What is a low pH cleanser? Wondering how to use it? Sharing my favorite Korean low pH cleansers for your healthy, glowing skin.
Do you love that squeaky clean feeling after using a face wash?
Hold up! Stripping the skin of too much moisture and natural oils can actually do more harm than good.
Our delicate facial skin requires gentle products formulated to match our skin’s natural pH level, which is slightly acidic.
That’s why low pH cleansers have taken Korea by storm, and they’ve become my daily skincare go-to.
In the morning, I start with a low pH cleanser, followed by a toner. At night, I double cleanse with an oil cleanser and a low pH cleanser.
This routine is effective and gentle, and it doesn’t irritate or dry out my skin.
But first, let’s get to the good stuff: my top Korean low pH cleansers!
I’ve divided them into categories to make it easy for you to find the perfect one for your skin type.
These cleansers have my stamp of approval, and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a gentle and effective way to cleanse their skin.
Let’s get glowing!
In this post, I’ve rounded up the best K-beauty low pH cleansers.
My Top Picks for Korean Low pH Cleansers
Here, I’ve put together a list of my top Korean low pH cleansers that you won’t want to miss!
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Etude House Soonjung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser ($13(150ml) at YesStyle, $16(250ml) at Style Korean, $14(150ml) at Amazon)
- Best for Oily Skin: Real Barrier Control-T Cleanser ($20 at Style Korean, $19 at Amazon)
- Most Recommended: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser ($10 at YesStyle, $9 at Style Korean, $9 at Amazon)
- Best Budget: Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser ($9 at Style Korean)
What Exactly Is pH?
pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity, and everything in our world has a pH level that falls between zero and 14.
If something has a pH between zero and six, it’s considered acidic. A pH of seven is considered neutral, like water. And anything with a pH between eight and 14 is considered basic or alkaline.
When it comes to our skin, its pH level is slightly acidic, usually ranging from 4 to 6.
This is the ideal range for our skin to function at its best, and that’s why it’s important to use skincare products that have a similar pH level.
So, when choosing a cleanser, it’s best to pick one that matches or is very close to our skin’s natural pH. This can help to keep our skin healthy and glowing.
The Benefits of Using a Low pH Products
Using low pH skincare products can have some great benefits for your skin.
While higher pH cleansers, which are more alkaline, can be effective at thoroughly cleaning oily skin, low pH products are usually a better choice for most skin types.
One of the benefits of using a low pH cleanser is that it tends to be less drying than higher pH cleansers.
Plus, it helps protect our skin’s natural acid mantle, which is a protective layer that sits on top of our skin.
The acid mantle is slightly acidic and helps defend our skin against harmful viruses and environmental aggressors.
By using low pH skincare products, we can help maintain our skin’s natural defenses and keep it looking healthy and glowing.
How to Use Low pH Cleansers?
Using a low pH cleanser is easy and can be incorporated into your daily skincare routine.
If you wear makeup or sunscreen, it’s best to use a low pH cleanser as your second face wash after using an oil cleanser.
This is because oil cleansers can effectively remove oil-based impurities, while a low pH cleanser can help remove any remaining dirt and sweat.
In Korea, double cleansing is a popular skincare practice. And using an oil cleanser followed by a low pH cleanser is a common method.
However, if you prefer a single cleanse to remove light dirt in the morning, using only water or a low pH cleanser can be a good option.
Simply wet your face, apply a small amount of low pH cleanser, and gently massage it into your skin for about 30 seconds before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
Using a low pH cleanser can help maintain your skin’s natural pH balance and keep it healthy and glowing.
4 Best Korean Low pH Cleansers
Now that you know the benefits of using low pH cleansers for healthier skin.
I want to share my top four Korean low pH cleansers with you. These products have been tried and tested by me, and I highly recommend them if you want to achieve a glowing complexion!
1. Best for Sensitive Skin: Etude House Soonjung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser
- Etude House Soonjung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser ($13(150ml) at YesStyle, $16(250ml) at Style Korean, $14(150ml) at Amazon)
If you have sensitive skin and are looking for a gentle yet effective cleanser, look no further than the Etude House Soonjung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser.
I can’t recommend this product enough—it’s affordable, works wonders for my skin type, and is made with gentle, non-irritating ingredients.
I use this cleanser both in the morning and evening as part of my double cleansing routine. And I love that it removes dirt and impurities without leaving my skin feeling dry or tight.
