We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.

Which Face Wash is Best for Dark Spots?

Written by Elizabeth Kessler • Updated on: 11/02/23

There could be many reasons why dark spots start showing up on your face. It could be due to acne scarring, melasma, or severe sun damage. Whatever the cause, it’s always bothersome, frustrating, and can affect your self-esteem when you catch a glimpse of them in the mirror.

One of the simplest ways to combat skin pigmentation issues is by looking for the best face wash for dark spots available to you. There are many options out there, but the best ones are those that promote skin lightening and brightening to fade those acne scars and unwanted sun spots.

Ready to kiss uneven skin tone goodbye? Continue reading to see the best cleansers that can help you beat hyperpigmentation.

Which Face Wash is Best for Dark Spots

16 Face Wash To Treat Dark Spots

1. La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Cleanser

The first face wash for hyperpigmentation I recommend is from the reputable La Roche-Posay, one of the top dermo-cosmetic brands in the world. They are known for mid to high prices and very high-quality items that are simple yet effective.

Their Pigmentclar cleanser is a foamy face wash that gives the skin a deep cleanse. It has lipo-hydroxy acids (LPA) that chemically exfoliate and shed dead skin cells to help surface healthier, newer skin. The LPA helps slough off the parts of your skin that have too much melanin production that cause darker spots to appear either because of post-acne or from too much sun exposure.

The LPA ingredient is excellent, 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.

I notice that in the first couple of days using this face wash daily, my skin already looked brighter and more even. Small, light spots on my face started fading in less than a week! I also love using it every day because of its creamy lather, which made washing with this feel like a luxurious treat for my dull skin.

Pros

  • Deep cleanse by exfoliating dead skin with LPA to surface new, healthy skin
  • Gentle and good for all skin types, even sensitive skin.
  • Makes skin look more even-toned in the first couple of uses
  • Feels luxurious because of its creamy lather and foaminess
  • Has a short list of ingredients, with no harmful parabens

Cons

  • A bit on the expensive side

Though this premium product can set you back a few more dollars than other cleansers in the market, it’s still very much worth the price tag for its efficacy. For more, you can never go wrong with a brand that is so highly regarded in the skincare world.

2. InstaNatural Glycolic Cleanser

If you’re targeting more skin issues than just dark spots, this option for InstaNatural might be for you. Its key ingredient is glycolic acid that helps exfoliate flaky, dead skin cells to reveal fresher, healthier skin. But it also has ingredients like chamomile and willow bark to soothe current acne and vitamin E for powerful anti-aging.

Glycolic acid, the product’s star ingredient, is an alpha hydroxy acid (or AHA) known to significantly slough off dead and dull cells sitting on the top layer of the skin. Dark spots, which are caused by too much melanin production in the skin, consequently fade over time when using this face wash too.

This face wash also has natural ingredients like lemon, apple, and sugarcane. These have brightening properties that also aid in the process of fading hyperpigmentation or dark spots. Vitamin E is also infused in this formula to help those who are starting to notice bothersome fine lines and wrinkles. All these properties make this face wash your partner in making your skin more vibrant, clearer, and younger-looking.

Pros

  • Gentle enough for daily use
  • Fades acne scars but also soothes active pimples
  • Has a brightening effect that evens out discoloration on the face
  • Has many botanicals and vitamins to make the skin plumper
  • Has anti-aging properties to combat fine lines and wrinkles

Cons

  • Takes time to see results

InstaNatural’s glycolic acid facial cleanser is a great face wash for hyperpigmentation and acne, and even for those who are starting to see signs of aging. So if you feel like targeting all these skin problems, then trying this out wouldn’t be a bad idea.

3. Body Merry Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser

Another glycolic acid cleanser for hyperpigmentation is this one from Body Merry. Like the previous product, the key ingredient in this cleanser is glycolic acid, mainly for exfoliating.

But this face wash has an added ingredient that exfoliates the skin even more thoroughly—jojoba beads. These beads are natural beads that are very fine and aren’t harsh on the skin at all. They’re the perfect addition for rigorous but comfortable exfoliation.

