10 Best Bleaching Creams For Face That Lighten YourSkin Tone – 2024
Skin-friendly formulations that work on spots and blemishes to give you clean and clear skin.
Dr. Enrizza Factor is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and Fellow of the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation Inc. She is also a member of the Philippine Academy of Cutaneous Surgery and an Associate of the Philippine Society of Venerology Inc.
Read full bio of Dr. Enrizza Factor
Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.
Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 3 yearsEshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.
Read full bio of Eshna Das
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Skin bleaching treatments are often used to address freckles, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation. Skin-brightening ingredients are found in the best bleaching creams for the face, and they work to minimize melanin production and lighten your complexion. Hydroquinone is widely used in a number of bleaching products. Licorice, arbutin, and ascorbic acid (the purest form of vitamin C) may also be present in some skin-brightening creams. This article contains all the info you need to know about bleaching creams and a selection of the top 10 face bleaching creams available right now. Keep reading!
In This Article
What Is Face Bleaching?
“Facial bleaching, also known as skin whitening or skin, is the practice of using chemical substances in an attempt to lighten the skin or provide an even skin color by reducing the melanin concentration in the skin. It is a process to lighten dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and spots and brighten the skin tone,” explains Dr. Enrizza Factor, MD, Dermatology. Estheticians usually perform it with skin whitening creams, chemicals, pills, and other skin brightening therapies. Face bleaching therapies and ingredients target the melanin in your skin. Here is how they work.
How Does Face Bleaching Work?
Face bleaching helps reduce the production of melanin in the skin. Skin brightening ingredients like hydroquinone decrease the number of melanocytes (melanin-producing cells) in your skin, making it brighter and even-toned.
Here are the 10 best bleaching creams that effectively fade dark patches, reduce skin pigmentation, and brighten the complexion of your face. Keep scrolling.
The 10 Best Bleaching Creams For Face, According To Reviews
1. Best Overall:Sally Hansen Bleach Cream For Face & Body
The Sally Hansen Bleach Cream For Face & Body has a smooth, no-drip formula that offers consistent results. The gentle formula of this bleach cream is infused with aloe vera and sweet almond oil to nourish and hydrate the skin. This hydrogen peroxide-based chemical bleach mixes quickly and leaves behind a mild fragrance. It delivers visible results for face brightening by lightening your body and dark facial hair, so it blends beautifully into your natural skin tone, making the strands virtually invisible. Here is the video of an honest review of the Sally Hansen Bleach Cream For Face & Body.
Pros
- No-drip formula
- Pleasant fragrance
- Dermatologist-tested
- Includes scale and mixing cup
Cons
- Not for sensitive skin
Review:
A tester says, “I have been using the Sally Hansen Bleach Cream on darker facial hair. It does the job without causing irritation or redness. While some products didn’t suit my sensitive skin, this one worked well for me.”
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 6,119 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
2. Best For Face:Protégé Luminate Premium Skin Lightening Cream
The Protégé Luminate Premium Skin Lightening Cream is one of the best bleach creams for the face. It contains brightening ingredients like kojic acid and alpha-arbutin, which have proven efficacy in fading dark spots. It is an ideal treatment for melasma, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars. The antioxidant-rich formula seeps into the skin and prevents the reappearance of spots and pigmentation. The clinically-proven bleach does not contain the active ingredient hydroquinone, mercury, or any other harsh chemicals that may irritate your skin and are great for acne scar lightening for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Clinically-tested
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Contains natural ingredients
- No harsh chemicals
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Expensive
Review:
A user gladly states, “After struggling with brown spots for years and trying various treatments, I found a ray of hope with Protégé Luminate cream. My skin has improved a lot after using it for two years. I pair it with sliced potatoes for added effectiveness.”
3. Best For Sensitive Skin:Divine Derriere Intimate Dark Spot Remover
The Divine Derriere Intimate Dark Spot Remover is a skin bleaching cream for your face and body that is designed to target dark spots on sensitive and intimate areas. This bleaching cream has natural and plant-based ingredients such as mulberry extract, niacinamide, kojic acid, and B-white peptide that nourish your skin and help with dark spot removal, which makes it appear bright and glowing. The gentle formula can be safely used on sensitive areas of your body without feeling any discomfort. The product’s positive reviews attests to its efficacy in delivering visible results.
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Free of artificial color and odor
- Affordable
- Contains natural ingredients
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Safe to be used on intimate areas
Cons
- May take time to show results
Review:
A reviewer writes, “I love this dark spot remover from Divine Derriere. The user-friendly applicator allows precise application to my dark spots. My skin’s texture has improved noticeably after just a few weeks of overnight use. It is a must-try for people with sensitive skin.”
