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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

Image credits: sephora

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 incorporate it into your routine (if you haven't already) is with a vitamin C cleanser. It's an excellent starting point because there's much less skin contact time than there would be with, say, a serum or a moisturizer. Moreover, there are plenty available on the market from high- and low-end skincare brands alike, many of which contain additional ingredients that target specific skin concerns depending on your needs. Take RoC's Multi Correxion Glow Gel Facial Cleanser, for example, which contains glycolic acid to stimulate collagen production in visibly aging skin and correct fine lines and wrinkles. Or there's Murad's Essential-C Cleanser version, which contains phospholipids and sodium PCA to draw moisture to dry skin while brightening the overall complexion. Case in point, there are a range of options for those wanting to start using a vitamin C face wash in their daily skincare routine—and we're giving you the lowdown on the best ones to buy below. 

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 you're sure to love. How can we be sure? Well, we rounded up our selection using a data-driven algorithm, which factors in user reviews, editor recommendations, and best-seller lists to find the internet's best products in any given category. This helps to ensure you get an unbiased guide that helps you find the best product for your needs and wants. Scroll on to see the 10 vitamin C cleansers that made the cut, from acne-clearing to wrinkle-smoothing.

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November 29, 2023

Written By:Naomi Venerable

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
Image credits: ulta
Rank & Style Approved

ulta

Olay Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening Facial Cleanser

Overall Score

4.3

10

Olay Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening Facial Cleanser

4.61

3791 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 Exfoliating Vitamin C Cleanser

WHAT IT DOES
Crafted with gentle exfoliants to prep the skin for optimal product absorption, the Olay Vitamin C + Peptide Cleanser buffs away away dirt and dead skin cells while renewing the skin's surface to reveal bright, smooth skin.

WHAT ELSE TO KNOW
The exfoliating beads in this cleanser break down as you cleanse so you don't have to worry about over-scrubbing your skin. 


TruSkin Vitamin C Cleanser

Overall Score

4.4

09

TruSkin Vitamin C Cleanser

4.37

10611 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

0

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.

Best Vitamin C Cleanser On Amazon

WHAT IT DOES
This cleanser is formulated with Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, a highly stable form of vitamin C, a blend of super nutrients, and nourishing botanical actives designed to work together to deliver a radiant complexion. 

WHAT ELSE TO KNOW
All of TruSkin's products, like this cleanser, have science-backed, plant powered formulations that nurture the skin from within and are clinically tested and free of fragrance, parabens, and sulfates. 

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Facial Cleanser

Overall Score

4.4

08

RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Facial Cleanser

4.43

5016 User Reviews

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 Drugstore Vitamin C Cleanser

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 your 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. 


Derma E Vitamin C Gentle Daily Cleansing Paste

Overall Score

4.45

07

Derma E Vitamin C Gentle Daily Cleansing Paste

4.55

1158 User Reviews

3.1

Best Seller

3

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.

Best Gentle Vitamin C Cleanser

WHAT IT DOES
This multi-tasking cleanser brightens, exfoliates, and smooths skin thanks to the powerhouse ingredient combination of tumeric and rice that are formulated to create a creamy polishing paste corrects uneven skin tone and promotes skin clarity, revealing a readiant, and healthy-looking complexion. 

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
This cleanser can also be used as a face mask to remove oil and impurities. 

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Soap & Glory Face Soap & Clarity Vitamin C Facial Wash

Overall Score

4.45

06

Soap & Glory Face Soap & Clarity Vitamin C Facial Wash

4.62

4966 User Reviews

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 3-In-1 Vitamin C Cleanser

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 remove makeup effectively—no need for extra steps.


Revision Skincare Brightening Facial Wash

Overall Score

4.5

05

Revision Skincare Brightening Facial Wash

4.71

3567 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

3

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.

Best Vitamin C Cleanser For Dull Skin

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.

PROMISING REVIEW
"Started purchasing this about 2 years ago and haven't switched to a different cleanser since!! Honestly nothing compares, this formula is high powered and effective! Best to ease into it (start with every other day maybe) if you have sensitive skin, but I didn't need to! This has really helped even out my skin tone and make my face GLOW! I can't fathom a day when I will ever switch to a different cleanser. This one really is the best (and I've tried a LOT)"

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


InstaNatural Vitamin C Facial Cleanser

Overall Score

4.5

04

InstaNatural Vitamin C Facial Cleanser

4.4

19064 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 Vitamin C Cleanser 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


Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water With Vitamin C

Overall Score

4.6

03

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water With Vitamin C

4.71

15374 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

3

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 Vitamin C Micellar Cleansing Water

WHAT IT DOES
Powered by micellar technology, this all-in-one brightening micellar cleansing water contains vitamin C to to brighten dull skin and micelles that work like magnets to lift dirt, sunscreen, makeup, and oil in one step. 

WHO IT'S FOR
The micelle surfactants in Garnier's Micellar Cleansing Water are mild and easily break down makeup without the need for harsh rubbing, making it a perfect gentle cleansing option for those with especially sensitive skin.


Murad Essential-C Cleanser

Overall Score

4.65

02

Murad Essential-C Cleanser

4.72

4346 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

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.

Best Anti-Aging Cleanser For Damaged Skin

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 sodium PCA, which are hydrators known to 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

4.54

16839 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 Vitamin C Cleanser Overall

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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