K-Beauty Is Sold on Hydration. Its Best Work Is Arguably on Oily Skin.
The dewy-layering marketing reads as a warning if you are congested — and it is hiding the strongest mass-market lineup anywhere for exactly that skin.
Supporting role for Acne
What Makes This Different
In 2015, when most cleansers had pH levels of 8-10 that destroyed the skin's acid mantle, COSRX built one of the first widely accessible low-pH cleansers in the K-beauty market. The pH 5-5.5 formula was revolutionary for its time and helped spark the low-pH cleanser movement that's now standard. Add betaine salicylate for mild BHA exfoliation and tea tree for antimicrobial support, and you have a cleanser that cleans, gently exfoliates, and fights acne in one step.
COSRX
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser Review
K-Beauty OG Cleanser
cleanser gel k beauty Paraben Free Cruelty Free Vegan
The cleanser that started a pH revolution. Over a decade after launch, COSRX's most iconic product remains one of the best gel cleansers for oily and acne-prone skin — effective, affordable, and respectful of the skin barrier in a way that most cleansers still aren't. The tea tree scent and BHA content make it less universal than COSRX's newer options, but for its target audience, it's earned its cult status.
Made in South Korea Launched 2015 All-year use PAO: 12 months
Run it through our tools Clashes with my routine? Pregnancy-safe? Find a cheaper dupe Patch-test it first
Verdicts All acne products →All excess oiliness products →All blackheads products →
How well it fits each concern
Verdict by concern tap a concern for the case
Supporting rolefor AcneIn your profileYou chose · Nothing here targets acne directly; gentle cleansing that does not strip is the recognised companion to treating it, and this gel does that without known triggers.
The case for it
- Betaine Salicylate has no evidence row yet for this concern — it is in the research queue.
- The formula carries no trigger this concern is sensitive to, with the cautions noted.
Cautions: fragrance; fungal-acne triggers.
What would change this: A researched evidence row for the lead active would replace this with a verdict.
Same rule for everyone. “Supporting role” is the verdict on 8,197 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R8 decided 4,250 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.
Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →
Show the work
- Rule
- R8 — The category's job (barrier care, humectant hydration, gentle cleansing, photoprotection) is the documented supportive role for this concern. This is the honest verdict for a moisturizer on an acne page. · the full register
- Carrying active
- Betaine Salicylate
- Standing
- not assessed
- Form
- plausible
- Tolerability
- standard — fragrance load, fungal triggers
Supporting rolefor Excess OilinessIn your profileYou chose · Nothing here targets excess oiliness directly; sebum removal without stripping is the recognised companion to treating it, and this gel does that without known triggers.
The case for it
- Betaine Salicylate has no evidence row yet for this concern — it is in the research queue.
- The formula carries no trigger this concern is sensitive to, with the cautions noted.
Cautions: fungal-acne triggers.
What would change this: A researched evidence row for the lead active would replace this with a verdict.
Same rule for everyone. “Supporting role” is the verdict on 8,197 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R8 decided 4,250 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.
Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →
Show the work
- Rule
- R8 — The category's job (barrier care, humectant hydration, gentle cleansing, photoprotection) is the documented supportive role for this concern. This is the honest verdict for a moisturizer on an acne page. · the full register
- Carrying active
- Betaine Salicylate
- Standing
- not assessed
- Form
- plausible
- Tolerability
- standard — fungal triggers
Supporting rolefor BlackheadsIn your profileYou chose · Nothing here targets blackheads directly; gentle cleansing is the recognised companion to treating it, and this gel does that without known triggers.
The case for it
- Betaine Salicylate has no evidence row yet for this concern — it is in the research queue.
- The formula carries no trigger this concern is sensitive to, with the cautions noted.
Cautions: fungal-acne triggers.
What would change this: A researched evidence row for the lead active would replace this with a verdict.
Same rule for everyone. “Supporting role” is the verdict on 8,197 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R8 decided 4,250 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.
Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →
Show the work
- Rule
- R8 — The category's job (barrier care, humectant hydration, gentle cleansing, photoprotection) is the documented supportive role for this concern. This is the honest verdict for a moisturizer on an acne page. · the full register
- Carrying active
- Betaine Salicylate
- Standing
- not assessed
- Form
- plausible
- Tolerability
- standard — fungal triggers
Also listed for Large Pores — the actives here (Betaine Salicylate, Probiotics & Prebiotics, Tea Tree Oil, Allantoin) are in our research queue for that concern; there is no verdict until their evidence rows are written. That is a gap in our table, not a mark against the product.
Excellent at the jobDoes what a cleanser is for, on every measure we can take from the label: pH match to skin, surfactant mildness.
A verdict is DermApproved’s assessment of how well a product’s ingredients fit a concern — never a claim about what the product treats. Evidence dots and collected reviews sit beside it and are never blended in. Rules 0.5.1 · evidence table ev-2026.09-r228 · how we decide
Assessment
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ pH 5.0-5.5 respects the skin's acid mantle — one of the first widely accessible low-pH cleansers
- ✓ Betaine salicylate provides mild BHA exfoliation that helps keep pores clear over time
- ✓ Tea tree oil delivers proven antimicrobial benefits relevant for acne-prone skin
- ✓ Exceptional value at $14 for 150ml with three size options including a 400ml jumbo
- ✓ Gentle surfactant system (cocamidopropyl betaine + sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate) won't strip the barrier
- ✓ Over a decade of market history and 25,000+ reviews confirm long-term reliability
Cons
- ✗ Tea tree oil scent is medicinal and noticeable — polarizing among users
- ✗ Can feel drying or tight on dry, very sensitive, or barrier-compromised skin
- ✗ Not effective as a standalone remover for heavy makeup or waterproof sunscreen
- ✗ Produces only a light, minimal foam that may feel insufficient to lather-loving users
- ✗ Tea tree oil is a known allergen for a subset of users — patch test recommended
Review
Full Review
In 2015, most people didn't think about cleanser pH. They picked a face wash based on how it smelled, how it foamed, and whether the packaging looked nice in their bathroom. The idea that a cleanser's acidity could be silently destroying their skin's protective acid mantle with every wash — and that this destruction was contributing to the very breakouts and sensitivity they were washing their face to prevent — was not mainstream knowledge.
COSRX changed that. The Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser didn't just have a low pH; it put it in the name. In three words, it taught millions of consumers that cleanser pH matters. And in doing so, it became one of the most consequential products in the K-beauty wave's history.
A decade later, the conversation has moved on. Low-pH cleansers are everywhere. The concept COSRX helped popularize is now table stakes. Which raises the relevant question: does this cleanser still deserve its legendary status, or is it coasting on reputation?
The answer, like the product itself, is refreshingly straightforward: it still works. Really well.
The surfactant system is built on cocamidopropyl betaine and sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate — two of the gentlest surfactants available, neither of which carries the stripping baggage of SLS or SLES. They produce a light, gel-like lather that won't satisfy anyone who equates foam volume with cleaning power, but they dissolve sebum and daily grime effectively without disturbing the skin's lipid barrier. The pH sits at approximately 5.0-5.5 out of the tube, rising to about 6.0-6.5 when foamed with tap water — still well within the range that respects the acid mantle.
Betaine salicylate adds a layer of functionality that most basic cleansers lack. This BHA derivative is gentler than standard salicylic acid — manufacturer research suggests approximately half the potency at equivalent concentrations, with significantly lower irritancy. In a rinse-off product, it won't deliver the kind of chemical exfoliation you'd get from a leave-on BHA toner or serum. But it does enhance the surfactants' ability to clear sebum from within pores during the cleansing window, contributing to the noticeable reduction in oiliness and blackheads that regular users report over weeks of use.
