This Soap Faded My Scar In A Month—Without Drying Out My Skin
Kojic acid is all over beauty TikTok. But unlike other viral skincare trends, WH's beauty team says kojic acid is the real deal: It fades dark spots over time by blocking an enzyme that moderates melanin production. That makes it a hero ingredient for evening out your skin tone, anywhere on your body (even armpits—one of TikTok's favorite targets).
That's why when WH-approved beauty brand Topicals released its own kojic acid soap bar, I wanted to try it on a small burn scar above my knee. Admittedly, the scar is small—about an inch long and a centimeter wide. But even so, once you have a burn, it tends to stick around, and this one in particular stands out against my otherwise fair skin. I got it during the summer of 2020 while crouching on the floor to iron a blouse, instead of using an ironing board. After using the soap consistently for four weeks, it helped fade the appearance of my scar, and I'm now a Topicals cleansing bar convert.
SHOP TOPICALS' FADED BRIGHTENING AND CLEANSING BAR
Why the Topicals Faded Brightening And Cleansing Bar Is Worth it
Let’s get this out of the way: The cleansing bar is expensive. A two-pack will set you back $28, which costs way more than typical drugstore soaps. The price was worth it to me, however, for how well it evened out my skin tone without drying it.
That's because Topical's formula includes lightening and moisturizing ingredients. In addition to kojic acid, it also contains Vitamin C, another potent skin brightener. Our beauty editors says this combo makes it incredibly effective for people with hyperpigmentation.
Faded Brightening & Cleansing Bar For Uneven Skin Tone
womenshealthmag.com
$28.00
Kojic acid also fights acne-causing bacteria, as does the ingredient azelaic acid. WH beauty editors say these acids can protect the skin from free radicals, cell-damaging molecules that contribute to fine lines and wrinkles. Then, there’s lactic acid and papaya fruit extract, which can gently exfoliate and help smooth your skin texture.
That being said, some cheaper kojic acid soaps we've tested can be drying on sensitive skin. Not so with Topical's bar, which also features shea butter, an incredible moisturizer. In fact, I started using this during a week-long trip to Arizona, and my skin stayed nourished even under the blazing desert heat. That's why Topicals' Faded Brightening and Cleansing Bar is worth the higher price point.
How I Used The Topicals Faded Brightening Cleansing Bar
I started testing the Topicals Faded Brightening and Cleansing Bar in Sedona, where I worried my burn scar would darken during long days in the hot sun. I was also concerned that the low humidity would dry my skin to a crisp. After an epic day of hiking, I showered with the bar, which cut right through sand, sunscreen, and sweat. Per the packaging's instructions, I left the bubbly, creamy lather on for a minute before rinsing, hoping it would work its magic. Even as the bar washed away grime, the shea butter ensured my skin stayed hydrated.
I used the bar throughout the trip, and while that wasn’t long enough to see any improvement to my scar, it didn’t get worse either. The cleanser also helped me avoid breakouts from sweating under the blazing Arizona sun. Take note: You’ll want to diligently apply an SPF after bathing, as kojic acid can make you more sensitive to UV rays.
Once I got home to New York City, I continued using the cleanser about three times a week, and that’s when I really started to notice an improvement. Before I began washing with the Topicals bar, the scar was an unnaturally dark reddish brown color and looked like an injury. Four weeks later, it’s faded to the color of a slight tan, and just looks like a normal variation in skin tone.
The Bottom Line: Is The Topicals Faded Brightening And Cleansing Bar Worth Buying?
All in all, the Topicals Faded Brightening and Cleansing Bar is a worthy splurge. It helped even out my skin tone without irritating it. While the bar is pricey, it’s a whole lot cheaper (and easier) than a trip to the derm for laser treatments to lighten hyperpigmentation and dark spots. If the high price doesn’t steer you off, you just might have found your next go-to cleanser.
BTW, we have an exciting announcement: Our WH Shop makes it super easy to buy editor-approved beauty products thanks to our new partnership with Sephora. With one click, you can add to cart while still earning Sephora's Beauty Insider points. Trustworthy recommendations, simplified shopping, and beauty products you love, together in a one-stop store. Brilliant!
SHOP TOPICALS' FADED BRIGHTENING AND CLEANSING BAR
Shop More Of Our Favorite Beauty Products
Best Dark Spot Correctors | Skin-tightening Creams | Wrinkle Creams | Eye Creams For Dark Circles | Anti-Aging Eye Creams | Melasma Creams | Face Wash For Sensitive Skin | Oil-Free Moisturizers
You Might Also Like
