Finding a truly gentle cleanser that removes makeup and impurities without leaving your dry skin tight and uncomfortable feels like an endless search. You need effective cleansing that maintains your fragile moisture barrier rather than destroying it with harsh foaming agents. I tested two cult favorite gentle cleansers for 6 weeks each: Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser and COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. Both promise gentle cleansing with skin friendly pH levels, but they achieve softness through completely different approaches and textures.
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser combines rosewater, comfrey, and pro vitamin B5 in a unique gel cream texture that feels like washing your face with a cloud. The pH balanced formula cleanses and conditions without stripping. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser uses betaine salicylate (BHA) and tea tree oil with a pH 5 to 5.5 formula for gentle exfoliating cleansing. The gel texture refreshes without harshness. The important question: which gentle cleanser truly works better for dry skin, or does the exfoliating BHA in COSRX make it too drying despite the low pH promise?
Dry skin simply does not have any oil, not just water. The wrong cleanser can strip essential lipids and compromise your barrier, leaving your skin even drier and even more delicate.
Quick Comparison
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser
Cloud Like Gel Cream Hydration
Cleanses and conditions with rosewater, comfrey, and pro vitamin B5 in unique gel cream texture. Removes makeup and impurities while leaving skin soft and hydrated. Perfect for dry and sensitive skin needing gentle daily cleansing without tightness.
Immediate softness, lasting comfort with daily use
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Gentle Exfoliating Gel Formula
Gently exfoliates with betaine salicylate (BHA) and tea tree oil while maintaining pH 5 to 5.5. Refreshing gel texture cleanses excess oil and impurities. Ideal for oily or combination skin wanting gentle daily cleansing with light exfoliation.
Immediate freshness, smoother texture in 2 weeks
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What You Need to Know First
Before choosing between these gentle cleansers, identify whether your dry skin benefits from pure hydration or can handle gentle exfoliation. If your skin is truly dry, sensitive, or gets easily irritated, Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser provides maximum gentleness through conditioning ingredients with zero exfoliating actives. If your skin is more combination with dry patches rather than truly dry all over, COSRX gentle BHA might help smooth texture without overdrying when used correctly.
Your skin type really matters here despite both being marketed as gentle cleansers. Glossier works brilliantly for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin that needs cleansing without any potential irritants. COSRX originally became popular for oily and combination skin in the Korean beauty community, and the BHA plus tea tree oil target excess oil control. While the low pH prevents harsh stripping, the active ingredients still provide effects that very dry skin may not need or tolerate well daily.
Texture preference impacts your cleansing experience significantly. Glossier unique bouncy gel cream texture feels luxurious and comfortable, almost like a cushion on your skin. It transforms into a milky lather that rinses clean. COSRX has a traditional clear gel texture that foams lightly into a refreshing lather. Both are pleasant to use, but Glossier feels more pampering while COSRX feels more refreshing and invigorating.
About Each Product
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser: The Cloud Like Conditioner
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser represents the brand philosophy of simple, effective skincare that feels good to use. The cleanser features a unique bouncy gel cream texture that earned its cult following. Rosewater provides gentle hydration and soothing properties while delivering that signature subtle floral scent. Comfrey is a botanical ingredient traditionally used for skin healing and soothing irritation. Together they create a cleansing experience that feels calming rather than harsh.
Pro vitamin B5 (panthenol) is a humectant that draws moisture into skin and supports barrier function. It leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated after cleansing rather than tight and stripped. Allantoin provides additional soothing and moisturizing benefits. The conditioning cleansing agents remove makeup, dirt, and oil effectively but gently without harsh sulfates. The pH balanced formula maintains your natural acid mantle so your protective barrier stays intact.
Users with dry and sensitive skin love Glossier Milky Jelly for being one of the few cleansers that truly feels gentle and hydrating. The unique texture makes cleansing feel like a treat rather than a chore. It removes makeup including mascara reasonably well, though very waterproof formulas benefit from a separate remover first. The reformulated version added botanical oils for even better makeup removal and hydration. The millennial pink packaging and rose scent create an enjoyable sensory experience that makes you actually want to cleanse.
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser: The Refreshing Balancer
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser emerged from Korean beauty focus on pH balanced cleansing to prevent over stripping skin. The cleanser maintains pH 5 to 5.5, which matches your skin natural slightly acidic state. This pH prevents the disruption that causes tightness and allows beneficial acids to work better. The low pH approach was revolutionary when launched since most cleansers were highly alkaline and stripping.
Betaine salicylate is a gentle BHA derived from sugar beets that provides mild exfoliation without the harsh drying of traditional salicylic acid. It helps clear pores and smooth texture while being less irritating than regular BHA. Tea tree oil brings natural antibacterial and oil controlling properties perfect for preventing breakouts. Botanical extracts including white willow bark and cryptomeria japonica provide additional gentle exfoliation and skin conditioning.