Tea tree oil is the ingredient that gives this cleanser both its distinctive character and its most divisive trait. The scent is unmistakably herbal and medicinal — some find it refreshing, others find it off-putting. But tea tree oil isn't here for fragrance; it's a functional antimicrobial. A landmark 1990 study in the Medical Journal of Australia demonstrated that 5% tea tree oil reduced acne lesions comparably to 5% benzoyl peroxide, with fewer side effects. A 2015 systematic review by Hammer in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents confirmed its anti-acne efficacy across multiple studies. In a daily morning cleanser for acne-prone skin, it's a legitimate inclusion.
The tea tree oil is also why this cleanser isn't for everyone. Dry skin types and those with very sensitive or compromised barriers may find the combination of tea tree and BHA too active for a daily wash. Users with eczema, rosacea, or severe sensitivity should approach with caution. COSRX offers gentler alternatives within their own range — the Hydrium cleanser for dry skin, the Snail Mucin cleanser for sensitive skin — and this product works best when you know it's right for your type.
Allantoin provides the calming counterweight. This FDA-recognized skin protectant has anti-irritant and cell-renewal properties that help buffer the tea tree and BHA activity, contributing to the 'clean but not stripped' feeling that users consistently praise. The saccharomyces ferment filtrate and various botanical extracts (lotus leaf, evening primrose, pine leaf) round out the formula with mild antioxidant and skin-conditioning support, though in a rinse-off context, their impact is supplementary.
The practical experience is excellent. A pea-sized amount produces a modest but sufficient lather. The gel has enough slip to spread comfortably without feeling slippery or filmy. Rinsing is clean — no residue, no tightness for the right skin types. Skin feels refreshed, slightly matte, and genuinely clean without that squeaky, over-cleansed sensation that signals barrier damage.
Value is where this cleanser truly excels. At $14 for 150ml, it's one of the most affordable well-formulated cleansers available. The 50ml travel size at $8-10 makes it risk-free to try, and the 400ml jumbo at $22-25 rewards loyal users with even better per-unit economics. A 150ml tube lasts three to four months with daily morning use. There's simply no argument to be made against the pricing.
The product has evolved over the years — COSRX has reformulated slightly to eliminate certain ingredients from their exclusion list — but the core philosophy hasn't changed. It's a morning cleanser that cleans, gently exfoliates, fights acne bacteria, and leaves the barrier intact. It doesn't try to be a night cleanser, a makeup remover, or a treatment. It knows exactly what it is, who it's for, and what time of day you should use it. It says so right on the tube.
Ten years on, with over 25,000 reviews and a 4.5-star average, the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser has earned something rare in skincare: the right to be called a classic. Not because it's perfect — the tea tree scent limits its appeal, the lather won't win over foam enthusiasts, and dry skin types should look elsewhere. But because it does exactly what it promises, at a price that makes the decision easy, with a pH that your skin's acid mantle will thank you for. That's a good morning.
Formula
Key Ingredients
The hero actives that drive this product's performance.
| Ingredient | Function | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Betaine Salicylate (BHA) | A gentler BHA derivative that provides mild chemical exfoliation during the cleansing step, helping dissolve sebum and prevent pore congestion. At the concentration used in a rinse-off product, it won't deliver dramatic exfoliation, but it contributes to the 'clean without stripping' feel by working with the surfactants to clear oil and dead cells more effectively than cleansing alone. | Not yet assessed |
| Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil | Provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits particularly relevant for acne-prone skin. A landmark 1990 study in the Medical Journal of Australia demonstrated tea tree oil's efficacy comparable to benzoyl peroxide for reducing acne lesions with fewer side effects. In this cleanser, it contributes both functional anti-acne activity and the product's characteristic herbal scent. | Not yet assessed |
| Allantoin | Counterbalances any potential irritation from the BHA and tea tree oil by providing soothing, anti-irritant properties. In a low-pH cleanser designed for daily use, allantoin acts as the formula's calming agent — ensuring the active ingredients can work without triggering sensitivity in the process. | Not yet assessed |
| Saccharomyces Ferment | A yeast ferment filtrate that provides amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support skin health during cleansing. While most of this ingredient rinses off, it contributes to the cleanser's non-stripping feel and supports the skin's natural microbiome during the cleansing process. | Not yet assessed |
Ingredient standings describe the active at treatment-level doses and vehicles; this product's own condition grades weigh its actual formula.
