10 Best Face Washes for Hyperpigmentation - Expert’s Reviews

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Apr 03, 2024
Best Face Washes for Hyperpigmentation
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

When it comes to skincare, the very first product to use is a face wash or a cleanser. However, finding a good one to fade away skin concerns like dark spots and hyperpigmentation can be a little challenging. Based on our first-hand research, the best face wash for hyperpigmentation has the responsibility of keeping your skin clean and germ-free. Its main purpose is, of course, cleansing and sweeping away dust and impurities, but it also focuses on providing anti-wrinkle effects and moisturizing effects for ultimate skin brightening and lesser pigmentation.

According to a research study published in the National Library of Medicine, hyperpigmentation, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma, are commonly found skin conditions that affect all skin types. Most topical treatments to fight against hyperpigmentation include brightening agents such as vitamin C, hydroquinone, retinoids, and chemical peels. Another study published on NCBI states that kojic acid, being a potent antioxidant, can be used at concentrations ranging from 1% to 4%. 

So, to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and attain healthy-looking glowing skin, pick one of the best face washes or cleansers with keen observation and analysis. Honestly, they are one of the effective adjunctive methods of treating and reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Running out of time? No worries, we have carried out a thorough investigation of face washes and reviewed them for you! Scroll down and add the most suitable one to your cart without any second thoughts.

10 Best Face Washes for Hyperpigmentation

InstaNatural’s Vitamin C Cleanser is indeed the go-to skincare essential to revive dullness and reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles. In addition to the effective composition of ingredients, it also contains a few botanical extracts that leave your skin thoroughly hydrated and nourished. What made it earn the title of the best cleanser for hyperpigmentation is its ability to refine skin texture by preventing the signs of aging and fighting against free radicals. Once you incorporate it into your everyday skincare routine, you will witness a significant change in how your skin looks and feels.  

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, aloe vera, green tea extract, and coconut water 

Skin Type: Oily, sensitive, dry, normal

Scent: Citrus 

Quantity: 6.7 fl oz

Pros
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Brightens the skin
  • Tightens the pores
  • Gel-based texture
  • Mess-free tube packaging
  • Safe for sensitive skin
Cons
  • Scent may not appeal to all
  • Editor’s Pick

    Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Face Cleanser

    Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Face Cleanser
  • Minimizing breakouts and reducing the prominent appearance of dark spots is easy as long as you have this Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Face Cleanser from Botanic Tree. What makes it a unique cleanser for hyperpigmentation is its exfoliating properties that aim to unveil a lot brighter and smoother skin. Secondly, the cleanser seamlessly sweeps away deep-seated impurities, dust, dirt, and grime from the pores and shrinks them, revealing a radiant skin glow. What’s more? This cleanser also offers a perfect acne treatment that soothes skin without irritating, drying, or stripping away natural oils from it.

    Simply, use it 2 to 5 times a week as a part of your regular skincare routine and you will be able to notice remarkable results in just 1 week.

    Key Ingredients: 10% glycolic and salicylic acid, lavender, bamboo, shea butter, and tea tree leaf oil

    Skin Type: Acne-prone, oily, and sensitive

    Scent: Tea tree leaf oil 

    Quantity: 6 fl oz.

    Pros
    • No sticky residue
    • Paraben-free
    • SLS-free
    • Unclogs pores
    • Evens out skin tone
    • Suitable for teenagers and adult
    Cons
    • Overwhelming scent
  • Best for Reviving Dull Skin

    La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Brightening Foaming Cream Cleanser

    La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Brightening Foaming Cream Cleanser
  • The next hyperpigmentation face wash on our list of recommendations is the Brightening Foaming Cleanser from La Roche-Posay. It instantly exfoliates your dull and uneven skin with deep cleansing agents and leaves your skin clean and clear. Formulated with Lipo-Hydroxy Acid, the soft foaming cream sheds away dullness and reveals radiant skin. The due credit also goes to its powerful complex of key ingredients that work together to reduce the appearance of dark spots and soften your skin. After using, make sure you seal your skin with La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer for better results and skin protection. 

    Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Thermal spring water, and lipo-hydroxy acid

    Skin Type: All 

    Scent: Unscented 

    Quantity: 4.2 fl oz

    Pros
    • Allergy-tested
    • Dermatologically-tested
    • Oil-free
    • Non-comedogenic
    Cons
    • Feels a little sticky
  • Best for Sensitive Skin

    Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Gentle PHA Exfoliating Cleanser

    Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Gentle PHA Exfoliating Cleanser
  • Cetaphil’s Gentle PHA Exfoliating Cleanser is the most reliable face wash for dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Mindfully crafted for sensitive skin types, the cleanser visibly diminishes the prominent appearance of dark spots, brown spots, age spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation, yielding smooth, clear, and more radiant skin. What makes it stand apart from the crowd is its Gentle Bright Complex Technology and a blend of nourishing antioxidants that brighten and even out skin tone seamlessly. 

    Key Ingredients: Niacinamide 

    Skin Type: Sensitive 

    Scent: Unscented 

    Quantity: 4.2 fl oz

    Pros
    • Won’t clog pores
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Defends against skin irritation
    • Prevents dryness
    • Lightweight formula
    Cons
    • Runny consistency
  • Best for Skin Brightening

    The INKEY List Fulvic Acid Cleanser

    The INKEY List Fulvic Acid Cleanser
  • Healthy-looking complexion is just a step away if you incorporate the INKEY List’s Fulvic Acid Cleanser into your skincare regimen. Each of the ingredients mentioned below plays some or the other role in helping you achieve the skin of your dreams. Firstly, the cleanser aims to reduce hyperpigmentation and visibly brightens your overall skin tone. Secondly, with skin-loving antioxidants, it gently exfoliates your skin and fetches you an illuminated and energized skin. Undoubtedly, users have labeled it as the best facial cleanser for hyperpigmentation. One of them says. “I started using this a few weeks ago and have noticed a difference in my skin. My pores are smaller and my skin is clearer and brighter.”

    Key Ingredients: Licorice root extract, Nordic peat, aloe vera, and Kakadu plum extract 

    Skin Type: All

    Scent: Unscented

    Quantity: 5 fl oz.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Improves uneven skin tone
    • Gluten-free
    • Recyclable packaging
    • Available in a bigger pack
    Cons
    • Might irritate very sensitive skin

    Quick Tip:

    Pour a coin-sized amount of the cleanser on the damp face and neck. Gently massage it and then rinse it thoroughly. You can use it in your AM and PM skincare routine for added benefits.

  • Best for Everyday Use

    Neostrata Foaming Glycolic Wash

    Neostrata Foaming Glycolic Wash
  • What makes Neostrata’s Foaming Glycolic Wash so special is its impeccable soap-free formula, which keeps skin irritation at bay. Adding to that, this facial cleanser for hyperpigmentation is a highly concentrated AHA cleanser designed to exfoliate and cleanse congested pores and leave your skin squeaky clean. With its smart delivery system, it visibly improves skin texture and refines the skin’s surface. A loyal customer shares, “One of the best face washes containing glycolic that I’ve ever used. I’m onto my fourth bottle as it’s a regular part of my skincare regime, helping me achieve my skin goals.”

    Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid and lactobionic acids

    Skin Type: Normal 

    Scent: Unscented

    Quantity: 4.2 fl oz.

    Pros
    • Best for everyday use
    • Dermatologically-tested
    • Locks moisture into the skin
    • Safe for sensitive skin
    Cons
    • Little pricey

    Quick Tip:

    Wet your skin with water. Pump a moderate amount of foam into your hands and begin applying it. Massage gently with your hands and rinse thoroughly. For better results, use it twice daily.

