“The DMD is amazing, have really noticed a HUGE difference since I’ve been using this. Very happy.” Courtney L.
“DMD is definitely working to get rid of my melasma above my top lip – I can still see it, albeit a lot less!” Fiona W.
“Having tried pretty much everything in market, I feel so happy that I have finally found something that works!” Lisa B.
“Really reduces my acnes, spots and brown marks. It works wonders!” Christa S.
“I’m surprised by how effective this product is. My scars have really faded a lot and really quick!!” Bheshta A.
“Amazing cream, it has done miracles to my acne marks!” Laura C.
“Definitely noticed a huge improvement in my dark spots and acne scaring. I’m impressed.” Celestine E.
“Has really improved my troubled spots. It’s light and makes my skin feel great.” Erin R.
Banish post-acne brown marks, sun spots and age spots
Benefits:
✅ Fades the appearance of post-acne brown marks
✅ Improves skin texture
✅ Reduces the chance of collecting stubborn brown pigmentation
Suitable for: All skin types.
Use only on melanin-related marks, if you also have post-acne red marks consider the Scar Repair Set to address both red and brown marks simultaneously.
Volume: 30ml | 1.01 fluid ounces. Each bottle is designed to last up to 6 months depending on the number of brown marks you have. That’s $0.3 per day.
If you only have a few post-acne brown marks, consider getting the smaller 15ml bottle:
Dark Mark Defense, 30ml
$59.9
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PETA CERTIFIED Our entire lineup is cruelty-free and vegan. For the love of all creatures great and small. |
Dark Mark Defense will fade the appearance of brown marks faster when paired with Clear Out. Buy both items as a Duo set and save 8%:
GET THE DARK DUOTestimonials

Fading Brown Acne Scars & PIH Pigmentation
Deanna @deannaskin discusses how the Dark Mark Defense helped to banish her spots, post-acne marks and blemishes. She has been using it alongside with the Lighten Up and Clear Out since June 2019.

What to Expect With the Dark Mark Defense
Teacher Mim @mimandskin discusses how the Dark Mark Defense removed her stubborn brown acne marks, evened out her skin tone, brightened her skin complexion and how long it took to see results.
Individual results may vary
Recommended Sets
Dark Mark Duo
Scar Repair Add-On
Scar Repair Set
Choose 2 and save 8%
Ingredients
What makes Clearly Basics different?
We’ve taken products that are often EXCLUSIVELY sold in a dermatologist’s office at 3x the price and made it available for everyday consumers. We select USP certified ingredients when potency matters, but less expensive cosmetic grade ingredients when purity is not a concern.
The most frequent comment we get in our reviews is that users have tried everything and nothing has come close to the results they have seen with our formulations.
Why is the Dark Mark Defense different?
There are very few formulations on the market designed to fade the appearance of post-acne brown marks and even fewer formulations that are effective. Dark Mark Defense’s formulation is one that you can’t find anywhere else on the market and is the best in its class.
Key Ingredients
An anti-pigmenting agent, helps in reducing the appearance of post-acne brown marks, sun spots and age spots.
Benefits
- Lightening effect
4nBR is the much more effective in lightening as compared to arbutin, kojic acid, and hydroquinone. Dr Kolbe et al, 2013 - Potent anti-pigmenting agent
Garcia-jimenez et al, 2016
A derivative of the amino acid lysine, listed in the WHO’s list of Essential Medicines. It brightens the skin and fades the appearance of brown marks.
Benefits
- Lightening effect
Helps in skin lightening with minimal side effects. Dr Atefi et al, 2017 - Repairs skin
Dr Yuan et al, 2014
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects against UV damage, calms and hydrates the skin.
Benefits
- Powerful antioxidant
Vitamin E has both photoprotective and antiphotoaging properties in protecting skin from UV damage. Dr Surjushe et al, 2008 - Calms the skin
Dr Rahman et al, 2008
Volume: 30ml, 1.01 fluid ounces.
Each bottle is designed to last up to 6 months depending on the number of post-acne brown marks present.
Key Facts
Breakouts come and go but the brown post-acne mark can linger for up to two years. Dark Mark Defense (DMD) is our anti-brown formulation designed to fade the appearance of brown marks.
What it does:
DMD contains potent anti-pigmenting agents to fade the appearance of dark marks much faster. We’ve spent over a year working to maximize the synergies of the ingredients in this formulation:
- Vitamin E creates a healing barrier over your skin.
- TXA brightens skin and fades the appearance of PIH Pigmentation.
- 4nBR creates a lightening effect on your skin.
What it is formulated without:
Fragrance-, colorant-, paraben-, lanolin-free. PETA certified vegan and cruelty-free. This non-comedogenic formulation is freshly made in Singapore and packed in airless bottles so there are minimal preservatives.
Application Instructions:
DMD is used both morning and evening as the first formulation after you have washed/used toner. It is a leave-in spot application formula that works throughout the day/night to fade those pesky brown marks. If you are using the Lighten Up alongside the DMD, they should be applied on different spots depending on the color of the scar. When used with the rest of our product line, here is the order of application:
DAY:
- Wash your face / apply toner
- Lighten Up and/or DMD (spot treatment)
- Moisturizer/Hydrator, sunblock or other products you normally use
NIGHT
- Wash your face / apply toner
- Lighten Up and/or DMD (spot treatment)
- Clear Out (can only be applied at night)
- Moisturizer/Hydrator or other products you normally use
If there are products on this list that you normally do not use, please skip that step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply the Dark Mark Defense (DMD)?
Can I use the DMD together with my moisturizer or other products?
Can I use the DMD as a spot treatment on an active lesion
How long does it take to see noticeable results
Can I use the DMD on my back and body
Is this product safe to use while pregnant or nursing
I have more questions outside of this FAQ
Customer Reviews
5 star | 33% | |
4 star | 52% | |
3 star | 14% | |
2 star | 0% | |
1 star | 0% |
#RealResults
See what others have to say about Clearly Basics.

