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Hyperpigmentation can be a severe problem for some people. It is when the skin darkens due to the imbalanced formation of melanin causing melasma, sunspots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
That is why here at BeautiClassy, I have tried many face washes, reviewed the best face wash for hyperpigmentation, and categorized them for you! One of these face washes should be exactly what you have been looking for.
Top 10 Best Face Wash for Hyperpigmentation
| Image | Product Name | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Best for Beginners Cetaphil Pro DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash | $7.61 in amazon |
 | Best for Daily Use Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Correcting Cleanser | $17.79 in amazon |
 | Best Overall La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Cleanser | $16.99 in amazon |
 | Best for Longevity The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution | 15.75 In amazon |
 | Best on a Budget The INKEY List Mini Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser | $11.98 In amazon |
 | Best for Oily Skin Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser | $35.00 in amazon |
 | Best for Sensitive Skin Differin Daily Deep Cleanser | $10.47 In amazon |
 | Best for Acne-Prone Skin EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser | $30.40 in amazon |
 | Best for Removing Waterproof Makeup CLEARstem GENTLECLEAN Vitamin Infused Skin Cleanser | $38.00 in amazon |
 | Best for Dark Spots Murad Essential-C Facial Cleanser | $38.00 in amazon |
1. Best for Beginners – Cetaphil Pro DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash
Specification
- Item Form: Gel
- Skin Type: Acne-prone and sensitive skin
- Material Feature: Exfoliating
- Liquid Volume: 4.2 fl oz.
- Scent: Unscented
Description
Gently exfoliates while cleansing to visibly reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and acne with niacinamide and the nourishing anti-oxidant of the Cetaphil Pro DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash.
Features
Brightening effect: brighten your skin with the help of niacinamide.
Hypoallergenic: won’t clog your skin.
Polyhydroxy acid: helps with exfoliating the dead skin away.
How to use
With a gel face wash, what you want to do is to warm your face with lukewarm water and wash your hand thoroughly. Then take a coin-sized amount of the face wash and gently massage it into your face in a circular motion all over your cheeks, chin, T-zone, neck, and any area that you are suffering from hyperpigmentation. Leave it on for about a minute and then rinse your face with warm water again. Take a soft towel to pat dry your face and then apply a moisturizer to help lock in the moisture on your skin. Use it only once or twice a week at most as an exfoliator.
Expert Verdict
When you are dealing with hyperpigmentation for the first time, it can be overwhelming at first. You will be suggested to use this cleanser, that moisturizer, this serum, etc. For someone that is just starting out, the best thing you can do is give them a product that they can use and not worry about hyperpigmentation at all. That is where the Cetaphil Pro DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash comes in and gets rid of all that doubt! It is a very easy face wash to use, that has both a brightening and non-comedogenic effect on your face. It is also a gentle exfoliator so you won’t have to worry about the build-up of dead skin on your face from your skin condition as well! This exfoliation feature is what makes it user-friendly too because you will have to use it once or twice a week at most and not have to worry about it more than that! Sadly, the product might be a bit too drying for people to use with dry skin in my opinion. Otherwise, it is a great product for beginners!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Brightening | Might not be suitable for dry skin; very drying |
| Won’t clog pores | |
| Gentle exfoliation |
2. Best for Daily Use – Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Correcting Cleanser
Specification
- Item Form: Liquid
- Skin Type: Al
- Material Feature: Even toning
- Liquid Volume: 1 fl oz.
- Scent: Slight, almost non-existent smell
Description
Help give your face a more even skin tone with the help of Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Correcting Cleanser. This will help cover dark spots and give your face a nice smooth texture from day one!
Features
Even toning: help create an even tone for your face.
Retinol: the retinol in this product helps to get rid of acne and provides a wrinkle-free face.
Daily driver: be able to use this product once a day without worrying.
How to use
As a serum, what you will need to do for this is to first wash your face with a cleanser or face wash to remove any dirt and oil from your face. Then you apply pea size dots across your cheeks and T-zone, and also your neck. Gently rub the product in through an upward circular motion and let it sit there until it absorbs into your skin.