Full INCI List · pH 5.5
Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Sodium Chloride, Polysorbate 20, Styrax Japonicus Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Saccharomyces Ferment, Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Allantoin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Betaine Salicylate, Citric Acid, Ethyl Hexanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium EDTA
✓ Pregnancy Safe ✓ Fragrance Free✓ Alcohol Free✓ Oil Free✓ Silicone Free✓ Paraben Free✓ Sulfate Free✓ Cruelty Free✓ Vegan✗ Fungal Acne Safe
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Compatibility
Skin Match
Routine Step
cleanser
Time of Day
AM
Layering Tips
Best used as a morning cleanser to remove overnight sebum buildup. For PM use, pair as a second cleanser after an oil-based first cleanser. A small amount produces sufficient lather — don't over-dispense. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Results Timeline
Immediate clean, refreshed feeling from the first use. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent morning use, expect reduced oiliness and fewer clogged pores. Over 4-6 weeks, the combination of low pH cleansing and mild BHA exfoliation can contribute to noticeably clearer skin texture and fewer breakouts.
oil cleansers (PM first step)hydrating tonersniacinamide serumsBHA treatments
Planning a combo? Check it against what you already use
Sample AM Routine
- COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
- Hydrating toner
- Niacinamide or vitamin C serum
- Lightweight moisturizer
- Sunscreen
Sample PM Routine
- Oil cleanser (first cleanse)
- THIS PRODUCT or gentle cream cleanser
- Hydrating toner
- BHA or retinol treatment
- Moisturizer
Evidence
Science & Expert Perspective
The Science
The defining feature of this cleanser is its pH of approximately 5.0-5.5, closely matching the skin's natural acid mantle (pH ~5.5). Research consistently demonstrates that cleansing at or near the skin's natural pH minimizes disruption to the stratum corneum and the resident microbiome. Traditional soap-based cleansers with pH 8-10 elevate skin pH for hours after washing, temporarily compromising barrier function and increasing susceptibility to irritants and pathogens.
Betaine salicylate, the formula's BHA component, is a derivative of salicylic acid complexed with the amino acid trimethylglycine (betaine). Research from the ingredient manufacturer demonstrates comparable efficacy to salicylic acid at approximately double the concentration, with significantly lower irritancy and cytotoxicity. A 2024 study published in PMC (PubMed ID: 40027344) examined betaine-salicylic acid cocrystal formulations and demonstrated enhanced anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and moisturizing properties. In a rinse-off context, betaine salicylate's primary contribution is enhancing sebum dissolution within pores during the brief cleansing window.
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) has one of the strongest evidence bases of any natural antimicrobial ingredient. Bassett et al.'s landmark 1990 study in the Medical Journal of Australia compared 5% tea tree oil gel to 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion in 124 acne patients, finding both treatments significantly reduced inflamed and non-inflamed lesion counts, with tea tree oil producing fewer side effects despite a slower onset of action. A comprehensive 2015 systematic review by Hammer in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents evaluated seven publications and concluded that tea tree oil products were superior to placebo and equivalent to benzoyl peroxide and topical erythromycin for acne lesion reduction. The antimicrobial mechanism involves non-specific disruption of bacterial cell membranes, as confirmed by a 2023 systematic review in Frontiers in Pharmacology.
