Below is every ingredient in Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser 150Ml Mti1Ko Kvvo 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.
Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin.
Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia plant, valued in skincare for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, commonly used for acne and minor skin infections. Its primary active component is terpinen-4-ol.
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.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely at high concentrations or on compromised/broken skin. |
| Tacky or sticky skin feel | Common | A cosmetic sensation rather than an adverse reaction, more noticeable at higher concentrations. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | True allergy to glycerin is uncommon; patch-test positivity is infrequent. |
| Skin dehydration in very low humidity | Rare | In very dry environments humectants may draw water from deeper skin layers if not paired with an occlusive. |
| Skin dryness or tightness | Common | Soap-based surfactants derived from it can strip natural oils, especially with frequent use. |
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals or at higher concentrations. |
| Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Uncommon | Considered moderately comedogenic; may contribute to breakouts in acne-prone skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization is infrequent but has been reported. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Occasional transient redness or stinging, more likely in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Comedogenicity / pore clogging | Uncommon | May contribute to clogged pores in acne-prone individuals depending on concentration and formulation. |
| Dryness or tightness | Common | Can disrupt the skin barrier and strip natural oils with frequent use. |
| Chemical burns | Rare | Occurs primarily with concentrated raw material or improper formulation, not in finished consumer products. |
| Eye irritation or injury | Uncommon | Risk with accidental contact, particularly with cleansers near the eye area. |
| Comedogenicity (pore-clogging, potential acne aggravation) | Common | Rated highly comedogenic; may worsen acne in some individuals when used in leave-on products. |
| Skin irritation or dryness | Uncommon | Particularly in high-foaming cleanser formulations or on sensitive skin. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Glycerin Humectant | Glycerin is a widely used humectant that attracts and retains water in the skin, helping to hydrate the stratum corneum and support barrier function. It is considered safe and well-tolerated across most skin types and concentrations. |
| Myristic Acid Surfactant/cleansing agent | Myristic acid is a saturated fatty acid commonly used in skincare as a cleansing and emulsifying agent, often reacted with alkalis to form soap-based surfactants. It contributes to foaming and texture in cleansers and other formulations. |
| Stearic Acid Emulsifier / thickener | Stearic acid is a saturated long-chain fatty acid widely used in cosmetics as an emulsifier, thickening agent, and emollient to stabilize creams and lotions. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Potassium Hydroxide pH adjuster / saponifying agent | Potassium hydroxide is a strong alkaline compound used in cosmetics to adjust pH and to saponify fatty acids in the production of liquid soaps and cleansers. At regulated low concentrations in finished products it is considered safe, functioning as a formulation aid rather than an active treatment. |
| Lauric Acid Cleansing/surfactant & emollient fatty acid | Lauric acid is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid commonly derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, used in skincare as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, and emollient. It also has documented antimicrobial activity, particularly against Cutibacterium acnes. |
| 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. |
| Glycol Distearate Opacifier/pearlescent agent, emollient | Glycol Distearate is a diester of ethylene glycol and stearic acid used primarily to impart a pearlescent or opaque appearance to cleansers and shampoos, while also providing mild emollient and thickening properties. It functions as a formulation aid rather than an active treatment ingredient. |
| Polysorbate 80 Emulsifier / surfactant / solubilizer | Polysorbate 80 is a nonionic surfactant derived from sorbitol and oleic acid, used to emulsify oil and water phases and solubilize fragrances and oils in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate Mild surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate is a gentle, taurine-derived anionic surfactant used in cleansers and shampoos to provide foaming and cleansing while being milder than sulfate-based surfactants. It is generally well tolerated and often chosen for sensitive-skin formulations. |
| Salicylic Acid Key active Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliant / keratolytic | Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin. |
| 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. |
| PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Solubilizer/emulsifier | PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a nonionic surfactant derived from hydrogenated castor oil reacted with ethylene oxide, widely used to solubilize fragrances, oils, and lipophilic actives into water-based cosmetic formulations. It functions as a base/formulation aid rather than a treatment active. |
| Fragrance Fragrance/masking agent | Fragrance refers to a blend of natural or synthetic aromatic compounds added to skincare products to impart a pleasant scent or mask the odor of other ingredients. It serves a sensory and formulation purpose rather than a therapeutic one. |
| Sodium Chloride Thickener / viscosity adjuster | Sodium chloride (table salt) is commonly used in cosmetics as a thickening and viscosity-control agent, particularly in surfactant-based cleansers, and also acts as a mild abrasive in scrubs. It is generally well tolerated and considered a formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Melaleuca Alternigolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil Key active Antimicrobial / antiseptic | Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia plant, valued in skincare for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, commonly used for acne and minor skin infections. Its primary active component is terpinen-4-ol. |
| 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. |
| Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water Astringent/conditioning agent | Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water is the aqueous extract of white willow bark, naturally containing salicin and tannins, used in skincare for mild astringent, soothing, and conditioning effects. It is often included as a gentle, plant-derived alternative source of salicylate compounds. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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.