further discolouration. Thanks to its Oil-in-Water-Gel technology, it provides long-lasting hydration without feeling heavy. Price: ₦16,100. Where To Buy: Shop Hermosamart.
Customer review: “I have been using this product for literally only a week and I could totally see the difference. My face feels amazing. And I have very sensitive skin and I was afraid to actually try something new, however this has done the job for me in only less than one week!!”
READ ALSO: The 7 Best Acne-Fighting Azelaic Acid Products That Actually Work
7. Celimax Pore + Dark Spot Brightening Sunscreen
Sunscreen is non-negotiable when treating dark spots; this one does double duty. SPF 50+ PA++++ shields your skin from UV damage while treating dark spots with niacinamide and tranexamic acid. It also contains panthenol, which helps calm inflammation and prevent post-acne marks from darkening.
This is a great everyday sunscreen if you want to protect and treat your skin simultaneously. It has no white cast and is perfect for all skin tones. Price: ₦19,000. Where To Buy: Shop Rhema Beauty Shop.
8. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF 50+
For anyone who loves moisturising sunscreen, this one combines Centella asiatica extract and hyaluronic acid for deep hydration while providing SPF 50+ protection. It’s also infused with antioxidant-rich plant extracts to keep your skin healthy and glowing, nourishing your skin barrier, while preventing sun-induced pigmentation. It has a serum-like texture, and it is perfect for dry and combination skin types. Price: ₦17,000. Where To Buy: Shop Care Values.
9. Medix 5.5 Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening and Firming Cream
Dark spots and hyperpigmentation don’t appear only on your face; your body can suffer from them, too! This multi-purpose cream combines vitamin C, turmeric, and ferulic acid to fight discolouration and deeply moisturise the skin with shea butter and aloe vera.
It hydrates, firms, and evens skin tone, giving you a smooth, glowing complexion over time. This formula will make your entire body look and feel amazing from your arms, chest, or back.
Interestingly, this lotion contains ginger and ginseng. They both work to boost collagen production by making the skin firmer and evening out the complexion.
It also gets bonus points for being gentle enough to double as a face moisturiser (we love a good multi-tasking product!). Price: ₦17,300. Where To Buy: Shop Nectar Beauty Hub.
Dark spots don’t stand a chance against these affordable brightening solutions. If you prefer serums, toners, or SPF-infused skincare, these products will help you achieve a clear, even complexion without draining your wallet.
But remember to patch-test all of these products before fully committing to them, as they all contain potent ingredients that some people might be sensitive to. Fading dark spots also takes time and requires consistency, so stick with your routine, pair your brighteners with sunscreen, and watch your skin transform and glow up.