Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution Review

While I’m pretty bad at keeping up with what’s on the shelves and in the stores, I am trying. However, I wasn’t surprised to hear Kiehl’s had a serum – Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution.

If you didn’t know, this is not a new product from Kiehl’s. In fact, it’s been around for a while, but this time, I decided to try it out after reading some reviews on it online.

When I first discovered this solution, I wasn’t sure what exactly piqued my interest, as it didn’t instantly stand out to me while browsing through Kiehl’s website — it wasn’t until I watched some YouTube videos that I discovered how popular it has become.

Anyway, I decided to try it out since I’ve been struggling with some hyperpigmentation on my cheeks for over a year now without finding anything that worked.

About the product: Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution works by fading dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation. It contains vitamin C and witch hazel extract, which helps brighten dull skin. According to the packaging, using this product for four weeks will improve your skin’s clarity, texture, coloration, and luminosity.

Ingredients

One of the key ingredients in the Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution is White Birch Bark Extract, Activated C, and a Vitamin C derivative, which helps brighten and correct dark spots over time.

Salicylic acid

This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) is widely known for its wide array of benefits when used in well-formulated cosmetic products. Besides being an exfoliant, it can also fight acne, improve photo-damaged skin and prevent wrinkles.

Activated C

This is a stable (potent) form of Vitamin C. The latter is ascorbic acid known for its brightening and repairing effects. Due to its oxidizing properties, it usually comes in brown bottles and cannot be exposed to the sun. As a result, Kiehl’s has used a potent form to eliminate this flaw. Activated C touts to be an improved version of Vitamin C, offering the same benefits but without flaws.

White Birch Extract

This sugar-derived ingredient helps the skin become brighter, healthier, and softer, simultaneously with Activated C. It is best known for its calming and moisturizing properties.

Lavender oil

The oil contains various compounds that are good for the skin, such as linalool, eucalyptol, and camphor. These compounds have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and soothing properties that can help treat various skin conditions. Additionally, lavender oil contains antioxidants that protect the skin from free radical damage.

Peony extract

An antioxidant that protects against oxidative stress has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties make it beneficial for the skin in many ways, including reducing the signs of aging, treating eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, and reducing the redness associated with rosacea.

Complete ingredients list: Aqua/Water, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Peg/ppg/polybutylene, Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol, 3-o-ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ppg-6-decyltetradeceth-30, Phenoxyethanol, Salicylic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Potassium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil / Lavender Oil, Disodium Edta, Adenosine, Linalool, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Citrus Aurantium Tachibana Peel Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract

Price: About $45 for a 1 oz or 30 ml bottle, which might seem a little pricey at first, but if you think about how long the bottle would last, then it’s not so bad in the end. Buy it on Amazon here or Nykaa.

What causes dark spots?

Dark spot causes vary depending on age, genetics, and recurrent fading from light or exposure. Some persistent discolorations affect the face and appear dull and uneven.

Dark spots are areas on the skin that appear darker or duller than the surrounding area. They can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the face, neck, and hands.

There are many different causes of dark spots, including:

• Sun damage
• Hormonal changes
• Skin conditions, such as melasma or acne scars

Sun damage is the most common cause of dark spots. When exposed to the sun, skin produces excess melanin, resulting in dark spots.

Hormonal changes can also cause dark spots. Usually, the body produces more melanin when exposed to the sun. For example, people who tan quickly usually have very little melanin. However, during pregnancy or menopause, the body may produce more melanin, developing dark spots.

Melasma, or acne scarring, can also cause dark spots on the skin. It causes brown patches and is often triggered by hormonal changes. Acne scars are caused by the rupture of follicles in the skin, leaving a dark spot behind.

You can treat most dark spots with over-the-counter creams or laser treatments. However, if you have a skin condition causing dark spots, you may need to see a dermatologist for treatment.

How do I use it?

Often, serums are applied after toning and before moisturizing. To use a serum, I recommend:

1. Apply a mild cleanser to your face, preferably one without harsh chemicals.
2. Tone your skin with mild rose water if you have normal to dry skin. However, if you have incredibly oily skin and open pores, use a toner with an astringent. (preferably Kiehl’s Blue Astringent Lotion)
3. Use your hands to apply the serum to spots, pigmented areas, or even the entire face. Make sure you do it in a circular motion so that it absorbs into your skin.
4. Apply an oil-free moisturizer after your skin has absorbed the serum, such as Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Cream if you have mature skin, or Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream does it all.

My Experience with Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution

A glass bottle with a dropper houses the serum. This looks remarkably attractive and luxurious, living up to its brand.

Since it is compact, it is easy to carry in one’s purse, making it ideal for travel. The clear glass container discloses the actual amount and transparency of the product. By keeping track of how much is taken out, the dropper helps eliminate product wastage.