Expert Verdict
I know what you are thinking: why recommend a serum? While a face wash would remove any impurities, it is important to follow that up with a serum or moisturizer to help your skin remain fresh for the day. And nothing feels better than one that you can do once a day on your face like the Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Correcting Cleanser! It creates an even tone on your face and the retinol will help with acne and other hyperpigmentation-related issues on your face. While it may help brighten your skin and hide those dark spots, it doesn’t really get rid of the dark spots. Overall, it is a really good serum to use after cleansing your face!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Can be used daily | Brightens but does not remove dark spots completely |
| Helps create an even tone | |
| Brightens dark spots |
3. Best Overall – La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Cleanser
Specification
- Item Form: Non-foaming cream
- Skin Type: All; especially for sensitive skin
- Material Feature: Hydrates and cleanses
- Liquid Volume: 13.52 fl oz.
- Scent: Unscented
Description
La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Cleanser is a cream cleanser that helps skin retain essential moisture while cleansing, and also helps to remove makeup and impurities from your face.
Features
Cleanse and hydration: helps to keep the face clean and moisturized.
Niacinamide and glycerin goodness: fight your hyperpigmentation with the help of niacinamide and glycerin.
Natural oxidant: enriches your face oxidation with the help of the natural selenium.
How to use
After thoroughly washing your hand and giving your face a gentle wash, take a bit of the product and spread it all over your face and neck. Make sure to massage in a circular motion and apply more around places with hyperpigmentation. After leaving it on for a minute, rinse your face again and pat dry your face to avoid causing friction. Use it once when you wake up and once before going to bed.
Expert Verdict
The best overall product has a lot of boxes that need to be checked, especially for hyperpigmentation. The La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Cleanser checks exactly all the boxes! It cleanses and moisturizes; it helps retain the pH balance of your face; it fights against hyperpigmentation and helps give a gentle wash over acne, scarring, or melanin unevenness! It also does not clog your pores, making it all the more better for everyday use. I would say the only thing that holds it behind is that it might be a bit too gentle for someone that needs a more aggressive product. But because it can do everything, I would still keep it as the best overall face wash on this list!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Cleanse and moisturizes | Might be too gentle |
| Retain pH levels of skin | |
| Deals best against effects of hyperpigmentation | |
| Usable in both AM/PM skincare routine |
4. Best for Longevity – The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Specification
- Item Form: Liquid
- Skin Type: Normal skin
- Material Feature: Exfoliating
- Liquid Volume: 8 fl oz.
- Scent: Unscented
Description
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is a mild acid toning solution that exfoliates to give improved radiance and clearer skin. Visibly improves the skin with constant use.
Features
Mild exfoliation: helps to clear the skin over time.
Easy application: needs only a small amount to get the best use.
How to use
After washing your face with a gentle cleanser, take a small amount of this on a 100% cotton pad. Then only apply the pad on affected areas of hyperpigmentation by patting it over the skin. Wait for it to dry and only use it at night about 2 to 3 times a week. Pair it with sunscreen in the morning.
Expert Verdict
While not really a face wash, a toner with exfoliating properties in The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution works best for hyperpigmentation. Its gentle exfoliating feature helps tackle all the hyperpigmentation scarring and brightens your skin. It works best when paired with a gentle face wash like the La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Cleanser (another reason why it is the best overall!). Over constant use, you will start seeing more and more benefits from this product, making it the best for longevity! However, you will need to keep applying it to actually get to see any of its wonderful effects. So be patient with this product and it will work for sure!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Gentle exfoliation | Takes time to see the effect |
| Great for repeated use | |
| Pairs well with gentle face wash |
5. Best on a Budget – The INKEY List Mini Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser
Specification
- Item Form: Gel
- Skin Type: All
- Material Feature: Natural ingredients
- Liquid Volume: 1.69 fl oz. (each)
- Scent: Raspberry
Description
Get the best out of the natural ingredients in The INKEY List Mini Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser. Its mini size makes it travel-friendly and can easily help you keep up with your skincare routine on a trip!
Features
Licorice root extract: reduces the look of hyperpigmentation.
Natural fulvic acid: a natural acid that helps to gently exfoliate the skin.
Plum extract: helps nourish the skin.
How to use
Another gel-type face wash so you know the deal. Wash your hand thoroughly and then wash your face with lukewarm water. Afterward, take a small amount in your hand to help it warm up a bit before spreading it all over your face. Massage it in an upward circular motion over your neck, face and anywhere you have hyperpigmentation on your face. After leaving it on for a minute, wash off the face wash with warm water and then pat dry your face. After 5 minutes or so, you can apply a sunscreen moisturizer in the morning.
