COSRX Salicylic Acid Gentle Daily Cleanser 50ml

Product Overview & What It Claims

• The COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser is a foaming facial cleanser that contains 0.5% salicylic acid (BHA).

• It’s formulated to gently exfoliate inside pores, dissolve excess sebum, remove debris & dead skin cells, and help prevent breakouts, while being relatively mild (i.e. less stripping) on the skin.

• It includes tea tree oil and willow bark water (botanical soothing / anti‑inflammatory components) to help calm irritation & redness.

• It is advertised as free of sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances (or at least minimal fragrance) to be more suitable for sensitive skin.

Texture, Usage & How It Performs

• The formula is a creamy foam / gentle lather cleanser. When you apply it (with water), it transforms into a soft foam that you massage onto the skin.

• Because it’s a wash‑off product, the contact time is short, which helps reduce irritation risk compared to leave-on BHA treatments.

• It is intended for daily use (morning or evening) depending on your tolerance.

Strengths & Benefits

• Gentle exfoliation — 0.5% salicylic acid is moderate strength: effective but less aggressive than higher concentrations.

• Pore cleansing — good for unclogging, reducing blackheads / whiteheads over time.

• Se bum control — helps manage excess oil / shine.

• Soothing additives — tea tree & willow bark help calm inflammation, reduce redness.

• Better suited for sensitive / acne-prone skin (relative to harsher SA cleansers), because it’s milder.

• Many users report smoother skin texture and fewer clogged pores with consistent use.

Limitations & Potential Issues

• Even though it's "gentle," salicylic acid can still irritate skin, especially when first introduced. Some users report burning, redness, breakouts (which may be purging).

• If overused (e.g., twice daily on sensitive skin), it may strip / dry out parts of your skin or cause tightness. Some users say their skin feels “squeaky clean” (a sign of over-cleansing).

• Because it’s a cleanser (short exposure), its strength is limited compared to leave-on BHA toners / serums.

• May not be enough alone to clear severe acne or stubborn blackheads—often better used in combination with other treatments.

• Some users feel that the efficacy / adhesion / performance is batch‑dependent (i.e. some lots work better than others).

Tips for Use & How to Minimize Problems

• Start slowly — If your skin hasn't used BHA before, begin using it maybe every other day or even fewer times a week, then build tolerance.

• Patch test before full face use (especially along the jawline or cheek).

• Use gentle motion — Don’t scrub or apply too much pressure; let the product do its work.

• Limit contact time — Since it's a cleanser, don’t leave it on dry skin for long; rinse off after massaging for ~30–60 seconds.

• Follow with moisture / barrier support — Use a gentle hydrating toner / serum / moisturizer after cleansing to replenish hydration and protect skin barrier.

• Use sunscreen — BHA can increase sun sensitivity, so a broad-spectrum SPF is important daily.

• Watch for signs of over-exfoliation (redness, persistent stinging, peeling), and reduce frequency if these occur.

• If you’re using other actives (like retinol, acids), coordinate schedules to avoid layering too many at once.