Hyperpigmentation may be harmless, but it doesn’t mean it’s pretty. Hyperpigmentation causes dark patches of skin on the body, anywhere from the face to the arms or legs. It is caused by an excess of melanoma in the skin and can come in the form of age spots, melasma or after a skin-inflammation.
Many people suffer from hyperpigmentation and while we encourage anyone to rock their pigmentation if they want to, unfortunately many people find it embarrassing and wish they could cover it up.
So if you suffer with dark spots is there anything you can do? Yes, there are a variety of different products and serums that you can use that contain ingredients that lighten the skin. They can help even out your skin tone and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
One of the most effective ways to do this is by adding a specialized face wash into your daily skincare routine. This is a gentle way to slowly lighten and even out your complexion and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
So if you are considering adding a lightening face wash to your daily routine, you’ve come to the right place. We have listed and reviewed 10 of the best hyperpigmentation face washes right here. Take a look to find your favourite!
10 Best Facewashes for Hyperpigmentation (2024 Update)
1. Eve Hansen Vitamin C Gel Face Cleanser
Want a natural way to reduce discoloration? Check out the all-natural, deep-pore cleansing face wash from Eve Hansen. It is super gentle and great for people with sensitive skin. It gently exfoliates the skin to remove dead skin cells and dirt while also hydrating and clarifying the skin.
It even reduces the size of your pores leaving you with a clearer, more even and refreshed complexion. If you are prone to breakouts, this product will help you keep them under control.
The magic ingredient is Optimal Vitamin C that helps to reduce the appearance of sun spots and discoloration of the skin while brightening the skin. The face wash also helps to improve the texture of your skin as well as boosting collagen to make your skin firmer and increase elasticity.
The great thing about this face wash is that all the ingredients are natural and organic. The face wash is vegan and cruelty-free and has no sulphates, parabens or phthalates.
This means it has no harsh chemicals that will overdry or damage your face. The ingredients are naturally soothing, smoothing and anti-bacterial. It is also made in the USA.
Key Ingredients:
- Vitamin C
- Organic Aloe
- Tea Tree
- Rosehip Seed Oil
- Olive Oil
- Orange Peel Extract
Pros:
- Vitamin C brightens skin and reduces discoloration
- All-natural ingredients
- You get a big 8oz bottle that lasts a long time
Cons:
- Can sting in contact with eyes
- Some people prefer products that lather up more
2. Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser
If you suffer with hyperpigmentation and use products to reduce its appearance, you have probably seen Glycolic Acid come up as a key ingredient in many of them. Glycolic Acid is a powerful Alpha-hydroxy Acid (AHA) that deeply penetrates the pores and exfoliates the skin.
This foaming cleanser from Mario Badescu uses Glycolic Acid to shed layers of skin, to reveal brighter, even skin underneath, and leave your skin looking super radiant. It improves dull and lifeless skin and can improve dark spots and acne scars.
It also combines this with herbal extracts, like Chamomile and St. John’s Wort, that soothe the skin and nourish it. Finally Marshmallow and Sage condition the skin and improve and smoothe its texture, while Yarrow gives you a healthy, youthful glow.
This face wash also works as a makeup remover that removes oil and dirt. However due to the strong formulation you only need to use this 2 to 3 times a week. So therefore you may want to use this in conjunction with a normal daily cleanser. It is suitable for all skin types and is not irritating.
Key Ingredients:
- Glycolic Acid
- Chamomile
- St. John’s Wort
- Marshmallow
- Sage
- Yarrow
Pros:
- Strong formula improves dark spots or acne scars
- A little goes a long way
- Great for all skin types (just follow use instructions)
Cons:
- Some people didn’t like the watery texture
- Can irritate eyes if it comes into contact with them
3. Dr Song Glycolic Acid Face Wash and Exfoliating Cleanser, 10% Glycolic Acid
Looking for a super-strong formulation that really works and brings drastic results? The Dr Song face wash has 10% Glycolic Acid and brings amazing results!
The cleanser is a natural anti-inflammatory and penetrates deep down into the skin to break down dirt and clean and clarify. The Glycolic Acid helps diminish discoloration, reduce redness and tackle hyperpigmentation.