Aside from glycolic acid, it also has kojic acid, another ingredient that does well in removing the buildup of dirt and dead skin from the face. This face wash with gentle yet powerful acids purifies the skin and pulls out impurities from deep in the pores, so you can use it to keep your skin looking fresh and less oily.

To balance out the acids, Body Merry also included many nourishing and revitalizing ingredients in this face wash. It has organic aloe vera, rosehip oil, olive oil, and cucumber, which all soothe and moisturize the skin.

Another thing that Body Merry prides itself on is the fact that they use natural ingredients for safer skincare. They are also 100% cruelty-free because they never test on animals.

To make sure they serve their customers well, they also have a 90-day happiness guarantee, to make sure they can refund those who are not completely happy with their purchase.

Pros

  • Effectively cleanses impurities from clogged pores
  • Exfoliates dead, dull skin
  • Willow bark and jojoba beads for added exfoliation
  • Nourishing oils in the formula to hydrate skin
  • Healthy oils to remove the make-up
  • Uses natural ingredients,
  • No test on animals

Cons

  • Some oils may irritate super sensitive skin

Overall, this Body Merry cleanser is a great face wash for dark spots and oily skin. It detoxifies the skin well enough to pull out all the gunk and grime that gives us acne to begin with, but doesn’t dry out the skin because of its nourishing ingredients.

4. Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Scrub

Incredible sensitive skin is probably the hardest to address when it comes to dark spots due to hyperpigmentation. Many of those with sensitive skin are prone to over-exfoliation when they use skincare products with acids too often. Good thing Aveeno has this brightening scrub that is gentle and effective for evening out discolored blotches of skin.

Aveeno’s Positively Radiant scrub is made from soy extracts, which in ancient Chinese medicine is believed to be one of the best natural ingredients for brightening the skin. The scrub helps to even out the skin tone by lightening discolored areas like dark spots, so your skin can be radiant again.

It also has microbeads to aid in manual exfoliation. Since these beads are derived naturally, they are still very gentle, even for those with sensitive skin.

The scrub is a great option for those who want to exfoliate to help fade dark spots while still keeping the skin nourished. While the soy extracts help hydrate the skin, the scrub also has jojoba oil and castor oil. These two are rich oils that the skin drinks up to be softer and plumper.

This cleanser is a great starting exfoliator for skin care newbies worried about exposing their skin to harsh chemicals. Aveeno’s scrub is hypoallergenic and soap-free, so it’s safe to use even on teenage skin. It is also non-comedogenic, which means none of its ingredients will clog the pores.

Pros

  • Brighten to even out discoloration
  • Natural microbeads to exfoliate dull and flaky skin
  • Make the skin softer and more supple
  • Gentle on the face since it is hypoallergenic, soap-free, and non-comedogenic
  • Great value for money because you get it at an affordable price

Cons

  • Should be a little more moisturizing

Aveeno is a brand that has always been great at providing people with simple and safe yet effective products. This scrub could pass off as the best cleanser for dark spots in the drugstore, especially for those with very sensitive skin or are young and just starting with skincare.

5. TruSkin Vitamin C Daily Facial Cleanser

Vitamin C is one of the first ingredients people look for when targeting their hyperpigmentation issues. This vitamin is great at lightening up discolored skin, and also helps reverse sun damage that can make already dark spots even darker.

TruSkin’s daily facial cleanser is highly effective for fading acne scars and dark spots because it has a high concentration of vitamin C (at 15% concentration level). It makes this cleanser a miracle worker for brightening the skin and making the skin color more even.

Notably, skin brightening to help get rid of dark spots is not the only good thing about this cleanser. It has ingredients like aloe vera and rosehip oil too, which hydrate and moisturize the skin. This makes sure that the skin is replenished of the nourishment it needs.

The formulation of this product also contains plant extracts like oregano, orange peel, tea tree, and borage. All of this helps clear up the skin because of their own soothing and lightening properties, making for more radiant and glowy skin.