  • Best Ayurvedic Formulation

    Just Herbs Brightening Face Wash Vitamin C Amla & Liquorice Root

    Just Herbs Brightening Face Wash Vitamin C Amla & Liquorice Root
  • For anyone who wants to indulge in the goodness of Ayurvedic formulations, Just Herbs Brightening Face Wash is an ideal pick. It is a failproof skin rejuvenating face wash that not only helps in bidding adieu to hyperpigmentation but also in maintaining your skin’s pH level. Furthermore, it takes off the excess oil, dirt, and impurities from your pores and fades away the traces of blemishes if any while stimulating collagen production. This in return results in an uplifted and even-toned complexion that you can’t resist swooning over! For better and long-lasting results, seal your skin with Just Herbs Radiance Booster Cream With SPF 30+.

    Key Ingredients: Neem, amla, and liquorice root 

    Skin Type: All

    Scent: Citrusy

    Quantity: 3.38 fl oz.

    Pros
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Non-drying formula
    • Vegan
    • Non-toxic
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best Clarifying Properties

    Formula 10.0.6 Best Face Forward Daily Foaming Cleanser

    Formula 10.0.6 Best Face Forward Daily Foaming Cleanser
  • Enriched with a good amount of clarifying properties and effective ingredients, Formula 10.0.6’s foaming cleanser washes away impurities and oil to reveal a clean and luminous complexion. With its gel-based texture, it soothes the skin without stripping its vital moisture. What makes it a must-have face cleanser for hyperpigmentation is its ability to reduce oil build-up while providing much-needed protection against free radicals. The best part? The cleanser is extremely light in weight and the foam feels as soft as a cloud.  

    Key Ingredients: Green tea, passionfruit, and chamomile

    Skin Type: All

    Scent: Green Tea

    Quantity: 5 fl oz.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Vegan
    • Inexpensive
    • Evens out skin tone
    • Good packaging
    • Easy to rinse
    Cons
    • None
  • Best Non-irritating Formula

    Achsah Glow Face Rinse

    Achsah Glow Face Rinse
  • Achsah Glow Face Rinse is totally a game-changer. It not only reduces hyperpigmentation, acne, and dark spots but also fights against sun damage. All credit goes to the potency of ingredients and antioxidants that make it a reliable facial wash for hyperpigmentation and utmost skin nourishment. To note more, it is also effective enough to sweep away impurities, dust, and dirt, to unveil a radiant and hydrated complexion. Nevertheless, for anyone who is yearning to embrace a lit-from-within glow, this is what you need to invest in! 

    Key Ingredients: Acai berries and rice extract

    Skin Type: All

    Scent: Fresh 

    Quantity: 2.1 fl oz.

    Pros
    • Non-irritating
    • Softens the skin
    • Prevents dryness
    • Can be used by men and women
    Cons
    • Less quantity
  • Best for Uneven Skin Tone

    Advanced Rejuvenating Concepts Melanin Cleanser

    Advanced Rejuvenating Concepts Melanin Cleanser
  • Lastly, we recommend a remarkable Melanin Cleanser from Advanced Rejuvenating Concepts. This cleanser, possessing a concentrated gel formula, effortlessly cleanses your skin and removes oil, dust, grime, impurities, and also makeup. Consciously formulated to diminish the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone, this skincare product makes you experience what refined and refreshed skin looks and feels like. What’s left us truly impressed is its science-backed ingredients that address various skin concerns like sun damage, melasma, and mottled complexion. 

    Key Ingredients: Kojic acid, lysine, and cysteine amino acids

    Skin Type: Oily, combination, dry, normal

    Scent: Cranberry 

    Quantity: 6.9 fl oz.

    Pros
    • Balances moisture levels
    • Vegan
    • Contains no artificial fragrances
    • Gluten-free
    Cons
    • Costly

    That was our comprehensive list of the best face washes and cleansers for hyperpigmentation. Now, let us run you through a detailed buying guide.

    How to Choose a Face Wash for Hyperpigmentation?

    Here are a few aspects that you should consider before splurging on the best face wash for hyperpigmentation:

    Analyze Your Skin Type: Make sure you understand your skin type along with the concerns keenly. If you are dealing with sensitive skin, then a mild and gentle cleanser or face wash should be the right choice for you to avoid exacerbating hyperpigmentation or causing further skin sensitivity. Likewise, if you have oily skin, then an oil-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic face wash can help reduce hyperpigmentation while nourishing your skin. Avoid investing in face washes or cleansers that are not meant for your skin type or consult a dermatologist.

