These ingredients include azelaic acid, vitamin C, kojic acid, and alpha-arbutin. Both vitamin C and retinol do help with hyperpigmentation, says Dr. Mitchell. “Vitamin C helps break up pigment and brightens the skin while also protecting it from environmental damage,” she notes. Use a vitamin C and niacinamide every day, and apply a prescription (or nonprescription) product that aids in cellular turnover or lightening in the evening. How we testedWe tested hyperpigmentation products by evaluating ingredients, texture, absorbancy, and whether they caused any irritation.