This cleanser is also packed with antioxidants and has age-defying properties, encouraging suppler, firmer and more youthful skin. Fine lines and wrinkles? This intensive formula stimulates the production of collagen to plump the skin and help tackle them head on.
Are you also prone to blemishes and breakouts? The Dr Song face wash can help. It can reduce both blackheads and whiteheads as well as reducing acne breakouts. It tightens the pores and tones the skin and helps keep your skin clearer.
Despite being effective, the product has a gentle, non-irritating and non-drying formula. It has no parabens, dyes or sulphates. It comes in an easy-to-use pump bottle meaning it is simple to measure out the right amount.
Key Ingredients:
- 10% Glycolic Acid
Pros:
- Gentle enough for daily use
- Non-drying
- Effective formula reduces dark spots
Cons:
- Some people didn’t like the smell
- Some people had problems with the pump not working
4. Body Merry Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser with Tea Tree and Rosehip
With the double effects of the Glycolic Acid and exfoliating Jojoba Beads, this face wash is one of the best for lightening, evening out and reinvigorating your skin deep down.
In fact Body Merry claims that their facewash brings you that ‘deep clean’ feeling that many other products don’t. The 2.5% Glycolic Acid penetrates the pores and unclogs dirt while the beads help break up dead skin, grime and build up.
It also uses the powerful organic and natural ingredients of Kojic Acid, Olive Oil, Rosehip Oil, Tea Tree Oil to clean and clarify. Kojic Acid is especially good for brightening the skin.
The wash then nourishes and soothes the skin at the same time to leave it feeling refreshed, softer and brighter. The face wash specifically tackles age spots, dark spots, sun spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation and discoloration.
It also helps control and prevent breakouts. You can build this into your daily skincare routine either in the morning or evening. For best results pair it with a toner, serum and moisturizer and use on the face and neck.
Last but not least, we love the ethos of the Body Merry brand. All their products are manufactured in the USA and are totally vegan-friendly and cruelty-free!
Key Ingredients:
- 2.5% Glycolic Acid
- Willow Bark
- Jojoba Beads
- Kojic Acid
- Olive Oil
- Rosehip Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
Pros:
- Gives you an intense ‘deep clean’
- Specially formulated to tackle dark spots, sun spots, and discoloration
- Handy pump-top bottle
Cons:
- Some people thought it contained too many preservatives
- Very sensitive skin may experience mild irritation
5. Instanatural Glycolic Acid Facial Cleanser
A deep cleanser for all skin types. This cleanser clears the skin cells that linger on the surface of the skin that can lead to build up and clogging of the pores and blackheads, acne and redness.
The Glycolic Acid goes deep into the skin to exfoliate and nourish so that you will have brightened, radiant skin. Dark spots and patches of hyperpigmentation will be totally lightened!
It uses beneficial, natural ingredients like Vitamin E to nourish the skin and give you healthy-looking skin. Cooling Cucumber, calming Chamomile and anti-bacterial Green Tea also work to soothe, reduce irritation and redness and reduce skin problems.
It also has anti-aging effects so that fine lines and wrinkles appear reduced and your skin looks firmer and fuller. It does this by supporting the production of collagen.
The product comes in a bottle with a handy and hygienic pump top. It is totally cruelty-free and includes no synthetic dyes, parabens or unsafe preservatives. They aim to use as few synthetic ingredients as possible, always working to adjust formulas to include natural alternatives to synthetic ingredients.
To use, simply pump some of the wash onto your hands and massage into wet skin. Lather up and concentrate on problem areas and then rinse. For best results, use with a serum and moisturizer.
Key Ingredients:
- Glycolic Acid
- Cucumber Extract
- Organic Chamomile
- Green Tea Extract
Pros:
- Instanatural works to use as many natural ingredients as possible
- Glycolic Acid formula to help target hyperpigmentation effectively
- Cruelty-free and paraben-free
Cons:
- Using an Alpha-hydroxy Acid on the skin can make you more sensitive to
- UV rays so make sure to use a sun protector
- Some people didn’t like the scent
6. Claridad Skincare 12% Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Face Wash
A medical-grade formula to purge the pores! Is this face wash the next best thing to getting professional treatment prescribed from the dermatologist? It has a super-concentrated 12% Glycolic Acid.