- A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. — Medical Journal of Australia (1990)
- Treatment of acne with tea tree oil (melaleuca) products: a review of efficacy, tolerability and potential modes of action. — International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents (2015)
- Betaine-salicylic acid cocrystal for enhanced skincare and acne treatment. — PMC (PubMed Central) (2024)
Dermatologist Perspective
Dermatologists widely recommend low-pH cleansers as a foundation for healthy skin, and this product aligns with that guidance. Dermatologists in everyday practice often highlight that maintaining the acid mantle during cleansing supports both barrier integrity and the skin's beneficial microbiome. The betaine salicylate provides a mild BHA effect that dermatologists consider appropriate for daily use in acne-prone patients, while the tea tree oil offers supplementary antimicrobial activity. Dermatologists would caution that patients with dry skin, rosacea, or contact sensitivity to tea tree oil should choose a gentler alternative — the tea tree makes this cleanser best suited for oily and combination skin types with active or blackhead-prone acne.
Guidance
Usage & Recommendations
How to Use
Splash face with lukewarm water. Squeeze a pea-sized amount into damp hands and work into a light lather. Massage gently across the face for 30-60 seconds, paying extra attention to the T-zone and any areas prone to oiliness or congestion. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Best used as a morning cleanser to remove overnight sebum. For PM use, use as a second cleanser after an oil-based first cleanser for thorough makeup and sunscreen removal.
Value Assessment
At $14 for 150ml, this is one of the best-value cleansers in the K-beauty market — and arguably in any market. The three-size range makes it accessible: the $8-10 travel size eliminates purchase risk, the standard tube lasts 3-4 months with daily use, and the $22-25 jumbo size rewards committed users with roughly $0.06/ml. A daily morning cleanser costing about $0.12 per use that respects your barrier pH and includes BHA and tea tree? COSRX's established decade-long track record and the sheer volume of positive reviews make this one of the safest value bets in skincare.
Who Should Buy
This cleanser is ideal for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types who want a daily morning wash that cleans, mildly exfoliates, and fights breakout-causing bacteria without stripping the barrier. It's particularly well-suited for K-beauty beginners seeking an affordable entry point, anyone concerned about cleanser pH, and those building an anti-acne routine on a budget.
Who Should Skip
Those with dry, dehydrated, or eczema-prone skin will likely find this cleanser too drying for daily use. If you're sensitive or allergic to tea tree oil, avoid it entirely. Anyone who strongly dislikes herbal or medicinal scents in their skincare should also consider COSRX's fragrance-free alternatives like the Hydrium or Snail Mucin cleansers.
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Product Details
Texture
Clear, slightly viscous gel that produces a light, low-lather foam when worked with water. Not a rich foam cleanser — maintains a gel-like slip even when lathered.
Scent
Noticeable herbal, medicinal scent from the tea tree leaf oil. Not artificially added — it's from a functional ingredient. Doesn't linger on skin after rinsing.
Packaging
White squeeze tube with flip-top cap. Clean, minimal COSRX branding in signature black-and-white design. Available in 50ml travel, 150ml standard, and 400ml jumbo sizes. Sturdy and travel-friendly.
non-greasymattelightweight
What to Expect on First Use
Expect a light gel that lathers modestly — if you're used to rich, foamy cleansers, the minimal lather may feel insufficient at first, but your skin will feel clean. The tea tree scent is immediately noticeable. Skin should feel clean and soft after rinsing, not tight. If you experience tightness, this cleanser may be too active for your skin type.
How Long It Lasts
3-4 months with daily morning use (150ml)
Best Season
All Year
cruelty-freedermatologist-testedhypoallergenic
Background
The Story Behind This Product
Launched in 2015 as one of COSRX's earliest products, the Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser arrived during the peak of the K-beauty wave and became a gateway product for millions of Western consumers discovering Korean skincare. It helped popularize the then-radical idea that cleanser pH matters — and that your morning wash shouldn't strip your skin's protective acid mantle. Over a decade later, it remains COSRX's best-selling cleanser and one of the most reviewed K-beauty products in existence.
