COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

COSRX

Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

face foam cleanser

Added Last edited

Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
55%
Combination (dry)
55%
Balanced
85%
Combination (oily)
85%
Oily
85%

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23
Ingredients
3
Benefits
1
Actives
Find Dupes

This COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser is a nourishing cleansing wash that helps to treat and prevent breakouts. Infused with a potent blend of Tea Tree Oil, Willow Bark Water and 0.5% Salicylic Acid, the cleanser gently removes dirt, excess oil and product build-up while replenishing moisture in order to combat the underlying causes of blemishes and breakouts. The result is a soft to the touch, visibly clearer complexion that boasts a natural glow.

Key Insights

Benefits

3
Anti-Aging
Hydration
Soothing

Active Ingredients

1
AHA

Risks

1
Allergen

Full Ingredients

23 total
WATER GLYCERIN MYRISTIC ACID STEARIC ACID POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE LAURIC ACID BUTYLENE GLYCOL GLYCOL DISTEARATE POLYSORBATE 80 SALIX ALBA BARK WATER SODIUM METHYL COCOYL TAURATE COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL LIMONENE CITRUS LIMON PEEL OIL CITRIC ACID AHA MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA LEAF OIL SODIUM CHLORIDE DISODIUM EDTA 1,2-HEXANEDIOL ETHYL HEXANEDIOL CAPRYLYL GLYCOL ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN

About Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

Overview

Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser is a lightweight foam cleanser from COSRX, a brand based in Korea. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 23 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Butylene Glycol and Cocamidopropyl Betaine, 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 Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Ethylhexylglycerin.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Balanced, Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. A few ingredients carry irritation flags, so reactive skin should patch test before using it on the whole face.

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 no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free, microplastic-free, sulfate-free and dye-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain fragrance and 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 drying alcohol
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration

Things to know

  • Contains fragrance or declared fragrance allergens
  • 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

  • Balanced skin
  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive skin

A few ingredients here carry irritation flags. Reactive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before using it on the whole face.

Skin concerns

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

Helps with

  • Hydration 7 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 1 ingredient

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Soothing 1 ingredient

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

Does not target

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing Dark Spot Fading Evens Skin Tone 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.

Water

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
Glycerin

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

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
Stearic Acid

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

Stearic acid

Hydration
Lauric Acid

6th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Dodecanoic acid

Hydration Soothing
Butylene Glycol

7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

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
Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

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

Castor oil (Ricinus communis), hydrogenated, ethoxylated (60 mol EO average molar ratio)

Hydration
Citric Acid AHA

16th 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

Ethylhexylglycerin

23rd 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

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 (22)

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

Water Glycerin Myristic Acid Stearic Acid Potassium Hydroxide Lauric Acid Butylene Glycol Glycol Distearate Polysorbate 80 Salix Alba Bark Water Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate Cocamidopropyl Betaine Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Limonene Citrus Limon Peel Oil Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil Sodium Chloride Disodium Edta 1,2-hexanediol Ethyl Hexanediol Caprylyl Glycol Ethylhexylglycerin

What is and is not in it

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

Free from

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

Contains

  • Fragrance

    Limonene

  • Essential oils

    Limonene, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, 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: Glycol Distearate, Polysorbate 80, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive skin
A few ingredients here carry irritation flags. Reactive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before using it on the whole face.
Recorded ingredient risks
Allergen

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 23 ingredients on the label.

8
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

7
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

6
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

3
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

2
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

2
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

2
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

1
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

1
Fragrance / colour

Changes how the product smells or looks

1
Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

1
Soothing

Calms visible redness and irritation

1
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

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 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

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

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
  • British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
3 Myristic Acid Surfactant
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.

Tetradecanoic acid

4 Stearic Acid Emollient
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant, Texture agent

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

Stearic acid

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, May 2019, pages 1-61
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2008, page 310
  • Therapeutics for the Clinician, May 2005, pages 317-324
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, December 2003, pages 559-568
5 Potassium Hydroxide pH adjuster
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
pH adjuster

5th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Potassium hydroxide

6 Lauric Acid Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

6th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Dodecanoic acid

Hydration Soothing
5 scientific references
  • Dermatologic Therapy, July 2020, pages 1-4
  • IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, June 2020, pages 1-6
  • Biomaterials, October 2009, pages 6, 035-6, 040
  • Journal of the American college of Toxicology, 1987, pages 1-81
  • Tenside Surfactants Detergents, December 1976, pages 313-316
7 Butylene Glycol Humectant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent

7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

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
8 Glycol Distearate Emollient
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant, Texture agent

8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Ethylene distearate

9 Polysorbate 80 Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sorbitan, mono-9-octadecenoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs., (Z)-

10 Salix Alba Bark Water Soothing
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Soothing

10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Salix Alba Bark Water is an aqueous solution containing volatile oils obtained by the distillation of the bark of the White Willow, Salix alba L., salicaceae

11 Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate is the sodium salt of the coconut fatty acid amide of N-methyltaurine. It conforms generally to the formula

12 Cocamidopropyl Betaine Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Texture agent

12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

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

13 Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

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

Castor oil (Ricinus communis), hydrogenated, ethoxylated (60 mol EO average molar ratio)

Hydration
14 Limonene Solvent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Solvent, Fragrance / colour

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

1-Methyl-4-Isopropenylcyclohexene; dipentene

Allergen
15 Citrus Limon Peel Oil
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Citrus Limon Peel Oil is the volatile oil obtained from the fresh peel of the Lemon, Citrus limon (L.), Rutaceae

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

16th 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

17 Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil Antioxidant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

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

18 Sodium Chloride Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

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

Sodium chloride

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

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

Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate

20 1,2-hexanediol Solvent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

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

21 Ethyl Hexanediol Solvent
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 Caprylyl Glycol Emollient
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

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

Octane-1,2-diol

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

23rd 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

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser?

WATER, GLYCERIN, MYRISTIC ACID, STEARIC ACID, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, LAURIC ACID, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCOL DISTEARATE, POLYSORBATE 80, SALIX ALBA BARK WATER, SODIUM METHYL COCOYL TAURATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, LIMONENE, CITRUS LIMON PEEL OIL, CITRIC ACID, MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA LEAF OIL, SODIUM CHLORIDE, DISODIUM EDTA, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, ETHYL HEXANEDIOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN.

What are the active ingredients in Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser?

CITRIC ACID.

How do I use Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser?

Squeeze a proper amount onto your hand and foam up. Gently massage onto face avoiding the eye and mouth area. Rinse with lukewarm water.

What skin types is Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser good for?

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

Is Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser good for sensitive skin?

Some ingredients here carry irritation flags, so sensitive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before applying it to the whole face.

Is Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser fungal acne safe?

3 ingredients could feed malassezia: Glycol Distearate, Polysorbate 80, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.

Can I use Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle 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 Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser fragrance free?

No — it contains Limonene.

Does Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser contain alcohol?

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

Is Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser silicone free?

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

Does Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser contain essential oils?

Yes — it contains Limonene, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil.

Is Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser paraben free?

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

What can I layer with Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle 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 Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser?

Use it morning and evening, first step.

How many ingredients does Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser have?

It lists 23 ingredients, of which 1 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser?

COSRX, a brand based in Korea.

Brand
COSRX
Country
Korea
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