Best Brightening Facial Cleansing Gels of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2026

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Brightening facial cleansing gels are a popular choice for those looking to achieve a brighter, more radiant complexion. These gels are specially formulated to gently remove impurities and dead skin cells, while also brightening and evening out skin tone. They often contain ingredients like vitamin C, which is known for its brightening properties, and gentle exfoliants like glycolic acid or salicylic acid. Many brightening facial cleansing gels also have a refreshing, invigorating scent and leave the skin feeling clean, soft, and revitalized. These products can be used daily as part of a regular skincare routine to help maintain a healthy, glowing complexion.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Acure Brightening Cleansing Gel Cover #TOP 1
Acure Brightening Cleansing Gel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Acure Brightening Cleansing Gel Cover #TOP 2
Acure Brightening Cleansing Gel
ftb score rating icon 9.7
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Glycolic Acid Cleansing Gel Cover #TOP 3
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Glycolic Acid Cleansing Gel
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Brightening Facial Cleansing Gels

Acure Brightening Cleansing Gel

ET1010
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Acure Brightening Cleansing Gel Cover
Acure Brightening Cleansing Gel - Vegan Face Scrub, Gentle Facial Cleanser for Radiant Skin with Pomegranate, Blackberry & Acai Infused, Antioxidant-Rich Formula for All Skin Types - 4 fl oz

Looking for a gentle cleanser that can give you brighter appearance? Acure Brightening Cleansing Gel is here to help you. This vegan cleansing gel is packed with antioxidant-rich pomegranate, blackberry, and acai to support your skin's natural glow. Suitable for all skin types, this gel cleanses, removes impurities and balances. It is also free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, petrolatum, and formaldehyde. Just a drop or two, gently massaging with wet fingertips, and rinse thoroughly for a brighter and glowing skin.

What We Like
Vegan, certified cruelty-free, and free from harmful chemicals
Gentle cleanser that removes dirt, oil, and makeup effectively
Antioxidant-rich pomegranate, blackberry, and acai supports natural glow
Suitable for all skin types
Superfruit + chlorella scent for refreshing experience
#TOP 2

Acure Brightening Cleansing Gel

SG_B00TXCGEQU_US
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Acure Brightening Cleansing Gel Cover
Acure Brightening Cleansing Gel - Vegan Face Scrub, Gentle Facial Cleanser for Radiant Skin with Pomegranate, Blackberry & Acai Infused, Antioxidant-Rich Formula for All Skin Types - 4 fl oz

The Acure Brightening Gel is a gentle facial cleanser designed to remove dirt, oil, and makeup, helping you reveal fresher, softer skin every day. It features a powerful blend of pomegranate, blackberry, and acai, which hydrates your skin while providing antioxidant protection to keep your complexion healthy and glowing. This face wash also offers mild exfoliation to brighten your skin, reduce dullness, and even out skin tone by targeting dark spots. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and oily, it cleanses without stripping your skin, promoting a balanced and nourished look.

What We Like
Natural gentle cleanser
Antioxidant-rich formula
Brightens and exfoliates
Suitable for all skin types
Hydrating and nourishing

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Glycolic Acid Cleansing Gel

071249419854
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Glycolic Acid Cleansing Gel Cover
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 3.5% Pure Glycolic Acid Brightening Cleansing Gel wth Salicylic Acid 6.7 fl oz

The L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 3.5% Pure Glycolic Acid Cleansing Gel with Salicylic Acid gently dissolves impurities, makeup, and dead cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin. Its non-drying formula hydrates and refines the appearance of enlarged pores. This fragrance-free, paraben-free, allergy-tested, mineral oil-free, and dye-free formula is perfect for daily use. Dermatologist-validated, it preps your skin for serum application and is perfect for resurfacing your skin.

What We Like
Removes impurities, oil, and makeup
Hydrates and refreshes the skin
Non-drying formula perfect for daily use
#TOP 4

Good Molecules Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel

Good Molecules Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel Cover
Good Molecules Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel - Face Wash with Rosewater and Pineapple Extracts to Brighten, Cleanse, and Moisturize - Facial Cleanser, Skin Care

The Good Molecules Face Wash is a daily cleanser that helps you achieve clear and bright skin. With its blend of rosewater and pineapple extract, this formula not only cleanses but also balances your skin's moisture. You can feel confident knowing it targets dullness and impurities without stripping away essential moisture. As you massage the gel into damp skin, it creates a light lather that refreshes and revitalizes. Suitable for all skin types, this gentle cleanser is an excellent addition to your skincare routine.

What We Like
Gentle on sensitive skin
Hydrating and non-drying
Removes makeup effectively
Affordable and good value
Minimal scent
#TOP 5

Garnier SkinActive Green Labs Brightening Gel Washable Cleanser

603084578320
Pinea-C
Garnier SkinActive Green Labs Brightening Gel Washable Cleanser Cover
Garnier SkinActive Green Labs Brightening Gel Washable Cleanser with Vitamin C and for Dull and Uneven Skin 4.4 Packaging May Vary, Pinea-C, Pineapple, 13.2 Fl Oz

Garnier SkinActive Green Labs Brightening Gel Washable Cleanser, also known as Garnier Brightening Gel Cleanser, is a gentle scrub-free wash that effectively removes makeup and impurities while smoothing the skin texture. Infused with Vitamin C and Pineapple, this cleanser works to improve dull and uneven skin, leaving it smoother, brighter, and glowing. The vegan formula is approved by Cruelty Free International and does not contain any animal-derived ingredients, sulfates, microbeads, parabens, or dyes. Suitable for all skin types and tones, this cleanser is allergy and dermatologist tested, making it safe for sensitive skin. For even more radiant and even skin, it can be paired with Green Labs Pinea-C Brightening Serum Cream.

