Everyone wants flawless and beautiful skin. Bad skin not only affects your appearance but it can also have a great impact on your mental and emotional well-being. People suffering from hyperpigmentation often have low self-confidence and reduced quality of life.
That’s why it becomes necessary to deal with pigmented skin. Using the best face wash for hyperpigmentation, you can treat skin discoloration.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the most common causes of hyperpigmentation are hormonal imbalance, sun exposure, inflammation, acne, and skin injuries. While it’s true that dark spots are one of the most challenging issues to resolve, embracing them is not the solution.
There’s a bevy of treatment options available when it comes to dark spots. Choosing a face wash with skin-lightening ingredients is a good place to start. Not only does it help you get rid of dark patches on your skin, but it also promotes a youthful appearance.
Plus, the right cleanser can also help you with skin problems such as acne, blackheads, whiteheads by removing oil, bacteria, and dirt. Keep reading to explore your options.
Best Face Washes for Hyperpigmentation Reviewed
To save you hours of research, our editors have picked the top face washes for hyperpigmentation. Without further ado, let’s get straight to it.
1. Claridad 12% Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Face Wash
Tired of products that are plain ineffective when it comes to treating pigmented skin? Meet Claridad Glycolic Acid Exfoliating face wash.
It contains 12% glycolic acid that sloughs off dead skin cells and reveals brighter-looking skin. From skin discoloration to acne scarring, the face wash will help you get rid of all your skin problems.
Fortified with the goodness of yucca extracts, the face wash deeply cleanses and detoxifies your skin. It also fights sun damage, free radicals, and whatnot. The moisturizing formula will drench your skin in hydration.
What’s more, the face wash in question is non-comedogenic meaning it won’t clog your pores. It’s a safe alternative to chemical peels – it exfoliates, firms, and smooths your skin. Thanks to glycolic acid, this cleanser will reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well.
Finally, it doesn’t contain parabens and is not tested on animals.
2. La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Cleanser
Founded in 1976, La Roche-Posay is a reputed and trusted brand. It is recommended by dermatologists all over the world. The cleanser in question uses water highly concentrated in selenium to soothe your skin.
It also has lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA) that gently exfoliates and promotes youthful skin. LHA is a salicylic acid derivative that removes dark spots and reveals brighter skin. Also, it’s much gentler than SA. So, it won’t freak out your skin even if it’s on the sensitive side.
This luxurious face wash lathers really well. It deeply cleanses your skin without leaving it stripped. A little goes a long way, so you can expect the product to last for quite a while.
In addition, it’s non-comedogenic and clinically proven. Users reported that the face wash also helped with acne breakouts. For someone dealing with dull and oily skin, this product is your answer. Upon application, your skin will feel rejuvenated and fresh.
3. Body Merry Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser Anti-Aging Face Wash
If you’re looking for the best face wash for dark spots, look no further. This pigment removal face wash contains 2.5 percent glycolic acid, jojoba beads, and willow bark to remove dirt, pollution, and dead skin cells.
The non-irritating formula is a great choice for people with sensitive skin. It is also loaded with the goodness of olive and rosehip oil. So, you can expect a clearer and even skin tone.
The natural tea tree extracts go deep into your skin to exfoliate properly. Overall, it has a very powerful formula to help you get rid of sunspots, acne spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and whatnot.
It also contains kojic acid which is known to treat hyperpigmentation at the source. You see, the brand uses very simple ingredients but the formula is very effective. Plus, it is vegan-friendly. You are guaranteed to get results no matter what skin type you are.
It will also prevent acne breakouts and pores from clogging. It is the kind of product that you will fall in love with. Take note that the product contains AHA which may result in increased sensitivity to the sun. Therefore, it’s best that you wear sunscreen when you go out in the sun.
4. SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Here’s the face cleanser that contains both alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) to gently exfoliate and wash away dead skin cells. It contains jojoba extracts that help improve skin texture and minimize the appearance of wrinkles.
The powerful skin brightening formula lightens old-age spots, acne spots, and other forms of hyperpigmentation. Your skin will feel rejuvenated post-application. You’ll never have to worry about blackheads, clogged pores, etc. as they will go away in a couple of weeks.
And thanks to its potent skin-lightening ingredients, those dark spots will be history. Since AHAs and BHAs can make you more sensitive to the sun, make sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunblock for the best results.
