Wake up to brighter, smoother, more radiant skin every morning.
Bright & Early Cleanser is your gentle yet powerful triple-acid face wash that removes makeup, dirt, and excess oil in one refreshing step — no harsh stripping. With glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids, it speeds up natural cell turnover to loosen dead skin buildup, revealing fresher skin underneath. Biodegradable jojoba beads add light physical exfoliation without irritation, while bright citrus notes energize and invigorate dull morning skin. Perfect prep for serums, moisturizers, and SPF — so your full routine delivers maximum results.
How to Use
- Apply a small amount to damp skin morning and/or evening.
- Massage in gentle circular motions for 60 seconds (the 60-second rule!).
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Follow with your serum, moisturizer, and SPF.
Key Benefits
- Accelerates cell renewal for brighter, smoother texture & glow
- Clears pores deeply to reduce blackheads, breakouts & congestion
- Gentle exfoliation + hydration — skin feels soft, not tight or stripped
- Light, biodegradable jojoba beads for physical polish without damage
- Uplifting citrus scent to energize your morning routine
Key Ingredients
Glycolic Acid (AHA) — smallest molecule, penetrates deep to resurface and brighten.
Salicylic Acid (BHA) — oil-soluble, clears inside pores to prevent blackheads and breakouts.
Lactic Acid (AHA) — gentle exfoliation + moisture attraction for hydrated glow.
Jojoba Beads — biodegradable, gentle physical exfoliant (safer than walnut or apricot scrubs).
See full ingredient list
Aqua, Decyl Glucoside, Acrylates Copolymer, Jojoba Esters, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium PCA, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids, Glycol Distearate, Steareth-4, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol.
Best For
Combination, oily, and normal skin types.
Ideal for dullness, rough texture, clogged pores, blackheads, uneven tone, and morning sluggishness.
Additional Details
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pH: 6.0 (gentle & close to skin's natural balance — no stripping or tightness)
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Size: 5 fl oz
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Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Consult your physician before use (contains salicylic acid; rinse-off format is often considered low-risk, but doctor knows best).
5 Circle Skin Care, by Denise Bell, licensed esthetician with 15+ years of experience. Austin, TX.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does glycolic acid do in a cleanser? +
Glycolic acid is the smallest alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which means it penetrates deeper than other exfoliating acids. In a cleanser, it works to dissolve the "glue" holding dead skin cells together so they rinse away instead of sitting on the surface making your skin look dull. Over time, it helps with texture, uneven tone, fine lines, and that overall "glow" people are always chasing. The key is consistency. You won't see results after one wash, but after a few weeks your skin will look noticeably brighter and smoother.
Is this cleanser good for acne-prone skin? +
Yes, and here's why. Bright & Early contains salicylic acid, which is oil-soluble. That means it can actually get inside your pores and clean them out from the inside, not just the surface. Most cleansers only wash away what's sitting on top of your skin. Salicylic acid goes deeper to dissolve the oil and debris that cause blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts. Combined with glycolic and lactic acid for surface exfoliation, this cleanser tackles acne from multiple angles. If your skin is very inflamed or severely acne-prone, start with every other day and build up.
Can I use this with retinol? +
You can, but be smart about it. Bright & Early is an exfoliating cleanser (triple acid), and retinol also increases cell turnover. Using both at the same time can be too much for some people, especially if you're just starting retinol. Our recommendation: use this cleanser in the morning and apply your retinol at night after a gentler cleanse. Once your skin is used to both, you can work up to using them in the same routine. Listen to your skin. If you're seeing redness or irritation, scale back.
What's the pH of this cleanser? +
The pH of Bright & Early Cleanser is 6.0. Your skin's natural pH sits around 4.5 to 5.5 (slightly acidic), and most bar soaps are around 9 to 10, which is way too high and strips your skin's protective acid mantle. At 6.0, this cleanser is close enough to your skin's natural pH that it cleans effectively without wrecking your barrier. That's also why your skin doesn't feel tight or "squeaky clean" after using it. That squeaky feeling actually means your cleanser is too harsh.
Is this pregnancy safe? +
We always recommend consulting with your physician or OB-GYN before using any active skincare products during pregnancy. This cleanser contains salicylic acid, which some doctors prefer you avoid during pregnancy (especially in high concentrations or leave-on products). In a rinse-off cleanser at lower concentrations, many physicians consider it fine, but that's a conversation to have with your doctor, not your skincare brand. Your doctor knows your specific situation better than anyone.