Expert Verdict
When you are on a shoestring budget, the more expensive products become a luxury. To replace that with an inexpensive option but still having the premium feel to it can be quite tricky. Enter The INKEY List Mini Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser in its mini form! Don’t let the size fool you because it packs quite a punch. You get the soothing effect from the fulvic acid which helps with hyperpigmentation. Then you have the licorice extract that helps smooth over any blemishes that you might have with hyperpigmentation. It just works on so many levels, not to mention you can carry it for trips across states or overseas because it is travel-friendly! The only downside is that it doesn’t foam up so you will be needing a bit of the product to keep up with your skincare demand if it is to be in your overall skincare routine. But a budget-friendly option nonetheless! Great if you want to try it out and want the larger packaging!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Soothing | Size leaves wanting more |
| Smoothes over hyperpigmentation | |
| Travel-friendly |
6. Best for Oily Skin – Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser
Specification
- Item Form: Cream-like gel
- Skin Type: All; best for oily skin
- Material Feature: Plant-based
- Liquid Volume: 5 fl oz.
- Scent: Unscented
Description
Take advantage of the plant-based ingredients in the Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser. It washes away impurities without stripping away the necessary oils in your skin.
Features
French green clay: pulls dirt and oil out of pores without completely stripping away the moisture.
Rice oil esters: protect the skin from dehydration that might cause adverse effects of hyperpigmentation.
Soft and clean: leave your face feeling softer and cleaner, as well as radiant.
How to use
As this has more of a thicker consistency than the other gel, you will need to warm it in your hand and then apply it over your face. Make sure that your hands are clean and your face is washed with lukewarm water. Gently massage the facewash on your face in an upward circular motion. Leave it on for about a minute before rinsing your face and washing away the cleanser. Make sure to pat dry your face afterward.
Expert Verdict
If you have oily skin like mine, then you definitely need the Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser! It will do you a world of wonder, trust me on that. It will get rid of the sticky oily feeling on your face while not stripping away the important oils in your face. This is thanks to the clay material in the product. Then you have the natural rice esters which hold the moisture which is great if you are constantly wiping your face. It is so great for oily skin that you wouldn’t even feel like you had oily skin, even after a while of using it. The only thing that is a letdown is that it’s on the expensive side. Just the price you have to pay for a premium product.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Leaves your face feeling clean | High price point |
| Face doesn’t feel oily | |
| Doesn’t leave your face dry at all |
7. Best for Sensitive Skin – Differin Daily Deep Cleanser
Specification
- Item Form: Cream
- Skin Type: Sensitive skin
- Material Feature: Moisturizing
- Liquid Volume: 4 fl oz.
- Scent: Light scent
Description
Differin Daily Deep Cleanser provides the exact relief from hyperpigmentation for sensitive skin! Get a deep powerful cleanse without stripping your skin of its natural oil.
Features
Sensitive skin formula: help your sensitive skin with the perfect blend of benzoyl peroxide.
Hydration: leaves your face feeling hydrated.
Deep cleanse: help get a deep cleanse on your face.
How to use
As a cream-type face wash, you will need to apply it on your face after washing it first. Then take a coin-sized amount on your clean hands and massage it on your face with a deep circular motion. Avoid the eye areas and leave the face wash on for about 30 seconds. Then rinse your face once more and pat dry it after. No need to use a moisturizer afterward unless the skin feels tight and overly dry after use.
Expert Verdict
When it comes to sensitive skin, almost anything can cause a breakout. This is especially harmful to people with hyperpigmentation that needs to be extra careful. Well, with the Differin Daily Deep Cleanser, you won’t have to worry about it any longer! The gentle formula uses a more diluted benzoyl peroxide solution so that your skin gets its benefits without causing any irritation. The hydration it provides also helps when your skin feels dry due to hyperpigmentation. The only gripe I had with this product is the fact that it has quite a heavy texture to it that makes it less suitable for oily and combination skin. Otherwise, if you have sensitive skin, this is exactly the face wash you need for blemishes!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Great for sensitive skin | Not suitable for oily or combination skin |
| Leaves face feeling hydrated |
8. Best for Acne-Prone Skin – EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
Specification
- Item Form: Foam
- Skin Type: All
- Material Feature: Pollution protection and acne treatment
- Liquid Volume: 7 fl oz.
