10 Best Face Washes For Dark Spots (2024)
Cleanse and hydrate your face while reducing dark spots and blemishes with each rinse.
Olunife Ofomata, founder and CEO of Sweeter Juice Skin, is an expert in the fields of esthetics, medical esthetics, and makeup artistry with over 14 years of experience. She is a licensed esthetician and certified makeup artist and obtained her makeup and esthetics education from Makeup Designory in Soho, NYC and Long Island Nail & Skin Care Institute.
Read full bio of Olunife Ofomata
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: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 8 yearsArshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Dark spots are those frustrating blemishes on your face that do not disappear on their own. Fret not! Using the right face wash for hyperpigmentation can help. So, what are the best face washes for dark spots? In this article, we have put together a list of the 10 most effective face washes that can safely reduce dark spots and the appearance of hyperpigmentation and make your skin radiant. Keep scrolling to check them out.
In This Article
10 Best Face Washes For Dark Spots
1. Best Cruelty-Free:Beautific Pure Glow Skin Renewing Facial Wash
The Pure Glow Skin Renewing Facial wash is a gentle, daily use facial cleanser that renews and polishes the skin. It contains exfoliating rice particles to remove dead skin cells and tighten the skin. The vitamin C in this pore-minimizing face wash gives instant freshness to dull and tired skin. It also evens out the skin tone and fades dark spots to reveal a clearer complexion and brighter skin.
This face wash also contains coconut oil that moisturizes the skin while balancing its pH level. It is suitable for all skin types, including oily, dry, normal, and sensitive types. This clarifying face wash is a perfect solution to get rid of dullness and enlarged pores. It instantly brightens and energizes the skin.
Pros
- Gel-based formula
- Suitable for daily use
- Suits all skin types
- Non-drying
- Leaves no residue
- SLS/SLES-free
- Microbeads-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
Quick Tip2. Best For Combination Skin:Georgette Klinger Vitamin C Cleansing Gel
The Georgette Klinger Vitamin C Cleansing Gel provides luminosity to dull and lifeless skin. The skin-restoring formula of this effective cleanser is powered by vitamin C and other fruit extracts to deeply cleanse the skin, unclog pores, and remove dead skin cells. Vitamin C, along with potent antioxidants, combats free radicals, delays premature aging, and prevents issues like fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles.
The skin-nourishing agents reduce dullness, uneven skin tone, puffiness, sagging, and roughness. This hydration boosting cleanser refines and rejuvenates the skin with natural moisture due to the presence of moisture-rich olive oil, vitamins, and antioxidants. It also eliminates post-acne hyperpigmentation and spots to leave your skin youthful and clean. The dark spot treatment face wash is formulated with lemon peel, orange, and grapefruit extracts that neutralize grease and oil from the skin. The exotic Kakadu plum essence supplies much-needed powerful antioxidants to the skin to soften it from within. The product is not subjected to any kind of animal test.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Suits dry to combination skin
- For morning and night use
- Lightweight formula
- Non-foaming
- Paraben-free
Cons
- None
3. Best Unscented:Almond Clear Face & Body Wash
Eliminate dark spots, aging signs, and acne from your skin with the Almond Clear Face & Body Wash. It has a gel-based gentle formula and contains healing botanicals like lemongrass, witch hazel, pomegranate, green tea, and mandelic acid. The formula clears the skin by removing dead skin cells, fighting bacteria, unclogging pores, and reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
This face wash has antifungal properties that prevent fungal skin infections while reducing blemishes, whiteheads, blackheads, folliculitis, and pimples. Its antibacterial properties prevent inflammation and redness. This facial cleanser works by activating collagen production to give you firm skin, free of scars, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation. The non-drying formula of this effective cleanser works well for acne-prone skin. It can be used while shaving and waxing to prevent ingrown hair and bumps on soft and delicate areas. The product has not been tested on animals.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- For face and body
- Sulfate-free
- Dye-free
- Paraben-free
- Unscented
Cons
- May not suit sensitive skin.
| Attribute | Best For pH Balancing  | Best For Combination Skin  | Best Unscented  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Beautific Pure Glow Skin Renewing Facial Wash | Georgette Klinger Vitamin C Cleansing Gel | Almond Clear Face & Body Wash |
| Skin Type | All | All | Acne-prone and sensitive |
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide and vitamin C | Vitamin C and green tea extracts | Salicylic acid and mandelic acid |
| Consistency | Creamy | Gel-based | Gel-based |
| Fragrance | Mild | Mild | Fragrance-free |
| Bottle Size | 150 ml | 200 ml | 237 ml |
| Amazon Reviews | 73 | 70 | 590 |
| Amazon Ratings | 3.9 | 4.4 | 4.2 |
| Buy Now | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
4. Best Non-Comedogenic: NEOSTRATA ENLIGHTEN Ultra Brightening Cleanser
The NEOSTRATA ENLIGHTEN Ultra Brightening Cleanser removes dark spots, unclogs pores, and gets rid of makeup, dirt, oil, dark spots, and blackheads. This exfoliating face cleanser also moisturizes the skin and eliminates wrinkles and fine lines.
