# COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: High · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cosrx/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/for/oily-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Saudi Arabia.

Brand: [COSRX](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/brands/cosrx)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/best/cleansers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A great choice for oily skin; a few cleansers fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Highly suitable for your oily skin, this cleanser effectively addresses oily shine with salicylic acid and melaleuca alternifolia tree oil leaf, which offer keratolytic and antimicrobial actions to manage excess oil and breakouts.
- The formula provides excellent cleansing and moderate exfoliation for your oily skin, as salicylic acid and glycerin work together to gently remove impurities and hydrate.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation for your oily skin due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cosrx/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/for/oily-skin): High (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cosrx/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin): Warning
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cosrx/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cosrx/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin): Low
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cosrx/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cosrx/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cosrx/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/for/mature-skin): Caution
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cosrx/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Warning
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cosrx/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Oil Tree Leaf, Willow Water Bark, Butylene Glycol

## What the research says

- Topical 5% tea tree oil gel significantly improved total acne lesions and acne severity index compared to placebo in 60 patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris, showing 3.55 times and 5.75 times greater efficacy respectively. ([Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17314442/))
- Twice daily application of a multitargeted dermocosmetic cream provided comparable efficacy to benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in reducing inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesions in 150 Caucasian subjects with mild-to-moderate acne over 56 days, while demonstrating superior skin tolerability. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/))
- The use of a salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic significantly reduces the needed quantity of benzoyl peroxide without impacting efficacy in mild to moderate acne, and as maintenance post-benzoyl peroxide allows a significant reduction of acne relapse compared to vehicle. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/))
- A botanical face cleanser with hops and willow bark extract continuously reduced skin sebum levels without reactive seborrhea after treatment in 21 healthy volunteers compared to a sodium laureth sulfate cleanser, with neither cleanser causing skin irritation. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/))
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients. ([CMAJ, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20837684/))
- A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase. ([BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/))
- Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590107/))
- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Topical herbal treatments including lemon balm, olive leaf extract, propolis, and sage-rhubarb cream reduce pain, swelling, lesion size, and healing time in patients with herpes labialis compared with placebo or acyclovir. ([Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40526027/))
- Topical oleuropein formulations reduced erythema, transepidermal water loss, and blood flow by approximately 22%, 35%, and 30% in healthy volunteers with UVB-induced erythema. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18377620/))
- An oil-in-serum formulation containing olive extract standardized in hydroxytyrosol improved skin barrier function and significantly reduced hyperpigmentation in participants with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after 45 days of application. ([AAPS PharmSciTech, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41507660/))
- Bioactive lipid nanocarriers co-loaded with willow bark or ivy leaf extracts and UV-filters provided pronounced UVA photoprotection up to an SPF-equivalent value of 13 and a maximum in vivo skin hydration effect of 97% when prepared with pomegranate oil. ([Nanomaterials, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35889587/))
- A topical serum containing 0.5% salicin applied twice daily reduced visible signs of skin aging, including wrinkles and tactile roughness, in 30 female subjects over 12 weeks compared to baseline. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20883292/))
- A novel emulsion containing niacinamide, lens esculenta seed extract, and white willow bark extract effectively improved acne, blackheads, and conspicuous facial pores in 30 subjects with oily skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38140770/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this creamy foaming cleanser is highly recommended for oily and acne-prone skin, effectively deep cleaning pores and reducing breakouts. Users with dry or sensitive skin, however, frequently find it to be drying or stripping, suggesting it is best suited as a targeted treatment rather than a daily hydrating cleanser.

- Liked: Clears acne (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Controls oil (often mentioned)
- Liked: Deep cleansing (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Drying or stripping (often mentioned)
- Liked: Creamy lather (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Gentle exfoliation (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Eye irritation (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High pH (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Medicinal scent (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Skin irritation (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your cleanser AM and PM every day to keep your skin fresh. Always make sure to follow with a good SPF in the morning.
- Apply your cleanser as the first step in the morning or the second step in the evening before your toner.
- Gently massage a small amount onto your face using circular motions, then rinse well with water .
- You can apply this cleanser safely on damp skin for a refreshing and easy wash.
- Avoid getting the product directly into your eyes and stop use if irritation occurs.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser a great fit for oily skin?

This cleanser is a great fit for oily skin because it uses salicylic acid and tree oil leaf to manage extra shine and breakouts while gently washing away impurities. The formula provides moderate exfoliation and hydration with glycerin, and it is unlikely to cause irritation.
Sources: [Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17314442/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for oily skin?

Salicylic acid and oil tree leaf make this cleanser a great fit for oily skin because they help manage excess oil and breakouts. The formula also includes glycerin and willow water bark to gently remove impurities while keeping your skin calm, clean, and comfortable.
Sources: [Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17314442/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

### What does Salicylic Acid do for oily skin?

Salicylic acid helps oily skin by reducing excess oil and keeping pores clear. It may also improve overall skin hydration while managing breakouts.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40682377/), [Experimental Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30972839/)

### What does Glycerin do for oily skin?

Glycerin helps keep oily skin hydrated without feeling heavy and supports the skin barrier. Because this product is a weak fit for your skin, an ideal product of this type needs lightweight hydrators and ingredients that balance oil while protecting the skin.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/), [International Journal of Toxicology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31840548/)

### Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This cleanser goes into both your morning and evening routine as a starting step before you apply your toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen. It is a great fit for your oily skin because it effectively helps manage excess oil and breakouts while keeping your face feeling clean and comfortable.
Sources: [Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17314442/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

### Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this cleanser in the same routine as retinol, but it is best to use them at different times of day to keep your skin calm. For instance, wash your face with this cleanser in the morning and apply your retinol at night to help avoid unwanted dryness or irritation.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser daily in the morning and evening as part of your routine to help manage excess oil and breakouts. The formula is unlikely to cause irritation for your oily skin because it avoids harsh or prohibited ingredients.
Sources: [Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17314442/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

### Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This cleanser is a great fit because salicylic acid and oil tree leaf help manage excess oil and breakouts while gently removing impurities. It has a very safe formula with no harsh ingredients, though some shoppers do mention a drying or stripping feeling. Salicylic acid may also cause some initial purging as it clears out pores.
Sources: [Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17314442/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

### Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?

This cleanser is safe to use on the body to help manage excess oil, but the thin skin around the eyes should be avoided to prevent potential irritation. Its gentle ingredients cleanse effectively while maintaining good skin tolerance overall.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

### Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 36.33 at Amazon
- [Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cetaphil/daily-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 120.08 at Amazon
- [Eminence Organic Skin Care Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/eminence-organic-skin-care/clear-skin-probiotic-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — High fit — SAR 198.55 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 53.04 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 39.70 at Amazon
- SPF: [CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cerave/am-facial-moisturizing-lotion-spf-30/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 46.95 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.sa: SAR 57.56 (https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B07H9G1JS5?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Lauric Acid, Butylene Glycol, Glycol Distearate, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Salicylic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Chloride, Melaleuca Alternifolia Tree Oil Leaf, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Willow Bark Water Bark, 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, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethyl Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Disodium Edta
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cosrx/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cosrx/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cosrx/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cosrx/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cosrx/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cosrx/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cosrx/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cosrx/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cosrx/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cosrx/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/for/oily-skin (this page)
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cosrx/salicylic-acid-daily-gentle-cleanser/for/oily-skin