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COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser tube
COSRX

Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

Cleanser 150 ml
5.2OUT OF 10
Decent formula

Formula contains ingredients with elevated comedogenic potential. Better suited for normal and dry skin types.

19
Safe
2
Caution
2
Higher risk

Score breakdown

Safety4.9/10
Barrier support8.7/10
Acne-safe1.7/10
Active treatment1.7/10

Our verdict

This cleanser's name promises more than a rinse-off wash can deliver, and it is worth setting that expectation up front. Salicylic acid appears, but as a rinse-off product it only contacts skin briefly before washing away — nowhere near enough contact time to work like a leave-on BHA treatment. What the cleanser genuinely does well is clean gently: it is a fatty-acid-based soap system (myristic, stearic and lauric acids saponified with potassium hydroxide) rather than a harsh sulfate, so it foams lightly without the tight, stripped feeling stronger cleansers cause. Willow bark water adds a trace of natural salicin, and tea tree and lemon oil contribute a mild antibacterial, fresh-feeling finish. The catch is exactly those extras: lemon and tea tree oils are common irritants for reactive skin, and citrus oils in particular carry photosensitivity concerns worth being aware of. Treat this as a gentle daily cleanser with a light acne-supportive angle, not a substitute for a real leave-on salicylic acid treatment, and patch test if you are sensitive to essential oils.

At a glance

What it does
hydrationsoothingbarrier supportexfoliation
Best for
dry and dehydrated skin
Not enough for
visible hyperpigmentationactive anti-aging treatment

Key ingredients

Salicylic Acidunclogs pores and exfoliates

Full ingredient list (23)

WaterGlycerinMyristic AcidStearic AcidPotassium HydroxideLauric AcidButylene GlycolGlycol DistearatePolysorbate 80Sodium Methyl Cocoyl TaurateSalicylic AcidCocamidopropyl BetainePEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil(bergamot) Fruit OilSodium ChlorideMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf ExtractCaprylyl GlycolEthylhexylglycerinSalix Alba Bark Extract1,2-HexanediolEthyl HexanediolCitric AcidDisodium EDTA

Colour indicates our safety assessment for each ingredient — green is well-tolerated, amber warrants caution, red is higher-risk. Tap any ingredient to read its full profile.

Things to know

Frequently asked

Does the salicylic acid in this cleanser actually treat acne?
Only marginally. As a rinse-off cleanser, the salicylic acid is in contact with skin for a very short time before being washed away, so it cannot work the way a leave-on BHA serum does. It supports a gentle, slightly clarifying cleanse rather than functioning as an acne treatment on its own.
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
With some caution. The fatty-acid cleansing base is gentle and non-stripping, but the formula contains tea tree and lemon oil, both known irritants for reactive skin, plus a lemon oil photosensitivity consideration. If your skin reacts to essential oils, patch test first or choose a fragrance-free cleanser instead.
Can I use this and a leave-on BHA in the same routine?
Yes — this cleanser and a leave-on salicylic acid product target different things (light daily cleansing versus real exfoliation) and are not redundant. Use this to cleanse, then apply your leave-on BHA treatment afterward for the actual acne-fighting benefit.
What is the score based on?
The score comes from the same Pure Moonlight ingredient analyzer used across the whole site. It weighs safety, barrier support, acne and comedogenic risk, and active-ingredient strength, so this product's score is directly comparable to any ingredient page here.

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