Pros

  • High concentration of vitamin C for skin brightening and reversing sun damage
  • Moisturizes the skin with ingredients like aloe vera and rosehip oil
  • Has natural plant extracts like orange peel and tea tree
  • Treat breakouts and aid in clearing up the skin
  • Safe formulation because it is paraben-free and sulfate-free

Cons

  • 15% concentration of vitamin C might be too strong for sensitive skin

This cleanser by TruSkin is undoubtedly an excellent face wash for dark spots and pigmentation because of its generous amount of vitamin C. It’s a great option for those with resilient skin and have experienced using high levels of skincare acids before.

6. L’Oreal Revitalift Bright Reveal Glycolic Cleanser

Another drugstore option for a cleanser that helps brighten and even out discolored patches of skin is the Revitalift glycolic cleanser by world-renowned brand L’Oreal.

This cleanser contains glycolic acid, one of the holy grail AHAs for fading acne scars and hyperpigmentation. The acid does its usual job of exfoliating dull skin to help fade dark spots, with the help of micro-pearls in this cleanser, but this cleanser provides more than that.

This face wash also helps to purify and detoxify the skin with its natural volcanic particles, which help dissolve impurities and grime stuck in the pores. It makes sure you get a proper cleanse each time, and helps eliminate any excess sebum produced on the face that makes for distracting oily skin.

There’s also a third thing this face wash does extremely well, and that’s combating signs of aging for those who are getting more conscious about smile lines, crow’s feet, and wrinkles. It’s also great for those who feel like their skin is getting a bit duller as they grow older because brightening the skin also means bringing the radiance back to the face.

Pros

  • Glycolic acid gently exfoliates dead, dull skin and dark spots
  • Has small micro-pearls to manually exfoliate flakes of dry skin
  • Natural volcanic particles to purify the skin
  • Can dissolve stubborn impurities for a deep cleanse
  • Combats fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of radiance
  • An affordable and accessible buy

Cons

  • Not enough moisturizing properties for dry skin

L’Oreal carries this excellent drugstore face wash for hyperpigmentation and signs of aging for those looking for a reliable, high-quality facial cleanser that gives great value for money. It’s effective, accessible, and helps you fade those annoying dark spots in no time.

Best Face Washes for Dark Spots

7. Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser

Though many of the face washes you’ve already seen on this list contain glycolic acid, this cleanser by Botanic Tree still makes for a unique cleanser because of its high concentration of this AHA.

The glycolic acid in this exfoliating wash comes at a high 10% concentration. That means it’s especially great for those who have melasma, or the condition that makes skin more susceptible to frequently getting spots of pigmentation.

This cleanser is particularly great at cleansing and leaving your face squeaky clean. In truth, after one quick wash, your skin will feel soft, supple, and super clean. It gives off a very refreshing feeling, and each time we use it, all the sweat and dirt from our faces is completely washed off.

Also, to balance out the high concentration of glycolic acid, the formula gives way to other ingredients to help soothe the skin. Such a feature makes it a good option for those who are acne-prone. Some of these ingredients include organic bamboo, organic shea butter, peppermint, tea tree, seaweed, and willow bark.

Pros

  • High concentration of glycolic acid, at 10%
  • Cleans the face of all dirt and grime
  • Exfoliates and sloughs away dead skin
  • Organic extracts to soothe the skin, like bamboo, shea butter, and tea tree
  • Great for all skin types, but most especially those with oily skin

Cons

  • Might not ideal for sensitive skin

Because the key ingredients of this face wash by Botanic Tree can exfoliate and soothe the skin, it becomes an exceptional choice for a face wash for dark spots and pimples. It’s also a great face wash for melasma, especially because of the high concentration of exfoliating glycolic acid.

8. InstaNatural Vitamin C Facial Cleanser

Another option from InstaNatural for those who aren’t big fans of glycolic acid is this cleanser that puts vitamin C in the spotlight.

What’s great about vitamin C is not only does it brighten the skin to help fade and get rid of discolored blotches; it also nourishes and restores the skin because it is a potent and powerful antioxidant. For those whose dark spots are made worse by sun exposure, it’s good to note that vitamin C can help repair damage caused by the sun.

Aside from these benefits, this cleanser also soothes inflamed skin and active acne spots, because of ingredients like aloe vera and green tea. These two are also known to help moisturize the skin. Apart from these, other ingredients include coconut water and sugarcane extracts, just to amp up the hydration to the maximum level.

