COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser (Discontinued)
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser is a well-known foaming wash designed to tackle breakouts and excess sebum. Formulated with 0.5% Salicylic Acid (BHA), this K-beauty staple aims to chemically exfoliate the skin, deep-cleaning pores and removing dead skin cells that can lead to blemishes. It also features botanical ingredients like tea tree leaf oil to provide a refreshing, cooling sensation. Despite its name being 'gentle,' the texture is a thick, pearlescent cream that transforms into a rich, dense lather when mixed with water. This luxurious foam is created through a combination of several fatty acids and Potassium Hydroxide, which provides a deep cleanse but may feel stripping for those with a compromised moisture barrier. While it was a cult favorite for its ability to reduce oiliness, the high concentration of fatty acids in the base formula makes its comedogenic profile a point of interest for those with persistent acne. Though now discontinued, it remains a benchmark for BHA-infused foaming cleansers.
Our Analysis
Our analysis reveals that the COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser carries a moderate comedogenic risk. While it contains pore-clearing BHA, the formula is built on a base of fatty acids that may be problematic for some. Specifically, we flagged Lauric Acid (4/5) and Myristic Acid (3/5), which are high on the ingredient list. These ingredients give the cleanser its creamy texture but are known to be potentially pore-clogging in isolation. Stearic Acid (2/5) also adds to the cumulative risk. Users with oily but non-reactive skin may enjoy the deep clean, but those prone to congestion should proceed with caution.
Skin Type Recommendations
This cleanser is best suited for very oily skin types that aren't sensitive to fatty acids. However, we recommend caution for dry or sensitive skin due to its stripping nature. Those with fungal acne or highly reactive, acne-prone skin should avoid it, as the Lauric and Myristic acids can trigger breakouts.
Flagged Ingredients
Can be irritating and clogging in isolation due to molecular structure.
Saturated fatty acid that can be problematic for oily skin.
Found in many butters; thickening agent with low-moderate risk.
Want Deeper Analysis?
Run our MACR (Multi-Axis Comedogenic Risk) analysis to get a comprehensive 5-axis risk assessment. This AI-powered analysis evaluates ingredients for Plugging Risk, Barrier Damage, Fungal Acne Risk, Oxidation Risk, and real-world User Reports — giving you personalized scores for your skin type.