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 9,222 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
Sally Hansen Bleach Cream For Face & Body Best Overall | Protégé Luminate Premium Skin Lightening Cream Best For Face | Divine Derriere Intimate Dark Spot Remover Best For Sensitive Skin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All | - | - |
| Dimensions | 3.69 x 1.5 x 5.31 inches | - | - |
| Weight | 4.8 Ounces | - | 1 Ounces |
| Dimensions | - | 2.4 x 2.4 x 2.24 inches | 2.91 x 2.28 x 2.28 inches |
| Weight | - | 2 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 6,119 | 1,001 | 9,222 |
| Price | $5.67 | $24.99 | $23.99 |
4. Best Cost-Effective:VLCC Insta Glow Diamond Bleach
Welcome the radiant glow on your skin with VLCC Insta Glow Diamond Bleach. It contains diamond bhasma that removes dead skin cells and suntan caused by excessive sun exposure to brighten your skin. The aloe vera extract in the formula hydrates the skin, making it soft and smooth. The bleach lightens facial hair to match your natural skin tone perfectly for an even-toned appearance.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
Cons
- May cause a burning sensation
Review:
A user enthusiastically states, “I’m thrilled with the results of the VLCC Insta Glow bleach! This at-home facial product offers the glow and radiance I desire. The pre and post-bleach products in the kit are great additions as well.”
Pro Tip5.Best For Entire Body:Skin Pro Ultra Bright Lightening Cream
The Skin Pro Ultra Bright Lightening Cream is a dark spot corrector for the face and body. The formula is infused with 2% hydroquinone that helps fade facial discoloration and dark patches caused by hyperpigmentation. It revitalizes and rejuvenates the skin and evens out the skin tone for a clear and bright appearance. This cream is also effective for age spots, sun spots, freckles, liver spots, melasma treatment, and combating uneven skin tone.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Pleasant fragrance
- Medical-grade formula
Cons
- Expensive
6. Best For Facial Hair:Jolen Creme Bleach
The Jolen Creme Bleach has a mild formula that lightens unwanted facial hair on the upper lip, chin, cheeks, and sideburn areas. This age spot remover helps blend the hair with your natural skin tone, making your face appear brighter. The formula contains aloe vera that soothes the skin and minimizes the risk of irritation while helping with skin tone correction. The package includes a mixing tray and spatula. Go through the demo of the Jolen Creme Bleach to check the clear results.
Pros
- Suits sensitive skin
- Gentle
- Easy to use
Cons
- Strong fragrance
Review:
As per a tester’s experience, “I’ve trusted Jolen Creme Bleach for years, and it consistently delivers great results. It’s gentle and odorless, effectively lightening hair while keeping skin irritation at bay. While it didn’t give me a white blonde color on my eyebrows, it still worked well. Overall, it’s a reliable and effective option.”
Pro Tip7. Best For Intimate Areas:Pretty Privates Intimate Skin Bleaching Cream
The Pretty Privates Intimate Skin Bleaching Cream is your best pick if you are looking for a solution to treat dark spots in the most intimate areas of your body. This bleaching cream is infused with the goodness of coconut oil, Kojic acid, niacinamide, and arbutin, which deeply moisturize your skin and make it appear brighter and softer without being harsh on your private areas. This bleaching cream, designed for intimate areas, can be used daily for a brightening glow and will show a difference in just three weeks.
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients
- Pleasant smell of coconut
- Moisturizing formula
- Safe for intimate areas
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Can be expensive
Review: A reviewer says, “I was initially apprehensive due to my sensitive skin, fearing bumps and irritation. However, This bleaching cream from Pretty Privates amazed me! It’s moisturizing, subtly scented, and has naturally lightened my skin. I’m thrilled with the results on my inner thighs, neck, and armpits!”
8. Best Easy To Use:Surgi Invisi-Bleach Face & Body Hair Bleaching Cream
The Surgi Invisi-Bleach Face & Body Hair Bleaching Cream has a gentle formula that lightens face and body hair easily to make them unnoticeable. You can see visible results just after a single use of this at-home hyperpigmentation treatment. The kit comes with a bleaching créme, an activator, a mixing tray, and a plastic spatula for easy application. The bleach gives a natural glow and youthful skin with consistent use.
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Easy to use
- Clinically tested
Cons
- Might cause a burning sensation
Review:
A tester says, “I was initially hesitant due to my sensitive skin, but Surgi Invisi-Bleach surprised me. It didn’t irritate my skin or cause any rashes. Results were noticeable after just one use, effectively lightening facial hair without discomfort.”
9. Best For Dark Spots:Magiclear Luxury Dark Spot Corrector
The Magiclear Luxury Dark Spot Corrector is best for spot-treating freckles, dark spots, patches, and hyperpigmentation. It contains salicylic acid that exfoliates the skin, vitamin B3 that nourishes it, and licorice extract, a potent brightening ingredient that helps fade spots. The fast-acting gel formula of the product gets absorbed quickly. It gives you the best results when used with brightening toner, cleanser, and cream from the same range by the brand.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Contains natural ingredients
Cons
- Overpowering fragrance
Review:
A reviewer happily states, “Impressed with Magiclear Luxury Dark Spot Corrector! Within a week, my dark spots and under-eye circles noticeably faded. The serum’s non-greasy feel and subtle scent are great. Consistent use worked wonders on my complexion, making it visibly even.”
