COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser — Gel nettoyant BHA anti-imperfections

Four complementary active ingredients work in synergy to purify without irritation.

Salicylic Acid (Salicylic Acid) at 0.5%: this lipophilic BHA penetrates pores to dissolve sebum clogs and dead skin cells blocking the follicle. Unlike AHAs, it also works deeply, making it especially suitable for combination to oily skin prone to comedones.

Willow Bark Water (Salix Alba Bark Water): rich in salicin, a natural precursor to salicylic acid, it provides a gentle astringent effect. It temporarily tightens enlarged pores and soothes redness while enhancing exfoliation without overloading the formula.

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil): known for its antibacterial properties, it limits the proliferation of Cutibacterium acnes without drying out the skin. Its slightly medicinal herbal scent is characteristic of Korean purifying cleansers.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine : a surfactant derived from coconut oil, it produces a creamy, stable foam while preserving hydration. Biodegradable and non-irritating, it balances cleansing effectiveness with post-rinse comfort.

☀️ Morning routine

1. Moisten your face with lukewarm water (never hot, to avoid stimulating the sebaceous glands).
2. Take a small amount of gel in your palm, add a few drops of water, and emulsify between your hands until you get a creamy foam.
3. Massage your face in circular motions for a maximum of 30 seconds — focus on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) where blackheads tend to form.
4. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, then apply your toner within 30 seconds to rebalance the pH.

🌙 Evening routine

1. If you wear makeup, start with micellar water or a cleansing oil (double cleansing).
2. Then apply the COSRX cleanser as the second step: it removes pollution residues, SPF, and sebum accumulated during the day.
3. Rinse, then follow with your skincare routine (essence, serum, cream).

Tip: avoid massaging for too long — salicylic acid works on contact, prolonged rinsing does not improve effectiveness and can weaken the skin barrier.

This cleanser is primarily intended for the following skin types:

• Combination to oily skin : BHA regulates sebum production without rebound effect, ideal if your T-zone shines by midday.
• Acne-prone skin : unclogs micro-comedones before they develop into inflammatory pimples. Perfect as a complement to a topical treatment (benzoyl peroxide, adapalene).
• Congested skin with recurring blackheads : the keratolytic action of salicylic acid refines skin texture and visibly reduces enlarged pores.
• Sensitive skin but reactive to excess sebum : the sulfate-free formula (SLS) is suitable even for fragile skin, provided it is used once a day at first.

⚠️ Avoid if: you are pregnant or breastfeeding (topical salicylic acid is not recommended), if you are already using a strong retinoid every night (risk of over-exfoliation), or if you have open wounds or active eczema.

The first results appear from the first week: the complexion is clearer, less dull, and the skin breathes better after rinsing. The "clean skin" effect is immediate, without any tightness.

After 2 to 3 weeks of daily use, the texture refines: pores seem tightened, blackheads gradually loosen, and new blemishes take longer to form. Users report a noticeable reduction in menstrual breakouts when used as a preventive treatment.

After more than 4 weeks, the cumulative benefit is felt: the skin texture is smoother, post-inflammatory scars fade slightly (thanks to gentle exfoliation that promotes cell renewal), and the need to mattify during the day decreases. A 150 ml bottle lasts about 3 to 4 months with daily use, making it an affordable investment for an anti-blemish routine.

Can I use this cleanser morning and night every day?

Yes, if your skin tolerates it well. Start by using it only at night for a week, then add morning use if you feel no discomfort. Dry or sensitive skin types will prefer to alternate with an ultra-gentle cleanser in the morning.

What is the difference with COSRX's Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser?

The Low pH is gentler (pH 5), formulated for universal daily use with tea tree oil but without concentrated BHA. The Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser contains 0.5% salicylic acid, making it more targeted for oily or blemish-prone skin. If you're unsure, use the Low pH in the morning and this one at night.

Can I combine it with a vitamin C serum in the morning?

Yes, no problem. Rinse the cleanser well, apply your toner, then your vitamin C serum. The salicylic acid in the cleanser is rinsed off and does not interfere with vitamin C absorption. However, avoid using a leave-on chemical exfoliant (AHA/BHA) right after this cleanser to prevent over-exfoliation.

Does this cleanser remove waterproof makeup?

No, not completely. It removes light residues, but for waterproof mascara or long-wear foundation, start with a cleansing oil or micellar water. This cleanser is ideal as the second step in double cleansing.

My face feels slightly tight after rinsing, is that normal?

This is a sign that the formula is slightly alkaline (some batches have a pH around 8-9). Apply your toner immediately after drying (within 30 seconds) to restore skin pH. If discomfort persists, reduce usage to 3-4 times per week.

How long does a 150 ml bottle last?

Between 3 and 4 months with daily use (a small amount is enough). The gel foams generously, so no need to use much. Store it away from light and close the cap tightly to preserve the stability of the salicylic acid.

COSRX was founded in 2013 by Jun Sang Hun, an experienced cosmetic producer who was looking for a solution for his own sensitive and reactive skin. Frustrated by overloaded formulas and empty marketing promises, he created a brand guided by a simple principle: "Cosmetics + Rx (prescription) = COSRX." The idea? Targeted, almost therapeutic skincare with short INCI lists and effectively dosed active ingredients.

Since its beginnings, COSRX has collected feedback from its community to adjust its formulas. This data-driven, customer-focused approach propelled the brand beyond Korea as early as 2014, with products like the BHA Blackhead Power Liquid and the Advanced Snail line going viral well before the rise of TikTok. Now distributed in over 40 countries, COSRX remains 100% made in Korea, cruelty-free, and true to its minimalist philosophy.

The Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser embodies this vision: no artificial fragrance, no unnecessary dyes, just the essentials for clear and soothed skin. Discover the entire COSRX range

Full INCI: Water, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Lauric Acid, Butylene Glycol, Glycol Distearate, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Salicylic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Fragrance, Sodium Chloride, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water, 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, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethyl Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA.

Why this formula works: The fatty acids (Myristic, Stearic, Lauric) are saponified by Potassium Hydroxide to create a gentle cleansing base. Glycerin and Butylene Glycol retain hydration during cleansing. The Korean botanical extracts (Japanese cedar, lotus, pine, David elm, evening primrose, kudzu) provide antioxidants and soothing compounds, a hallmark of traditional K-beauty.

The presence of Fragrance remains minimal and of natural origin (essential oils), but if you are ultra-sensitive to scents, test first on a small area. Disodium EDTA stabilizes the formula and preserves the effectiveness of salicylic acid over time.