Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser
Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight brightening gel cleanser powered by 0.5% Nordic Peat (naturally high in Fulvic Acid), 1.5% Kakadu Plum, and 1% Licorice Root Extract — gently exfoliating, removing makeup (even eye makeup), and visibly evening skin tone without stripping or disrupting the skin barrier.
Gentle Daily Exfoliation
0.5% Nordic Peat (naturally rich in Fulvic Acid) provides mild enzymatic exfoliation, smoothing texture and promoting a brighter complexion without abrasive scrubbing.
Texture & feel
SENSORYGentle Daily Exfoliation
0.5% Nordic Peat (naturally rich in Fulvic Acid) provides mild enzymatic exfoliation, smoothing texture and promoting a brighter complexion without abrasive scrubbing.
Kakadu Plum Radiance Boost
1.5% Kakadu Plum Extract delivers one of nature's most concentrated sources of Vitamin C, instantly boosting skin luminosity and protecting against oxidative stress.
Licorice Root for Even Tone
1% Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract inhibits melanin production and soothes redness, visibly reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation over time.
Hydrating, Non-Stripping Formula
Glycerin and Aloe Vera maintain the skin's moisture balance during cleansing, ensuring skin feels soft and comfortable — never tight or dry after rinsing.
Removes Makeup & SPF
Coco-Glucoside, a mild coconut-derived surfactant, effectively dissolves daily makeup including waterproof eye makeup and sunscreen without harsh sulfates.
Sustainable & Ethical Sourcing
Nordic Peat is harvested from regenerating peatlands that act as carbon sinks. Kakadu Plum is sustainably sourced under environmental permits protecting Indigenous heritage.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEConfirmed safe by The INKEY List. Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Suitable throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, a coconut-derived ester that can potentially feed Malassezia. Those with active fungal acne should choose an alternative cleanser.
The primary oils are Sunflower (rating 0) and Sweet Almond (rating 1–2). As a rinse-off product, residue is minimal, making pore-clogging very unlikely.
Fragrance-free, dye-free, and free of harsh sulfates. The brand confirms suitability for all skin types including sensitive and reactive skin. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Rinses off completely, so it can be used daily before any actives — retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs. It does not interfere with subsequent steps in your routine.
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil is derived from almonds. Those with tree nut allergies should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSNordic Peat (Fulvic Acid) 0.5%Hero Active
Nordic Peat is the star ingredient, naturally high in Fulvic Acid — a humic substance formed through the decomposition of organic matter. It acts as a mild exfoliant and powerful antioxidant, helping to smooth skin texture, even skin tone, and calm inflammation at the skin's surface.
- Function: Mild exfoliant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
- Source: Sustainably harvested Nordic peatland, regenerating faster than it is extracted
- Research: In vitro studies show fulvic acid promotes skin permeation and has antimicrobial activity, showing promise for inflammatory skin concerns such as rosacea and atopic dermatitis
- pH: Works within the skin-friendly pH range of 4.5–5.5
Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Fruit Extract 1.5%Proven
Kakadu Plum is an Australian superfruit containing up to 100 times more Vitamin C than oranges. It provides potent antioxidant protection against free radicals, instantly boosts radiance, and helps brighten the complexion with continued use.
- Vitamin C Content: Extraordinarily high natural L-ascorbic acid equivalent
- Function: Antioxidant, brightening, skin-nourishing
- Sourcing: Sustainably harvested under environmental permits protecting Australian ecosystems and Indigenous cultural heritage
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract 1%Proven
Licorice Root Extract is a well-researched skin-brightening ingredient containing glabridin, which inhibits tyrosinase — the key enzyme in melanin synthesis. It visibly reduces hyperpigmentation, post-blemish marks, and redness, while providing antioxidant and soothing benefits.
- Active Component: Glabridin (tyrosinase inhibitor)
- Function: Depigmenting, soothing, antioxidant
- Clinical Evidence: Multiple peer-reviewed studies support its efficacy in reducing hyperpigmentation and brightening overall skin tone
Glycerin ~3–5%Proven
A top-tier humectant that draws moisture from the environment into the skin. Its small molecular size allows it to hydrate deeper epidermal layers, preventing the tight, stripped feeling commonly associated with gel cleansers.
