16 Top Low pH Cleansers You Should Try

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In recent years, low pH cleansers have gained a hefty following in the skincare world, and it’s easy to tell why. 

While you can choose from many different types of cleansers in the market, some of them have high pH levels that can disrupt your skin’s natural moisture barrier and pH balance.

A photo of a woman is putting a facial wash on her face.

Luckily, many skincare brands are now creating low-pH products that effectively eliminate makeup residue, dirt, and other impurities from your skin.

Most of these products are not only effective cleansers, but they usually have milder formulas perfect for sensitive skin.

Want to try some of the top low-pH cleansers out in the market today? Read on for our top picks!

Pyunkang Yul Calming Foaming Cleanser
Best Overall
  • Helps moisturize skin and controlling oil production
  • Has cica and white willow bark extract for cleansing and brightening
  • Promotes healthy skin cell turnover
COSRX LowPH Good Morning Cleanser
Budget Pick
  • Contains BHA for gentle but effective cleansing
  • Formulated with tea tree oil for soothing effects
  • Suitable for all skin types
Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
Premium Pick
  • Has a pH level of 6.1 that helps keep skin pH balanced
  • Free of harsh chemicals
  • Contains natural surfactants to keep skin hydrated

Low pH Cleanser Benefits: Why Should You Use Them?

As their name suggests, low pH cleansers are skin-cleansing products with pH levels below 7. 

Our skin has a naturally acidic pH level. Usually, they play anywhere between 4.5 and 6 on the pH scale. Low pH cleansers help maintain these levels instead of bringing them up.

There are multiple benefits to keeping your skin’s pH levels slightly acidic.

Here are some of their biggest benefits.

Better Absorption of Topical Products

If you use low pH cleansers to maintain your skin’s slightly acidic nature, your skin can better absorb any topical products you use.

This means ingredients in any serum, toner, moisturizer, cream, and other skincare products you use have a better time sinking into your skin, making them more effective.

Keeps Your Skin’s Acid Mantle Intact

The skin has a layer that helps protect it from bad organisms.

Called the acid mantle, this layer is a thin and acidic film that blocks bacteria and viruses from penetrating into your skin. 

Using cleansers with a pH level of 7 and above can break or disrupt this mantle, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin, leaving your skin defenseless.

With low-pH cleansers, you can ensure your skin is free from impurities without worrying about this protective layer being broken through. 

Cleanses While Keeping Moisture Intact

Many cleansers are prone to over-stripping your skin of moisture.

Yes, many of those cleansers keep your skin free of any gunk, but they may also dry out your skin.

Low-pH cleansers are usually gentle enough to avoid this. They are just as effective in removing impurities but don’t dry out your skin too much. 

On top of that, these cleansers are usually reinforced with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to keep your moisture levels balanced. 

16 Low pH Cleansers for Healthier Skin

Your search for the top low pH cleansers ends here. Check out our list of the top products you can get your hands on!

1.
COSRX LowPH Good Morning Cleanser

This cleanser is a must-have for its gentle formula and effective cleansing power

Key Benefits: Removes dirt, excess oils, and impurities; gently exfoliates, soothes troubled skin. 

Features:

  • Contains BHA for gentle but effective cleansing
  • Formulated with tea tree oil for soothing effects
  • Suitable for all skin types and has pH levels between 5.0 to 6.0

Need a gentle, everyday cleanser? Check out COSRX’s Low PH Good Morning Cleanser!

One of the most well-known cleansers with low pH around is this one from COSRX.

True to its name, it has just the right pH levels to keep your skin’s natural pH unchanged.

Besides effective cleansing, this product also has tea tree oil to soothe irritated skin and BHA for some added exfoliation

2.
Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

This low-pH cleanser is a must-have for its gentle cleansing power.

Key Benefits: Effective in cleansing the face; prevents skin from drying out 

Features:

  • Has a pH level of 6.1 that helps keep skin pH-balanced
  • Free of harsh chemicals
  • Contains natural surfactants to keep skin hydrated

Keep your sensitive skin free of the gunk without irritation by using this Drunk Elephant Jelly Cleanser!

Gentle yet powerful, this Drunk Elephant cleanser has a formula that can easily eliminate the gunk on your skin while keeping it hydrated. 

Perfect for getting rid of makeup after a long day, this cleanser has a pH of 6.1, so it won’t cause any issues or changes to your skin’s pH.

This product is also chemical-free and can be used by most skin types. 

