10 Best Melasma Creams in the Philippines 2023 l Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist

We have several reasons why Dermaid Melasma Cream is our top-pick product for melasma treatment. For one, it has a combination of milder natural lightening agents, such as niacinamide, alpha arbutin, tranexamic acid, and red algae extract. It also contains plant extracts such as grape seed, mulberry, and other natural ingredients that have amazing benefits for the skin.

Aside from that, this cream will fade your dark spots without the harsh chemicals. Instead, it contains seawater and skullcap mushroom, which have been proven to have lightening effects on the skin. But that's not all; it also has sodium hyaluronate for plump and youthful-looking skin and aloe vera juice for nourishment and healing.

Topical melasma creams can sometimes feel heavy, as they contain compounds that stick to your skin and can block your pores. If you have oily or combination skin, it is best to find a cream that is non-comedogenic, like Celeteque Dermoscience Brightening. It takes care of your hyperpigmented skin without blocking your pores. 

To lighten dark spots, it uses octadecenedioic acid, a mild lightening agent. This ingredient can significantly inhibit melanin formation without the carcinogenic effect. The cream is also enriched with squalene and vitamin E to nourish the skin, as well as salicylic acid for exfoliation. On top of that, it contains vitamin C to double the lightening efficacy on pigmented skin. 

This brand has become a household name when it comes to face creams. And it's not surprising! Aside from being affordable, the Kojie-San Skin Brightening face cream has proven many times over that it's highly effective for lightening dark spots. It also has a hydro-moist formula that works like magic and keeps skin hydrated. In fact, many users say it feels like a lotion! 

This formula contains natural lightening agents such as niacinamide (B3) and kojic acid that work together to inhibit melanin formation. Niacinamide is also known to refine skin pores, while kojic acid can repair sun-damaged skin. Plus, it is enriched with skin-plumping collagen and the antioxidizing effects of vitamin E.  

This award-winning spot cream from Korean brand AHC combines three botanical ingredients to help treat melasma: red algae, peony, and Vitamin C. Red algae reduce melanin production under the dermal layer while providing skin-friendly nutrients. And because it's combined with peony extracts and vitamin C, it keeps skin hydrated as well. 

Another great thing about it is that it's gentle and non-sticky despite its rich formula. Aside from that, it's enriched with vitamin C derivatives that lighten skin tone and protect it from further sun damage. Satisfied users attest to its effectiveness in lightening their dark spots and leaving their skin bright and healthy. No wonder it won a Beauty Insider award!

Who would know how to treat skin conditions better than dermatologists? That's why, when treating melasma,  you can trust the Belo Kojic Acid + Tranexamic Acid face cream since it was developed by a dermatologist. It works to lighten pigmented skin with a powerful combination of kojic and tranexamic acids.

Kojic acid helps exfoliate damaged skin and bring out the new layer underneath. Meanwhile, tranexamic acid can penetrate deeply and inhibit melanin production. This product also contains shea butter and bee venom that are effective in moisturizing skin and smoothening wrinkles. Best of all, it contains SPF30, which gives you 5 hours of protection from the sun!

If you are looking for a quicker way to get rid of melasma, the Neutrogena Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector might be the product for you. It contains vitamin C to lighten pigmented skin and retinol to speed up cell regeneration. Thus, you will get a fairer and even skin tone and smoother skin. 

Unfortunately, despite its benefits, retinol increases sun sensitivity. Thus, you will still need to wear extra sunscreen when using this product. It is also a good idea to consult a dermatologist before using products with retinol because it may cause allergies for those with sensitive skin. 

If you want to treat hyperpigmentation without synthetic ingredients, try Derma-E Therapeutic Skin Brighten. Made from plant-based ingredients that lighten and nourish the skin, this product is 100% vegan and truly therapeutic. Not only that, it is developed by doctors, an assurance of its quality and safety. 

Moreover, it uses vitamin C and alpha arbutin, which are considered two of the safest lightening agents. It also contains milk thistle that eases skin inflammation and ginseng to provide amazing anti-aging benefits. As if that wasn't enough, this product also offers a little sun protection with the inclusion of zinc oxide!

Want a product that's perfect for oily and acne-prone skin? This cream moisturizer from Some By Mi can help you. Featuring four kinds of cica extracts and tea tree leaf extract, it can help strengthen damaged skin barriers and combat acne and other skin troubles.

Aside from that, this product can also exfoliate with its AHA, BHA, and PHA content. It also has adenosine and niacinamide that can help combat signs of skin aging, like wrinkles, and brighten your skin. Several people who use this product praise its effectiveness in treating acne, clearing complexions, and improving skin's appearance.

Deep dermal melasma can be tough to cure, as it doesn't fade away easily. What you need is a cream with a nano-technology formula to help the lightening agent molecules penetrate deeper. The Melaklear Nano Alpha Arbutin is one example. This cream contains concentrated alpha arbutin nano molecules that can lighten pigmented skin in a shorter period of time.

The other ingredient of this product is sodium hyaluronate, which helps keep skin hydrated by retaining moisture in your skin cells. This is why it's also effective in reducing dryness and wrinkles. Best of all, you can wear this as a day cream because it has SPF 20 to protect your skin from further sun damage. 

Do you want to get rid of melasma fast? Ambi Fade Cream offers amazing results, according to those who have tried the product. It contains hydroquinone, which is considered the "holy grail" for treating hyperpigmented skin. And when combined with alpha hydroxy acid, the result is almost instant.

It is also enriched with vitamin E to help with skin elasticity and octinoxate to provide sunscreen. However, remember to use an additional sunscreen when using hydroquinone, as it increases sun sensitivity. Take note, too, that it is best to use hydroquinone for no more than a month, as it can damage skin cells and worsen melasma with long-term use.