Although it’s safe for all skin types, make sure to do a patch test if your skin is super sensitive. Nevertheless, it is one of the very few products on the market that lives up to its hype.
Also: Facial creams that help with hyperpigmentation
5. InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleanser
Allow us to introduce one of the top-selling face washes for hyperpigmentation. With natural ingredients like organic aloe and Vitamin C, the cleanser evens the skin tone and gives you a vibrant glow. It also contains coconut water to prevent blackheads, acne breakouts, and blemishes.
Sugarcane extracts exfoliate the skin and help it regenerate. What’s more, it can be used on any skin type be it oily, dry, or sensitive. Made in the USA, the product also helps with fine lines, wrinkles, and prevents premature aging.
If you have large pores on your skin, you don’t need to worry anymore. This vitamin C cleanser does a fine job getting rid of them. It also has other ingredients like tea tree oil that has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
It’s a gentle product that removes impurities, oil buildup, and dirt without irritating your skin.
6. TruSkin Vitamin C Daily Facial Cleanser
This facial cleanser by TruSkin contains 15% vitamin C along with ingredients like organic rosehip oil and aloe vera to give you a bright, glowing skin. Borage extracts present in the product have anti-inflammatory properties that help with a variety of skin problems.
It is also packed with the goodness of orange peel, oregano, and tea tree extracts for reducing the appearance of acne spots and liver spots. Your skin will feel hydrated and refreshed after using the product. Also, it makes the skin soft and supple.
It’s advanced anti-aging formula repairs the skin from the damage caused by the sun and also prevents further damage thereby giving you healthy skin.
The product is 100% vegan, and it is made in the USA. The people who have sensitive skin can also try this.
7. Instant Bliss Glycolic Acid Face Wash
This face wash from Instant Bliss uses glycolic acid to gently exfoliate your skin and treat hyperpigmentation. It also contains Vitamin B5 which is a natural moisturizer and helps in skin regeneration.
It uses lauryl glucoside as a foaming agent that is mild in nature and is suitable for sensitive skin. Plus, it has excellent foaming capacity. It’s so good that the ingredient is even used in baby products.
The unique combination of ingredients will regulate sebum activity and soothe your skin. So, it will not only help you with hyperpigmentation and melasma, but it also controls excess oil on your face. In fact, this is easily one of the best face washes for melasma.
Some other important ingredients are pineapple and coconut oil that helps in replenishing the skin and prevent skin problems. It has a tropical scent that you will absolutely love. The product is vegan and animal cruelty-free.
8. Aveeno Positively Radiant Brightening Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
Yet another effective facial cleanser that is soap-free and oil-free. Its skin-lightening formula works perfectly well on sensitive skin. It is rich in soy extracts that boost collagen and help with uneven skin tone. Also, it moisturizes the skin for a healthier look. The product will enhance your skin clarity and you can expect a radiant glow.
It is non-comedogenic, so you don’t need to worry about clogged pores. The product cleans your skin thoroughly and it only takes a very small amount to do the job. So, the bottle will last you for a long time.
Your skin will feel soft and supple. It exfoliates the skin pretty well so you can expect your skin discoloration to fade away in a couple of weeks. The change you witnessed in your skin color will return to normal.
9. QRxLabs Glycolic Acid Cleanser
With 5% glycolic acid, QRxLabs has created a powerful cleanser that penetrates deep into your skin and removes all impurities. It’s anti-aging formula repairs skin cells from sun damage, diminishes fine lines & wrinkles, and protects you from other skin conditions like acne, blackheads, etc.
AHA helps regenerate new skin and gives you a more evenly-toned appearance. Then there’s papaya and royal jelly extracts to fade away the most stubborn dark spots. Customers have found this product very effective in preventing acne breakouts.
Turns out it decreases the sebum levels and overall skin oiliness. Thus, you get clearer and smoother skin. The cleanser is made in the USA. What we liked about this product is the concentration of glycolic acid they use. It’s not too strong but not too weak either. Works out perfectly to give you healthy skin.
10. Newport Cosmeceuticals 13% Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Facial Cleanser
Glycolic acid is like a necessity for hyperpigmentation skincare products. It is one of the most popular ingredients to remove dead skin cells and reveal brighter skin. Well, this amazing exfoliating cleanser by Newport Cosmeceuticals contains 13% glycolic acid for brightening your skin.