Because this cleanser is packed with so many good vitamins and natural botanicals, it’s not surprising that it can also help fight against those annoying signs of aging that make many of us feel less confident. This cleanser addresses sun spots (obviously) but also reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

It’s also great for those who are self-conscious about large pores because using this cleanser regularly tightens the pores and makes them look smaller.

While InstaNatural advocates for clean ingredients, they have a caveat for formulas containing unstable ingredients, like vitamin C. They use very safe synthetic ingredients to help preserve vitamin C, and so they have flagged that this formula contains some synthetics.

Pros

  • Vitamin C as a powerful antioxidant
  • Brightens discolored blotches and nourishes the skin
  • Contains organic aloe vera and green tea to help soothe and moisturize the skin
  • Has coconut water and sugarcane extracts for extra hydration
  • Fights signs of anti-aging, from sun spots to wrinkles to fine lines
  • Minimizes pores and makes them look smaller

Cons

  • Uses a few synthetic ingredients, but safe ones

This cleanser is another great dark spots face wash from InstaNatural, with powerhouse ingredients that are great for hyperpigmentation and other vexing skin problems.

Face Washes & Cleansers for African American Skin

9. Dr Song Glycolic Acid Face Wash

This face wash by Dr Song keeps it simple but highly efficient. It uses few ingredients to ensure the skin gets the full benefits of a couple of powerhouse acids and antioxidants, with glycolic acid at the center.

We already know that glycolic acid is great for exfoliation of the skin, and to make sure we constantly remove dead skin off the top layers of our epidermis and make way for brighter, more even-toned skin. This cleanser has glycolic acid at a concentration of 10%. It is not high enough to sound scary for those with sensitive skin, but potent enough to be very effective for brightening up dark spots.

The glycolic acid in this face wash also helps produce collagen, which is the protein found in our skin that helps make it glowy, plump, and healthy. That means that as you exfoliate with this cleanser, you are also ensuring you have a strong and nourished skin barrier.

Dr Song’s cleanser also prides itself for being able to clean deep in the pore, to make sure no impurities or gunk are left on your skin. That makes it a great face wash for those with blackheads and other stubborn comedones. It reduces oil so you can have fewer acne issues, and the glycolic acid softens the blackheads for easier extraction.

Pros

  • Exfoliates skin to slough off the dull, discolored layers of the skin
  • Cleanses deep in the pore to remove blackheads
  • Anti-inflammatory properties to calm down red, irritated skin
  • Effective for skin lightening and collagen production
  • Free of oils, sulfates, parabens, and dyes

Cons

  • Leaves the skin a bit too clarified and matte

If you’re looking for the best face wash for dark spots and blackheads, look no further. Dr Song’s simple cleanser that is rich in glycolic acid may be the one for you.

10. Eve Hansen Vitamin C Cleanser

This 100% vegan cleanser by Eve Hansen puts vitamin C at the forefront, because of its ability to fade dark spots by brightening the skin and reversing sun damage. Vitamin C is also known to produce more collagen, which means healthier and more even-toned skin when used on the skin for a prolonged period.

Apart from vitamin C, this gel-like cleanser is infused with many clean and effective ingredients that can help make the skin clearer and more glowy. These include tea tree, aloe, rosehip oil, oregano, and olives.

Many of these ingredients are known to moisturize the skin, while others are known for their anti-inflammatory properties that can help skin with active breakouts calm down.

This cleanser is also great at improving the texture of the skin. The combination of vitamin C and the other effective ingredients make the skin feel smoother and less bumpy in just a couple of washes.

Another great thing about this face wash is that it comes in a giant 8oz bottle at a price that is standard for the usual 5oz tube. It provides excellent value for money because of both its high-quality goodness and the size it comes in.

The bottle also comes in dark glass to ensure the vitamin C in the formulation doesn’t oxidize. It shows that the brand put in deep thought when creating even the packaging for this face wash.