The advanced and highly-exfoliating formula goes deep down into pores and busts out dirt, impurities and pollutants. It removes the top layer of skin cells to significantly reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
The formulation contains Yucca Extract and awesome antioxidant that soothes the skin and evens out an uneven skin tone. It is particularly effective at fading age spots, sun spots, acne scars and other blemishes over time.
It is also a highly-effective acne cleanser when used daily. Moreover it acts as a kind of glycolic peel, firming and tightening the skin to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The product is paraben-free and uses no animal-testing so it is totally cruelty-free. As this is medical grade it should be used with caution as the formula uses ingredients that are around 4 times stronger than typical over-the-counter products.
As they can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays they recommend you use a sun protector of at least 30 SPF.
Key Ingredients:
- 12% Glycolic Acid
- Yucca Extract
Pros:
- Medical-grade strength for powerful results
- Fades age spots, sun spots, acne scars and blemishes
- Anti-aging properties
Cons:
- Increases UV sensitivity
- Very strong formula, can irritate some skin and may need to reduce usage if so
7. TOUCH 10% Glycolic Acid Face Wash
Do you often get dry skin and want a product that works but won’t overdry? Try this awesome foaming cleanser from TOUCH. It has an intensive 10% Glycolic Acid content which deeply exfoliates and brightens the skin.
It is a powerful Alpha-hydroxy Acid that also reduces blemishes and promotes healthy, glowing skin. So say goodbye to hyperpigmentation as well as blackheads and blemishes.
And say hello to a more even skin tone and a brighter complexion. If you tend to get redness or irritation, the natural, soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients of Aloe Vera and Chamomile work to combat this.
Green Tea is also an anti-irritant and contains antioxidants that protect the skin. You can use this product as a daily cleanser, or if you prefer something more gentle on a daily basis, it can be used every now and again to a deep exfoliation.
It is suitable for all skin types and doesn’t irritate or overdry. Finally the product has a low pH of 3.5, this helps the Glycolic Acid maintain its potency and effectiveness.
The face wash is made in the USA and is cruelty-free and FDA-inspected. It doesn’t include parabens, dyes, phthalates, sulphates or drying alcohols.
Key Ingredients:
- Glycolic Acid 10%
- Chamomile
- Green Tea
- Aloe Vera
Pros:
- Highly-effective formula for deep exfoliation
- Low pH means Glycolic Acid can work its best
- Natural, anti-inflammatory ingredients to soothe and not overdry
Cons:
- Some people with sensitive skin experienced a little irritation
- Some people received a leaky bottle
8. Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Face Wash Exfoliating Cleanser
The best unisex facewash for women and men with oily skin. The Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser from Botanic Tree specifically targets dark spots, age spots, hyperpigmentation, discoloration, acne scars and premature aging.
The specially-designed formula is made with 10% Glycolic Acid to deep clean and break up excess grime and dead skin. It also includes a carefully-selected array of natural, nourishing ingredients and organic extracts to smooth and hydrate the skin, such as Seaweed, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Lavender, Shea Butter, Willow Bark and Bamboo.
This is a great face wash to add into your daily routine. To use, gently massage a small amount onto wet skin on your face and neck. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, it is recommended that you use this 4 to 5 times a week.
If you have normal, dry or sensitive skin, it may only be needed 2 to 3 times. The product is an exfoliating cleanser that contains microbeads.
Key Ingredients:
- 10% Glycolic Acid
- Seaweed
- Peppermint
- Tea Tree
- Lavender
- Shea Butter
- Willow Bark
- Bamboo
Pros:
- Powerful formula to target hyperpigmentation
- Includes organic natural extracts
- Cruelty-free and made in the USA
Cons:
- Some people did not like the microbeads in the formula
- Some people thought it was over-scented
9. BEST Vitamin C Daily Facial Cleanser
This deep-cleaning face wash is a wonderful way to rejuvenate and refresh the skin. If you have sun damage, uneven skin tone or signs of aging, this foaming face wash could help!
