COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

COSRX

Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

face gel cleanser

Added Last edited

Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
45%
Combination (dry)
45%
Balanced
75%
Combination (oily)
95%
Oily
95%

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25
Ingredients
5
Benefits
1
Actives
Find Dupes

Introducing the Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, your perfect start to a fresh and revitalized complexion. Formulated with a gentle and effective blend of ingredients, including Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, this gel cleanser effectively removes impurities and excess oil without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Enriched with botanical extracts like Styrax Japonicus and Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract, it provides a soothing and refreshing experience, leaving your skin feeling clean, balanced, and ready for the day ahead. Experience the gentle yet invigorating cleanse with the Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser and achieve a radiant, healthy-looking complexion.

Key Insights

Benefits

5
Anti-Acne
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Soothing

Active Ingredients

1
AHA

About Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Overview

Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a watery-light gel cleanser from COSRX, a brand based in Korea. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 25 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as very light — essentially a water-and-humectant base with little emollient weight. With almost no emollient load it should absorb quickly and finish close to matte. Hydration is handled by Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Butylene Glycol and Ethylhexylglycerin, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin and Betaine Salicylate.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, antioxidant protection, oil control and brightening and tone. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.

What is not in it

Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free, microplastic-free and sulfate-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain essential oils, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.

Where it fits in a routine

It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes first step. Use on damp skin and rinse thoroughly. Follow with a toner or essence while skin is still slightly damp.

This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • No fragrance or declared allergens
  • No drying alcohol
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • No common irritants flagged in the list

Things to know

  • Contains essential oils, a common source of reactivity
  • 3 ingredients could feed malassezia (fungal acne)

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

May suit

  • Balanced skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive skin

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Hydration 4 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 2 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Anti-Acne 1 ingredient

    Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores

  • Evens Skin Tone 1 ingredient

    Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance

  • Soothing 1 ingredient

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

Does not target

Blackhead Reducing Dark Spot Fading Oil Control Pore Minimizer Smooths Bumpy Skin

None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.

Key ingredients

The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)

Hydration

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract is an extract of the root bark of the Elm, Ulmus davidiana, Ulmaceae

Anti-Aging Hydration Soothing

14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Pueraria Lobata Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Pueraria lobata, Fabacea

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone

18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)

Hydration

19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Betaine Salycilate is the product formed by the reaction of Betaine with Salycilic Acid

Anti-Acne

20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration High

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support None

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support None

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control None

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening None

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Low

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal None

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling None

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

Active and supporting ingredients

"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.

Active ingredients (1)

Supporting ingredients (24)

Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.

Water Cocamidopropyl Betaine Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate Sodium Chloride Polysorbate 20 Styrax Japonicus Branch/fruit/leaf Extract Butylene Glycol Saccharomyces Extract Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract Pueraria Lobata Root Extract Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil Sodium Allantoin PCA Caprylyl Glycol Ethylhexylglycerin Betaine Salicylate Ethyl Hexanediol 1,2-hexanediol Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Sodium Benzoate Disodium Edta

What is and is not in it

Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.

Free from

  • Fragrance-free
  • No drying alcohol
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • Oil-free
  • No animal-derived ingredients

Contains

  • Essential oils

    Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)
  • BHA (salicylic acid)
  • PHAs (gluconolactone)
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Azelaic acid
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.

Where it fits in a routine

Morning Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Toning
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise
  5. Protect

This product is the "Cleanse" step.

  • Use on damp skin and rinse thoroughly.
  • Follow with a toner or essence while skin is still slightly damp.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
3 ingredients could feed malassezia: Polysorbate 20, Saccharomyces Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive skin
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 25 ingredients on the label.

8
Plant extract

Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent

4
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

4
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

3
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

3
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

3
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

2
Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

2
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

1
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

1
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

1
Exfoliant

Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells

1
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

1
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

1 Water Solvent
Estimated level
30–80%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration
3 scientific references
  • Skin Research and Technology, May 2015, pages 131-136
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, November-December 1999, pages 344-351
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, September-October 1993, pages 249-262
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Texture agent

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

1-Propanaminium, 3-amino-N-(carboxymethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-, N-coco acyl derivs., hydroxides, inner salts

Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Dodecanoic acid, methyl-2-sulfoethyl ester, sodium salt (1:1)

4 Sodium Chloride Texture agent
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Sodium chloride

5 Polysorbate 20 Surfactant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Sorbitan, monododecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.

Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Styrax Japonicus Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract is the extract of the branches, fruit and leaves of Styrax japonicus, Styracaceae.

7 Butylene Glycol Humectant
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • US Food and Drug Administration Code of Federal Regulations</em>, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, May 2011, pages 5S-16S
  • Skin Research and Technology, November 2007, pages 417-24
  • Journal of the American College of Toxicology, September 1985, pages 223-248
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Antioxidant, Plant extract

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Saccharomyces Extract

Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Plant extract

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract is an extract of the Japanese Cedar, Cryptomeria japonica (L.), Taxodiaceae

Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract is the extract of the leaves of Nelumbo nucifera, Nymphaeaceae

Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract is an extract of the needles of the Swamp Pine, Pinus palustris, Pinaceae

Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract is an extract of the root bark of the Elm, Ulmus davidiana, Ulmaceae

Anti-Aging Hydration Soothing
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract is an extract of the flowers of the Evening Primrose, Oenothera biennis, Onagraceae

Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Plant extract

14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Pueraria Lobata Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Pueraria lobata, Fabacea

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil is the oil distilled from the leaves of the Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, Myrtaceae

Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

16th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Allantoin Sodium DL-Pyrrolidone Carboxylate

17 Caprylyl Glycol Emollient
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

17th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Octane-1,2-diol

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • PLoS One, October 2016, ePublication
  • Contact Dermatitis, May 2016, pages 281-288
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2013, pages 5S-21S
  • Personal Care, 2008, pages 1-4
  • Cosmetic Science Technology, 2006, pages 1-11
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Exfoliant, Preservative

19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Betaine Salycilate is the product formed by the reaction of Betaine with Salycilic Acid

Anti-Acne
7 scientific references
  • Skin Purging vs Breakout – What Does Skin Purging Look Like?
  • What to Do When You Have Acne and Dry Skin
  • How to Minimize the Look of Post-Acne Marks
  • How to Manage Dehydrated, Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
  • Help for Breakouts on the Hairline and Scalp
  • The Best Ways to Treat Acne and Sensitive Skin
  • Say Goodbye to Body Acne
20 Citric Acid Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active, Chelator, pH adjuster

20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-ethylhexane-1,3-diol

22 1,2-hexanediol Solvent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Chelator

23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

L-Aspartic acid, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-, trisodium salt

24 Sodium Benzoate Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium benzoate

25 Disodium Edta Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Chelator

25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser?

WATER, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, SODIUM LAUROYL METHYL ISETHIONATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, POLYSORBATE 20, STYRAX JAPONICUS BRANCH/FRUIT/LEAF EXTRACT, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, SACCHAROMYCES EXTRACT, CRYPTOMERIA JAPONICA LEAF EXTRACT, NELUMBO NUCIFERA LEAF EXTRACT, PINUS PALUSTRIS LEAF EXTRACT, ULMUS DAVIDIANA ROOT EXTRACT, OENOTHERA BIENNIS FLOWER EXTRACT, PUERARIA LOBATA ROOT EXTRACT, MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA LEAF OIL, SODIUM ALLANTOIN PCA, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, BETAINE SALICYLATE, CITRIC ACID, ETHYL HEXANEDIOL, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE, SODIUM BENZOATE, DISODIUM EDTA.

What are the active ingredients in Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser?

CITRIC ACID.

How do I use Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser?

Use morning and night, after removing makeup. Begin with wet hands and face. Squeeze a proper amount onto your hand and foam up. Gently massage onto face avoiding the eye and mouth area. Rinse with warm water.

What skin types is Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser good for?

Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.

Is Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser good for sensitive skin?

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Is Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser fungal acne safe?

3 ingredients could feed malassezia: Polysorbate 20, Saccharomyces Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.

Can I use Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser while pregnant?

Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.

Is Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser fragrance free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.

Does Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser contain alcohol?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.

Is Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser silicone free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.

Does Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser contain essential oils?

Yes — it contains Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil.

Is Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser paraben free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.

What can I layer with Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser?

It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.

When should I apply Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser?

Use it morning and evening, first step.

How many ingredients does Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser have?

It lists 25 ingredients, of which 1 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser?

COSRX, a brand based in Korea.

Brand
COSRX
Country
Korea

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