- Scent: Cucumber
Description
Take advantage of the foam-type face wash of EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser! The use of enzymes helps to tackle acne caused by hyperpigmentation.
Features
Natural enzymes: bromelain enzymes help to fight the swelling and irritation around your face.
Skin pH balance: matches the skin’s pH levels to promote natural skin healing properties.
Oxygenating: the bubbles in the foam help to provide more oxygen to the face.
How to use
With the foam face wash, what you want to do is use as little as possible. The lathering effect will help to spread it all over your face so it is important to not overuse the product. After washing your face with lukewarm water, take one pump of the product and rub it gently over all parts of your face and neck. Make sure that the foam lather does not reach your eyes.
Expert Verdict
When you are acne-prone due to hyperpigmentation, it can leave your face with many unwanted scars. That is why the natural enzymes in the EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser act as an anti-inflammatory! You will start noticing that your skin feels more soothed and it helps to heal the scar. This face wash also matches the pH levels of your skin to help promote natural healing. Combined with the oxygenating bubbles of the foam, you get a balanced face wash that you need for any acne and acne-scarring issues. However, the gentleness of this product might be its double-edged sword as it is not as clearing as I would like from a face wash.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Natural enzymes are anti-inflammatory | Too gentle to give a deep wash |
| Matches the skin’s pH levels | |
| Provides much-needed oxygen to hyperpigmented acne |
9. Best for Removing Waterproof Makeup – CLEARstem GENTLECLEAN Vitamin Infused Skin Cleanser
Specification
- Item Form: Oil
- Skin Type: All
- Material Feature: Deep wash to makeup
- Liquid Volume: 6 fl oz.
- Scent: Chamomile
Description
CLEARstem GENTLECLEAN Vitamin Infused Skin Cleanser gives both a deep cleanse and hydration to your face, helping you remove any type of makeup.
Features
Natural and organic: uses natural ingredients to help give a deep cleanse.
Breaks up makeup: waterproof or not, it will get rid of the makeup.
Safe for eye makeup: its non-irritating ingredients makes it safe to use it around the eyes (but not inside the eyes of course!).
How to use
As an oil face wash that helps to remove makeup, the procedure will be vastly different from the rest of the face wash on the list. Right off the bat, you will not wash your face first (but it will help to wash your hands thoroughly). Then apply a pea-sized amount on all the fingers except your thump and gently massage it all over your skin (and makeup if you have it on). For the eyes, you should be using your ring finger and massaging it carefully around the eyelids and under eyes. Massage it well for about a minute to allow the oil to penetrate the skin. After a couple of minutes, take a damp washcloth or wet wipes to wipe your face in a downward motion. Make sure to completely remove any trace of oil from your face and then wash your face one last time.
Expert Verdict
Waterproof makeup is truly a blessing when you have it on for the whole day, but a curse when it’s time to remove it. I don’t need to tell you the horrors of leaving your makeup on your face overnight. It might be tough to get rid of it but with the help of CLEARstem GENTLECLEAN Vitamin Infused Skin Cleanser, you are sure to get rid of the waterproof makeup! The oil face wash will penetrate deep into your skin and mix with the makeup to help remove it. Natural ingredients such as vitamin C and green tea help to bring back the shine and brightness to your skin that is troubled by hyperpigmentation too! And the best part is it will rid of those waterproof mascara too! However, it might leave your face feeling dry after using it, especially for oily skin.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Gets rid of any waterproof makeup | Face might feel tight and dry after use |
| Brightens blemishes from hyperpigmentation | |
| Safe to use around the eyes |
10. Best for Dark Spots – Murad Essential-C Facial Cleanser
Specification
- Item Form: Gel
- Skin Type: All
- Material Feature: Dark spot remover
- Liquid Volume: 2 fl oz.
- Scent: Orange, citrusy smell
Description
Murad Essential-C Facial Cleanser is a vitamin-rich face wash cleanser that will help to neutralize any blemishes and dark spots on your face!
Features
Vitamin goodness: all the benefits from vitamins A, C, and E.
Perfect hydration: just the right amount of hydration.
Allantoin and panthenol: help reduce moisture and prevent dry and flaky skin.