Korean beauty enthusiasts and skincare addicts love COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser for its effectiveness without harshness. It became famous in the r/AsianBeauty community for providing gentle cleansing that actually works. The refreshing gel texture wakes you up in the morning without stripping your skin. The tea tree scent smells clean and natural. However, users with very dry skin note it can feel slightly drying if used twice daily. The formula works best when respected as designed for morning use on oily to combination skin rather than forced onto very dry skin types.
Active Ingredients Breakdown
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser
Rosewater
Natural hydrating and soothing ingredient with gentle astringent properties. Provides subtle floral scent and calming effects on skin. Adds lightweight moisture during cleansing. Suitable for even very sensitive skin types.
Comfrey Root Extract
Traditional botanical known for skin healing and soothing properties. Calms irritation and supports skin repair. Anti inflammatory effects benefit sensitive or reactive skin. Provides gentle conditioning during cleansing.
Pro Vitamin B5 (Panthenol)
Powerful humectant that draws moisture into skin. Supports barrier function and skin healing. Leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated after cleansing. Prevents tight dry feeling common with harsh cleansers.
Allantoin
Soothing and moisturizing ingredient derived from comfrey. Calms irritation and supports skin healing. Gentle enough for sensitive skin. Works synergistically with other conditioning ingredients.
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel
Betaine Salicylate (BHA)
Gentle BHA derived from sugar beets for mild exfoliation. Less irritating than traditional salicylic acid. Helps clear pores and smooth texture. Effective for oily and combination skin daily use.
Tea Tree Oil
Natural antibacterial and oil controlling ingredient. Helps prevent breakouts and control excess sebum. Fresh clean scent. Can be drying for very dry skin but perfect for oily areas.
White Willow Bark Extract
Natural source of gentle exfoliating compounds. Helps smooth skin texture over time. Anti inflammatory properties calm irritation. Works together with BHA for enhanced gentle exfoliation.
pH 5 to 5.5 Formula
Maintains skin natural slightly acidic state. Prevents alkaline stripping common with high pH cleansers. Supports barrier function and allows actives to work better. Revolutionary pH balanced approach for gentle cleansing.
Pros & Cons
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser Pros
- Unique bouncy gel cream texture feels luxurious and comfortable on skin
- Truly gentle conditioning formula perfect for dry and sensitive skin
- Removes makeup effectively while leaving skin soft and hydrated
- Pleasant rose scent and millennial pink packaging create enjoyable experience
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser Cons
- Higher price point compared to drugstore gentle cleansers
- May not remove very waterproof makeup without pre cleansing
- Smaller bottle size means you go through it faster with daily use
COSRX Low pH Cleanser Pros
- pH 5 to 5.5 maintains natural acid mantle for barrier support
- Gentle BHA and tea tree provide light exfoliation and oil control
- Affordable K beauty pricing makes quality cleansing accessible
- Refreshing gel texture perfect for waking up in the morning
COSRX Low pH Cleanser Cons
- BHA and tea tree can be too drying for very dry skin types
- Better suited for oily or combination skin despite gentle claims
- Tea tree scent may not appeal to those preferring fragrance free
My 6 Week Testing Journey
Real Results From Both Gentle Cleansers
I started with Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser on my dry sensitive skin. The unique bouncy texture surprised me immediately as I pumped it into my hands. It felt almost like a soft gel cushion. As I massaged it onto my wet face, it transformed into a light milky lather that felt incredibly gentle and comfortable. The subtle rose scent was pleasant without being overpowering. After rinsing, my skin felt clean and soft without any tightness whatsoever. It removed my light makeup and sunscreen effectively in one wash.
After 6 weeks using Glossier Milky Jelly morning and night, my dry skin never felt better after cleansing. The chronic tightness I used to experience with other cleansers just did not happen anymore. My skin felt hydrated and comfortable all day. The conditioning ingredients were clearly working since my skin texture improved noticeably. I looked forward to cleansing because it felt like a self care moment rather than a necessary evil. The cleanser worked so gently that I could use it twice daily without any irritation or dryness developing.
Then I switched to COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser to test the exfoliating approach. The clear gel texture felt refreshing and traditional as I worked it into a light lather. The tea tree scent smelled clean and invigorating in the morning. My skin felt thoroughly cleansed and fresh after rinsing. However, I noticed a slight tightness developing, especially after using it in the evening. My dry skin seemed to react to something in the formula despite the low pH promise.
At 6 weeks using COSRX daily, I understood why this cleanser became famous for oily and combination skin but gets mixed reviews for dry skin. In the morning only, it worked well enough by providing refreshing cleansing with gentle exfoliation that smoothed my texture. However, using it twice daily was too much for my dry skin. The BHA and tea tree oil that work beautifully for controlling oil felt drying on my already dry areas. I had to increase my moisturizer and occasionally skip morning cleansing to prevent flakiness. This is a gentle cleanser for oily skin, not necessarily for very dry skin despite the low pH.