3.
ETUDE SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser

We can’t get enough of this cleanser for its effective cleansing, moisturizing, and soothing properties.

Key Benefits: Gently cleanses the skin; helps soothe irritated skin; keeps skin moisturized

Features:

  • Formulated with low pH (6.5) that won’t interfere with skin’s moisture levels
  • Contains panthenol that reinforces the skin’s protective barrier
  • Also has madecassoside, which is used to soothe skin

Soothe and cleanse your skin with Etude’s Soon Jung low pH cleanser

Unsurprisingly, a household K-beauty brand like Etude also carries one of the top low pH cleansers around. 

Their Soon Jung low-pH cleanser offers excellent skin cleansing but also contains panthenol for hydration and Madecassoside for soothing irritated skin. 

Perfect for all skin types, this low pH cleanser has been in the market for a while, thanks to its performance.

It’s a must-have if you need a gentle face wash for your routine. 

4.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Many swear by this facial cleanser for its cleansing and hydrating benefits. 

Key Benefits: Effective in cleansing skin; hydrates skin; restores skin’s protective barrier

Features:

  • Has low pH for keeping the skin’s natural pH levels
  • Formulated with hyaluronic acid to keep the face moisturized
  • Perfect for people with normal to dry skin

You don’t have to let your skin dry up after cleansing. Keep it hydrated with CeraVe’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser.

One of the most well-known brands also has a product among the top low pH facial cleansers you can use. 

a woman's hand holding Cerave hydrating face cleanser on a peach background

This CeraVe facial cleanser removes gunk and ensures your skin’s protective barrier is intact, and keeps your moisture levels balanced. 

It contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin even after thorough cleansing. 

5.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily Skin

Many recommend this cleanser for how effective it is in keeping your skin free of dirt and excess oils.

Key Benefits: Cleanses skin effectively; gets rid of excess oils without making the skin too try

Features:

  • Keeps your skin’s natural pH levels undisturbed
  • Has a mild formula that people can use daily
  • Perfect for people with oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin.

Looking for a low pH cleanser for oily skin? Don’t hesitate to try this gel cleanser from La Roche-Posay!

Need a gentle low pH cleanser for oily skin? This La Roche-Posay gel cleanser might be for you.

This product is specifically made for oily skin, keeping excess sebum production at bay while effectively removing dirt and keeping moisture levels optimal. 

So if you need an effective cleanser that doesn’t dry you out, give this one a shot.

6.
Atopalm Moisturizing Facial Cleansing Foam

We always have this cleansing foam in our lineup for its mild formula that’s still effective in getting rid of impurities.

Key Benefits: Gets rid of dirt, excess oils, and impurities on the skin; helps maintain skin’s natural soft and plump texture; helps soothe irritated skin

Features:

  • Contains bisabolol to help soothe skin and hyaluronic acid for moisture
  • Also formulated with Lactic acid for gentle exfoliation
  • Made with the brand’s patented ingredient, MLE, which imitates the skin’s natural moisture barrier

Keep your skin moisturized even after cleansing with this cleansing foam from Atopalm!

Another low pH face wash you should try getting is this one from Atopalm. It features the brand’s patented ingredient, MLE, which helps copy the skin’s natural barrier. 

It has a mild, low-pH formula that cleanses your skin while keeping it soft and plump.

It also has bisabolol for soothing skin, bitter orange for brightening, and lactic acid for exfoliation. 

7.
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Facial Cleanser

This cleanser is a mainstay in our routines for its hydrating properties and potent cleansing benefits. 

Key Benefits: Washes away dirt, excess sebum, and other impurities; hydrates and moisturizes skin

Features:

  • Mild cleanser formulated with polyglycerin for hydration
  • Has a gentle formula that’s both hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
  • Perfect for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin

If you’re looking for a simple, effective, and gentle low pH cleanser, try this one from Neutrogena!

If you have sensitive skin, why not try this low pH foam cleanser?

Neutrogena’s hydrating cleanser can purify your skin of any dirt, excess oil, and gunk while keeping it hydrated.

The product also claims to be clinically proven to be non-irritating, even for those with sensitive skin. It’s both hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for most people. 

8.
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser

We always reach for this jelly cleanser because it thoroughly cleanses our skin while staying mild and non-irritating!