Pros

  • Vitamin C for brightening the skin and reversing sun damage
  • Collagen for new, lighter skin to surface
  • Promote clear skin with tea tree, aloe, and rosehip oil
  • Improves the texture for smooth and less bumpy skin
  • Comes in a huge 8oz bottle made of dark glass to preserve the Vitamin C

Cons

  • Can feel a bit drying if not moisturized

Because of all the brightening and soothing ingredients, I can say that this vitamin C cleanser by Eve Hansen is a great face wash for pimples and dark spots. If you have problems with acne and the scarring that comes afterward, then try this out.

11. Enam Turmeric Brightening Facial Cleansing Bar

In many Asian countries, turmeric has been used for centuries to make the skin lighter and more radiant from head to toe. Enam uses turmeric as the key ingredient in their powerful brightening cleansing bar, which is great not only for getting rid of dark spots but also soothing troublesome skin.

Turmeric is the star of the show in this cleansing bar because it has strong medicinal properties that reduce the synthesis and production of melanin. Producing too much melanin is why we get dark spots or hyperpigmentation to begin with, so curbing the overproduction of this with the use of this cleansing bar helps lessen the chances of getting dark spots again in the future.

The turmeric is paired with white tea extracts in this formula, and together this powerful combo brightens the skin and fades discolored areas to make sure the skin is even-toned, lighter, and more radiant than before.

The formula also contains humectants that hold hydration in the skin well, like glycerin and sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol. It also has a bit of salicylic acid, which many people with acne-prone skin swear by because it helps treat and dry out pesky pimples and bumps.

If all these benefits aren’t already enough to convince you to try out this product, it even comes with a free face sponge to help in your everyday skincare routine. Picking up the product from the thin jar is made easier with the sponge, and makes handling the product more hygienic than using just your hands.

Pros

  • Turmeric brightens the skin and reduces melanin production
  • Contains white tea extracts to make the skin more radiant
  • Hydrates the skin with humectants like glycerin and sorbitol
  • Salicylic acid for treating and soothing active breakouts
  • Comes with a soft face sponge

Cons

  • Can get quite messy to use

With its brightening and medicinal properties, this turmeric-based cleanser from Enam is a great face wash for melanin skin pigment issues. It’s also a fun new format that you can try out if you’re sick of boring tubes and bottles.

12. Simplified Skin Vitamin C Cleanser

Simplified Skin is another brand that carries a powerhouse face wash for dark spots and acne scars. It has vitamin C, one of our favorite ingredients in this list thus far, but also a bunch of natural botanicals that give the skin a bright, radiant, and even glow.

Like many of the products already mentioned in this list, the key ingredient of this face wash is vitamin C. This antioxidant is amazing at brightening and evening out the skin tone, so if you have a couple of stubborn sun spots or highly pigmented marks because of sun damage, then this will be your best friend. Vitamin C also helps prevent future acne breakouts and treats active, existing ones on the skin.

Other ingredients that give this cleanser its extra pizzazz are avocado oil, cucumber, and aloe vera, which are known for their soothing, anti-inflammatory properties that heal red, irritated skin and even helps to moisturize it. Vitamin B is also infused in this formula and does its part in brightening dark spots and producing healthier skin cells upon cell turnover.

Together, these ingredients make sure that the skin is vibrant, even-toned, soft and supple, and most importantly, nourished and hydrated to stay healthy and protected. It’s an all-in-one face wash for dark spots for women’s top skin issues and concerns.

Pros

  • Brighten the skin tone and repair damage that caused dark spots
  • Calms down irritated skin and soothes active pimples and zits
  • Revitalizes skin with nourishing ingredients
  • Infused with vitamin B to even out the skin
  • Powerhouse ingredients help prevent future breakouts

Cons

  • Plastic bottle

Everyone wants their skin to be plump, vibrant, hydrated, and rid of pimples and acne scarring. They say you can’t have everything, but with this multi-benefit cleanser, perhaps you can for your skin.

13. Claridad Glycolic Face Wash

For those who are still a bit iffy about trying a high-concentration glycolic acid face wash to help with hyperpigmentation, Claridad has a very gentle alternative for you.

Claridad’s face wash has glycolic acid to exfoliate and remove not just dead skin cells but also all the dirt and gunk trapped in the pores. It is also infused with yucca extract, which helps in brightening discolored skin and fading dark spots.

