Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening Facial Cleanser
Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening Facial Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A brightening cream cleanser with Vitamin C (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid), Matrixyl peptide, Niacinamide, and gentle sugar-like exfoliating beads that dissolve as you wash. Removes impurities while prepping skin for better absorption of your next skincare steps. Targets dullness, uneven tone, and rough texture.
Vitamin C Brightening
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a stable Vitamin C derivative, helps brighten skin tone and reduce dullness with every wash.
Texture & feel
SENSORYVitamin C Brightening
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a stable Vitamin C derivative, helps brighten skin tone and reduce dullness with every wash.
Matrixyl Peptide Technology
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) supports collagen production and helps improve skin texture over time.
Gentle Sugar-Like Exfoliation
Dissolving exfoliating beads break down as you massage, preventing over-scrubbing while smoothing rough patches.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Multi-benefit ingredient that helps even skin tone, strengthen the barrier, and support overall skin health.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains Salicylic Acid (BHA). While rinse-off products pose lower risk than leave-on formulations, consult your OB-GYN before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Contains fatty alcohols (Stearyl, Cetyl, Behenyl) and Steareth emulsifiers. As a rinse-off product, risk is lower, but those with active fungal acne should patch test first.
Rated 1/5 on the comedogenic scale. Being a rinse-off cleanser further minimizes any pore-clogging potential.
Contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and added Fragrance, which may irritate very sensitive or reactive skin types. Patch test recommended.
No retinoids in the formula. Safe to use alongside retinol/retinoid products in your routine without risk of over-exfoliation from the cleanser.
Free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic dyes, and mineral oil. Dermatologist tested for safety.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTS3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)Promising
A stable, water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C known for its skin-brightening properties. Unlike pure L-Ascorbic Acid, it resists oxidation and maintains potency throughout the product's shelf life. Penetrates the skin and converts to active ascorbic acid.
- Stability: One of the most stable forms of Vitamin C used in cosmetics, resistant to heat, light, and pH changes
- Brightening: Inhibits tyrosinase activity to reduce melanin production, helping to fade dark spots and even skin tone
- Antioxidant: Provides free radical protection, though evidence is stronger for brightening than antioxidant defense in this form
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl)Proven
A well-researched signal peptide consisting of five amino acids attached to palmitic acid for improved skin penetration. Developed jointly by Sederma and Procter & Gamble, it is one of the most studied cosmetic peptides available.
- Collagen Support: Studies show it stimulates production of collagen types I and III, as well as fibronectin, which support skin structure
- Anti-Wrinkle: Clinical trials demonstrate measurable improvements in fine lines and wrinkle depth with regular use
- Skin Texture: Helps improve overall skin smoothness and firmness over time with consistent application
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)Proven
A multifunctional skincare superstar with numerous clinically proven benefits. Works at multiple levels: skin barrier repair, oil regulation, brightening, and anti-inflammatory action.
- Brightening: Clinically shown to reduce hyperpigmentation and improve uneven skin tone at 4-5% concentration in leave-on products
- Barrier Repair: Increases ceramide synthesis, strengthening the skin's natural moisture barrier
- Versatility: Compatible with virtually all other active ingredients including retinol, Vitamin C, and AHAs/BHAs
Salicylic Acid (BHA)Proven
A beta-hydroxy acid that is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate into pores for deep chemical exfoliation. In this cleanser, it works alongside the physical exfoliating beads for dual-action smoothing.
- Pore Clearing: Oil-soluble nature allows it to dissolve sebum and unclog pores more effectively than AHAs
- Exfoliation: Promotes cell turnover to reveal brighter, smoother skin underneath
- Anti-Inflammatory: Derived from aspirin family, provides mild anti-inflammatory benefits that help reduce redness
GlycerinProven
A powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin, preventing the cleanser from leaving skin feeling tight or stripped after washing. One of the most well-studied moisturizing ingredients in skincare.