10. Best For Upper Lips:Andrea Gentle Creme Bleach
The Andrea Gentle Creme Bleach has a cream-based, gentle formula that lightens unwanted facial hair without irritating the skin. It can be used on the upper lips, chin, and along the hairline. The mild formula prevents post-bleach itchiness, dryness, and flakiness and works on all skin types.
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Suitable for all skin types
- Easy application
Cons
- None
Review:
A user who tested the product says, “Switching to this bleach from Andrea was my best decision. Its cream bleach and activator combo is much simpler to use than others with powder. The milder scent and reduced skin irritation are big pluses.”
Still unsure about which bleaching cream you should pick? Here are a few points that will help you choose the best bleaching cream for your face.
A Guide To Choose The Best Bleaching Cream For Your Face
- Formula And Strength
Check the ingredients. Bleaching creams with hydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide have a strong formula. Others may have natural skin lightening agents, such as alpha arbutin, kojic acid, and vitamin C. Also, check for professional-grade and soothing ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile extracts to ensure this dermatological product does not irritate the skin. Avoid products with artificial fragrances and parabens. Opt for dermatologically-approved or expert-recommended products for visible results.
- Purpose
Some bleaching creams are specially designed to work on skin imperfections, like reducing the appearance of pigmentation and spots, while others may lighten the facial hair to match your skin tone to create an illusion of bright and clear skin. You can go for any of them, depending on your preferences.
It is always advisable to follow the directions given on the packaging. Here are some general tips on how you should use bleaching cream for your face.
How To Use Bleaching Cream For Your Face
- Cleanse your face with a face wash to get rid of dirt and impurities.
- Pat your face dry.
- Apply an appropriate amount of skin-whitening cream to your face.
- Massage the cream gently with your fingertips.
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes or as in the instruction booklet by the manufacturer.
- Wash it off.
Here are some tips to follow while using bleaching creams.
Tips To Consider While Using Bleaching Cream
- Do not apply the skin-brightening cream on open wounds, rashes, and broken skin to avoid skin irritation.
- Do not step out in the sun after using bleaching cream as the formula makes your skin photosensitive. If you have to step out, always apply a sunblock with high SPF to prevent sun damage.
- Do not use bleaching creams if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Always consult a doctor before using them to avoid any skin concerns.
- Remember to wash your hands before and after using bleaching creams.
Bleaching creams usually contain strong chemicals and may cause side effects.
Side Effects Of Bleaching Creams
Bleaching creams may cause:
- Dryness
- Redness
- Itching
- Allergic reactions
- Swelling around the eyes
- Skin discoloration
Consult a doctor immediately if you experience any of the symptoms.
Bleaching creams are scientifically formulated to lighten dark spots on the skin. They are great for at-home use and brighten your skin without spending thousands of bucks on salon visits. However, always do a patch test before using these products and pick dermatologically tested products to avoid skin irritation. The Protégé Luminate Premium Skin Lightening Cream is the best if you want a bleaching cream without hydroquinone. The Intilight Skin Lightening Treatment is suitable for all skin types, and to bleach your facial hair, you can try the Jolen Creme Bleach.
Infographic: Bleaching Creams: Ingredients To Avoid And Post-Bleaching Skincare
Bleaching the face is the fastest way to get rid of tan. The quality of product you use is equally important as it can, otherwise, damage the skin and cause bleach burns that can leave the skin inflamed and irritated. The infographic below will help you understand what ingredients to avoid while choosing a bleaching cream. There’s also a section on post-bleach aftercare that will guide you on how to heal your skin faster from the effects of bleaching. Check it out! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does face bleaching last, and how often do you bleach your face?
Face bleaching results may last for 25-30 days, and you can bleach your face once a month for consistent results.
Which bleach is best for your skin type?
It depends. Check the ingredients and do a patch test before using the product. If it does not irritate the skin, you can use it.
Is bleaching cream for your face safe?
Yes, only if used in moderation. Frequent bleaching may irritate your skin and cause redness, patchiness, and acne breakouts.
What should I not do after bleaching my face?
Avoid stepping out in the sun immediately after bleaching. The harsh sun rays can further aggravate the sensitivity in your skin. Additionally, skip washing your face with soap or face wash after bleaching. Instead, use only plain water.
How long does the effects of bleaching your face last?
The effect of bleaching is not permanent and it will last for a maximum of 25 to 30 days. Your skin gets renewed and melanin production is natural. So, the effect of bleaching will wear off.
How long does it take for a bleaching cream to start working?
The bleaching cream starts showing its results after about four weeks or between six to eight weeks. But the actual effect of the cream can be seen after several months of continuous and long-term use.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal, a certified skin care coach, uses bleaching creams to fade pigmentation-related issues. She has tried out quite a few formulas before sticking to the Sally Hansen Bleach Cream For Face & Body. She has consulted experts and scoured through hundreds of reviews before picking the best ones for her readers.
Read full bio of Dr. Enrizza Factor
Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Eshna Das
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