How to use murad dark spot corrector

Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services.

Many of Us suffer from skin issues — it’s just an unpleasant fact of life! Be it dark spots that never go away or leftover scars from the pimples we used to pop in high school, the list is endless! In some cases, the imperfections we’re dealing with now are even more annoying than our most oily teen years. That’s why we’re still on the hunt for that one perfect product, and we may have found a solution that actually works.

This serum from Murad was specifically designed to help you tackle dark spots and other pesky problems to get you that clear, glowing complexion you crave. With regular use, you could see serious results in just a matters of weeks — and if you keep up with it, your skin could be on the path to eternal clearness!

See it!

Get the Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum for $72, available from Murad!

Get ready to say goodbye to heavy foundation, because this serum is the real deal. This product may be able to save you a visit to the dermatologist’s office. It uses antioxidant resorcinol, which corrects dark spots and prevents future ones from popping up. The formula also contains glycolic acid, which works as an exfoliant to help remove dull skin cells and help bring a brighter appearance to your epidermis.

84% of participants in a clinical study said they saw a noticeable reduction in their dark spots in just two weeks, which is truly awe-inspiring. After a month or two of regular use, results are bound to impress! This serum should be used twice daily for optimal results. After cleansing your face in the morning and at night, apply a thin layer of the serum before throwing on your moisturizer. It’s as simple as that! You can use it on your face, neck and chest, depending on where you suffer most from complexion complications.

See it!

See it: Get the Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum for $72, available from Murad!

The customer pictures that you see associated with this product will make anyone a believer in its magic. Knowing that it’s already amassed such success is seriously promising, and the only way to find out if it works for you is to give it a try! The key with all skincare is persistence and commitment. You have to stay on top of your routine to see the best results, and that seems to be a possibility with this popular serum.

See it: Get the Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum for $72, available from Murad!

How to use murad dark spot corrector

Looking for more? Check out all of the skincare products available from Murad!

Check out more of our picks and deals here!

This post is brought to you by Us Weekly’s Shop With Us team. The Shop With Us team aims to highlight products and services our readers might find interesting and useful, such as wedding-guest outfits, purses, plus-size swimsuits, women's sneakers, bridal shapewear, and perfect gift ideas for everyone in your life. Product and service selection, however, is in no way intended to constitute an endorsement by either Us Weekly or of any celebrity mentioned in the post.

The Shop With Us team may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. In addition, Us Weekly receives compensation from the manufacturer of the products we write about when you click on a link and then purchase the product featured in an article. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product or service is featured or recommended. Shop With Us operates independently from advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback at . Happy shopping!

For access to all our exclusive celebrity videos and interviews – Subscribe on YouTube!

We put Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review. 

Hyperpigmentation is a part of my skincare profile. I have learned to accept it for the most part. However, the journey to acceptance hasn't been easy because seeing dark spots and discoloration staring back at me in the mirror doesn't always make me feel beautiful, especially by modern beauty standards. Even with the insecurities that I feel from time to time, I am now leaning less into perfect skin and more into keeping my skin healthy. 

But that doesn’t mean I’m not up for trying skin treatments that can reveal brighter, healthier skin. This leads me to dark spot correctors. I have typically leaned away from dark spot correctors because they usually don't work, cause my skin to break out, or are made with skin lighteners. Murad's Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum seems to be different. The formula is made without hydroquinone and has ingredients that can help keep the skin barrier protected and exfoliates. Intriguing, right? I agree. 

Keep reading to see how my experience with the correcting serum turned out. 

Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum

Best For: Treating dark spots, and redness

Potential Allergens: None

Active Ingredients: Resorcinol, Tranexamic Acid, Glycolic Acid

Byrdie Clean?: Yes

Price: $72

About the Brand: Founded in 1989 in Los Angeles by Howard Murad MD—dermatologist, pharmacist, and UCLA professor—Murad became the first modern doctor brand developed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and hydrating ingredients to address skincare concerns from acne to anti-aging.

