COSRX Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water

COSRX

Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water

face eyes micellar water

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Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
53%
Combination (dry)
53%
Balanced
61%
Combination (oily)
91%
Oily
91%

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16
Ingredients
4
Benefits
4
Actives
Find Dupes

The COSRX Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water is a gentle, pH-balanced formula perfect for sensitive skin. Infused with niacinamide, zinc PCA, and sodium hyaluronate, it effectively removes makeup, dirt, and excess sebum without stripping or irritating the skin. This hydrating cleanser also soothes and brightens, leaving your skin refreshed and healthy. Ideal for those with hypersensitive or easily irritated skin, this cleansing water is suitable for daily use, even on eye makeup.

Key Insights

Benefits

4
Anti-Aging
Hydration
Pore Minimizer
Soothing

Active Ingredients

4
AHA Hyaluronic acid Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) Vitamin B5 (panthenol)

About Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water

Overview

Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water is a watery-light micellar water from COSRX, a brand based in Korea. The formula is built mainly around hydration and soothing. The ingredient list runs to 16 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 Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate and Propanediol, 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 Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Propanediol and Ethylhexylglycerin.

Soothing: High. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Panthenol, Allantoin, Madecassoside and Sodium Hyaluronate.

Barrier support: Moderate. Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity, and here that comes from Panthenol, Niacinamide and Madecassoside.

Oil control: Moderate. Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine, and here that comes from Niacinamide and Zinc PCA.

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 antioxidant protection, cell renewal and firmness signalling. 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, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.

Where it fits in a routine

It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes before moisturiser. Tap along the orbital bone with your ring finger; product migrates upward on its own.

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 essential oils
  • No drying alcohol
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • Several soothing ingredients
  • No common irritants flagged in the list
  • No recognised malassezia (fungal acne) triggers

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 6 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Soothing 5 ingredients

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

  • Anti-Aging 3 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Pore Minimizer 1 ingredient

    Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores

Does not target

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing Dark Spot Fading Evens Skin Tone Oil Control 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
Panthenol Vitamin B5 (panthenol)

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

Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol

Hydration Soothing
Sodium Hyaluronate Hyaluronic acid

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

Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt

Hydration Anti-Aging Soothing

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

Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-

Soothing
Niacinamide Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)

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

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**

Soothing Anti-Aging Pore Minimizer

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

Proline, 5-oxo-, zinc salt

Hydration

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

O-6-Deoxy-α-L-mannopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl (2α,3β,4α,6β)-2,3,6,23-tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oate

Anti-Aging Soothing

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

1,3-dihydroxypropane

Hydration

12th 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

15th 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 Moderate

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support None

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control Moderate

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening Low

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing High

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 (4)

Supporting ingredients (12)

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

Water Dipropylene Glycol Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate Allantoin Zinc PCA Madecassoside Propanediol Caprylyl Glycol Ethylhexylglycerin 1,2-hexanediol Sodium Citrate 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
  • Essential-oil-free
  • No drying alcohol
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • Oil-free
  • No animal-derived ingredients

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. Eye
  4. Moisturise
  5. Protect

This product is the "Eye" step.

  • Tap along the orbital bone with your ring finger; product migrates upward on its own.

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)
No ingredient here is a recognised food source for malassezia.
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 16 ingredients on the label.

4
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

4
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

3
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

3
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

2
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

2
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

1
Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

1
Soothing

Calms visible redness and irritation

1
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

1
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

1
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

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
2 Dipropylene Glycol Texture agent
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent

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

1,1'-Oxydipropan-2-ol; Oxydipropan-2-ol; Hydroxypropyloxypropanol

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.

