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Beauty/Skin/Cleansers/Face Washes & Cleansers

Top 10 Vitamin C Cleansers

Dealing With Dull Skin? Add One Of These Brightening Face Washes To Your Routine

There's a reason vitamin C is one of skincare's most beloved ingredients. The antioxidant can brighten the complexion, fade dark spots and discoloration, smooth texture, fine lines, and wrinkles, defend against free radicals—the list goes on. To top it off, vitamin C is something that works for all skin types. Whether you're oily, dry, sensitive, or acne-prone, you'll benefit from it.

One of the best ways to add incorporate it into your routine—if you haven't already—is with a vitamin C cleanser. Because there's much less skin contact time than there would be with, say, a serum or a moisturizer, it's an excellent starting point. There are plenty available on the market from high and low-end skincare brands alike, and many of them contain additional ingredients that target certain skin concerns, depending on your needs. Take Belif's Creamy Cleansing Foam, for example, which contains a heavy dose of hydrators for those with dry skin. Or there's Joanna Vargas's version, which is made with salicylic acid to soothe and calm sensitivities while it exfoliates.

How We Found The Best Vitamin C Cleansers

No matter your skin type or formula preference, the list ahead has a top-rated vitamin C face wash for you. We rounded up this selection using our data-driven algorithm, which factors in things like user reviews, editor recommendations, and best-seller lists to find the internet's best products in any given category. Scroll on to see the 10 cleansers that made the cut, from acne-clearing to wrinkle-smoothing.

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August 27, 2022

Written By:Kate Ferris

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Rank & Style Approved

amazon

RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Facial Cleanser

Overall Score

4.25

10

RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Facial Cleanser

4.43

3637 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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Best For Aging Skin

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: Though this cleanser foams up on contact and immediately cuts through dirt and oil to deeply cleanse, in true RoC fashion, it does so extra gently. If you're skin is on the sensitive side, no need to worry.

KEY INGREDIENTS: This cleanser works harder than others in the anti-aging department thanks to the addition of glycolic acid, an AHA that penetrates the skin to stimulate the cells that produce collagen to improve fine lines and wrinkles.


Joanna Vargas Vitamin C Face Wash

Overall Score

4.25

09

Joanna Vargas Vitamin C Face Wash

4.66

81 User Reviews

2.5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best For Sensitive Skin

WHO IT'S FOR: Speaking of supserstar ingredients, this cleanser also includes salicylic acid, a BHA that's super gentle and has skin-calming, anti-inflammatory properties. If you're someone who struggles with sensitivity, redness, or rosacea, this vitamin C face wash is an excellent pick.

USER REVIEW: "This face wash is simply the most amazing one I’ve ever used. I always have a backup for my backup. It cleanses without drying out my skin, and it leaves it fresh, glowy, and very comfortable. I've tried a lot of other cleansers, but Joanna Vargas's Vitamin C Face Wash is the one I can’t live without!"

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Soap & Glory Face Soap & Clarity Vitamin C Facial Wash

Overall Score

4.25

08

Soap & Glory Face Soap & Clarity Vitamin C Facial Wash

4.53

5623 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Budget

WHAT IT DOES: For an extra dose of brightening power, this affordable face wash is made with a unique citrus fruit called yuzu that helps promote a radiant, smooth complexion. The formula also has a cooling, energizing experience upon application, making it perfect for morning skincare routines.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This cleanser is designed to effectively remove makeup—no need for extra steps.


Belif Creamy Cleansing Foam Moist

Overall Score

4.3

07

Belif Creamy Cleansing Foam Moist

4.69

386 User Reviews

2.8

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best For Dry Skin

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: While reviewers love the antioxidant properties this cleanser has, one of the most notable things about the formula is what it doesn't have. It's free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, sodium lauryl sulfate, synthetic fragrances, and dyes.

WHO IT'S FOR: As you can probably tell by its name, this vitamin C cleanser is creamy and moisturizing, making it ideal for those with normal to dry skin types.


Tracie Martyn Amla Purifying Cleanser

Overall Score

4.3

06

Tracie Martyn Amla Purifying Cleanser

4.82

204 User Reviews

2.7

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Luxury

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Though it's one of the priciest options on the list, this face wash is every bit as indulgent as you'd imagine. The pretty bottle and intoxicating scent may not scream power cleanser, but the formula melts away makeup, dirt, and grease with just a quick rinse. Within a few days of use, reviewers noticed brighter skin, reduced redness, and even cleared breakouts.

KEY INGREDIENTS: How it gets the job done? Green-papaya enzymes to gently exfoliate, berry extracts to detoxify, and sugar cane to purify and hydrate.


Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Citrus Brightening Cleanser

Overall Score

4.3

05

Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Citrus Brightening Cleanser

4.5

236 User Reviews

2.7

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best For Oily Skin

WHAT IT DOES: Ideal for oily and combination skin, this impressive cleanser has mastered the art of controlling oil without stripping the skin or leaving it feeling dry and tight. Made with vitamin C ester for brightening, DMAE for firming, and copper complex for hydrating, the formula removes impurities for a brighter, smoother, clearer-looking complexion and a healthy glow.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This cleanser has a lovely citrus scent that makes it a perfect pick-me-up after rolling out of bed.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Revision Skincare Brightening Facial Wash

Overall Score

4.4

04

Revision Skincare Brightening Facial Wash

4.73

876 User Reviews

3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best For All Skin Types

KEY INGREDIENTS: This Dermstore customer favorite has one impressive ingredient list—think salicylic and glycolic acids to clear pores and exfoliate, sucrose laurate to cleanse without stripping, vitamin E to moisturize, and of course, vitamin C to add luminosity and awaken dull skin.

USER REVIEW: "A dermatologist recommended this to me, and I have been using it ever since. It really calms your face, especially when you have breakouts, and it doesn’t feel like it’s stripping your skin. I love it."

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


InstaNatural Vitamin C Facial Cleanser

Overall Score

4.5

03

InstaNatural Vitamin C Facial Cleanser

4.41

17893 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best For Acne-Prone Skin

WHO IT'S FOR: Shoppers with acne-prone skin rave about this $20 cleanser, and it's easy to see why. Along with vitamin C to naturally brighten and stimulate collagen production, the formula also contains aloe vera and coconut water. Together, they replenish hydration and keep the skin's barrier healthy, keeping inflammatory conditions like rosacea and acne to a minimum.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: If you're not ready to commit to the full bottle, you can pick up this cleanser in a $7 trial size instead. But we have a feeling you'll want to—over 17,000 Amazon shoppers did, after all.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Murad Essential-C Cleanser

Overall Score

4.75

02

Murad Essential-C Cleanser

4.73

3252 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHAT IT DOES: This antioxidant-rich cleanser is basically an environmental shield thanks to vitamins A, C, and E which defend from free radical damage, phospholipids and PCA that bind moisture to dry skin, and—best of all—allantoin and panthenol, which work together to soothe and reverse any environmental damage that's already been done.

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: Along with healing sun damage, reviewers love this cleanser for its ability to clear acne and fade acne scars.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Youth To The People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser

Overall Score

4.8

01

Youth To The People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser

4.45

10819 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Clean Face Wash

WHAT IT DOES: Packed with powerhouse plants like kale, spinach, and green tea (all high in vitamins C, K, and E), this cleanser really is like a green juice for your face. It bubbles up into a lightweight lather that cuts through dirt, oil, and even makeup, leaving the complexion bright, detoxified, and clean but not stripped.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: One bottle of this fan-favorite cleanser sells every 60 seconds.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

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