    Check the Key Ingredients: Ingredients determine the efficacy of the cleanser or face wash in helping you reduce hyperpigmentation. Based on our research, ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, licorice root extract, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, bionic acids, vitamin C, amla, green tea, passionfruit, vitamin E, acai berries, rice extract, etc. are found to be beneficial in diminishing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, blemishes, and acne. Additionally, such a blend of ingredients helps remove impurities, dirt, dust, and environmental aggressors from your skin. 

    Ingredients to Avoid: Make sure that the cleanser or face wash that you wish to buy doesn’t contain harsh and harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, gluten, sulfate, alcohol, etc., as they may cause irritation or worsen your skin conditions. 

    Understand the Texture: It will help you predict the application and rinsing-off task better. As per our findings, the majority of the cleansers or face washes possess gel, cream, or foam-based textures that lather well and do their job effectively. Likewise, check the formula. It should be light in weight and non-sticky.

    After taking note of the above aspects, get to know a few benefits of using the best cleanser or face wash for hyperpigmentation.

    What Are the Benefits of Using a Face Wash for Hyperpigmentation?

    • Reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation
    • Diminishes dark spots and age marks 
    • Restores skin’s pH balance
    • Purifies pores
    • Improves skin texture 
    • Removes impurities, dust, dirt, and grime

    Conclusion

    The best face wash for hyperpigmentation will not only take good care of your skin but also help in addressing skin concerns like dark spots, acne, blemishes, fine lines, and wrinkles. After considering a plethora of factors like ingredients, texture, formula, reviews, and ratings, we managed to curate this comprehensive list for you. Out of all, InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleanser in our top spot managed to win all hearts for its potent formulation and blend of botanical extracts. For someone who wants to say goodbye to dullness and dark spots while unveiling a radiant glow, La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Brightening Foaming Cream Cleanser shall be the right pick for you. Similarly, there are a few other face washes out there that will aid in undergoing a flawless transformation with no dark spots or the possibility of hyperpigmentation. Analyze each of them thoroughly, and slide the most suitable one into your cart without any second thoughts. Happy shopping!

    FAQ's

    Can a face wash aid in reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation?
    Yes, face washes can help with hyperpigmentation, dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles, and reveal a radiant glow.
    How often should one use a face wash for hyperpigmentation?
    You should use a face wash twice a day to reduce hyperpigmentation.
    How long does it take to witness the results of using a face wash for hyperpigmentation?
    It might take 1 to 2 months to see the results from using a face wash for hyperpigmentation.
    Are there any side effects or precautions that one should consider when using a face wash for hyperpigmentation?
    Yes, peeling, burning, and dry and reddened skin are a few of the side effects of using a face wash that is not meant for your skin type. Hence, it is wise to analyze skin type and ingredients before splurging on it.
    Which type of cleanser is the best for hyperpigmentation?
    Gel, foam, and cream-based cleansers are the best for hyperpigmentation.
    Can washing your face help reduce hyperpigmentation?
    Yes, washing the face with a good-quality face wash helps in the reduction of hyperpigmentation.
    How can one remove pigmentation from the face?
    You can reduce pigmentation from your face by investing in a cleanser or face wash that is made from skin-exfoliating and brightening ingredients.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our certified skincare expert, Anoushka, has researched the best face washes for hyperpigmentation. She believes that for whoever is dealing with hyperpigmentation, it is vital to choose a face wash that is packed with a punch of skin-loving ingredients renowned for their skin-brightening and exfoliating properties. Thus, she went ahead and carried out her extensive investigation. As per her research, Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Gentle PHA Exfoliating Cleanser is one of the face washes that is apt for someone with sensitive skin. There are also a few more that deliver what they claim. So, without further ado, snatch a glimpse of her top picks, and let not the hyperpigmentation and skincare woes bother you.  

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More