Which Product Should You Choose
Choose Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser If:
You have dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin needing truly gentle cleansing. Your skin gets tight and uncomfortable with most cleansers. You want conditioning ingredients that leave skin soft and hydrated. You appreciate luxurious texture that makes cleansing feel like self care. You need effective makeup removal with gentleness. You prefer subtle floral scent and aesthetically pleasing packaging. You can invest in premium gentle cleansing that actually delivers on its promises.
Choose COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser If:
You have oily or combination skin wanting gentle cleansing with light exfoliation. Your skin tolerates and benefits from mild BHA and tea tree oil. You need pH balanced formula that prevents alkaline stripping. You prefer refreshing gel texture for morning cleansing. Budget is important and you want affordable K beauty quality. You like clean tea tree scent. You understand this works best for oily skin despite being called gentle for all types.
Use Both Strategically:
Use Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser in the evening when you need to remove makeup with maximum hydration and gentleness. Use COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser only in the morning if you have combination skin with some oily areas that benefit from light exfoliation. This gives you hydrating makeup removal with optional morning refreshing without overdoing acids on dry areas.
My Final Verdict
After 12 weeks total testing both gentle cleansers, Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser wins decisively for truly dry and sensitive skin. The conditioning formula with rosewater, comfrey, and pro vitamin B5 delivers on its promise of gentle cleansing that leaves skin soft and hydrated without tightness, perfect for those wanting luxurious texture and truly gentle daily cleansing morning and night. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser works better for oily or combination skin wanting gentle exfoliation with pH balance, ideal for those needing oil control and light BHA benefits but not suitable as truly gentle for very dry skin despite the low pH and gentle marketing. Both are quality cleansers when matched correctly to your actual skin type rather than wishful thinking.
Product Summaries
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser Summary
Why I Love It: This truly gentle cleanser delivers conditioning cleansing through its unique bouncy gel cream texture with rosewater, comfrey, and pro vitamin B5. Removes makeup and impurities effectively while leaving skin soft, hydrated, and comfortable. The pH balanced formula maintains your natural acid mantle. Allantoin provides additional soothing benefits. Perfect for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin that gets tight with most cleansers. Pleasant subtle rose scent and millennial pink packaging make cleansing feel like self care. Works beautifully morning and night without any stripping or dryness. Reformulated version adds botanical oils for even better makeup removal and hydration. Worth the investment for truly gentle cleansing that actually feels gentle.
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser Summary
Why I Love It: This K beauty favorite delivers pH balanced cleansing with gentle exfoliation through betaine salicylate (BHA) and tea tree oil. Maintains pH 5 to 5.5 to support your natural acid mantle and prevent alkaline stripping. White willow bark adds additional gentle exfoliating benefits. Refreshing gel texture with clean tea tree scent perfect for morning use. Affordable pricing makes quality pH balanced cleansing accessible. However, despite being marketed as gentle for all skin types, the BHA and tea tree work best for oily or combination skin. Very dry skin may find it drying with daily use. Best used only in the morning rather than twice daily for dry skin types. Revolutionary pH balanced approach but not as universally gentle as claimed.
FAQs
Is Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser really worth the hype?
Yes! Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser delivers on its promise of gentle cleansing that feels like washing your face with a cloud. The pH balanced gel cream formula with rosewater, comfrey, and pro vitamin B5 cleanses without stripping. It removes makeup and impurities while leaving skin soft and hydrated. Most users notice immediately softer, more comfortable skin that never feels tight or dry after cleansing, making it worth the investment for dry or sensitive skin types.
Does COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser work for dry skin?
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser works moderately well for dry skin when used properly. The pH 5 to 5.5 formula maintains your natural acid mantle without stripping. However, it contains BHA (betaine salicylate) and tea tree oil which provide gentle exfoliation better suited for oily or combination skin. Dry skin types should use it only in the morning and follow with hydrating products. Very dry skin may find it slightly drying even with the low pH.
Can I use both Glossier and COSRX cleansers together?
Yes! Many users alternate between both cleansers strategically. Use Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser in the evening when you need to remove makeup and want maximum hydration. Use COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser in the morning when your skin needs gentle cleansing with light exfoliation. This combination gives you hydrating makeup removal with gentle daily refreshing without overdoing acids or drying out your skin.
Which cleanser is better for sensitive skin?
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser is significantly better for sensitive skin. The conditioning formula with soothing ingredients like rosewater, comfrey, allantoin, and pro vitamin B5 provides maximum gentleness without any potentially irritating actives. COSRX contains BHA and tea tree oil which, while gentle compared to harsh versions, can still irritate sensitive skin. If your skin is easily reactive, Glossier is the safer choice for truly gentle cleansing.
Do these cleansers remove makeup effectively?
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser removes light to moderate makeup effectively in one wash, including mascara. Very waterproof formulas benefit from a separate remover first. The reformulated version with botanical oils handles makeup even better. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser handles light makeup but is better suited for morning cleansing of overnight buildup rather than heavy evening makeup removal. For best makeup removal, Glossier performs better.