This combination of ingredients also gives an added benefit of reducing fine lines and wrinkles for those who are starting to notice signs of aging on their skin. It also softens blackheads and whiteheads to make them easier to extract, for clearer, smoother skin.

Incorporating glycolic acid in your skincare routine for the first time can be scary, especially in high doses or concentrations. But this cleanser is made in a medical-grade formula that is gentle enough for those with ultra-sensitive or even inflamed skin. You never have to worry about too much acid over-exfoliating your skin or leaving it too thin and raw.

Pros

  • Exfoliates dead skin off and extracts impurities and dirt from the pores
  • Infused with yucca extract for fading dark spots and scars over time
  • Uses a gentle, medical-grade formula for sensitive and acne-prone skin
  • Combats fine lines and wrinkles to make skin look smoother and younger
  • Tested and highly recommended by dermatologists

Cons

  • It can take up to six weeks of use for dark spots to start fading

This cleanser by Claridad is yet another great option for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin. It’s also a very reliable product because it has been tested and approved by dermatologists themselves.

14. CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

CeraVe is a popular skincare brand that carries formulations developed and recommended by dermatologists worldwide. It’s not surprising that their acne foaming cleanser is fantastic, not only at treating breakouts but fading the acne scarring that comes in their wake.

Most dark spots on the face are caused by pimples and other breakouts whose inflammation led to an overproduction of melanin, leaving pockets of dark-colored pigment on the skin. Because of this reality, one of the best ways to keep our skin from producing more dark spots is by healing and treating acne properly.

This acne cleanser by CeraVe gets down to the bottom of why we get dark spots in the first place by targeting active acne and making sure they are treated properly so that they leave no annoying spots on the face. Benzoyl peroxide helps to treat and dry out pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads properly,

Pros

  • Treats active acne with benzoyl peroxide
  • Has niacinamide to calm skin, fade acne scars, and brighten skin tone
  • Retains moisture in the skin with hyaluronic acid
  • Has many forms of ceramides to nourish the skin

Cons

  • Stronger in its acne-fighting abilities than fading dark spots

This cleanser by CeraVe is highly recommended for those whose dark spots are caused by old breakouts that never quite healed perfectly. It hits two birds with one stone by preventing future hyperpigmentation and brightens up existing dark spots. If you have issues with both acne and scarring, then this is perfect for you.

15. Botanic Earth Acnex Scar Wash

If you want a fuss-free face wash for dark spots that just gets the job done, without all the extra ingredients and botanicals that target other skin concerns, this one by Botanic Earth might be great for you.

The brand’s Acnex Scar Wash is infused with essential oils known to help brighten the skin and fade dark spots fast, whether from acne scars or damage from the sun. Peppermint oil and tea tree oil are the main ingredients in this facial cleanser—two oils that many people don’t know are actually very potent and powerful when it comes to targeting acne and scarring.

The formula also contains oregano oil, which has antibacterial properties that can properly clean deep within the pore, and make sure any active breakouts are rid of any additional grime and sebum that can make inflammation and irritation worse.

Although this face wash is great at brightening dark spots and making sure the skin is clearer than before, it admittedly doesn’t have a lot of moisturizing and hydrating ingredients.

Pros

  • Peppermint and tea tree for reducing dark spots
  • Infused with oregano oil to treat active acne
  • Gentle enough to be used for up to two times daily
  • Never tested on animals as 100% cruelty-free

Cons

  • Can be a bit drying a few minutes after use

If you want your face wash to focus only on fading dark spots and lightening up discolored skin, then this cleanser by Botanic Earth is great for you. It gets right down to work without any other unnecessary ingredients and is highly effective at reducing hyperpigmentation.

16. QRxLabs Glycolic Acid Gel Cleanser

The final item on our list is a cleanser by QRxLabs that works wonders for exfoliating and sloughing away unhealthy skin (including those pockets of pigment that become dark spots).

While its key ingredient is glycolic acid, it also has papaya extracts and royal jelly, which are also known to fade dark spots and acne scars quickly and naturally.

