What's In My Jar

Even Skin Tone Playbook

Fade dark spots, brighten dullness, and achieve a more uniform complexion.

This playbook is for you if you have:

  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
  • Sun spots or melasma
  • General dullness and uneven skin tone

Keep in mind:

  • SPF is non-negotiable – UV undoes all progress
  • Results take 2-3 months minimum
  • Melasma may need professional treatment

Daily Routine Skeleton

Morning (AM)

1
Cleanse

Gentle cleanser

daily

2
Brighten

Vitamin C or Niacinamide

daily

3
Moisturize

daily

4
SPF

SPF 50+ recommended

daily

Evening (PM)

1
Cleanse

daily

2
Treat

Retinoid or targeted brightener

daily or alternate

3
Targeted Optional

Spot treatment on dark areas

as needed

4
Moisturize

daily

Tip: Start simple. You don't need every step right away. Master the basics (cleanse, moisturize, SPF) before adding treatment steps.

Top Actives for This Goal

These ingredients have the strongest evidence for this skin goal. You don't need all of them – pick 1-2 to start.

Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)

Also called: ascorbic acid, l-ascorbic acid, vitamin C

Inhibits melanin production and brightens overall tone.

brightnessantioxidant protectionuneven tone
Effective: 10–20%
Usage: Daily in AM (best before sunscreen)
Low irritation
Find products Learn more

Tranexamic Acid

Also called: tranexamic acid, TXA

Particularly effective for melasma and stubborn spots.

melasmadark spotspost-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Effective: 2–5%
Usage: Daily, AM or PM
Low irritation
Find products Learn more

Azelaic Acid

Also called: azelaic acid

Gentle brightener that's safe for sensitive skin.

rednessuneven toneacnerosacea
Effective: 10–20%
Usage: Daily, AM or PM
Low irritation
Find products Learn more

Alpha Arbutin

Also called: alpha arbutin, arbutin

Stable tyrosinase inhibitor for dark spots.

dark spotsuneven tonebrightness
Effective: 1–2%
Usage: Daily, AM or PM
Low irritation
Find products Learn more

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Also called: niacinamide, nicotinamide, vitamin B3

Prevents melanin transfer to skin cells.

pore appearancebarrier supportuneven toneoil control
Effective: 2–10%
Usage: Daily, AM or PM
Low irritation
Find products Learn more

Thiamidol

Also called: thiamidol, isobutylamido-thiazolyl-resorcinol

Newer active with strong clinical evidence for spots.

dark spotsmelasmahyperpigmentation
Effective: 0.2%
Usage: Daily, consistent use for 8+ weeks
Low irritation
Find products Learn more

Reading Path

0/5 completed

Read these articles in order for a complete understanding. Mark them as read to track your progress.

how to build a good routine for pigmentation issues

Complete pigmentation routine guide

8 min read Read article

azelaic acid what is it used for skincare

The gentle multi-tasker for tone

5 min read Read article

thiamidol

Newer brightening ingredient explained

4 min read Read article

care products for melanated skin

Special considerations for darker skin tones

6 min read Read article

vitamin c ascorbic acid for anti aging

Vitamin C for brightening

6 min read Read article

Ready to Take Action?

Use our tools to build your personalized routine and find the right products.

Build a routineDecode ingredientsFind brightening products

Related Playbooks

Anti-Aging

A simple, evidence-based path to smoother texture and fewer fine lines.

Sun Protection

Master daily SPF habits and protect your skin from UV damage.

Sensitivity & Redness

Calm reactive skin, reduce redness, and rebuild tolerance to products.

Back to Skin Guide