Below is every ingredient in Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser explained, its standout actives, and the side effects reported in research for those actives — analysed for Indian skin.
Flags derived from the ingredient list using dermatology reference data (fungal-acne substrate, comedogenicity, EU allergens). General guidance, not a diagnosis.
Answers are derived from the printed ingredient list and dermatology reference data — general guidance, not a diagnosis or a therapeutic claim.
Styrax Japonicus Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract is a botanical extract derived from the Japanese snowbell tree, used in cosmetic formulations primarily for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It contains polyphenols and other plant compounds thought to help protect skin from oxidative stress.
Saccharomyces Ferment is a yeast-derived fermentation filtrate used in skincare for its content of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and peptides that support hydration, barrier function, and a brightening or soothing effect. It is valued as a multifunctional bioactive often featured in 'ferment' or essence-type formulations.
Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient obtained from the Japanese cedar, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties attributed to its polyphenol and essential oil content. It is included in formulations to help protect skin from oxidative stress and soothe the skin.
Nelumbo Nucifera (lotus) leaf extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids and alkaloids, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties. It is commonly included to help reduce oxidative stress and soothe the skin.
Ulmus Davidiana (Japanese elm) root extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties. It is valued for soothing and barrier-supporting effects in topical formulations.
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract is a botanical extract rich in fatty acids (notably gamma-linolenic acid), flavonoids, and antioxidants used to soothe, condition, and support the skin barrier. It is valued in cosmetics for its emollient and anti-inflammatory properties.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | A notable cause of allergic contact dermatitis, often attributed to impurities (amidoamine, 3-dimethylaminopropylamine) rather than the molecule itself; named Allergen of the Year in 2004. |
| Skin or eye irritation | Uncommon | Mild stinging or irritation, more likely in concentrated or rinse-off products and around the eyes. |
| Cross-reactivity with related surfactants | Rare | Patch-test reactions may overlap with chemically related amphoteric or amine-containing surfactants. |
| Mild transient skin dryness | Uncommon | Possible with frequent use or high concentrations, generally less than with sulfate surfactants |
| Skin irritation or stinging | Rare | Reported infrequently, typically in already compromised or very sensitive skin |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can occur on direct ocular contact, though milder than many surfactants |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Generally well tolerated; transient irritation possible, more likely in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Enhanced penetration of other ingredients | Common | Not an adverse effect per se, but as a solubilizer it may increase absorption of co-formulated substances. |
| Contact irritation (redness, stinging) | Rare | May occur in sensitive individuals, as with many botanical extracts. |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely on broken or compromised skin or at high concentrations. |
| Redness or itching | Rare | Typically resolves after discontinuation. |
| Mild transient irritation or stinging | Uncommon | More likely on sensitive or compromised skin; usually subsides quickly. |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic sensitization | Rare | Yeast-derived components may trigger reactions in predisposed individuals. |
| Acneiform breakouts or congestion | Rare | Occasionally reported, possibly related to overall formulation rather than the ingredient itself. |
| Hypersensitivity in those with yeast allergies | Very rare | Patch testing advised for individuals with known yeast or fungal sensitivities. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Cocamidopropyl Betaine Surfactant / foaming cleanser | Cocamidopropyl Betaine is an amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, used in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes to provide gentle foaming, viscosity, and to reduce the harshness of stronger anionic surfactants. It is widely regarded as mild but is a recognized contact allergen. |
| Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate Mild surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate (SLMI) is a gentle anionic surfactant derived from coconut-based fatty acids and isethionic acid, used to cleanse and produce a soft, creamy lather in syndet bars, facial cleansers, and body washes. It is valued for its mildness relative to harsher sulfates and good compatibility with sensitive skin. |
| Polysorbate 20 Emulsifier / solubilizer | Polysorbate 20 is a nonionic surfactant derived from sorbitol and lauric acid, used in skincare to solubilize fragrances and essential oils and to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions. It functions primarily as a formulation aid rather than a treatment active. |
| Styrax Japonicus Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin conditioning | Styrax Japonicus Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract is a botanical extract derived from the Japanese snowbell tree, used in cosmetic formulations primarily for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It contains polyphenols and other plant compounds thought to help protect skin from oxidative stress. |
| Butylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Butylene glycol is a small diol commonly used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity-reducing agent that helps dissolve other ingredients and improve skin feel. It is widely regarded as safe and non-sensitizing for the majority of users at cosmetic concentrations. |