About My Skin: Combination, sensitive with hyperpigmentation 

My approach to skincare has changed with age. At the onset of my hormonal breakouts in my mid-twenties, I thought harsh cleansers and treatments were the only way to breakout-free skin. Boy, was I wrong.

Using drying products made matters worse and disrupted my skin barrier, which I now understand is essential to maintain healthy skin.

These days I keep it simple with a cream cleanser, a weekly non-physical exfoliator, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol (at night), and face oil. For me, it's all about moisture and hydration, even when I have an active pimple or breakout. 

Ingredients: Exfoliating and protective 

Glycolic acid is a hero ingredient that has long been used in acne products. The powerful AHA can also fade discoloration and hyperpigmentation because it sloughs off the top layer of skin, eliminating dead skin cells.

Tranexamic acid, a powerhouse ingredient, has been used to reduce blood loss in patients undergoing major surgery. However, researchers have also discovered the benefits of using the anti-inflammatory, skin barrier-protecting acid for skin discoloration.

The Packaging: Hygienic and compact

A skincare product with a pump is always at the top of my list. The pump makes it easy not to waste or overdo it on the serum. 

Byrdie / Bianca Lambert

The Feel: Like a hydrating serum

After a couple of pumps onto my fingertips, I was pleasantly surprised by the texture of the gel-like treatment. It felt similar to a hyaluronic acid serum without the weight. When I applied it, it felt like it sealed my skin and sunk right in, in seconds. 

The Results: Smoother skin overtime 

When I start a new product, I pay attention to whether or not my skin has had an adverse reaction over the first few days.

I am happy to report no irritation or breakouts in places where I don't usually see pimples.

This might be because I used the treatment only once a day each morning. After all, overloading my skin with acids can end badly. 

Byrdie / Bianca Lambert

I did notice one active pimple crop up shortly after starting to use this, but the serum did help heal the two active hormonal pimples under my chin heal in a couple of days. I'm still using it once a day and have seen the texture of my skin smooth. My dark spots are plentiful and I'm not using the treatment twice a day to prevent skin irritation. So, I'm not expecting all of my spots to fade overnight or even in a few weeks. But, I am enjoying the benefits I am starting to see and feel. 

The Value: Worth it if you're patient

Treating any skincare woe means patience. Skin treatments can be pricey, but they can amp up our skincare regimens. Using this treatment alongside my simple, gentle skincare routine has resulted in visible benefits.

Byrdie / Bianca Lambert

Similar Products: There's some well-formulated competition 

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum ($30): This fragrance-free, paraben-free, mineral oil-free, dye-free serum is made with glycolic acid and aloe. 

Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum ($58): This nighttime 3-in-1 serum is formulated with 14% AHA, gentle flower acids, willow bark-derived BHA, hyaluronic acid, along with a proprietary honey blend for a treatment that reveals brighter, healthier skin while maintaining its moisture. 

Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment ($122): Made with AHA, fermented prickly pear extract, and lemongrass extract, this treatment helps to repair the look of sun-damaged, congested, wrinkled, or dull skin and is even ideal for use on sensitive skin types. 

Final Verdict

There is no such thing as an overnight skincare treatment, but Murad's Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum has changed how I feel about dark spot correctors. I plan to continue to use it to help fade my hyperpigmentation over time.

How long does it take for Murad dark spot corrector to work?

Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum is an intensive at-home treatment that claims to reduce the look of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. During a trial, 84% of people reported a reduction in the look of dark spots after 14 short days of use.

How often should you use dark spot corrector?

Our dark spot corrector serum can be used as a spot treatment or can be applied to the entire face twice a day, morning and night, before applying a moisturizer. You can also apply the facial serum to help reduce visible discolorations on the hands, neck and chest.

Can you use dark spot corrector everyday?

If you want an easy, effective treatment that will continue to address scarring, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots with consistent and continued use over time, the PCA Skin Dark Spot Corrector is an excellent product to use daily with your current skincare routine.

How do I apply for Murad?

1) Apply your products from thinnest to thickest texture. 2) Apply water-based products before oil-based ones. 3) Give your products time to absorb. Wait 1-2 minutes until each product feels dry, before moving on to the next step.