- Function: Humectant, skin-conditioning
- Study (2016): Glycerin was found to outperform AHAs and hyaluronic acid as a humectant in a comparative study
- Safety: Non-toxic, non-comedogenic, suitable for all skin types
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice ~1–2%Proven
Aloe Vera calms and soothes the skin barrier, providing anti-inflammatory and wound-healing benefits. Rich in polysaccharides and amino acids, it contributes to the overall skin-comfort profile of this formula.
- Function: Soothing, anti-inflammatory, light humectant
- Contains: Folic acid, choline, calcium, amino acids, Vitamin B12
19 ingredients
Water (Aqua/Eau), Coco-Glucoside, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Peat, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Disodium EDTA, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Dehydroacetic Acid, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Potassium Sorbate
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEAlways the first step in your routine. The INKEY List recommends following with Hyaluronic Acid Serum, a treatment (e.g. Vitamin C or Tranexamic Acid), and Symbright Moisturizer to complete a full brightening routine.
How to use
HOW TO USEDampen Your Face
Splash lukewarm water onto your face, eyes, and neck. Using warm rather than hot water helps prevent additional skin irritation.
Apply a Raspberry-Sized Amount
Dispense a small amount (roughly the size of a raspberry) onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way with this concentrated gel formula.
Massage for at Least 60 Seconds
Gently work the cleanser into your face, eyes, and neck using circular motions for a full minute. This ensures thorough cleansing and allows the active ingredients to work effectively.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse completely with lukewarm water. Ensure no residue is left, especially around the hairline and jawline.
Pat Dry and Continue Your Routine
Gently pat skin dry with a clean towel. Follow immediately with your toner, serum, and moisturizer. Apply SPF in the AM to protect your brightened complexion.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dull, uneven, or lacklustre skin tone
- You want a daily gentle exfoliating cleanser
- You need a single product to cleanse and remove eye makeup
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need brightening actives
- You prefer fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient formulas
- You want to target post-blemish marks and dark spots
- You have sensitive or reactive skin that cannot tolerate AHAs
- You follow a sustainable and cruelty-free beauty lifestyle
Consider alternatives if:
- You have active fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)
- You need deep pore-clearing or oil-control from your cleanser
- You have a confirmed tree nut (almond) allergy
- You want a foaming lather or more aggressive exfoliation
- You need a dedicated oil-based makeup remover for heavy makeup
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESRinses clean without leaving any greasy residue. Coco-Glucoside gently removes excess sebum while the non-comedogenic oils maintain hydration.
Glycerin and Aloe prevent the tight, dry feeling. May benefit from a richer moisturizer applied immediately after to lock in hydration.
Cleanses oily zones effectively while the soothing agents keep drier areas comfortable. Balances well across the T-zone and cheeks.
Fragrance-free formula with calming Aloe Vera and Licorice Root. The mild exfoliation is non-abrasive. Patch test recommended for extremely reactive skin.
Comedogenic rating of 1/5 and non-stripping formula make it appropriate for acne-prone skin. Note: not suitable for fungal acne (Malassezia) due to PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate.
An ideal everyday brightening cleanser that adds a brightening boost to a normal routine without disrupting skin balance.
Results timeline
WEEK 6 (FULL RESULTS)Cleaner, Softer Skin Feel
Skin feels clean and comfortable without tightness or dryness. Light-reflecting freshness is noticeable immediately after rinsing. Makeup — including eye makeup — is effectively removed.
~90% noticedImproved Radiance & Texture
Cumulative mild exfoliation from Fulvic Acid and Kakadu Plum begins to smooth surface texture. Skin looks more radiant and less congested. Complexion appears more balanced.
~75% noticedVisibly More Even Skin Tone
Licorice Root Extract starts to visibly reduce the appearance of mild hyperpigmentation and post-blemish marks. Users report a noticeably more luminous, healthy-looking complexion.
~60% noticedBrighter, More Uniform Complexion
The INKEY List states up to 6 weeks for full visible results. With consistent twice-daily use, dark spots appear faded, skin tone looks more even, and overall radiance is significantly improved.