1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, decanoates (1:1) (4 mol glycerol average molar ratio)

4 Panthenol Active
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active

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

Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol

Hydration Soothing
7 scientific references
  • The Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, December 2019, pages 534-547
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, January 2019, pages 346-354
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, March 2018, pages 1-51
  • The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, August 2017, pages 173-180
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2011, pages 361-370
  • American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, Volume 3, 2002, pages 427-433
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Active

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

Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt

Hydration Anti-Aging Soothing
5 scientific references
  • Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und Verwandte Gebiete, December 2017, pages 987-993
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, July 2014, pages 277-287
  • Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, October 2012, pages 20-23
  • DermatoEndocrinology, July-December 2012, pages 253-258
  • Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September 2011, pages 990-1000
6 Allantoin Occlusive
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Soothing

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

Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-

Soothing
8 scientific references
  • Chemistry Series, March 2020, pages 7-21
  • Molecules, June 2019, pages 1-33
  • European Journal of Pharmacology, February 2018, pages 68-78
  • Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, June 2017, Volume 76, Issue 2, Supplement 1
  • Pharmacognosy Review, Volume 5, July-December 2011
  • International Journal of Toxicology, May 2010, Supplement, pages 84S-97S
  • Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, October 2008, ePublication
  • https://wwwaccessdatafdagov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearchcfm?CFRPart=347&showFR=1
7 Niacinamide Active
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active

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

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**

Soothing Anti-Aging Pore Minimizer
15 scientific references
  • International Journal of Dermatology, February 2021, pages 166-173
  • Biomolecules & Therapeutics, July 2019, pages 562-569
  • Experimental Dermatology, February 2019, pages 15-22
  • Dermatologic Therapy, September 2017, ePublication
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, May 2017, page S116
  • International Journal of Pharmaceutics, March 2017, pages 158-162
  • Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, May 2016, pages 145-152
  • Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, July 2015, pages 405-412
  • Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, June 2014, pages 311-315
  • International Journal of Pharmacy, January 2013, pages 192-201
  • Dermatoendrocrinology, July 2012, pages 308-319
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2005, pages 1-31
  • Dermatologic Surgery, July 2005, pages 860-865
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, October 2004, pages 231-238
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, April 2004, pages 88-93
8 Zinc PCA Humectant
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant

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

Proline, 5-oxo-, zinc salt

Hydration
9 Madecassoside Antioxidant
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

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

O-6-Deoxy-α-L-mannopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl (2α,3β,4α,6β)-2,3,6,23-tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oate

Anti-Aging Soothing
10 Propanediol Texture agent
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent

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

1,3-dihydroxypropane

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • PubChem Compound Summary, April 2021, ePublication
  • SpecialChem, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, June 2018, pages 1-73
  • Cosmetics & Toiletries, May 2013, pages 81-86
11 Caprylyl Glycol Emollient
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

11th 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

12th 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
13 1,2-hexanediol Solvent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

14 Sodium Citrate Chelator
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Chelator, pH adjuster

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Trisodium citrate

15 Citric Acid Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active, Chelator, pH adjuster

15th 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

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

16th 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 Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water?

WATER, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, POLYGLYCERYL-4 CAPRATE, PANTHENOL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, ALLANTOIN, NIACINAMIDE, ZINC PCA, MADECASSOSIDE, PROPANEDIOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, SODIUM CITRATE, CITRIC ACID, DISODIUM EDTA.

What are the active ingredients in Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water?

PANTHENOL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, NIACINAMIDE, CITRIC ACID.

How do I use Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water?

Pour on to a cotton pad and gently wipe all over the skin until all makeup and impurities have been removed. *For long wear or heavy makeup, allow the cotton pad to sit on the area for about 10 seconds. No need to rinse but depending on personal cleansing habits, you may rinse with warm water or use a secondary cleanser if needed.

What skin types is Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water 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 Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water 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 Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water fungal acne safe?

No ingredient in this formula is a recognised food source for malassezia, the yeast behind fungal acne.

Can I use Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water 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 Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water fragrance free?

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

Does Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water contain alcohol?

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

Is Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water silicone free?

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

Does Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water contain essential oils?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.

Is Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water paraben free?

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

What can I layer with Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water?

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 Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water?

Use it morning and evening, before moisturiser.

How many ingredients does Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water have?

It lists 16 ingredients, of which 4 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water?

COSRX, a brand based in Korea.

Brand
COSRX
Country
Korea

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