COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser for acne-prone skin
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
Allantoin
Styrax Japonicus Branch Leaf Extract Fruit
Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract
Low
- LowCombination Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- Low RiskSafety
A weak match for acne-prone skin; the cleansers alongside fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Offers moderate exfoliation and cleansing for your combination skin, with betaine salicylate and cocamidopropyl betaine helping to clear pores and gently remove impurities.
- While it provides general cleansing benefits, it lacks targeted ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to effectively address your acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
- The formula is generally safe for your skin, though the presence of betaine salicylate and citric acid carries a slight risk of irritation.
How to apply
- Could be used as part of your AM and PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it.
- This cleanser is the first step in your morning routine and the second step after your pre-cleanser in the evening. Always follow up with a toner and moisturizer .
- Gently massage a small amount of the cleanser onto your face in circular motions. Avoid harsh rubbing to keep your skin calm.
- Apply the cleanser on slightly damp skin to help it work effectively against breakouts. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water .
- Avoid the immediate eye area and do a patch test before your first use to check for any sensitivity.
People Say
★4.5Overall rating based on 15.0k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, this gel cleanser is highly recommended for those with oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin, effectively managing excess oil and breakouts without compromising the skin barrier. Many users appreciate its refreshing feel. Conversely, individuals with dry skin frequently find it to be stripping, leading to a tight sensation that necessitates immediate moisturizing. Some users also note a strong scent and occasional eye irritation.
Highlights
Effective acne control Often Mentioned
- “cleared up my spots”
- “helps with hormonal acne”
- “reduced redness overnight”
- “keeps breakouts at bay”
Gentle & non-stripping Often Mentioned
- “doesn't strip my skin”
- “gentle enough for morning”
- “skin feels soft, not tight”
- “respects my skin barrier”
Drying for dry skin Often Mentioned
- “left my face tight”
- “too drying for winter”
- “stripped my dry skin”
- “need moisturizer immediately”
Deep cleansing/oil control Sometimes Noted
- “removes all the oil”
- “pores look smaller”
- “great for oily T-zone”
- “leaves face squeaky clean”
Refreshing sensation Sometimes Noted
- “feels very refreshing”
- “wakes me up”
- “cooling effect on skin”
- “perfect morning cleanse”
Strong medicinal scent Sometimes Noted
- “smells like chemicals”
- “strong tea tree odor”
- “scent is overpowering”
- “smells like rotting plants”
Caused breakouts Rarely Noted
- “gave me tiny bumps”
- “broke me out in cysts”
- “caused a bad reaction”
Eye irritation Rarely Noted
- “stings my eyes bad”
- “burns if it gets in eyes”
- “can't use on eye makeup”
Sources: lovi.care, iherb.com, ulta.com, sokoglam.com, yesstyle.com, walmart.com, and more
Questions and answers
Why is COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser a weak match for acne-prone skin?
This cleanser is a weak match because it lacks targeted ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to effectively address your acne, blemishes, and breakouts. A cleanser for this skin needs powerful ingredients like Niacinamide and Ceramides, and hydrating agents that address acne without irritation while balancing moisture.
Which ingredients make this cleanser a poor fit for acne-prone skin?
This cleanser is a weak match because it lacks powerful ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to effectively target acne and breakouts. A cleanser for this skin needs ingredients like Niacinamide and Ceramides to safely address blemishes while keeping skin balanced.
What does Cocamidopropyl Betaine do for acne-prone skin?
Cocamidopropyl Betaine helps gently clean acne-prone skin by removing dirt and oil without leaving it feeling stripped or dry. When formulated thoughtfully in a cleanser, it helps maintain skin comfort while supporting your daily routine.
What does Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate do for acne-prone skin?
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate is a gentle cleansing ingredient that helps wash away excess oil and dirt from acne-prone skin without stripping away essential moisture. Because it has a mild interaction with skin proteins, this ingredient is unlikely to cause the dryness and irritation often linked to stronger cleansers.
Dermatologic Therapy, 2004Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2025
Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?
This cleanser goes in your morning and evening routine right before your toner and moisturizer. Because this product is a weak match for your skin, acne-prone skin needs a cleanser that includes targeted ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to effectively address breakouts.
Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this cleanser in your routine, but a product of this type for acne-prone skin needs targeted ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to effectively address breakouts.
How often should I use this cleanser?
You can use this cleanser daily in the morning and evening as part of your routine. This product of this type needs targeted ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to effectively address your acne, blemishes, and breakouts for this skin.
Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?
This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores, but it may cause breakouts or irritation because it lacks strong acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide and contains potential irritants like citric acid. A cleanser for acne-prone skin needs targeted blemish-clearing ingredients to effectively manage breakouts.
Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?
This cleanser is generally safe for the body, but the skin around the eyes is much thinner and may be more easily irritated by ingredients like betaine salicylate and citric acid. A product used for this area needs gentle, soothing ingredients and high skin tolerance to protect delicate skin without causing irritation.
Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
The cytotoxic effect of sodium lauryl sulphate on normal human keratinocytes was significantly decreased when combined with cocamidopropyl betaine, Tween 20, and Tween 80 at concentrations well below the critical micelle concentration.
Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2003Topical gel containing chitosan, 0.2% chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol did not improve postoperative comfort regarding swelling and pain, but improved the wound's aesthetic appearance following impacted lower third molar extraction compared to no gel.
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2016A topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin, and dexpanthenol significantly reduced postoperative pain, trismus, swelling, and analgesic consumption, while improving wound healing after third molar surgery compared to a placebo.
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020An overnight patch containing Allium cepa extract and allantoin safely promotes scar healing after dermatologic surgery, resulting in significantly greater reductions in observer- and patient-assessed POSAS scores compared to no treatment.
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2018Topical green tea and green tea plus lotus multiple emulsions reduced casual sebum secretions compared to placebo in healthy adults, with the combined treatment producing significantly greater reductions than green tea alone over a 60-day period.
Hippokratia, 2013Combined topical application of lotus and green tea improved facial skin surface parameters including roughness, scaliness, smoothness, and wrinkling in healthy Asian men compared to single treatments and placebo.
Rejuvenation Research, 2013Cosmetics containing lotus-derived callus extract showed a significant skin-whitening effect in 21 volunteers.
Plants, 2023
Why other cleansers fit acne-prone skin better
Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components.
Molecules, 2023A panthenol-enriched mask improved skin hydration, regulated sebum, and reduced redness and TEWL across dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin subgroups with excellent tolerance and no adverse reactions.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
Ingredients
Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Polysorbate 20, Styrax Japonicus Branch Leaf Extract Fruit, Butylene Glycol, Saccharomyces Ferment, 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 Tree Oil Leaf, Allantoin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Betaine Salicylate, Citric Acid, Ethyl Hexanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium Edta
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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