Even on days when my skin is feeling extra sensitive, I know I can rely on this cleanser to be kind and soothing.
One of my favorite things about this cleanser is the pump bottle. It creates a nice foam that feels really soft and gentle on my skin. It’s easy to use and doesn’t make a mess in the shower.
Overall, the Etude House Soonjung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser is perfect for everyday use and is a must-try for anyone with sensitive skin. It’s one of my go-to cleansers, and I know it will become a staple in your skincare routine too.
2. Best for Oily Skin: Real Barrier Control-T Cleansing Foam
- Real Barrier Control-T Cleanser ($20 at Style Korean, $19 at Amazon)
Number 2 on my list of top Korean low pH cleansers is the Real Barrier Control-T Cleansing Foam, which I highly recommend for those with oily skin.
What I love about this cleanser is that it effectively removes excess oil and sebum without being too harsh on the skin, making it perfect for use during the summer months when oily skin tends to be more of a problem.
Many other cleansers meant for oily skin types tend to strip the skin, leaving it feeling dry and tight, but that’s not the case with this one.
It’s formulated specifically for oily and combination skin types, but even if you have dry skin, you can still use it once a week or on hot and humid days when your skin produces more oil.
What’s great about the Real Barrier Control-T Cleansing Foam is that it’s gentle but effective and leaves the skin feeling clean and refreshed.
Whenever I need a stronger cleanse, I always turn to this cleanser because it does the job without drying out my skin.
Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone with oily skin who wants a cleanser that’s both effective and gentle.
3. Best Gel Cleanser: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
- COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser ($10 at YesStyle, $9 at Style Korean, $9 at Amazon)
If you’re on the hunt for a gentle yet effective gel cleanser, the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser may be just what you need.
This clear gel cleanser has a lightweight texture and foams up nicely when mixed with water.
It effectively removes impurities without drying out your skin, leaving it feeling fresh, smooth, and rejuvenated after use.
One of the standout features of this gel cleanser is its pH-balanced formula. Our skin’s natural pH balance is slightly acidic, so using a cleanser that matches this pH level can help maintain the skin’s natural barrier and prevent irritation.
In addition to being pH-balanced, the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser also contains tea tree oil and BHA, which work together to soothe and strengthen your skin for a more luminous and clear complexion.
This gel cleanser is particularly well-suited for those with acne-prone skin, as it helps to remove excess oil and impurities without causing irritation or dryness.
However, I do think it’s gentle enough to use on all skin types, including sensitive skin.
4. Best Budget: Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser
- Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser ($9 at Style Korean)
Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser is another really fantastic gentle cleanser option.
This gentle cleanser has a creamy texture that effectively removes daily grime, light makeup, and sunscreen without stripping your skin of its natural oils.
What sets this cleanser apart from others is its affordable price point. You don’t have to break the bank to invest in a high-quality cleanser that won’t irritate your skin.
The Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser is an excellent choice for anyone looking to save money without compromising on quality.
In addition to its budget-friendly price point, this cleanser is also suitable for daily use. It’s gentle enough to use every day without causing dryness or tightness, making it a great option for anyone looking for a reliable, everyday cleanser.
The formula is made with blueberry extract, which is known for its antioxidant properties, and has a pH of 5.5, which helps to balance your skin’s natural pH levels.
This rebalancing effect can help improve the overall health and appearance of your skin, leaving it looking fresh and glowing.
Wrap Up
In the end, choosing the right cleanser for your skin can make all the difference.
That’s why I highly recommend giving the Etude House Soonjung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser, Real Barrier Control-T Cleansing Foam, COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, and Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser a try!
These three Korean low pH cleansers have become some of my personal favorites, and for good reason.
Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, there’s a cleanser on this list that will work for you.
Each of these cleansers is gentle, effective, and affordable, making them perfect additions to any skincare routine.
So what are you waiting for? Give them a try and see the difference for yourself!
Further reading on KbeautyAddiction.com: Want more healthy and glowing skin?
If you’re curious to learn more about K-beauty, be sure to check out my other blog posts. With the right products and skincare routine, you can achieve the healthy, glowing skin you’ve always wanted!
Learn More About Kbeauty Trends? Check These Out!
- 12 Ultimate Korean Skin Care Products You Need to Try
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- 6 Best Korean Moisturizers for Dry, Oily, and Combination Skin
Last Updated on 06/18/2023 by Elle Kim
