A cleansing
skin brightening cleansing composition includes a blend of hydroxy acids including at least one alpha-hydroxy acid, at least one beta-hydroxy acid, and at least one poly-hydroxy acid
niacinamide (
vitamin B3), at least one a bio-based
glycolipid surfactant, at least one thickener, at least one clay, and a cosmetically acceptable
solvent that includes at least water. The composition has a pH in a range from about 4.4 to about 5.0. The composition can be used as a daily
skin cleanser, or a
facial mask or a spot treatment product, and / or the combinations thereof, and when applied to
skin confers gentle exfoliation, skin brightening and whitening, and evens
skin tone.