The face wash cleans your skin without stripping away skin moisture and natural oils. Rest assured that you won’t get clogged pores thanks to its unique formula. The product also contains yucca extracts to soothe your skin and recover from the effects of sun damage.
You can expect a spot reduction in 5 to 6 weeks. It’s specially designed for oily skin, however, it’s suitable for all skin types. Also, the product will help shrink large pores on your skin. If you develop increased sun sensitivity, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
11. Vasanti Brighten Up Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator
Brighten Up is the top-selling face wash for Vasanti. It contains micro-crystals to gently exfoliate your skin. The goodness of aloe vera moisturizes your skin and has healing properties. Then there is coconut to make your skin feel hydrated, energized, and refreshed.
It has natural papaya enzymes that have skin-lightening properties. Papaya is known for treating pigmentation, fading dark spots, clearing impurities, and making your skin softer. The product is made in Canada. A single pack will last you at least 4 months. It is one of the best cleansers for hyperpigmentation.
Don’t take our word for it – you can find customer reviews all over the web. The product is also good for acne-prone skin. Also, you don’t need to worry about premature aging, blackheads, and wrinkles, the product will take care of all your needs.
12. Pure Biology Facial Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid
Made with botanical extracts, Pure Biology’s facial cleanser minimizes the appearance of dark spots and refreshes your complexion. It contains lemongrass that reduces the size of your pores, regulates oil levels, and keeps your skin glossy.
Sage oil removes toxins from your skin, reduces blemishes, and treats skin abrasions. Then there is lemon peel oil to remove excess oil from your skin and fade away dark spots from your skin. Hyaluronic acid boosts collagen, increases skin elasticity, and also helps in increasing skin cell turnover.
The face wash is perfect for all skin types and genders. Customers with darker skin tones have also seen their scars fade away. Also, it firms your skin and helps you get rid of blackheads. This product is a go if you want to keep your skin safe from bacteria, skin problems, and hyperpigmentation.
13. Olay Regenerist Regenerating Cream Face Cleanser
Olay produces some of the finest skincare products in the market. The Olay Regenerist Cleanser promotes skin regeneration naturally to give you a more youthful appearance. It has a gentle formula that works well for oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin types.
The anti-aging ingredients keep your skin young and healthy. It has an amino-peptide complex that enhances collagen production and prevents fine lines, wrinkles, etc.
Then there is vitamin B5, vitamin E which is essential for skin brightening. The glycerin moisturizes your skin and gets rid of dull patches from your face. Retinol also clears the skin and is good for healthy aging. Use this every day to remove dead skin cells and get softer skin. After regular use, you will get skin clear as rain.
14. Dermalogica AGE Smart Skin Resurfacing Cleanser
It is a vegan, gluten-free, and paraben-free cleanser by Dermalogica. The brand has loyal customers all around the world because all Dermalogica products are effective. And Dermalogica Age Smart Skin Resurfacing Cleanser is no exception.
Its dual-action cleanser gently exfoliates and improves skin texture. The product contains lactic acid that reduces pore appearance and lightens the skin. Rose flower oil clears acne, reduces pores, minimizes the appearance of sunspots and other scars. Plus, it has a mind-soothing aroma.
It is one of the best skincare products for hyperpigmentation. The product also helps increase cell turnover thereby revealing younger-looking skin. Be sure to avoid the eye area while using the product as it may burn your eyes. It’s a bit pricey, though! But that price far outweighs the results you get.
15. Eve Hansen Vitamin C Face Wash
The face wash contains Vitamin C to gently exfoliate your skin and wash away impurities. Vitamin C has skin-lightening properties which makes it an effective ingredient when it comes to hyperpigmentation.
Its skin-soothing formula doesn’t strip away natural oils and moisture from your skin. It’s made up of 100% natural ingredients and is free of sulfates, parabens, etc. The other effective ingredients in the product are organic aloe, rosehip oil, and tea tree oil.
The perfect blend of these ingredients helps improve skin clarity, remove dark spots, prevent acne breakouts, and nourish your skin. It will also boost the production of collagen and improve skin elasticity. Customers have reported positive results after only a few uses.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is caused by excess production of melanin. It’s the melanin that gives our skin a dark color. Melanocytes are responsible for melanin production. There are several causes of hyperpigmentation but the most common ones include:
- Sun Exposure: Melanin protects our skin from harmful UV rays of the sun. When you’re out in the sun, the body produces more melanin to protect you from harmful UV rays. As a result, you get dark patches on your skin.