Even if this face wash is a chemical exfoliant, it’s a great choice for skincare beginners because the concentration of glycolic acid is at 5%. It means that it is less harsh than other face washes with high concentration levels, and is less likely to irritate your skin or give your face a tingling sensation upon use.

Aside from these exfoliating and brightening ingredients, the cleanser also has coconut milk, sweet almond oil (which is actually also known to fade acne scars over time), and natural honey. These gentle ingredients balance out the exfoliants by nourishing and hydrating the skin to make sure it’s not dried out and is still glowy and healthy.

The cleanser is also very safe to use because it has no harsh or irritating additives like coloring dyes, parabens, sulfates, silicone that can clog the pores, and artificial fragrances.

Pros

  • Glycolic acid, papaya extracts, and royal jelly to fade away dark spots and scars
  • Low glycolic acid level for sensitive skin
  • Natural, gentle ingredients like coconut milk, honey, and sweet almond oil
  • Hydrates the skin well
  • Helps to control acne and reduce chances for future breakouts
  • Has no dyes, parabens, artificial fragrances, or silicone

Cons

  • Thin, watery consistency

This cleanser is fantastic for those who suffer from hyperpigmentation but have sensitive skin that can’t handle higher concentrations of acids and vitamin C. This may be the best facial cleanser for dark spots on the list for those with young, sensitive skin.

What to Look for When Buying Face Wash for Dark Spots

Buying Face Wash for Dark Spots

Exfoliating acids

One of the best and most effective ways to eliminate dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation is by exfoliating the skin. Exfoliating means removing or shedding off dead skin cells from the top layer of skin so that new, fresh, healthy skin that is brighter and less discolored can replace it.

Dark spots are little pockets of overproduced pigment that lie on the top layer of the skin. So when exfoliants slough off the flaky top layer of skin, it helps quickly fade and scrub away these spots. That’s why it is best to look for alpha hydroxy acids (or AHAs) in face washes—it helps in the exfoliation process. Some popular AHAs are glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid. Check our list above for the best face washes that contain AHAs.

Brightening ingredients

It’s just as crucial for a face wash to have other brightening vitamins and minerals that can aid in lightening up the skin tone to even it out after dark spots start to fade. Some ingredients that can help brighten the skin are vitamin C, vitamin B, rice, lemon, and orange.

Among these ingredients, vitamin C stands out as a holy grail ingredient for brightening the skin. It has properties that can fade hyperpigmentation and acne scars, but it also has the power to repair sun damage that has potentially made your dark spots even darker.

Soothing ingredients to reduce acne

One of the most common reasons why dark spots appear on the face in the first place is because of acne. For some people, active pimples signal the skin to produce more melanin or more pigment. I guess you can say it’s sort of a defense mechanism for the skin, albeit a very annoying one because it leaves us with dark spots that take forever to go away.

To prevent future episodes of hyperpigmentation, it’s good to find ways to treat and soothe existing pimples, so they don’t turn into dark, stubborn spots. When looking for a face wash, try to find formulations with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree, or green tea.

Cleansers without harmful chemicals

It’s important to look for cleansers without harmful chemicals like dyes, fragrances, parabens, and sulfates. Any harsh chemical can make dark spots worse, so it’s best to stay away from formulations with these unnecessary ingredients. Focus on acids, antioxidants, and natural ingredients to keep your skin happy, safe, and healthy.

Other Important Factors to Consider

What is a face wash for dark spots

What is a face wash for dark spots?

A face wash is the first step in anyone’s skincare routine, so it’s important to start the regimen strong with a highly effective and deep cleansing face wash. Suppose you suffer from melasma, hyperpigmentation, or any skin concern that gives you dark spots. In that case, you should look for a face wash that can help your skin remove the buildup of dead, dull skin at the surface to reveal lighter, healthier skin underneath, without the discoloration.

A face wash for dark spots will usually have exfoliating acids (like glycolic acids) or powerful antioxidants for brightening (like vitamin C).

How does it work?

A face wash for dark spots works like any other cleanser for the face. You lather it up in your hands before gently massaging the product into your face for around 10-20 seconds before rinsing off. It’s important not to go beyond 30 seconds when rubbing the product into your skin so that it doesn’t get dried out.