The creamy formula contains neoglucosamine, a hyaluronic acid compound that removes dead skin, reduces scars and dark spots, and prevents dullness and uneven skin tone. The skin-lightening cleanser is suitable for daily use and soothes the skin due to the presence of apricot extracts, hibiscus seed extracts, lavender extracts, and orange peel extracts. Watch this video to know the reviewer’s experience and gather more information on the product.
Pros
- Soap-free
- Non-drying
- Gentle
- Suits all skin types
- Dermatologist recommended
Cons
- Super thick
Remember5. Best For All Skin Types:insta natural Vitamin C Cleanser
Get bright, blemish-free, and rejuvenated skin with the insta natural Vitamin C Cleanser. It is enriched with potent antioxidants, such as vitamin C, and organic aloe vera to nourish the skin. This gentle formula unclogs pores and prevents acne and blemishes. It deeply penetrates the dehydrated skin to boost hydration from within. The product claims to have ingredients that will offer visible results with consistent usage.
This face wash can be clubbed with an exfoliating face wash like a glycolic cleanser for anti-aging benefits and to restore the skin’s youthfulness. It is packed with green tea, aloe, vitamin C, coconut water, and sugarcane extracts that keep your skin clean and fresh while fighting aging signs like dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this spot corrector.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Cruelty-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Suits all skin types
- No artificial scents
- Allergy-tested
Cons
- Causes burning.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 5,167 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
6. Best For All Ages:Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser
The Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser removes oil, dirt, makeup, and buildup from the skin to leave it soft and hydrated. It contains glycolic acid that exfoliates the skin, and AHA extracts that brighten it.
This oily skin face wash works well for all, including teenagers dealing with cystic acne, without causing dryness. It contains shea butter, bamboo, willow bark, seaweed, and tea tree extracts that maintain oil production and cleanse the pores to prevent acne, blemishes, and redness. It also restores the skin texture to smoothen wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and other aging concerns. Further, you can include this product in your daily routine guilt-free as it was not tested on animals.
Pros
- For all ages
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Suits acne-prone, oily, and sensitive skin types
- Paraben-free
- Leaves no residue
- Offers visible results
Cons
- Unpleasant scent
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 2,626 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
7. Best Oil-Free:Neutrogena Bright Boost Resurfacing Micro Polish
Brighten your skin instantly with the Neutrogena Bright Boost Resurfacing Micro Polish. This sensitive and mature skin face wash contains mandelic AHA and glycolic acid to provide dual-action exfoliation and reduce the signs of dullness caused by long hours of sun exposure.
It has three times more polishing power than a regular face scrub to boost skin radiance and gives you bright and even-toned skin. The unique formula contains natural skin smoothers with physical and chemical exfoliants that gently resurface the skin balance. The daily use of this clinically-proven face wash leads to a visible reduction in dark spots and pores with complete skin rejuvenation. This cleanser for hyperpigmentation can be used in combination with a skin brightening serum to enhance radiance. This video will give you a better insight into the qualities of the product.
Pros
- For all skin tones
- Oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Suits all skin types
- Dermatologically-approved
Cons
- May cause breakouts.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 13,858 reviews claiming its efficacy.
8. Best Gentle:TruSkin Daily Facial Cleanser
The TruSkin Daily Facial Cleanser contains anti-aging antioxidants and blemish-preventing essential oils. The deep action formula comes with a lightweight texture that penetrates the skin to remove dirt and debris without stripping its natural oils. It also maintains the skin’s natural barrier function. It refines skin tone and texture by boosting collagen production, hydration, and radiance.
The clinically-tested oil-control formula contains acne-fighting agents to reveal flawless looking skin. This mild face wash is formulated with skin benefitting ingredients, such as vitamin C, to prevent premature aging by fighting free radicals. Vitamin E protects the skin from harsh sun rays and environmental aggressors. Rosehip oil, rich in fatty acids, nourishes the skin and increases its elasticity, while tea tree essential oil prevents acne and breakouts. The product has not been tested on animals and it is recommended to do a patch test before usage for a safe and effective experience.
Pros
- Lightweight
- For all skin types
- Gentle
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- PEG’s free
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Drying
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 6,073 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
9. Best For Skin Smoothening:Body Merry Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser
Incorporate Body Merry Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser into your daily skin care regimen to exfoliate and refresh your skin. It contains 2.5% glycolic acid, jojoba beads, and willow bark to eliminate dead skin cells, dirt, oil, and buildup without unclogging the pores.