It has an advanced blend of 15% Vitamin C along with potent antioxidants to penetrate deep into pores and deep clean the dirt. Natural plant extracts of Oregano, Borage, Orange Peel and Tea Tree help to protect the skin and promote a more even skin tone.
They nourish as well as clear and disinfect. It leaves the skin feeling clean, soft and brighter. The product can be used on any skin type as it is very gentle although it is still professional strength.
So if you have very sensitive skin and need to stay away from very chemical-heavy formulas, this could be a good option. It is always best to do a small skin test before use to make sure it matches with your skin type.
If it is all ok, use the product carefully by massaging it into the skin, thn rinse. This can be done morning and night.
Key Ingredients:
- 15% Vitamin C
- Aloe Vera
- MSM
- Rosehip Oil
- Borage
- Oregano
- Orange Peel
- Tea Tree
Pros:
- Rejuvenating and anti-aging
- Includes nourishing vitamins, antioxidants and plant extracts
- Cruelty-free, vegan and US-made
Cons:
- Some people found a mild irritation
- Some people found the formula a little drying
10. DETOX All Natural Activated Charcoal Facial Cleanser
A face wash that reduces dark spots AND targets impurities. The Detox All Natural Cleanser contains activated charcoal, a deep-cleansing ingredient that acts like a natural magnet for dirt and sebum in clogged pores.
The face wash clears and minimizes your pores, brightening and revitalizing your skin. The product also includes an antioxidant-rich triple tea extract. It is made from three teas; Rooibos Tea, White Tea and Green Tea Extract, which combine to create a nutrient-filled defending skin remedy.
The face wash is also filled with vitamins like Vitamin C and Vitamin B5 which build a protective barrier on top of the skin and promotes healing.
This is a great face wash for oily skin and works as a face wash treatment for acne. It is really moisturizing as it is made with natural ingredients like Coconut Oil, Orange Peel Oil and Aloe Vera gel to balance the skin without being too heavy.
The face wash is 100% natural and made in the USA. It is hypoallergenic so it is good for even the most sensitive skin. It is also great for both men and women. So if you are looking for an all-in-one face wash that can detoxify, exfoliate and moisturize and target and lighten skin pigmentation, why not try this?
Key Ingredients:
- Activated Charcoal
- Rooibos Tea
- White Tea
- Green Tea
- Coconut Oil
- Orange Peel Oil
- Aloe Vera
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B5
Pros:
- Activated charcoal draws out impurities
- Super moisturizing but good for oily skin
- Balances the skin
Cons:
- Some people thought the perfume was too heavy
- Some people felt it was thicker than they liked
Can you get rid of hyperpigmentation?
There are ways of removing pigmentation or hyperpigmentation from the skin, like sun spots, freckles, age spots ertc, but this usually involves advanced laser treatment. There is even laser resurfacing which can be used for deep pigmentation like melasma.
However, if you don’t want to use such a drastic treatment, there are also over-the-counter serums and face washes that can significantly reduce the appearance of, and lighten, pigmentation.
How can I remove hyperpigmentation from my face?
If you have pigmentation on the face, you might have considered products to remove or reduce it. You can get many products especially designed for this that are specially formulated for the delicate skin on your face.
These could be highly concentrated serums that target pigmentation, or more gentle face washes that work to slowly fade pigmentation over time. These often include ingredients like Glycolic Acid that penetrate the skin, remove the top layers of skin, and leave brighter, new skin underneath.
Which is the best face wash for hyperpigmentation?
The best face wash for hyperpigmentation really depends on your skin type and needs. There are some highly-concentrated, medical-grade formulas that will get more powerful results, but might cause some irritation for sensitive skin types and should only be used a couple of times a week.
There are also more natural and nourishing formulas that are more gentle but can be used daily and work slowly over time.
Conclusion
Time to choose a product and tackle your pigmentation. Whether you have sun spots, pesky freckles, age spots or some other pigmentation problem, a specialized face wash is an easy and low-maintenance way to reduce its appearance.
And all you need to do is simply swap out the products you use in your current routine for new ones that will naturally work away at tackling your hyperpigmentation. Get ready for a brighter, more radiant and more even complexion and feel better in your own skin.
Related: Best Face Masks for Hyperpigmentation
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