COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This cleanser contains a mix of beneficial botanical extracts and moisturizing agents, which contribute positively to skin health. However, the presence of synthetic ingredients like Polysorbate 20 and Disodium EDTA, along with a moderate level of processing, slightly detracts from its overall safety profile. The absence of harsh surfactants and synthetic fragrances is a positive aspect, but the inclusion of some synthetic preservatives prevents it from achieving a higher score.
Key ingredients 25
Styrax Japonicus Branch/Fruit/Leaf ExtractGood
This extract is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness.
Risks
Rarely, botanical extracts can cause allergic reactions.
Benefits
Provides soothing and calming effects on the skin.
Saccharomyces FermentGood
Saccharomyces Ferment is a yeast extract that can enhance skin's moisture content and improve its texture. It is often used for its conditioning properties.
Risks
Generally considered safe with low risk of irritation.
Benefits
Improves skin hydration and texture.
Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf ExtractGood
This extract is known for its antioxidant properties, which help protect the skin from environmental damage. It can also have soothing effects.
Risks
Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant protection and soothes the skin.
Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf ExtractGood
Nelumbo Nucifera, or lotus leaf extract, is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to protect and soothe the skin.
Risks
Rare allergic reactions may occur.
Benefits
Offers antioxidant protection and reduces inflammation.
Pinus Palustris Leaf ExtractGood
This extract is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress and soothe irritation.
Risks
Potential for mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant protection and soothes the skin.
Ulmus Davidiana Root ExtractGood
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and reduce redness.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Soothes and calms irritated skin.
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower ExtractGood
Evening Primrose Flower Extract is rich in essential fatty acids, which help to nourish and moisturize the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Risks
Rare allergic reactions may occur.
Benefits
Nourishes and moisturizes the skin while reducing inflammation.
Pueraria Lobata Root ExtractGood
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage and soothe irritation.
Risks
Potential for mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant protection and soothes the skin.
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf OilGood
Tea Tree Oil is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce acne and soothe irritated skin.
Risks
Can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Reduces acne and soothes irritated skin.
AllantoinGood
Allantoin is a skin conditioning agent known for its soothing and healing properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and promote skin repair.
Risks
Generally considered safe with low risk of irritation.
Benefits
Soothes and promotes healing of the skin.
Betaine SalicylateGood
Betaine Salicylate is a gentle exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture. It is less irritating than traditional salicylic acid.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Exfoliates and improves skin texture with reduced irritation.
WaterNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It does not provide direct benefits or risks in skincare formulations.
Risks
There are no direct risks associated with water in skincare products.
Benefits
Water helps in dissolving and distributing other active ingredients evenly.
Cocamidopropyl BetaineNeutral
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil, used to create foam and cleanse the skin. It is generally considered safe but can cause irritation in some individuals.
Risks
Potential skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides gentle cleansing and foaming properties without stripping natural oils.
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl IsethionateNeutral
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate is a mild surfactant that helps in cleansing the skin. It is known for being gentle and less irritating compared to harsher surfactants.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation compared to harsher surfactants.
Benefits
Provides effective cleansing with a lower risk of irritation.
Sodium ChlorideNeutral
Sodium Chloride, or table salt, is used to thicken the consistency of cosmetic products. It is generally safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Excessive use can lead to dryness in some skin types.
Benefits
Helps in adjusting the viscosity of the product.
Polysorbate 20Neutral
Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water-based ingredients. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
Improves the texture and stability of the product.
Butylene GlycolNeutral
Butylene Glycol is a humectant that helps to retain moisture in the skin. It is commonly used in cosmetics for its moisturizing properties.
Risks
May cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Helps to keep the skin hydrated and smooth.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
Caprylyl Glycol is a skin conditioning agent and preservative. It helps to moisturize the skin and enhance the efficacy of other preservatives.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Moisturizes the skin and enhances preservative efficacy.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
Ethylhexylglycerin is a conditioning agent and preservative enhancer. It helps to improve the skin feel and extend the shelf life of the product.
Risks
Potential for mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Improves skin feel and extends product shelf life.
Citric AcidNeutral
Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic products. It can also provide mild exfoliation and antioxidant benefits.
Risks
Potential for irritation if used in high concentrations.
Benefits
Helps to balance pH and provides mild exfoliation.
Ethyl HexanediolNeutral
Ethyl Hexanediol is used as a solvent and skin conditioning agent. It helps to improve the texture and feel of the product.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Improves product texture and skin feel.
1, 2-HexanediolNeutral
1, 2-Hexanediol is a solvent and preservative booster. It helps to stabilize the product and enhance the efficacy of preservatives.
Risks
Generally considered safe with low risk of irritation.
Benefits
Stabilizes the product and enhances preservative efficacy.
Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateNeutral
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is a chelating agent that helps to stabilize cosmetic formulations. It binds metal ions to prevent degradation of the product.
Risks
Generally considered safe with low risk of irritation.
Benefits
Stabilizes formulations by binding metal ions.
Sodium BenzoateBad
Synthetic preservative that can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin if used in high concentrations.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.
Disodium EDTABad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Generally considered safe with low risk of irritation.
Benefits
Stabilizes formulations and enhances preservative efficacy.
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