The deep penetrating formula contains kojic acid, jojoba oil, tea tree oil, rosehip oil, and olive oil to provide nourishing, smoothing, and softening benefits. This gentle face wash provides lasting benefits and reduces dark spots, age spots, and sunspots caused due to aging or excessive sun exposure. It also prevents acne, early aging, and discoloration. Use this face wash for acne in your daily routine and rub it in a circular motion to effectively draw out impurities and dirt from the pores.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gel-based formula
- Non-drying
Cons
- May not suit sensitive skin.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 2,241 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
10. Best For A Natural Glow:VASANTI Brighten Up! Exfoliator
The VASANTI Brighten Up! Exfoliator fights dullness, acne scars, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and dark spots. The gentle yet powerful formula removes dead skin, impurities, and excess oil to give you bright and radiant complexion.
The triple-action scrub treatment gently exfoliates the skin to provide thorough cleansing while mimicking microdermabrasion to give you glowing skin with no irritation, redness, and sensitivity. This dermatologist-recommended product contains papaya enzymes that break the dead skin cells to be removed easily. They also smoothen the skin surface and impart a glow. The dermatological-grade microcrystals offer thorough exfoliation and the soothing properties of anti-inflammatory ingredients, like aloe vera, panthenol, and coconut, gently cleanse and soothe the skin. The product has received numerous positive reviews, however, we recommend you perform a patch test to avoid any potential reactions.
Pros
- Suits all skin types
- 99% natural
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- No plastic beads
- Dermatologically-approved
Cons
- May cause breakouts.
These were some best face washes to reduce dark spots and brighten your skin. But before purchasing any of these, keep a few essential points in mind.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Face Wash For Dark Spots
- Skin Type
Look for a dark spot face wash that suits your skin type. If you have dry skin, avoid face washes containing alcohol. For oily and acne-prone skin, go for a face wash that has a low pH. For sensitive skin, go for a pH-balanced face wash that does not contain any additives or heavy fragrances.
- Ingredients
A dark spot removal face cleanser made with all-natural and organic ingredients like tea tree, aloe vera, etc. Vitamin C can be an excellent ingredient as it functions both as exfoliator and brightener, helping clear skin discolorations while softening complexion texture. Natural ingredients are gentle and safe for the skin. Also, they don’t cause irritation and redness.
- Exfoliating
Opting for a facial cleanser that has proven to deliver visible results with exfoliating capabilities is an excellent choice as it helps remove impurities, dirt, dead skin, and excess oil to reveal bright and radiant skin.
- Check The Reviews
Go through reviews online to get a fair idea about the effectiveness and side effects of the face wash you want to buy. It is preferable to go for products that are either tested or recommended by dermatologists. People experience different reactions to each product, so ensure to do your own research and testing.
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In A Face Wash For Dark Spots
If acne spots and hyperpigmentation are troubling your skin and preventing you from getting that spotless look, you will benefit from a face wash specifically made to address this issue. The potent ingredients in the face wash can help eliminate blemishes and offer glowing skin. Check out the key ingredients in the infographic below.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Dark spots are annoying, and it can be challenging to get rid of them. You need cleansers that can thoroughly exfoliate the dead skin cells and enhance the skin tone to reduce dark spots. The products mentioned in our list are mostly enriched with natural ingredients that promote collagen production and slow down the skin’s aging process. Some of them are non-comedogenic and do not leave any residue. However, consider checking your skin type, ingredient lists, exfoliating capability, check if they are validated by leading dermatologists or user reviews before investing in one of these face washes for dark spots. When it comes to skin types, the Beautific Pure Glow Skin Renewing Facial Wash is suitable for all skin types, while the Almond Clear Face & Body Wash is a great option for acne-prone skin. For oily and sensitive skin types, the Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser is perfect. Try to steer clear of cleansers that have a super thick texture and unpleasant scent.
Why Trust Stylecraze
The author of this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach. She curated this list of the best face washes to prevent dark spots after carefully researching, checking reviews online, and going through user feedback on multiple forums. Her well-researched article ensures that you get to pick from face washes that will help your skin look radiant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for dark spots to fade?
Dark spots take a long time to fade. Some spots can fade on their own within a few months. Spots that are darker than your natural skin tone will take 6 to 12 months to fade. However, it may take years if the hyperpigmentation is deep-seated in your skin.
Is there any difference between face wash and cleanser?
Yes. A cleanser is meant to purify, nourish, and soothe your skin. A face wash is a formula that essentially removes the dirt from your pores. Cleansers are generally milder than face washes. However, often times, these two terms are used interchangeably.
Does face wash remove dark spots?
Yes. Face washes gently exfoliate your skin and get rid of dead skin cells. It also removes dirt and grime from your pores that develop dark spots. In this way, a face wash is essential to lighten your dark spots.
Read full bio of Olunife Ofomata
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.