Key Benefits: Thoroughly cleanses skin of dirt and impurities without overstripping; helps maintain’s skin’s natural glow; helps soothe irritated skin 

Features:

  • Contains xylitol and comfrey root extract for hydration
  • Formulated with rose water that helps soothe skin
  • Gentle, non-comedogenic formula

Troubled with irritated skin? Try out Glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser to start your routine!

Another of the top low pH cleansers for the face you can use is this Milky Jelly Cleanser from Glossier.

Besides removing impurities, it also helps you keep a radiant glow.

It contains hydrating ingredients like xylitol, comfrey root extract, and rose water for soothing skin.

Keep your irritated clean and calm with this Glossier cleanser!

9.
Makeprem Safe Me Relief Cleansing Foam

Many recommend using this cleanser because of its mild, low-irritant, but effective formula.

Key Benefits: Effective in getting rid of impurities and unclogging pores; helps hydrate and moisturize the skin

Features:

  • Has a pH level of 5.5, which helps maintain the skin’s natural pH level
  • Contains hydrating ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and glycerin 
  • Formulated with raspberry fruit extract for its anti-inflammatory properties

Keep your skin healthy and moisturized with Makeprem’s Safe Me Relief Cleansing Foam!

One Korean low pH cleanser that you should try is this one from Makeprem.

It has a mild formula reinforced with raspberry fruit extract to free your skin from flare-ups.

Apart from having a pH level of 5.5, this cleanser also contains sodium hyaluronate and glycerin, two ingredients that hydrate skin.

10.
Touch 10% Glycolic Acid Face Wash

We suggest this gel cleanser if you want a product that works well for acne-prone skin.

Key Benefits: Effective in cleansing the skin; keeps skin pH at optimum levels; helps prevent acne breakouts; helps boost skin cell turnover

Features:

  • Has a low pH of 3.5, which helps in balancing the skin’s pH
  • Formulated with aloe vera, camellia, and chamomile
  • Has a 10% concentration of glycolic acid for gentle exfoliation 

Stopping acne breakouts starts with cleansing. Try out Touch’s 10% Glycolic Acid Face Wash!

If you have acne-prone skin, you will find the benefits of this low pH face cleanser appealing.

Phace’s product has a pH of 3.5, which helps maintain your natural skin pH.

On top of this, it has aloe vera to keep moisture at optimal levels. It also contains camellia and chamomile that nourish and soothe skin.

Additionally, its claim to fame is its 10% concentration of glycolic acid, which aids in exfoliation and healthy skin cell turnover. 

11.
Tula Skin Care Purifying Skin Cleanser

Skincare enthusiasts love this cleanser because it's effective in removing impurities and highly nourishing.

Key Benefits: Effective skin cleanser; nourishes and hydrates skin; helps minimize the appearance of pores 

Features:

  • Contains prebiotic extracts, white tea, and turmeric 
  • Has a 5 to 6 pH level
  • Perfect for all skin types

Ensure that your skin’s always clean and nourished with Tula Skin Care’s Purifying Skin Cleanser!

With a pH level between 5 and 6, this Tula cleanser ensures your skin’s moisture and pH balance remain undisturbed.

On top of this, it has a highly nourishing formula containing prebiotics, white tea, and turmeric. Suitable for all skin types, try this Tula cleanser to boost skin radiance.

12.
Purito Defense Barrier Ph Cleanser

We can’t get enough of this cleanser for its cleaning and hydration properties.

Key Benefits: Effective in getting rid of skin impurities; hydrates and brightens skin; helps with skin exfoliation; soothes irritated skin

Features:

  • Formulated with Asiatica extract to even skin tone
  • Also contains tea tree extract for gentle exfoliation
  • Suitable for all skin types

Cleanse and refresh your skin with Purito Defense Barrier PH Cleanser!

Keep your skin’s defense barrier intact with this Purito cleanser.

Besides getting rid of skin impurities, it hydrates your skin to keep it soft and healthy.

Additionally, this cleanser contains Asiatica extract for its calming effects and for keeping your skin tone even. It also has tea tree extract that helps gently exfoliate your skin. 

13.
LANEIGE Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser

We suggest adding this cleanser to your routine for its gentle but effective cleansing properties.

Key Benefits: Gently cleanses the skin; hydrates and moisturizes skin

Features:

  • Has a low pH (5.5) to keep your skin’s natural state intact
  • Formulated with the brand’s Cream Skin Refiner for added moisture
  • Suitable for all skin types

Check out Laniege’s Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser if you need gentle cleansing and added moisturization!