- Hormonal Changes: Another leading cause of hyperpigmentation is hormonal changes. Women often suffer from melasma during pregnancy as there is great hormonal disbalance during that period.
- Medications: Certain medications can also make your skin turn dark. You might be allergic to some of the ingredients in your medication. This results in hyperpigmented skin.
- Inflammation: Inflammation can also trigger hyperpigmentation. If you have skin conditions like acne, eczema, or other skin injuries, you can get dark spots on your skin.
Tips to Avoid Hyperpigmentation
Harmless or not, hyperpigmentation can be really annoying. However, if you are a bit conscious and take care of your skin, you can prevent it. Here are a few tips to prevent hyperpigmentation!
Avoid Sun Exposure
It may sound like a bit cliche but sun exposure is still the leading cause of hyperpigmentation. Therefore, you should limit your sun exposure. If you really want to enjoy some sun, it’s best you choose to enjoy morning sunlight. Studies have shown the UV radiation in the morning is less harmful than in the afternoon.
Always Wear Sunscreen
It’s quite understandable that many of us have to go out in the sun to carry out our everyday chores. Therefore, you should always wear sunscreen whenever you go out. Sunblock does a great job of protecting you from the sun.
Use Anti-inflammatory Skincare Products
Inflammation often leads to hyperpigmentation. When your skin heals from acne and injuries, it leaves behind darkened skin. Using anti-inflammatory products can prevent those dark spots from forming in the first place.
Use Skin Brightening Products
It’s important that you start using skin bleaching products the moment you have an acne breakout. Now is the time when hyperpigmentation will start to develop. It can be prevented if you use skin bleaching creams and serums soon after.
If you ask us, how long does it take to take for hyperpigmentation to fade? Well, it depends. It may take a few weeks to several months. Acne-induced pigmentation, if not severe, can fade away in about a month. Sunspots, with proper treatment, can also go away in less than a month.
How Do Face Washes & Cleansers Remove Dark Spots?
Skincare products that are formulated for hyperpigmentation contain skin-brightening agents that help minimize the appearance of dark spots. These cleansers mostly use glycolic acid, salicylic acid, vitamin C, AHA, and other skin-lightening ingredients like aloe vera, soy extracts, tea tree oil, etc.
All these ingredients help with skin regenerate to reveal a brighter looking skin. Some of these ingredients are clinically proven for treating skin discoloration.
Note: It’s important to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen whenever you buy products for hyperpigmentation. These products promote skin regeneration and new skin is often more sensitive to the sun.
Conclusion
Washing your face is the first and the most basic step when it comes to skincare. With the right face wash, you can prevent and treat several skin problems, including dark spots. It’s quite easy to treat hyperpigmentation with the right products. But you have to be realistic with your expectations as no product can remove dark spots overnight.
It takes time. However, the right face wash when used along with skin-lightening serums can speed up the fading process. Just stick to your skincare routine and don’t give up! You will get the results you want.
What is your favorite face wash for hyperpigmentation? Let us know in the comment sections below.
Also:
Sheryll is a lifestyle editor with over 7 years of experience in beauty. She is obsessed with Korean skincare, and she mostly covers the Beauty and Skincare space at Skin Seas.
I have some acne scarring, melasma so I want to find a face washes that can lighten my skin. And I chose La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Cleanser. It has excellent ingredien, especially for sensitive skin, because it’s a gentle non-bead exfoliator. It means that unlike using scrubs with walnut shells or microbeads, you are less likely to scratch your skin.
Hi Roe,
Thank you for the valuable input. And yes, La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Cleanser is an excellent product. We’re glad you loved it.
Hello my is Marianne I use to use La Roche Posay Effaclar cleansing Purifing gel. It was amazing for my skin. But now I’m 59 I have combination sensitive mature skin. And my loved jel it doesn’t really work like before anymore. Which one could you recomend me.?
Hi Marianne,
Yes, La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Gel is indeed amazing. If you’re looking for something else for your mature skin, we would recommend Peter Thomas Roth Anti-aging Cleansing Gel. You can also check out our guide for the best face washes for mature skin here.