- Hydration: A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than both AHAs and hyaluronic acid
- Barrier Support: Helps maintain skin hydration levels and supports the skin's natural protective function
19 ingredients
Water, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Glycerin, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Betaine, Hydrated Silica, Salicylic Acid, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Niacinamide, PPG-30, Steareth-21, Steareth-2, Cetyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the first step in your skincare routine, both morning and night. For best brightening results, pair with other Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 products such as the serum and moisturizer.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash warm water onto your face to dampen the skin. Warm water helps open pores and soften surface debris for more effective cleansing.
Apply & Massage
Squeeze a small amount into your palms and gently massage over your entire face in circular motions. The exfoliating beads will dissolve like sugar as you massage — continue until they fully break down.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with clean, lukewarm water until all product residue is removed. Pat dry gently with a clean towel — avoid rubbing.
Follow with Skincare
Immediately apply your toner, serum, and moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp for better product absorption. Use sunscreen in the morning.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dull, tired-looking skin that needs a brightening boost
- You want gentle physical exfoliation without harsh scrubs
- You prefer a cream cleanser over gel or foam formulas
- You're looking for an affordable drugstore Vitamin C cleanser
- You want to prep skin for better absorption of serums and treatments
- You have normal, combination, or oily skin
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very sensitive or reactive skin (contains SLS and fragrance)
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (contains salicylic acid)
- You need a fragrance-free cleanser
- You have active fungal acne and want a guaranteed FA-safe product
- You prefer a completely physical-exfoliant-free formula
- You want high-concentration Vitamin C delivery (better from a leave-on serum)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSalicylic acid and exfoliating beads help control excess oil and unclog pores. Cream texture doesn't add oiliness since it rinses cleanly.
Glycerin provides hydrating benefits, but SLS may feel slightly stripping for very dry skin. Follow immediately with a rich moisturizer.
Balances well across different zones — clears oily T-zone while the cream base doesn't over-dry cheeks. Ideal match for this skin type.
Contains SLS, fragrance, and salicylic acid — all potential irritants for sensitive skin. Patch test first and consider fragrance-free alternatives.
Salicylic acid helps clear pores and the low comedogenic rating (1/5) means minimal clogging risk. Gentle enough for daily use on acne-prone skin.
Results timeline
MONTH 2-3Immediately Smoother Skin
Skin feels deeply cleansed, smooth, supple, and soft right after the first use. The dissolving exfoliating beads provide an instant smoothing effect on rough texture.
90% noticed smoother skinImproved Texture & Clarity
With consistent AM and PM use, skin texture becomes noticeably refined. Pores appear less congested and skin starts to look more refreshed and clearer.
75% noticed improved clarityVisible Brightening & Surface Regeneration
According to Olay, after 1 month of consistent use, you will see improvement in your skin's natural surface regeneration. Skin appears brighter, more even, and healthier-looking.
70% noticed brighter complexionCumulative Brightening Benefits
Continued use allows the Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and peptide to deliver progressive improvements in skin tone evenness and overall radiance, especially when paired with the full Vitamin C + Peptide 24 line.
65% noticed more even skin toneRatings by platform
13K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Gentle dissolving beads feel like sugar and don't over-scrub
- Leaves skin noticeably smoother and softer from the first use
- Pleasant light citrus scent that isn't overpowering
- Affordable drugstore price point with effective active ingredients
- Creamy texture that feels luxurious without being heavy
- Free from parabens, phthalates, and synthetic dyes
- Works well as part of the Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 line
Criticized
- Contains SLS which can be stripping for dry or sensitive skin
- Added fragrance may irritate reactive skin types
- Vitamin C and peptide concentrations are undisclosed
- Actives have limited contact time in a rinse-off format
- 5 oz tube depletes quickly with twice-daily use
- Exfoliating beads may not suit very sensitive skin
- Not recommended during pregnancy due to salicylic acid
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESAlso contains salicylic acid for exfoliation plus ceramides and niacinamide for barrier support. Lacks Vitamin C and peptides but is fragrance-free and gentler on sensitive skin. Available in larger 8 oz size for better value.