This treatment contains a clear, light serum. Apply 3-5 drops to all parts of your face for best results. I recommend 5-10 drops for the chest/shoulder area. Do a patch test first to ensure no allergic reaction.

Because this solution contains retinol, I apply it at night to prevent my skin from becoming sensitive to the sun. I sometimes use it during the day, but I make sure I use SPF. The first time I tried putting the product on my skin, I thought it was sticky. But since then, I’ve gotten used to the stickiness and don’t mind applying the product before bed.

I started using this daily about four weeks ago, and I have to say, I’m pretty impressed. Together with Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Brightening and Exfoliating Daily Cleanser, it has significantly faded my dark spots.

Even though the serum is relatively expensive, it may be a good choice if you’re looking for a dark spot remover that works on any skin type. Results can be seen after just eight weeks of use! Clinical trials have shown that the serum reduces hyperpigmentation by 49%, dark spots by 39%, and post-acne marks by 27%.

More than 1400 positive reviews exist for the acclaimed serum on Kiehl’s, Ulta Beauty, and Sephora. You should read the reviews as part of the process and make an informed decision about whether or not to buy it.

If you suffer from hyperpigmentation, this product is definitely worth a try since it really does seem to be working for me.

Pros

• Compact bottle suitable for traveling.
• Perfect consistency, neither too thick nor too runny.
• No parabens or silicons.
• Helps brighten skin tone
• Noticeable fading of dark spots over time
• Can improve skin appearance in 4 weeks of use.
• Maintains healthy skin at the same time as it treats specific skin problems.
• Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Cons

• You need to be careful with the glass bottle.
• Can be too greasy for some
• Has a strong smell which might bother some people more than others.
• A bit pricey, but worth it since you get so much product!

FAQs

Let’s answer any questions you may have about this serum!

How to Use Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector in Your Routine

You can use it as a spot treatment or on the entire face. Using it as a spot treatment is recommended first and then applying it to the entire face if needed. Kiehl’s recommends using it twice daily, in the morning and evening.

Is Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Serum Recommended to Use as a Spot Treatment or Entire Face?

To use it as a spot treatment, apply a small amount to the desired area and massage it into the skin. Leave it on overnight for best results and rinse it off in the morning.

To use it on the entire face, apply a thin layer over the face and neck. Use your fingers to massage it into the skin until fully absorbed. Avoid the eye area.

Rather than focusing on dark spots, Kiehl’s suggests applying it as a full face treatment and letting it work to reduce hyperpigmentation, facial blemishes, and uneven skin tone. If you prefer spot treatment, use sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage.

Does Kiehl’s dark spot corrector work?

Since the serum’s efficacy varies between individuals, there is no definitive answer to this question. However, it is safe to say that most people who use it will notice some changes in their skin. For example, the spots may start to fade or disappear altogether.

Due to its high levels of Vitamin C, the serum is highly effective in reducing dark spots and improving skin tone. Additionally, the serum’s other ingredients may also reduce the production of melanin in the skin, which may fade dark spots.

Kiehl’s dark spot corrector has excellent reviews overall and is one of the best dark spot serums on the market, though some users dislike it for various reasons. One of the most common complaints is that it is too heavy or greasy and does not work well on severe dark spots.

How does it work?

This serum has been proven to help correct dark spots for quite some time. It works to fade the appearance of dark spots over time by penetrating deep into the skin.

Kiehl’s Dark Spot Corrector vs. Clinique

Well, to be honest, there isn’t a clear winner. Both products are very similar in price, effectiveness, and ingredients.

How can I get rid of dark spots?

• Use a brightening serum. Serums with ingredients such as vitamin C, arbutin, or kojic acid can help lighten dark spots.
• Moisturize: Dry skin can make dark spots appear more prominent. Apply moisturizer regularly to help lighten them.
• Use SPF: Using sunscreen can prevent future dark spots from appearing.
• Avoid tan: sun damage and constant exposure to UV rays can cause dark spots and wrinkles.
• Treat your skin gently. Harsh treatments, such as exfoliation, can cause further dark spots and damage the skin. If you still want to exfoliate, you can use products with glycolic or lactic acid.

Can Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Serum be used on darker skin tones?

Yes, it can be used on darker skin tones. However, the results may take longer to show.

How long does Kiehl’s Dark Spot Corrector work?

For the best results, it should be used twice a day, in the morning and evening. Visible results can take up to 12 weeks to see. It is not recommended to use more than the recommended amount.

Is the serum safe to use while pregnant?

Kiehl’s Dark Spot Corrector is safe to use while pregnant. However, you should always check with your doctor before starting any new skincare product during pregnancy.