@by.emmataylor CLEAR OUT💙💙💙 gets rid of blackheads and whiteheads which is an added bonus.
It really improved my skin texture and most of all it removed spots. It’s worth the try really, because you can even get your money back if you don’t like the products, what are you waiting for? -Emma xxx

@fi_ding I just wanted to post my progress, firstly to thank Clearly for giving me my confidence back! I have suffered on and off with my skin for years, the contraceptive pill kept it under control for a long time but since stopping any hormonal contraception my skins been up and down like a yo-yo! I really didn’t want to go down the route of prescription oral medication, personal choice, so when I read about Clearly Basics (after ALOT of research) I decided to give it a go. Even after a few weeks I could tell a difference, and after a few months, the difference is huge! My skin was angry, painful and inflamed. Its now way way calmer, with only a couple of spots popping up around that time of the month. And I’m overjoyed with that! I next plan on tackling the red marks left behind so I can feel even more confident make up free. It does take time, but be patient, and consistent, and it will work! No foaming face washes seem to have helped for me too. Thanks again clearly 🤗😀

@amysacnehealing Yes I know the lighting is different but look at the difference in the texture 😍. Yes I still have acne, that hasn’t gone away however…the fact that my texture has improved has increased my confidence so much. I really do believe this is all down to @clearlybasics I’ve been using their power duo for about 3 weeks and I’ve noticed such a difference in the size of my acne spots…my face doesn’t hurt as much nor is as itchy as it was.
I would definitely recommend giving them a whirl it’s the only products that I can honestly say has made any difference to my skin. The difference it has made in 3 weeks is fab!

@_myskinstory 😭 I feel like I’m an addict and someone has taken away my drugs 😂
Saturday night I came to the end of my @clearlybasics Clear Out bottle. After consistently applying it every night for 3 months along side Niacinamide & Zinc so last night I had nothing to apply. (Right picture: a few days previous. Left picture: This morning) As soon as I woke up I knew it different feel great! 😭
Regardless off the other amazing benefits that a 2% Retinol & AZA has; I JUST WANT MY GLOW BACK!! I’ll dedicate my next post to the ingredients and how they ‘clearly’ work!!

@megandownes Amazing!! Never have I found a brand that is so gentle on my skin but works wonders. The lighten up is the best thing for redness, the difference in just one day on my pictures below. Can’t recommend enough, especially for hormonal acne. Thank you Clearly!

@myfriendacne At first I thought that my skin was THE thing that changed the most. It clearly is seeing from the surface. And here must say a huuuuge thank you to @clearlybasics for supporting me and give me the opportunity to take care of my skin.
After I looked at my pictures from last year I was shocked how my attitude has changed towards myself. I love myself more. I accept my skin, my body and my inner self so much more than a year before where I had the feeling to be perfect to my own imaginations and for other people.
Individual results may vary

Bheshta A. (verified owner) –
I am surprised by how effective this product is. My scars have really faded a lot and really quick!!
Courtney (verified owner) –
This bottle of cream is amazing, have really noticed a HUGE difference since ive been using this. Very happy.
Laura C. (verified owner) –
Amazing cream, it has done miracles to my acne scars!
Bheshta Amiri (verified owner) –
Help fade my old scars
Sheenaz (verified owner) –
Basically I have been using the whole series for one year now and my skin has been so much clearer and better. I have a glow too and though i do get pimples, one or two, on and off, this whole series has made it so much easier to manage and made me happier.