Contains Vitamin C and gentle micro-exfoliators for brightening and smoothing. More affordable and widely available. Lacks peptides and niacinamide but delivers comparable exfoliation and brightening in a similar cream cleanser format.
A gentle cream-to-oil cleanser that effectively removes impurities. No Vitamin C or exfoliating beads, but extremely gentle and fragrance-free. Better for sensitive skin. Pair with a separate Vitamin C serum for brightening effects.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Keep cap tightly closed between uses. Avoid extreme heat or direct sunlight.
Squeeze tube with flip-top cap. Easy to dispense and control product amount.
No — 5 fl oz (150 ml) exceeds the TSA 3.4 oz carry-on limit. Transfer to a smaller container or purchase a travel-size version for flights.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. This cleanser contains Salicylic Acid (BHA), which many healthcare providers recommend avoiding during pregnancy and breastfeeding, especially in leave-on products. While a rinse-off cleanser has lower systemic absorption, it is best to consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist before incorporating it into your routine. The other active ingredients (Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Peptides) are generally considered safe during pregnancy.
Use with caution. The formula contains several fatty alcohols (Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol) and Steareth emulsifiers that some sources flag as potential malassezia triggers. However, since this is a rinse-off product with minimal skin contact time, the risk is significantly reduced compared to leave-on formulations. If you have active fungal acne, patch test on a small area first or opt for a simpler, FA-verified cleanser.
Yes, this cleanser is generally compatible with other actives. Since it is a rinse-off product, the salicylic acid content has minimal interaction with leave-on treatments. You can safely use retinol, Vitamin C serums, or AHA/BHA products after cleansing. However, if you're using multiple exfoliating products, monitor your skin for signs of over-exfoliation such as dryness, redness, or irritation, and scale back if needed.
This cleanser works best for normal, combination, and oily skin types. The cream texture with dissolving exfoliating beads and salicylic acid is particularly effective for those with dull, rough, or uneven skin tone. It is less ideal for very sensitive skin due to the inclusion of SLS and fragrance, and those with very dry skin may find it slightly stripping without adequate follow-up moisturizing.
You should notice smoother, softer skin immediately after the first use thanks to the exfoliating beads. Visible brightening and improvements in skin tone typically appear within 4 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. For optimal results, Olay recommends pairing this cleanser with other products in the Vitamin C + Peptide 24 line, such as the serum and moisturizer, as the cleanser alone has limited active delivery time.
This cleanser is your first step — use it at the very beginning of your skincare routine, both morning and night. After cleansing and patting your face dry, follow with toner, serums, eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). If you also use a micellar water or oil cleanser to remove heavy makeup, use those first, then follow with this cleanser as your second cleanse (double-cleansing method).
This cleanser has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, meaning it has a very low chance of clogging pores. As a rinse-off product, the ingredients are washed away after use, further reducing any pore-clogging risk. The salicylic acid in the formula actually helps to unclog pores. It is suitable for acne-prone skin, though those sensitive to SLS or fragrance should patch test first.
The cleanser has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for best results. The 5 fl oz (150 ml) tube typically lasts 6-8 weeks with twice-daily use (approximately a nickel-sized amount per wash). Store in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly closed. The stable Vitamin C derivative (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid) is less prone to oxidation than pure L-Ascorbic Acid, so the formula maintains its efficacy throughout its shelf life.
Verdict: The Olay Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening Facial Cleanser is a solid drugstore-priced brightening cleanser that delivers noticeable smoothing from the very first wash. Its triple-active formula combining Vitamin C, Matrixyl peptide, and Niacinamide alongside gentle dissolving exfoliating beads makes it an effective daily cleanser for dull, uneven skin. The main limitations are that active ingredients have limited efficacy in a rinse-off format, and the inclusion of SLS and fragrance rules it out for very sensitive skin. Best suited for normal, combination, and oily skin types looking for an affordable brightening boost as part of their daily cleansing routine. For maximum results, pair with a leave-on Vitamin C serum.
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 |
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Stearyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Fragrance, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Foam Boosting, Masking, Opacifying, Refatting, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cetyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
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