For facial cleansers with active ingredients like acids or vitamin C, 15-20 seconds will do so your skin won’t be exposed to the potent ingredient for too long.

Who will benefit from facial cleansers that help fade dark spots?

Anyone who suffers from some skin pigment issues will benefit from face washes that claim to help fade dark spots. Whether you have melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or are at an age when you’re starting to develop sunspots from being out and about all the time, a face wash for dark spots will be advantageous.

If you are particularly self-conscious about your acne scars, a face wash that can help fade dark spots will work wonders to boost your self-esteem again. You’ll feel great once you see your skin radiant and even-toned again!

What are the different types of face washes for dark spots?

Most face washes for dark spots can be divided into two—exfoliating cleansers and brightening cleansers. Exfoliating cleaners will either have acid like glycolic or lactic acid to chemically remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Brightening cleansers focus more on lightening up the dark spots’ skin tone and reversing the sun’s damage to create spots on the face.

But remember, everyone’s skin type is different and will adhere to different formulations and ingredients. While both types of face wash for dark spots are effective, it’s good to branch out and do

trial and error to see which type your skin is most receptive to.

Why do you need facial cleansers for dark spots?

If you want to get rid of dark spots, it’s crucial to find a good cleanser that can help you do it faster. If you use a face wash that doesn’t have any ingredients that target your skin concern, then the hyperpigmentation will stay longer than it has to on your skin.

Using cleansers with glycolic acid, kojic acid, vitamins B and C, and other exfoliating or brightening ingredients can help speed up fading those bothersome spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which brands of facial cleansers for dark spots are the best?

InstaNatural is a brand that carries a glycolic acid face wash and a vitamin C face wash. This is quite telling how passionate they are in helping people with dark spots brighten their skin, making them a trustworthy brand for pigmentation concerns.

It’s also good to try out other reliable and well-known brands that are dermatologist-approved, like Aveeno, La Roche-Posay, and CeraVe.

What are the best products for dark spots?

The best face washes for hyperpigmentation are those that address not just the dark spots but also help nourish the skin with antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients.

Among the best ones is the Simplified Skin Vitamin C Cleanser that fades dark spots while also moisturizing the skin and treating acne, and also the L’Oreal Revitalift Bright Reveal Glycolic Cleanser, which is excellent for both brightening and fighting the signs of aging.

What lightens dark spots on the face?

Ingredients that exfoliate the skin (like AHAs) and brighten the skin tone (like vitamins B and C) help fade away the dark spots so you can go back to having clear, even skin. These ingredients promote cell turnover so that the dull, dead skin at the surface is replaced with lighter, plumper, and healthier skin.

How do I use a face wash for dark spots?

Lather up the face wash in your hands and massage it unto your face for around 15-30 seconds. Don’t rub and tug at your skin—massage gently and rinse off with lukewarm water. Pat your face dry with a towel, but never rub roughly. It’s always best to follow up with a toner or moisturizer, so the cleansing process doesn’t dry the skin out.

How long should I use these facial cleansers before I can expect to see my dark spots fading?

Most cleansers take a few days to a few weeks to see results, but others could take months to be effective. It’s important to be patient when using a face wash for dark spots and diligently apply them in your skincare routine for a long period. Remember: your dark spots won’t disappear overnight.

Where can I buy a face wash to get rid of dark spots?

There are many amazing options for face washes in the drugstore, which give really great value for money. But it’s still best to look for options online so you can read up about the ingredients, what they do, and whether they’re right for your skin type and skin concern. Many online stores and websites like Amazon carry a range of face washes that target dark spots and other pigmentation concerns.

Conclusion

Choosing the best face wash for dark spots can be tricky at first, especially when you haven’t familiarized yourself with the benefits of exfoliating acids or vitamin C. The key is reading up and learning more about these special brightening ingredients so that you can pinpoint the right formula your skin needs.

Don’t be frustrated when you don’t find a formula that works for your skin right away. You’ll have bright, even skin with no annoying acne scars and dark spots in no time. Just choose wisely and enjoy your skincare shopping experience!

Best Face Washes for Dark Spots

Total
0
Shares