| Saccharomyces Ferment Key active Skin-conditioning / fermentation-derived bioactive | Saccharomyces Ferment is a yeast-derived fermentation filtrate used in skincare for its content of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and peptides that support hydration, barrier function, and a brightening or soothing effect. It is valued as a multifunctional bioactive often featured in 'ferment' or essence-type formulations. |
| Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning botanical extract | Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient obtained from the Japanese cedar, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties attributed to its polyphenol and essential oil content. It is included in formulations to help protect skin from oxidative stress and soothe the skin. |
| Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant / soothing botanical extract | Nelumbo Nucifera (lotus) leaf extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids and alkaloids, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties. It is commonly included to help reduce oxidative stress and soothe the skin. |
| Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract Antioxidant/Skin conditioning | Pinus Palustris (longleaf pine) Leaf Extract is derived from pine needles and used in cosmetics primarily for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties, attributed to its content of polyphenols, terpenes, and aromatic compounds. It is often included for its potential soothing and protective effects against oxidative stress. |
| Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract Key active Antioxidant / soothing botanical extract | Ulmus Davidiana (Japanese elm) root extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties. It is valued for soothing and barrier-supporting effects in topical formulations. |
| Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract Key active Skin-conditioning / antioxidant emollient | Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract is a botanical extract rich in fatty acids (notably gamma-linolenic acid), flavonoids, and antioxidants used to soothe, condition, and support the skin barrier. It is valued in cosmetics for its emollient and anti-inflammatory properties. |
| Pueraria Lobata Root Extract Key active Antioxidant/soothing botanical | Pueraria Lobata (kudzu) root extract is rich in isoflavones such as puerarin and daidzein, valued in skincare for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening properties. It is also studied for phytoestrogenic effects that may support skin elasticity and barrier function. |
| Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil Key active Antimicrobial/antiseptic | Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, valued in skincare for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, commonly used to target acne and minor skin infections. Its primary active component is terpinen-4-ol. |
| Allantoin Key active Soothing/skin-conditioning agent | Allantoin is a naturally derived or synthetically produced compound used in skincare for its soothing, moisturizing, and keratolytic (skin-softening) properties. It promotes cell proliferation and helps calm irritation, commonly appearing in creams, lotions, and after-sun products. |
| Caprylyl Glycol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster | Caprylyl glycol is a multifunctional emollient and humectant derived from caprylic acid that helps hydrate skin and enhance the efficacy of preservatives in formulations. It is widely used as a stabilizing and conditioning base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Ethylhexylglycerin Preservative booster / skin-conditioning agent | Ethylhexylglycerin is a multifunctional glyceryl ether used in cosmetics primarily as a preservative-enhancing agent and emollient, often paired with phenoxyethanol to broaden antimicrobial efficacy. It also acts as a deodorizing agent and humectant in skincare formulations. |
| Betaine Salicylate Key active Exfoliant / BHA | Betaine salicylate is a gentle beta-hydroxy acid derivative that releases salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin surface and unclog pores. It is commonly used in lower-irritation formulations targeting acne, blackheads, and uneven texture. |
| Citric Acid pH adjuster / AHA exfoliant | Citric acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from citrus fruits, used primarily to adjust and buffer formulation pH and as a chelating agent, and at higher concentrations as a mild chemical exfoliant. It can promote surface cell turnover and is sometimes included in antioxidant or brightening products. |
| Ethyl Hexanediol Solvent/preservative booster | Ethylhexanediol (often listed as ethyl hexanediol or 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol) is a synthetic diol used in cosmetics primarily as a solvent, emollient, and to enhance the efficacy of preservative systems. It also has mild humectant and antimicrobial-boosting properties and is commonly found in lotions and serums. |
| 2-Hexanediol Humectant/preservative-booster | 1,2-Hexanediol (commonly written 2-hexanediol) is a multifunctional diol used in skincare primarily as a humectant, solvent, and preservative-enhancing agent that improves the antimicrobial efficacy of formulations. It is generally well tolerated and considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Chelating agent | Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate (Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, or HEDTA-type biodegradable chelator) is a biodegradable chelating agent used to bind metal ions in cosmetic formulations. By sequestering trace metals, it helps stabilize products, prevent discoloration and rancidity, and enhance the efficacy of preservatives and antioxidants. |
| Sodium Benzoate Preservative | Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative in cosmetic and skincare formulations to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi, particularly in acidic products. It is most effective at a pH below 5. |
| Disodium EDTA Chelating agent | Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in cosmetics to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preventing rancidity, and enhancing the efficacy of preservatives. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
Key active = does the main work. Ingredient explanations are drawn from public databases & literature.
Peer-reviewed papers on the active ingredients in this product, via PubMed.