COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser for dry skin
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
Allantoin
Styrax Japonicus Branch Leaf Extract Fruit
Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract
Average
- AverageDry Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- HighSafety
Works for dry skin; other cleansers fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. 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 suitability for your dry skin as Saccharomyces Ferment and Betaine Salicylate provide mild exfoliation and hydration, balancing pore cleansing with gentle humectant action. Cocamidopropyl betaine and sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate effectively cleanse pores, supporting your goal of addressing dry or flaky skin.
- The formula lacks sufficient emollient and occlusive ingredients, which could enhance hydration for your dry skin.
- The product is safe for your dry skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.
How to apply
- Use this cleanser AM and PM every day to keep your skin clean. Start using it daily right away since your skin is not sensitive.
- Apply this cleanser as the very first step in your morning routine and right after your pre-cleanser in the evening. Follow with your toner and moisturizer afterwards.
- Gently massage a small amount of cleanser onto your face using soft circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Apply this cleanser on slightly damp skin for a comfortable and refreshing wash. This helps maintain your skin's natural moisture while cleansing away dirt.
- Avoid getting the cleanser directly into your eyes to prevent any irritation. Do a simple patch test before your first use to ensure your skin likes it.
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
How well does COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser work for dry skin?
This cleanser works moderately well for dry skin, offering gentle cleansing alongside mild hydration and exfoliation, though it is unlikely to irritate. Because it lacks sufficient softening and moisture-locking ingredients, a product of this type needs rich hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture and skin health.
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021
Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for dry skin?
Saccharomyces ferment and betaine salicylate make this cleanser a work for your dry skin by providing mild exfoliation and hydration, while cocamidopropyl betaine and sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate cleanse pores. To work best for dry skin, this type of product needs rich moisturizing and barrier-protecting ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture.
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021
What does Cocamidopropyl Betaine do for dry skin?
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a cleansing ingredient that is unlikely to cause major issues when used in rinse-off products, though it may occasionally cause mild irritation or skin sensitivity for some people. Dry skin needs gentle cleansers formulated with surfactants that have diminished interactions with skin proteins and lipids, combined with a neutral or acidic pH and moisturizing agents to reduce barrier damage and improve hydration.
What does Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate do for dry skin?
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate is a gentle cleansing ingredient that helps wash dry skin without stripping away its natural moisture. Because of its mild nature, it is unlikely to worsen dryness and supports a comfortable, clean feel.
Dermatologic Therapy, 2004Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for dry skin?
This cleanser is used in both your morning and evening routines as the first step before applying your toner, moisturizer, and other products. Using a mild cleanser like this helps remove impurities while keeping your skin calm, though dry skin generally needs richer, softening ingredients and protective creams to lock in lasting moisture.
Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this cleanser in your routine when using retinol, by applying it first to clean your face before your retinol treatment. It is unlikely to irritate your dry skin, though this type of skin needs a rich moisturizer with softening and sealing ingredients afterwards to lock in hydration.
How often should I use this cleanser?
You can use this cleanser daily as part of your morning and evening routine. A cleanser of this type for dry skin needs rich, moisturizing ingredients that lock in hydration and smooth flaky areas.
Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry skin?
This cleanser is unlikely to cause breakouts or clogged pores for dry skin, though some reviewers do note it can feel drying. A cleanser for dry skin needs rich moisturizing and softening ingredients to keep the skin comfortable and hydrated.
Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?
You can use this cleanser on the body and around the eyes, though the skin there is much thinner than on the rest of the face. The mild formula is unlikely to cause irritation, but a cleanser for dry skin needs extra rich moisturizing and barrier-locking ingredients to keep those delicate areas comfortable.
Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
Daily application of Galactomyces ferment filtrate-containing skin products for 12 months significantly and cumulatively reversed 11-year facial skin aging parameters of wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, and roughness, and increased skin hydration in 86 female volunteers.
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023Application of Galactomyces ferment filtrate skin care formula significantly reduced the net values and daily fluctuation of facial pore area, roughness, and redness in young Japanese women.
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021The 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 dry skin better
A formulation containing glycerol (5%) and xylitol (5%) applied twice daily for 14 days increased skin hydration, filaggrin protein quantity, interdigitation index, and biomechanical properties, and decreased transepidermal water loss compared to untreated and vehicle-treated skin in twelve volunteers with dry skin.
Acta Dermato-venereologica, 2017Phytosphingosine increased filaggrin metabolism and skin hydration in human skin by stimulating filaggrin biosynthesis and degradation leading to natural moisturizing factor formation.
Archives of Dermatological Research, 2017Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans.
Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000
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
How does it fit your skin?
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