The 12 Best Brightening Cleansers for Super Glowy Skin

The first step in every skincare routine starts with cleansing. This vital step is crucial as it ensures the skin is clean and clear of debris, buildup, and any other pore-clogging materials that could prevent skin from being able to breathe properly and absorb skincare. While it's primary function is to cleanse the skin, many formulas also include a handful of active ingredients that help people tackle certain skin concerns or help them achieve certain goals. Depending on your skin type you may look for ones tailored to your needs, but considering that virtually everybody aspires to achieve a radiant complexion, we can all agree that brightening cleansers are a must.

These glow-boosting formulas often include exfoliating acids, like glycolic acid, and brightening ingredients, such as vitamin C. And yes, we know that you'll get real brightening power from leave-on products such as serums and moisturizers, but cleansers do play an important role in boosting your glow. While most brightening cleansers are formulated for everyday use, it's important to be mindful when using ones made with physical exfoliants as they may be too abrasive for daily cleansing.

With that in mind, we tested tons of brightening cleansers to find the ones that truly deliver that lit-from-within radiance we all crave. From drugstore gems to dermatologist-recommended picks, keep scrolling to find the best brightening cleansers.