Frequently Asked Questions
Does brightening body wash work?
Yes, brightening body wash is effective, says Dr. Zalka. They “help dislodge and slough off the topmost layer of skin cells,” to reveal skin that feels smoother, with a more reflective surface, “giving the appearance and feel of a more polished skin surface,” she adds. As always, don’t forget to apply your favorite body lotion post-exfoliation to replenish any lost moisture and keep skin feeling comfortable.
What are the best body wash ingredients to address hyperpigmentation?
If you’re dealing with post-acne scars, sun spots, or a lingering mark from an eczema flare, a brightening body wash can help fade some of that discoloration and brighten skin. Look for AHAs like glycolic or lactic acid to gently exfoliate, speed cell turnover, and fade dark spots, Dr. Zalka says. Beta hydroxy acids, like salicylic acid, help exfoliate by targeting pores. Niacinamide can also be helpful, she notes, as it reduces inflammation. Radiant glow, straight ahead!
Meet the experts
- Alicia Zalka, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in western Connecticut and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University
- Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Boca Raton, Florida
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best brightening body washes, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists and cosmetic chemists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
