COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser 150ml

A gentle, low-pH BHA cleanser for oily, congested skin

A low-pH gel cleanser for oily, blackhead-prone, and congested skin. A mild BHA works into the pores to smooth texture and help keep congestion down, while the low pH keeps the barrier calm. It cleans and clarifies without leaving skin tight or stripped, making it a good daily cleanser for oilier skin.

• A mild BHA (betaine salicylate) that gets into pores to help smooth texture and reduce blackheads and congestion.
• Low pH (around 5.5) built on a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser, so it clarifies without stripping the barrier.
• Tea tree and fermented extracts to help calm blemish-prone skin.
• Vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, with no artificial fragrance.

Why it works

Many foaming cleansers use harsh, high-pH surfactants to build lather, which strips the skin's acid mantle and leaves it tight — and often oily in rebound.

COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is deliberately low-pH (around 5.5), close to your skin's own, and uses cocamidopropyl betaine — a gentle, biodegradable surfactant — instead of harsh sulfates like SLS, so it lathers and rinses clean without stripping the skin.

What makes it clarifying rather than just gentle is betaine salicylate, a mild BHA. Because BHAs are oil-soluble, they can get into the pores to loosen the oil and debris behind blackheads and congestion, which is why it helps refine texture and keep pores clearer with daily use.

Tea tree leaf oil adds a calming note often used on blemish-prone skin, and saccharomyces ferment (a fermented yeast filtrate) brings amino acids that support a healthy, fresh-looking complexion. Results vary by person and skin type.

How to use it

Massage a small amount onto wet skin, work into a light lather, and rinse with lukewarm water. Pat dry and continue with the rest of your routine. Use morning and night. In the evening, if you've worn sunscreen or makeup, cleanse with an oil or balm first, then follow with this. It layers well with actives like retinol or vitamin C later in your routine.

Good to know

It has a natural, slightly medicinal scent from the tea tree oil — there's no synthetic fragrance. Because it contains a mild BHA, it works well in a clear-skin routine, but if you also use strong leave-on acids, pace them so you don't over-exfoliate, and always wear SPF in the day.

Skin type compatibility

• Oily, congested & blackhead-prone skin: daily cleanse that keeps skin clear without the tight, stripped feeling harsh face washes leave.
• Combination skin: works well as a clarifying morning or evening wash.
• Very dry, sensitive or reactive skin: a non-exfoliating cream or milk cleanser (AESTURA foam or Isntree milk) is gentler.
• Aspirin (salicylate) allergy: don't use this one — see the note below.

Common questions

Can I use it at night too, or just mornings?

Both — despite the name, it works morning and night, and in the evening it's a good second cleanse after an oil or balm.

Will it clear cystic acne?

It's a rinse-off cleanser, so it helps keep skin clearer but isn't a cure. For persistent or cystic acne, pair it with a targeted leave-on treatment and, ideally, a professional's advice.

Does it have a scent?

A natural, slightly medicinal tea-tree scent — no artificial fragrance or perfume.

Important: This cleanser contains betaine salicylate, a derivative of salicylic acid. If you have a known aspirin (salicylate) allergy, don't use it.

Safety: For external use. Contains betaine salicylate (a salicylic-acid derivative) — avoid if you have an aspirin/salicylate allergy. Contains a mild BHA, so pace other exfoliating acids and wear SPF daily. Avoid the eye area, rinse with lukewarm water, and patch-test before first use. Skincare supports and maintains healthy skin; it isn't a treatment for medical skin conditions. For persistent or severe acne, see a doctor or dermatologist. Results vary by person and skin type.