About COSRX Established Brand (5–20 years)
COSRX was founded in 2013 in South Korea and quickly became one of K-beauty's most trusted brands. The Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser was among its earliest hero products, helping establish the brand's reputation for effective, no-frills skincare backed by over a decade of consistent consumer trust and 25,000+ reviews.
Brand founded: 2013 · Product launched: 2015
Myth vs. Reality
Common Myths
Myth
A cleanser that doesn't foam much isn't cleaning properly.
Reality
Foam volume has zero correlation with cleaning efficacy. This gel cleanser uses cocamidopropyl betaine and sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate — gentle surfactants that dissolve sebum and impurities effectively without the excessive foam that SLS-based cleansers produce. The light lather is a feature of the gentle surfactant system, not a sign of weak cleaning power.
Myth
The BHA (betaine salicylate) in this cleanser provides real exfoliation.
Reality
In a rinse-off product with brief skin contact time (30-60 seconds), betaine salicylate provides mild, supplementary exfoliation at best. It's not comparable to a leave-on BHA treatment like a toner or serum. Its primary role here is to enhance the surfactants' ability to clear sebum from pores during cleansing, not to deliver standalone chemical exfoliation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pH of the COSRX Good Morning Gel Cleanser?
The product out of the tube has a pH of approximately 5.0-5.5, close to the skin's natural pH of ~5.5. When foamed with water, the pH rises slightly to about 6.0-6.5 depending on your tap water's alkalinity. This is significantly lower and gentler than traditional cleansers, which typically have a pH of 8-10.
Is this cleanser good for dry skin?
This cleanser is primarily formulated for oily and combination skin. While some users with normal-to-dry skin tolerate it well, the tea tree oil and BHA can feel drying on very dry or compromised skin. If you have dry skin, consider the COSRX Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisturizing Cleanser as a more hydrating alternative from the same brand.
Can I use this as my only cleanser at night?
As a standalone evening cleanser, it works for light makeup and daily grime. However, it won't effectively remove heavy makeup, waterproof sunscreen, or oil-based products. For PM use, pair it as a second cleanser after an oil-based first cleanser or cleansing balm for thorough removal.
Does the BHA (betaine salicylate) in this cleanser actually exfoliate?
In a rinse-off product with 30-60 seconds of skin contact, the betaine salicylate provides very mild exfoliation — more of a pore-clearing assist to the surfactants than a standalone chemical exfoliant. For meaningful BHA exfoliation, you'd need a leave-on product like a BHA toner or serum applied after cleansing.
Why does this cleanser smell like tea tree oil?
The scent comes from Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil, which is a functional active ingredient — not an added fragrance. Tea tree oil provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits for acne-prone skin. The scent doesn't linger on skin after rinsing.
Is this cleanser safe during pregnancy?
Yes — betaine salicylate in a rinse-off product at this concentration is not considered a concern during pregnancy. The brief skin contact time and the low concentration mean negligible systemic absorption. However, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns about any BHA derivative during pregnancy.
What size should I buy?
The 50ml travel size is perfect for trying the product before committing. The standard 150ml tube at $14 lasts 3-4 months with daily morning use and represents the best balance of value and commitment. The 400ml jumbo size offers the best per-unit value for confirmed fans who use it daily.
Reviews
What Reviewers Tend to Say
Recurring themes our editors read across retailer reviews of this product — summaries in our words, not quotations, and not a substitute for your own patch test.
Gentle yet effective cleansing that doesn't strip or dry out the skin
Excellent value — affordable price and a small amount goes a long way
Low pH formula respects the skin's acid mantle and barrier function
Noticeably reduces oiliness and keeps pores cleaner over time
Works perfectly as a morning cleanser for oily and combination skin
Simple, trustworthy ingredient list without unnecessary additives
Tea tree oil scent is noticeable and some users find it unpleasant or medicinal
Can feel drying or tight on dry or very sensitive skin types
Not effective at removing heavy makeup or sunscreen — needs double cleansing
Gel doesn't produce a rich, luxurious foam — lather is minimal and light
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