With a low pH of 5.5, this Laneige cleanser is widely loved for its simplicity and effectiveness.

It easily removes dirt and impurities with a gentle formula that won’t irritate your skin.

Suitable for all skin types, this cleanser also contains the brand’s Cream Skin Refiner, which helps maintain your skin’s moisture levels. 

14.
Hada Labo Tokyo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

This cleanser has gained a following for its gentle but hydrating cleansing formula.

Key Benefits: Effective in getting rid of skin impurities; hydrates skin 

Features:

  • Has a low-pH formula that won’t disturb your skin’s natural pH level
  • Formulated with hydrating ingredients to replenish skin moisture after deep cleansing
  • Fragrance-free and paraben-free

Avoid any dryness and irritation after cleansing with this gentle cleanser from Hada Labo.

This drugstore low pH cleanser from Japan is another must-try product. Even with a mild formula, this cleanser purifies your skin from dirt and other impurities. 

Apart from effective cleansing, this product also helps hydrate your skin.

This is a cleanser that any skin type can benefit from because it’s fragrance- and paraben-free.

15.
Pyunkang Yul Calming Foaming Cleanser

We are in love with this cleanser because of its effective sebum control and soothing benefits.

Key Benefits: Helps control excess sebum production; cleanses the skin; helps exfoliate the skin; soothes troubled skin

Features:

  • Formulated with tea tree extract that helps with moisture and with oil control
  • Has Asiatica and white willow bark extract for cleansing and brightening
  • Also contains gentle AHAs to promote healthy skin cell turnover

Treat your skin right with this Calming Foaming Cleanser from Pyunkang Yul!

Next in this low pH cleanser list is this offering from Pyunkang Yul.

If you’re looking for a soothing and nourishing cleanser to add to your routine, look no further than this one.

Formulated with cica, tea tree, and willow bark extract, it effectively frees your skin of dirt and other impurities. It also has gentle AHAs for mild exfoliation.

16.
Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body & Face Cleanser

This cleanser is a must-have for its pH-balancing benefits and soap-free formula

Key Benefits: Effective in cleansing skin; maintains skin moisture and pH level

Features:

  • Has a low pH of 5 to keep natural skin pH levels undisturbed
  • The formula is soap-free and mild, making it perfect for those with normal, dry, or sensitive skin
  • Has a non-comedogenic formula that easily rinses clean and without any film residue

Make sure your skin is in the best state it’s in with Eucerin’s advanced cleanser!

If you’re looking for a mild cleanser that can be used for both your skin and your face, this one from Eucerin is worth a shot. It has a pH of 5, maintaining your skin’s slightly acidic pH level.

On top of that, this soap-free cleanser effectively removes impurities from the skin without the risk of irritation.

It also doesn’t dry out your skin from cleansing. 

Best suited for those with normal, dry, and sensitive skin, this cleanser is worth trying for healthy skin. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are High pH Cleansers Bad?

High pH cleansers are not necessarily bad but don’t suit all skin types. 

Usually, those with oily skin can benefit from high pH cleansers. Alkaline cleansers are good for breaking down and controlling excess sebum production.

However, if you have dry and sensitive skin, these cleansers can easily disrupt your moisture levels and your skin’s protective barrier, so avoiding these is best. 

What’s a Good pH Level for Cleansers?

When looking for a cleanser, getting those with a pH below 7 is best. Most experts recommend cleansers with a pH level between 4.5 and 6.5.

Can I Use Low pH Cleansers at Night?

While some product names can be misleading, you can use low pH cleansers at any time of the day. 

Gentle Cleansers for Healthy Skin

You need to consider several factors to maintain healthy skin, including keeping its natural pH levels.

Many different cleansers are available in the market, and most people tend to overlook the pH of what they’re getting.

Hopefully, this article has convinced you of low pH cleansers’ benefits on the skin now that low pH cleansers are more accessible and easy to find.

Given the many products on this list, we hope you’ve found a few you may want to try adding to your routine.

Try out one of the top low pH cleansers today and experience its positive effects on your skin!

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Author

  • Ashley Pena

    Ashley Pena brings over 13 years of seasoned writing and editing expertise, fortified by her Bachelor of Science in Management. Esteemed in the beauty domain, her content captivates readers with its depth and authenticity. While she navigates a broad spectrum of beauty trends, Ashley shines particularly as our resident K-beauty guru. Her articles are a harmonious blend of passion and profound knowledge, inspiring readers on their unique beauty journeys.

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