~50% noticed significant changeRatings by platform
8K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Very affordable price point for the ingredient quality
- Fragrance-free and gentle enough for daily use
- Removes eye makeup including waterproof formulas
- Non-stripping — skin feels comfortable after rinsing
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe brightening cleanser
- Sustainable and ethically sourced hero ingredients
- Can be used AM and PM without over-exfoliating
- Glowing, even skin tone with consistent use
Criticized
- Not suitable for fungal acne (Malassezia)
- Contains Sweet Almond Oil — not safe for nut allergies
- Low-foam texture may not feel thorough for some users
- Results take up to 6 weeks — not an instant brightener
- May not be sufficient as a sole makeup remover for heavy coverage looks
- Some users with oily skin prefer a double cleanse
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSimilar gentle, non-stripping, fragrance-free gel formula with glycerin and hyaluronic acid for hydration. Lacks brightening actives (no Fulvic Acid, Licorice or Kakadu Plum) but an excellent choice for those prioritising barrier support over brightening.
Also targets dullness and brightening with mandelic acid and vitamin C derivative. Slightly more exfoliating than the Fulvic Acid Cleanser. Less suitable for sensitive or pregnant skin due to chemical exfoliant content.
Ultra-gentle and minimal formula that cleanses without stripping. Great for sensitive skin. Does not contain brightening actives but shares the fragrance-free, non-irritating philosophy. Best as a second-cleanse step rather than a brightening cleanser.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Discard if the texture, colour, or scent changes noticeably before this period ends.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Keep the cap firmly closed between uses.
Squeeze tube (100% recyclable). Opaque tube protects the formula from light degradation. All INKEY List packaging is designed for recyclability.
Yes — 150ml tube exceeds the 100ml carry-on limit. Decant into a travel-size container for air travel, or purchase the standard size for checked luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes — The INKEY List officially confirms this cleanser is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or other actives typically avoided in pregnancy. It is one of the few brightening cleansers that can be used throughout all trimesters.
No — this cleanser is NOT considered fungal acne safe. It contains PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, a coconut oil-derived ester that can potentially feed Malassezia yeast and trigger or worsen fungal acne breakouts. If you have active fungal acne, consider a sulfate-based or zinc-containing cleanser formulated without esters, ferments, or fatty acids.
Absolutely. Because this is a rinse-off cleanser, it does not stay on the skin long enough to interact with your leave-on actives. The INKEY List states it is safe to layer with all actives in both AM and PM routines. You can follow it directly with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs without concern. Unlike exfoliating toners, it does not increase photosensitivity.
The formula is suitable for all skin types — normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive. It is particularly well-suited for dull, uneven, or post-blemish-marked skin types that need gentle daily brightening without irritation. It is not recommended for those with active fungal acne or tree nut allergies. Very dry skin types may benefit from using a heavier moisturizer afterwards.
Most users notice softer, cleaner-feeling skin from the very first use. Improved radiance and texture typically becomes visible within 1–2 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. For significant brightening and visible reduction of dark spots or uneven tone, The INKEY List recommends allowing up to 6 weeks of regular use. Results are cumulative — consistency is key.
This cleanser is always Step 1 — the first product applied to your face in both your morning and evening routines. After rinsing, follow with toner (if used), then serum or treatment, eye cream, moisturizer, and SPF in the morning. The INKEY List specifically recommends pairing it with their Hyaluronic Acid Serum, 15% Vitamin C EGF Serum, and Symbright Moisturizer for a complete brightening routine.
No. This cleanser has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5. The oils used — Sunflower (rating 0) and Sweet Almond (rating 1–2) — are both non- or low-comedogenic. Critically, because this is a rinse-off formula, any residual oil content is removed during cleansing, making pore-clogging extremely unlikely in practice.
The PAO (Period After Opening) is 12 months. The 150ml tube, used twice daily with a raspberry-sized amount, typically lasts 2–3 months with regular use. Store in a cool, dry location with the cap tightly closed between uses. Discard if you notice any change in colour, texture, or smell before the 12-month mark.
Verdict: The INKEY List Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser is one of the most well-rounded budget brightening cleansers available. At roughly $15 for 150ml, it delivers a trifecta of brightening actives — Fulvic Acid, Kakadu Plum, and Licorice Root — in a gentle, fragrance-free, pH-balanced formula that is confirmed safe for pregnancy and suitable for sensitive skin. It cleanses thoroughly without stripping, removes eye makeup, and can be used twice daily without over-exfoliating. The main caveats are its unsuitability for fungal acne and a nut allergy consideration, but for the vast majority of users seeking accessible, effective daily brightening, this cleanser punches well above its price point and deserves a place at the top of the bathroom shelf.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Coco-glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Xanthan Gum
Binding Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Skin Conditioning, Surfactant -Emulsifying Agent, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Binding, Gel Forming, Viscosity Controlling
|
|







