Finding a gentle cleanser for dry skin can be tough. You are no exception, and today, the two cult favorites that I’m giving an honest, head-to-head: the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser vs COSRX Low pH Cleanser.
If you have dry skin, you know the struggle: tightness, flakiness, and that terrible squeaky-clean sensation that says “stripped of moisture.” Cleansing for dry skin is important, but many products do more harm than good. In steps Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser and COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, newcomers who many claim will do your skin good, and nothing will ever possibly feel wrong with your skin again.
Both have massive followings. Glossier is all about that minimalism, soft skin, everything-easy-on-the-eyes aesthetic, and COSRX appeals to the skincare purists who’d sooner die than wash their face with something other than a low pH cleanser. So, which one performs best on dry skin?
We’ve got it all in this article — benefits, textures, real-life results, and pro tips. Whether you’re aiming for that “dewy and glowing” look or you just want to prevent feeling dry and tight after washing your face, here’s what you need to know to make the right choice.
Did You Know?
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!
Also Read: Minimalist Aquaporin Face Wash vs Prequel Gleanser: Which Hydrating Cleanser Wins?
Quick Comparison Table: Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser vs COSRX Low pH Cleanser
| Feature | Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser | COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Creamy, jelly-like | Lightweight gel |
| pH Level | ~5 | 5.0-6.0 |
| Key Benefit | Hydrating and non-stripping | pH-balanced and gently exfoliating |
| Fragrance-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Dry, sensitive skin | Oily, combination, and dry skin |
| Cruelty-Free | Yes | Yes |
1. Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser
An Overview:
Glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser is a low-lather, non-foaming formula that helps all skin types that tend to be on the dry or sensitive side. Marketed as a conditioning cleanser, it’s filled with skin-calming ingredients and is supposedly safe even around the eyes. It’s effective on both dry and damp skin, so it’s versatile.
Key benefits:
- Non-stripping: Ideal for dry skin
- Dual-use: Use as a makeup remover and daily face cleanser
- Gentle on eyes: Ophthalmologist-tested
- Minimalist: No SLS, no irritants, no fragrances
Texture, Feel & Suitability
This cleaner has a creamy, lotion-like texture that turns into a thin gel when I put it on my face. It doesn’t lather, which is a plus if you have dry skin. When you rinse, your skin is left comforted, balanced, with a super-soft hydration, not squeaky clean.
Best for: Dry, dehydrated, extremely sensitive skin types, those who need hydration and minimal disturbance.
Battle Outcome: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Gentle, creamy texture
- Leaves skin soft and hydrated
- Suitable for double cleansing
- Non-irritating fragrance-free formula
Cons
- Doesn’t remove waterproof makeup well
- May feel too mild for oily or acne-prone skin
2. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
An Overview:
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. This is a K-beauty classic for a long time to come, trust me. It has a low pH formula that keeps the acid mantle of your skin intact, which is essential for keeping hydration in and bacteria out. While it was designed to be used in the morning, it’s also great at night.
Key benefits:
- Balances Skin pH: Ideal for barrier protection
- Soft exfoliation: Tea tree leaves powder & BHA refreshing scrubs to remove dry flakes & smooth.
- Soothes skin: Calming botanical extracts decrease irritation
Texture, Feel & Suitability
The gel lathers thinly and spreads smoothly on your face. It leaves skin feeling refreshed, clean, and slightly mattified but not taut. It’s got a slight medicinal smell, but that doesn’t last long.
Best for: Combination and oily skin types, as well as dry skin, if you need a gentle exfoliation.
Battle Outcome: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Low pH maintains the skin barrier
- Light exfoliation without irritation
- Budget-friendly
- Works well in humid climates
Cons
- Contains essential oils
- Slightly drying in colder months
Ingredient Spotlight: How They Stack Up
| Ingredient | Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser | COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser |
|---|---|---|
| Rosewater | Soothes and hydrates | Not present |
| Aloe Vera | Hydrates and calms | Not present |
| Tea Tree Oil | Not present | Antimicrobial, helps with acne |
| BHA | Not present | Exfoliates and unclogs pores |
| Glycerin | Hydrates | Hydrates |
Real Results: How They Perform Side by Side
When it comes to performance, the cleansers are both excellent at their jobs, for different types of use.
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser is best at being hydrating and gentle. If you’re after something that won’t irritate or wick the moisture right out of your dry skin, this is it. It’s the kind of cleanser you can use twice a day and not disrupt your moisture barrier.
To be fair, COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser excels when your dry skin skews acne-prone or drab, too. The gentle exfoliating and pH-balancing formula may help prevent breakouts and balance oil production; however, you may need a more hydrating toner or cream in drier seasons.
My Pro Tip: Make sure you give your skin a good moisturizer after your cleanser, especially if you have dry skin. This will help seal in moisture and add a boost of hydration to your skin all day long.
My Experience with Both the Cleansers
I used both cleansers, and I learned the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser is a game-changer for my dry skin. “[It] made my skin soft, moisturized, and I loved how gentle it was. But I did see that it took a little more effort to get my heavier makeup off.
By contrast, the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser was refreshing and left my skin feeling clean without that dry tightness. I loved that it was so affordable and it worked, but I would have to be sure I used a super moisturizer if dryness was lurking.
Wrapping Up: Choosing Between Milky Jelly Cleanser and COSRX Low pH Cleanser
The Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser vs COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. It boils down to your skin type and personal preferences. If you’ve never used a hydrating cleanser and you have dry or sensitive skin, the Glossier is probably your safest (and dullest) bet. But if you want a mild and affordable cleanser, which won’t mess with the pH of your skin, then the COSRX cleanser is a good option.
And remember: Healthy skin isn’t just about the cleanser you choose but how you follow that up in your skincare routine. Happy cleansing!
FAQs
Can I use both Glossier and COSRX cleansers in one routine?
Yes, as long as you use one in the morning and the other at night to prevent over-cleansing.
Do these cleaners work well for sensitive skin?
Glossier would be best if you have sensitive skin, and COSRX contains essential oils so it could irritate some people.
Do I need a double cleanse with these?
If you’re wearing sunscreen or makeup, Jill Freeman, a medical aesthetician at Olay, suggested double-cleansing with an oil cleanser before using either.
