How to Get Rid of Dark Upper Lip Safely

April 10, 2026

By: Lauren Sindel

Discover our guide on how to get rid of a dark upper lip (aka, melasma mustache) so you can finally put down the concealer. 

To treat dark upper lip, apply a brightening vitamin C serum daily and exfoliate with glycolic acid twice a week.

• Truly’s The Brightening Face Serum contains vitamin C + tranexamic acid which help regulate excess melanin activity in skin cells and visibly fade upper lip discoloration.

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The Brightening Face Serum

Fade Dark Spots & Hyperpigmentation

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The best treatment for upper lip pigmentation is Truly’s The Brightening Face Serum. A dermatologist-tested serum that visibly fades dark patches around lips with a brightening, antioxidant-rich blend of vitamin C and tranexamic acid.

How to Get Rid of Dark Upper Lip

Discover our top tips and best products for melasma moustache.

1. Brighten with Vitamin C & Tranexamic Acid

The best way to get rid of upper lip shadow is to use a targeted brightening product with vitamin C that works on hyperpigmentation at the source, not just the surface. Studies show topical vitamin C significantly improves pigmentation, according to a systematic review of 139 patients.

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The Brightening Face Serum

Fade Dark Spots & Hyperpigmentation

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Apply a small amount of Truly’s Brightening Serum to the upper lip area once daily (preferably in the morning or evening depending on skin sensitivity). This formula combines stable, oil-soluble vitamin C with tranexamic acid to reduce excess melanin activity and fade dark spots without harsh bleaching or irritation.

2. Exfoliate with Glycolic Acid

Exfoliation is a key step in treating darkness around mouth. But it needs to be done properly or else you risk inflammation, which can worsen melasma. Glycolic acid is a good choice. This alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) removes pigmented skin cells and boosts cell turnover, which helps to brighten the mustache area and fade hyperpigmentation.

Cloud Cream Pro-Peptide Facial Moisturizer

Plumping Gel Cream

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Apply a thin layer of Truly’s Cloud Cream Pro Peptide Facial Moisturizer in the evening. It contains glycolic and lactic acids, which gently exfoliate and help reduce upper lip hyperpigmentation.

Use it 2–3 times per week at first, then adjust based on how your skin responds. If your skin feels sensitive, reduce frequency rather than increasing intensity.

3. SPF 30+

If there is one step that determines whether your results last, it is sun protection. Sun exposure is one of the main triggers of upper lip pigmentation, melanin overproduction, and dark patches around the mouth. Without sunscreen, even the best skincare routine will struggle to deliver visible long-term results.

Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and apply it every morning as the final step in your routine. Reapply every 2–3 hours if you are outdoors, sweating, or exposed to direct sunlight.

Think of SPF as the maintenance step that prevents your dark upper lip from returning while active ingredients work to fade it.

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The Brightening Face Routine

Brighten & Even Skin Tone

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For upper lip shadow, a full routine works faster than single products. This bundle targets hyperpigmentation, excess melanin, and uneven tone in one simple system.

Get everything together and save 10% with the bundle instead of buying separately.

What Is a Dark Upper Lip?

A dark upper lip refers to a visible hyperpigmentation or shadow above the upper lip area that makes the skin look darker than the surrounding face. It can appear as a faint shadow or a more noticeable patch, depending on skin tone and cause.

This condition is often described using different terms, including:

• Melasma mustache
• Sun mustache
• Upper lip shadow
• Summer mustache (when it becomes more visible during sun exposure)
• Upper lip pigmentation
• Dark patches around the mouth

In simple terms, it is an area where the skin produces excess melanin, leading to uneven tone above the lip. For some people, it appears gradually over time, while for others it becomes more noticeable during summer months due to increased UV exposure and sun-induced pigmentation.

What Causes Dark Upper Lip?

A dark upper lip develops when the skin in this area produces more melanin than usual. This excess pigment builds up gradually, creating the appearance of a shadow, uneven tone, or darker patch above the lip. The most common causes include:

Sun Exposure (UV damage)

The upper lip is often exposed to sunlight. Over time, UV rays stimulate melanin production, leading to upper lip pigmentation and dark spots. This is one of the most common and preventable causes.

Hormonal Changes

Fluctuations in hormones like estrogen can trigger a type of pigmentation called melasma, often affecting the upper lip, cheeks, and forehead. This is why it may appear during pregnancy or with birth control use.

Hair Removal Irritation

Waxing, threading, or shaving can irritate the skin. Even mild inflammation can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in sensitive areas like the upper lip.

Genetics and Skin Tone

Some skin types naturally produce more melanin, making them more prone to pigmentation and uneven tone in high-friction or high-exposure areas. If you have a family history of hyperpigmentation, there’s a chance you might develop it too.

Skincare and Lifestyle

Harsh skincare products, over-exfoliation, or lack of sun protection can all make a dark upper lip more noticeable over time. That’s why we highly recommend using our recommended dermatologist-tested treatment options for upper lip hyperpigmentation.

How to Prevent a Dark Upper Lip

Preventing melasma mustache is often easier than treating it once it becomes visible. The goal is to reduce triggers that increase excess melanin production and pigmentation over time. Here’s how to avoid upper lip darkening.

• Daily SPF 30+ (non-negotiable): UV rays are one of the biggest causes of upper lip pigmentation. Reapply when outdoors.
• Shave instead of waxing: Waxing or threading can trigger irritation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Shaving is the safer alternative.
• Stay consistent with brightening ingredients: Vitamin C, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide help regulate uneven pigment over time.

Are Home Remedies Worth It?

Home remedies like lemon juice, baking soda, or DIY scrubs are often recommended online for a dark upper lip, but they can do more harm than good. While they may seem natural, many are too harsh for the delicate skin around the mouth and can lead to irritation, worsening hyperpigmentation, and increased sensitivity to the sun.

The reality is that pigmentation issues like melasma mustache or upper lip shadow respond better to clinically backed ingredients such as vitamin C, tranexamic acid, glycolic acid, and niacinamide.

If your goal is visible improvement, targeted skincare is usually more effective and safer than DIY remedies.

FAQ: Dark Upper Lips

How Do You Treat Dark Upper Lips?

Gently exfoliate to remove pigmented cells and apply a brightening serum like Truly’s The Brightening Face Serum with vitamin C.

What is the Best Ingredient for Dark Circle Around Mouth?

Ingredients like kojic acid, azelaic acid, glycolic acid, vitamin C, and tranexamic acid are commonly used to help reduce hyperpigmentation around mouth.

What are Some Professional Treatments for Dark Upper Lip?

Chemical peels can help resurface the skin and reduce pigmentation, but they should be done carefully, especially for sensitive skin or melasma-prone areas. Laser treatments can improve pigmentation in some cases, but melasma is complex and may worsen if not treated correctly. A dermatologist should always assess suitability first.

How Long Does it Take to Fade a Dark Upper Lip?

With consistent skincare and sun protection, visible improvement can take 4–12 weeks.

We know you're fed up of that melasma mustache. Luckily, you can start getting rid of it with Truly's Brightening Face Routine. Dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, and packed with powerful brightening ingredients like vitamin C and tranexamic acid, it’s designed to target hyperpigmentation, dark upper lip shadow, and uneven skin tone for a clearer, more even-looking complexion over time.

Feature photos - Left photo by Alexander Stemplewski, right photo by Truly Beauty

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