“This is by far one of the most enjoyable cleansers I’ve ever tried,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “Not only does it smell absolutely heavenly, it also lathers really well and makes your skin feel super refreshed (especially if you apply it in circular motions). After using it for about two weeks, I noticed a difference in my usually textured areas, particularly on my chin where I have a lot of acne scars. My skin looks and feels a lot softer, and overall, my pores have shrunken quite a bit. This one is such a treat, and it lives up to its claims!”
Best Drugstore: La Roche Posay Brightening Facial Cleanser
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Courtesy of brand
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Original photo from Loneeja Talukdar testing La Roche Posay Brightening Facial Cleanser
La Roche Posay Brightening Facial Cleanser
- Pros: Removes makeup and dirt; non-comedogenic making it great for combination skin and breakouts
- Cons: Might dry out skin a bit
Dr. Nazarian is a massive fan of this anti-aging face wash because it’s incredibly effective at an affordable price point. “This cleanser combines vitamin C with vitamin B3, which is one of my favorite hydrating vitamins because it improves skin tone and helps strengthen the skin barrier, so together, they make a great combination,” she says.
“The Vitamin C really does its job in bringing out a natural glow,” says Glamour senior analyst Loneeja Talukdar. “My face feels smooth, refreshed, and visibly brighter after each use. Plus, it didn’t irritate my skin or trigger any breakouts, which is always a concern for me with active ingredients. Overall, this cleanser is a great option if you’re looking for something that not only helps with dullness and uneven texture, but also supports acne-prone skin without being harsh. I’d highly recommend it if you want a glow boost in your daily routine.”
Best for Mature Skin: Dr Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic Creamy Cleansing Oil
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Courtesy of brand
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Original photo from Carolyn Frazier testing Dr Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic Creamy Cleansing Oil
Dr Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic Creamy Cleansing Oil
- Pros: Effectively removes makeup and sunscreen; has a creamy jelly-oil texture
- Cons: Pricey for the size
If you religiously use a cleansing oil, you’ll love this makeup-removing vitamin C-packed pick by Dr. Dennis Gross. It has a combination of castor oil, sunflower and apricot oils to remove makeup and SPF, plus two forms of vitamin C and colloidal oatmeal to soothe the skin, help eliminate redness and hydrate dry skin.
“This cleansing oil is very gentle and hydrating on the skin, and has a really soft texture that picks up makeup and dirt. I felt that it left my skin glowy and bright after use, and generally more refreshed,” says Condé Nast executive account director, Carolyn Frazier.
Frequently asked questions
Is a vitamin C cleanser more or less effective than a vitamin C serum?
Vitamin C serums may be more effective than vitamin C cleansers, according to Howard Sobel, MD and Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital, simply because they stay on the skin longer and have more time to be absorbed. This doesn’t necessarily mean that cleansers are not effective at all though. A cleanser formulated with vitamin C is great for brightening the skin, fading dark spots and evening skin tone if used daily.
Who should use a vitamin C cleanser?
“Anyone and all skin types can use cleansers formulated with Vitamin C. For patients with sensitive skin, I always recommend they introduce it slowly into their routine to ensure their skin reacts well to it,” says Dr. Sobel.
What should you look for when shopping for a vitamin C cleanser?
When shopping for a vitamin C cleanser, the dermatologists we spoke with recommend looking out for ingredients that will best tailor to your skin type as well. “If you have dry and sensitive skin, look for products that combine vitamin C with moisturizing ingredients (like hyaluronic acid or ceramides), or aren’t overly foaming,” says Dr. Nazarian. Oily skin types can benefit from vitamin C cleansers that have exfoliating AHAs and BHAs to help reduce excess shine and large pores.