What We Like
Makeup and impurities removal
Improves dull and uneven skin
Vegan formula, cruelty-free
#TOP 6

LightenUp PLUS Gel

LightenUp PLUS Gel Cover
LightenUp Plus Brightening Gel with Pump - 1Fl oz / 30ml - With Coconut Oil and Alpha Arbutin

OMIC LightenUp Gel is a freshly scented gel that helps fade brown spots and restore a clear, even-toned, luminous complexion. Its potent brightening properties target brown patches caused by pregnancy, medicines, acne scars, sun damage, and age spots. The gel contains coconut oil, which has Vitamin E and antioxidant properties that promote skin cell regeneration and growth. It also softens dry, rough skin on dark stubborn areas such as elbows, knees, knuckles, and feet. With its quick absorption, the gel safely and effectively brightens skin imperfections and prevents new spots from forming. For best results, apply a thin layer to dark discolored areas on dry, cleansed skin at night and follow up with sun protection during and after treatment to prevent further skin discoloration.

What We Like
Brightens skin
Softens dry, rough skin
Effectively fades brown spots

Hylunia Salicylic Facial Cleansing Gel

003-150-R
Hylunia Salicylic Facial Cleansing Gel Cover
Hylunia Skincare Salicylic Facial Cleansing Gel – Deep Pore Cleanser for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin, Exfoliates, Minimizes Blackheads & Breakouts, Hydrates, Brightens Complexion, 5.1 fl. oz.

Hylunia Salicylic Facial Cleansing Gel is a pH-balanced cleansing gel that is perfect for oily and acne-prone skin. It contains alpha and beta-hydroxy acids that penetrate deep into the pores to help rid your skin of excess oil, blackheads, whiteheads, acne, ingrown hairs, and other blemishes. This product also contains hyaluronic acid serum, salicylic acid, fruit extract, lemon essential oil, orange essential oil, and vitamin C serum, which effectively minimize free radical damage, aid in collagen synthesis, reduce wrinkles, and repair sun-damaged skin. It is made in the USA under strict quality standards and is cruelty-free.

What We Like
pH-balanced cleansing gel for oily and acne-prone skin
Contains alpha and beta-hydroxy acids to penetrate deep into pores
Minimizes free radical damage, reduces wrinkles, and repairs sun-damaged skin
Made in the USA under strict quality standards
Cruelty-free and no animal testing

RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Facial Cleanser

RoC
210101900
ORANGE
6 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Facial Cleanser Cover
RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Vitamin C Cleanser, Face Wash, Facial Cleanser with Glycolic Acid, Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free Skin Care - 6 Ounces

RoC Glow Gel Cleanser is an invigorating gel cleanser that instantly dissolves dirt and oils, revealing smooth and refreshed skin after just one use. It extracts dulling impurities trapped on the skin's surface and replenishes skin with Vitamin C, Ascorbic Acid, and Glycerin to brighten and boost radiance. In just two weeks, users can see brighter and radiant skin, improve uneven skin tone, and visibly smooth rough skin texture. 8 out of 10 users saw more radiant skin with daily cleansing. RoC Glow Gel Cleanser is perfect for those looking for a solution for deep wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles, crow's feet, uneven skin tone, or dry skin. With its citrus scent and paraben-free and sulfate-free formula, it is a must-have for people who want to achieve healthy-looking skin.

What We Like
Gentle on sensitive skin
Brightens complexion
Sulfate-free and paraben-free
Effective exfoliation
Affordable price
#TOP 9

Nip + Fab Vitamin C Gel Cleanser

SKUVITCCL
Nip + Fab Vitamin C Gel Cleanser Cover
Nip + Fab Vitamin C Fix Gel Cleanser Brightening Hydrating Facial Cleansing Face Wash for Skin Toning, 4.9 Fl Oz

The Nip + Fab Gel Cleanser is designed to give your skin a fresh, radiant glow. Enriched with vitamin C, this cleanser hydrates while cleansing, helping you achieve a balanced and brighter complexion. You’ll appreciate how it gently removes dirt and impurities, leaving your skin feeling refreshed. Additionally, the inclusion of amino acids in the formula aids in improving your skin's clarity, promoting an even skin tone. Make this part of your daily routine to enjoy clearer, more vibrant skin every day.

What We Like
Brightens skin tone
Hydrates effectively
Gentle cleansing formula
Improves skin clarity

Clean & Clear Brightening Gel Facial Cleanser

1651575
YELLOW
Clean & Clear Brightening Gel Facial Cleanser Cover
Clean & Clear Brightening Gel Facial Cleanser with Vitamin C, Lemon Extract & Glycerin, Oil-Free Daily Cleansing Face Wash Gel to Brighten Skin, Cleanse Oil & Dissolve Dirt, 7.5 oz

Designed to brighten skin tone, this Clean & Clear Lemon Gel Facial Cleanser is oil-free and formulated with lemon extract, Vitamin C, and glycerin to dissolve dirt for clear skin. It comes in a 7.5-fluid ounce pump bottle and can be used daily by massaging onto damp skin and rinsing well. A great addition to any skincare routine, it can be paired with other products in the Clean & Clear Lemon line, such as the Zesty Scrub, Cleansing Wipes, Juice Toner, and Exfoliating Slices.

What We Like
Brightens skin tone
Oil-free formula
Contains lemon extract, Vitamin C, and glycerin
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our brightening facial cleansing gel research, we found 48 brightening facial cleansing gel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 91,817 customer reviews through our big data system to write the brightening facial cleansing gels list. We found that most customers choose brightening facial cleansing gels with an average price of $16.80.

The brightening facial cleansing gels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of brightening facial cleansing gels, including Acure, L'Oreal Paris, Good Molecules, Garnier, OMIC Lighten-Up. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 16,951 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.