How to use
As with any gel face wash, what you want to do first is to wash your face very quickly. Then take a dime-sized squeeze on your hands and rub it well there. Then gently massage it to all corners of the face and neck. After leaving it there for a minute, rinse your face with lukewarm water and then pat dry with a soft towel.
Expert Verdict
Murad Essential-C Facial Cleanser is rich in vitamins, which brightens the skin and removes dark spots. It provides hydration without drying the skin, thanks to its formula containing allantoin and panthenol. However, the exfoliating beads in the product are not effective at removing dead skin cells. It may not be suitable for oily skin as it can be overly drying.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Removes dark spot | Not really good at exfoliating |
| Not too drying | Not great for oily skin |
| Helps retain moisture | |
| Prevents skin from flaking |
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How to Choose the Right Face Wash for Hyperpigmentation?
When you want to tackle hyperpigmentation with a face wash, there are a lot of factors that you will have to think of. Firstly, choosing a face wash that is non-irritating and gentle on the skin is the first step. Any sort of inflammation is made worse because of this skin condition so you really need to be careful of matching a face wash with your skin type.
Then there is tackling the dark spots and blemishes due to the pigmentation. What you really need is a face wash that will help you with reducing the production of melanin. This is what causes the pigmentation to form so pairing any face wash with the right moisturizing sunscreen not only protects the face wash but also your skin! From gel to cream type, it will be mostly dependent on your skin type so choose wisely when you are researching products for hyperpigmentation.
How to Use a Face Wash for Hyperpigmentation?
Face washes come in different varieties. Cream and gel-type face washes are the most common and have very similar methods of using them. First and foremost, you will need to wash your face and hands before you start applying the product all over your face. A quick rub between your hands followed by a gentle massage in an upward circular motion is how you want to apply it. Then, leave it there for a minute before washing your face carefully. After that, all you need is to dry your face by pat drying it with a soft towel.
Then there are clay and oil-type face washes. For oil types, you don’t need to wash your face beforehand. You will need to use pea-sized amounts on your fingers and apply a thin layer over your face, and use the ring finger to cover the areas around the eyes. After it is on your face for a good few minutes, you need to use wet wipes or a warm washcloth and clean every area of your face that the oil was applied. Clay face washes mostly come in the form of a face mask which you will need to have on for about 30 minutes before washing it off. Fairly simple!
How to Enhance the Results of Using Face Wash for Hyperpigmentation?
To enhance the facewash, you will need to understand how hyperpigmentation works. In its simplest term, certain parts of your face produce more melanin than others. This causes blemishes and dark spots, as well as acne to form because of how thin the skin on your face is. That is why to enhance your face wash, it is doubly important to follow up the face wash with sunscreen.
After drying your face, you will then need to use a serum or moisturizer, preferably one with a sun protecting factor (or SPF) rating between 30 and 50. This will help to moisturize your skin and keep it feeling fresh while also slowing down the process of melanin production on the face. This way, you can enhance the face wash and help it combat hyperpigmentation!
FAQs
1. How often to use face wash for hyperpigmentation?
It will depend on what type. For example, an exfoliating cream for hyperpigmentation should be used once a week to help clear up the face. A hydrating face wash should be used depending on the skin type you have, whereas someone with dry skin can use it daily.
2. Which vitamin reduces melanin?
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid will help in reducing the synthesis of melanin. What it does is slow down melanin production and help protect against the sun which is what makes melanin production faster.
3. Can pigmentation marks be removed?
Procedures like chemical peels and laser pigmentation removal could be a way to remove certain pigmentation like freckles. However, it is important to talk to a professional before you try any of these procedures.
4. Is hyperpigmentation on the face permanent?
While not permanent, it can take years for hyperpigmentation to properly fade. It needs a good skincare routine and proper sun protection to stop uneven melanin from being produced on your face.
5. Can you fade hyperpigmentation in 2 weeks?
It will depend on how deep within the skin the pigmentation lies. If on the surface, the hyperpigmentation can fade in 2 weeks. If it is in the deeper layers, it would take a longer time for the hyperpigmentation to fade
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a complete review of the best face washes that you can use to treat your hyperpigmentation! Though a very stubborn and persistent condition, with the right face wash and sun protection combination, you can help reduce the pigmentation over time. It will not be an overnight thing and needs time to start seeing results. But hopefully, with the right face wash from this list, you can start to help reduce hyperpigmentation that could be a hindrance to your life. Stay classy!
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