COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser — Nettoyant Équilibrant pH 5.3

This gel is based on a short formula centered around four active ingredients designed to cleanse without disrupting the skin's natural balance.

Betaine Salicylate (BHA) — A gentle, oil-soluble form of salicylic acid that penetrates pores to dislodge impurities and oxidized sebum, without the harshness of pure salicylic acid. Ideal for refining texture without irritation.

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil — More commonly known as tea tree oil, this Australian essential oil has documented antimicrobial properties. Concentrated at 5,000 ppm, it helps regulate skin flora and soothe redness without drying out.

Allantoin — A soothing molecule traditionally extracted from comfrey root, it promotes healing and softens reactive areas. A classic ingredient in hypoallergenic formulas.

Citric Acid (Citric Acid) — Adjusted to maintain a pH between 5.0 and 6.0, mimicking that of healthy skin. This acidic buffer preserves the hydrolipidic film and limits bacterial proliferation, unlike alkaline cleansers.

☀️ Morning routine

1. Wet your face with lukewarm water (never hot, to avoid weakening the barrier)
2. Put a small amount of gel in your damp palm and lightly emulsify
3. Massage in circular motions for 30 seconds, focusing on the T-zone if it shines
4. Rinse thoroughly — the water should glide off without leaving a slippery film
5. Pat dry (no rubbing) and follow immediately with your toner

🌙 Evening routine

1. If you wear makeup or SPF, start with an oil-based cleanser (Korean double cleanse)
2. Then apply the Low pH Cleanser to remove oily residues
3. Massage for 45 seconds: this is when the BHA works on comedones
4. Rinse with lukewarm water, then finish with a splash of cold water to tighten pores

MPC tip: avoid over-cleansing. Once in the morning and once in the evening is plenty — no more than two washes a day, or you risk a seborrheic rebound effect.

Formulated to respect reactive skin types, this cleanser is designed for several profiles:

• Combination to oily skin seeking effective cleansing without a tight skin feeling after rinsing
• Sensitive skin tired of stripping foams: a skin irritation test on 34 people showed no reaction at 24h, 48h, and 72h
• Acne-prone skin that needs a mild daily keratolytic effect without drying out
• Fans of Korean layering looking for a gentle second cleansing step (after oil or balm)
• All skin types exposed to hard or calcareous water — the low pH compensates for the alkalinity of tap water

⚠️ Avoid if: You have a documented allergy to tea tree essential oil (always test on the inner elbow), or if you are already using highly exfoliating actives in the evening (high-dose retinol, AHA peel 10%+) — risk of over-exfoliation.

The benefits develop progressively, provided the product is used regularly.

From the first use: A feeling of cleanliness without tightness. The face feels fresh, matte but not dehydrated — proof that the hydrolipidic film is preserved.

After 1 week: The skin texture refines. The pores in the T-zone appear less dilated thanks to the continuous action of BHA, which prevents the accumulation of oxidized sebum.

After 3-4 weeks: Visible reduction of micro-comedones and blackheads on the nose and chin. Diffuse redness diminishes in reactive skin types. COSRX recommends using their products for at least one month to see optimal results..

In the long term: Maintenance of a balanced skin pH, which limits bacterial outbreaks and barrier disorders. The skin is more resilient to aggressions (pollution, temperature changes).

Why is pH so important in a facial cleanser?

The natural pH of the skin is between 4.5 and 5.5 — slightly acidic to protect against pathogenic bacteria. This cleanser has a pH of 5.31 ± 1.00, which allows it to cleanse without disrupting the acid mantle. Traditional soaps (pH 9-11) destabilize this protection and promote dehydration and inflammation.

Can it be used morning AND night, or is that too much?

COSRX states it can be used morning and night, after makeup removal. Its gentleness makes it suitable for twice-daily washing, unlike stripping gels. If your skin is very dry, you can just rinse with water in the morning and save the gel for the evening.

Is double cleansing mandatory beforehand?

Yes, if you wear foundation, BB cream, or resistant SPF. The Low pH Cleanser is water-based — it removes sweat, dust, and light residues, but not oils. Start with a cleansing oil or balm, then follow with this gel for a flawless result.

Is the texture really gel, or does it foam?

It’s a clear gel that foams slightly on contact with water, without forming a creamy cloud. The foam remains light and airy — a sign that the surfactants are gentle (Cocamidopropyl Betaine, a coconut derivative). No “shaving foam” effect, more of a soft, easy-to-rinse emulsion.

How long does a 150 ml bottle last?

With twice-daily use and a 1 cm amount of product (enough for the whole face), expect about 3 to 4 months. The tube is economical, and a small amount is enough — no need to use too much, it won’t cleanse better.

My tap water is very hard: can this cleanser compensate?

Yes, partially. Hard water has an alkaline pH that disrupts the skin. The acidic pH of this gel partially neutralizes this effect. To go further, you can rinse with micellar water or use a thermal mist as a final step to remove hard water residues.

COSRX has gathered consumer needs and expectations regarding their skin problems since 2002, before officially founding the brand in 2013. The name combines "Cosmetics" and "Rx" (medical prescription) to assert an accessible dermatological approach, without unnecessary extras.

Founded by Jun Sang Hun, the brand generated international buzz from its first year, thanks to tangible results reported by the skincare community. Unlike traditional brands that rely on marketing, COSRX built its reputation through word of mouth and customer listening.

Today, COSRX is distributed in more than 146 countries and remains true to its minimalist philosophy: short INCI lists, concentrated active ingredients, fair prices. Since 2015, the brand has committed to clean beauty by eliminating 14 controversial ingredients (parabens, sulfates, mineral oils). All products are cruelty-free, dermatologically tested, and hypoallergenic.

The Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is among COSRX's historic best-sellers, alongside the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin and Acne Pimple Master patches. Discover the entire COSRX range

Complete INCI list (official COSRX source):

Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Sodium Chloride, Polysorbate 20, Styrax Japonicus Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Saccharomyces Ferment, Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Allantoin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Betaine Salicylate, Citric Acid, Ethyl Hexanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium EDTA

Breakdown of active ingredients in bold:

• Betaine Salicylate : Mild BHA for gentle chemical exfoliation
• Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil : Tea tree (5,000 ppm), natural antibacterial
• Allantoin : Soothing and healing
• Citric Acid : pH regulator (maintains at 5.3)
• Saccharomyces Ferment : Yeast ferment, pre/probiotic effect for skin flora
• Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract : Lotus extract, antioxidant and purifying

Free from: parabens, harsh sulfates (SLS/SLES), silicones, mineral oils, drying alcohols. Hypoallergenic formula tested on sensitive skin.