Cellup Gel To Water Cleanser
Cellup Gel To Water Cleanser
Product Description
Lagom Cellup Gel To Water Cleanser is a low-pH (5.5), non-foaming morning cleanser that starts as a transparent jelly and melts into water as you massage it in. Built on an 85% skincare base with Lagom's AQUALICIAยฎ hydration complex, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and panthenol, it lifts away overnight sebum, residue and dust while keeping skin soft, balanced and never tight.
โจ Texture & Feel
Gel-to-Water Transformation
A clear jelly that liquefies on contact with skin and water, then rinses away completely without any heavy film or residue.
85% Skincare Base
Formulated so the bulk of the product is hydrating, barrier-supporting skincare rather than harsh detergents โ it cleanses without stripping.
Low pH 5.5
Sits close to skin's natural acid mantle, so it cleans without disrupting your barrier or leaving that tight, squeaky-clean feeling.
Barrier-Loving Actives
Ceramide NP, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, phytosphingosine and polyglutamic acid help replenish moisture as you cleanse.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
No retinoids, no salicylic acid, no hydroquinone and no chemical sunscreen filters. As a rinse-off cleanser it is generally considered low-risk โ see the FAQ note on essential oils.
Contains several esters, fatty alcohols and plant oils (jojoba, macadamia, polysorbate 20, cetearyl alcohol) that Malassezia yeast can feed on.
Bergamot, lemon, mandarin, orange-peel and lemongrass oils give a light scent but contribute EU fragrance allergens (limonene, linalool, citral). Reactive skin should patch test.
Fully compatible with retinol, vitamin C, AHA and BHA used afterward โ it rinses off and its low pH won't interfere with your treatment steps.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ฆ Glycerin High (#2) Proven
A powerhouse humectant naturally found in skin. It pulls water into the upper layers and helps the cleanser leave skin soft rather than tight. Listed second on the INCI, so it is present at a meaningful level.
- Mechanism: Draws and binds water into the stratum corneum, improving hydration and elasticity.
- Tolerance: Non-irritating and compatible with virtually every other ingredient and skin type.
๐งฌ Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) Skin-conditioning Proven
A soothing humectant that penetrates the upper skin layers to hydrate, calm redness and support wound healing โ a key reason this cleanser feels comforting rather than drying.
- Benefit: Binds water for hydration and helps reduce irritation and visible redness.
- Conversion: Oxidizes to pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), found in all living cells.
๐ Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid) ~0.1โ2% Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid. Even in a rinse-off product it leaves a hydrated after-feel by binding water to the skin surface, helping counteract any tightness from cleansing.
- Capacity: Holds many times its weight in water as a humectant.
- Evidence: Lower-molecular-weight forms are linked to improved hydration, elasticity and barrier repair.
๐งฑ Ceramide NP <1% Proven
One of skin's own barrier lipids. It slots into the gaps of the outer skin layer to limit water loss and shield against irritants โ uncommon to see in a cleanser and a clear barrier-support bonus.
- Clinical: A ceramide-containing routine reduced atopic dermatitis severity by over 61% across 312 patients in 4 weeks.
- Tolerance: Considered non-irritating with little to no observed adverse effects.
๐ก๏ธ Phytosphingosine + Polyglutamic Acid <1% Promising
Phytosphingosine is a ceramide building block that boosts the skin's natural moisturizing factor, while polyglutamic acid is a fermentation-derived humectant often compared to hyaluronic acid for deep, lasting hydration.
- Barrier: Phytosphingosine helps soothe, protect and reinforce the moisture barrier.
- Hydration: Polyglutamic acid draws and holds water and may help speed wound healing.
๐ Tocopherol (Vitamin E) ~0.1โ1% Proven
A fat-soluble antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals from UV and pollution and improves skin's water-binding capacity over a few weeks of use, while also protecting the formula's oils from oxidation.
- Protection: Helps defend against UV-induced oxidative damage and conditions skin.
- Synergy: Roughly doubles photoprotection when paired with vitamin C in a routine.
47 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Callus Culture Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Pyrus Malus Fruit, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Jojoba Esters, Cetearyl Glucoside, Polyacrylate-13, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Caprylyl Glycol, Synthetic Beeswax, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Indole Acetic Acid, Maltodextrin, Tocopherol, Propanediol, Vegetable Amino Acids, Pentylene Glycol, Ceramide NP, Phytosphingosine, Polyglutamic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Benzoate.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Designed as your first step in the morning. At night it works best as the second cleanse after an oil-based cleanser or balm to remove makeup and SPF.
๐ How to Use
Apply to dry or damp skin
Dispense a coin-sized amount onto your fingertips and spread over the face, avoiding the eye and mouth area. No need to wet the face first.
Massage gently
Work it in along the skin's texture. The gel turns watery as it lifts away overnight sebum, residue and dust โ it will not foam, and that's by design.
Rinse with lukewarm water
Rinse thoroughly. The formula disappears cleanly and leaves skin soft, hydrated and prepped for the rest of your routine.
For makeup & SPF (PM)
Apply to a dry face and massage, then rinse or wipe with a cotton pad. For heavier makeup, pair it as a second step after an oil cleanser.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You want a gentle morning cleanse that won't strip or tighten skin
- You have dry, combination, normal or sensitive skin
- You dislike foaming cleansers and that squeaky-clean feeling
- You want hydration and barrier support built into your wash step
- You prefer a low-pH, dermatologically tested K-beauty formula
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You are prone to fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You need a single product to remove heavy makeup or waterproof SPF
- You strictly avoid all fragrance and essential oils
- You have very oily skin and prefer a deep, foaming clean
- You want the cheapest possible basic cleanser
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Humectants, ceramides and an 85% skincare base cleanse without stripping โ skin stays soft, never tight.
Removes overnight sebum and balances oil-and-water without over-drying the cheeks.
Low pH and soothing actives are kind to skin, but the natural citrus/lemongrass oils mean a patch test is wise for reactive skin.
Great as a gentle AM wash, though very oily skin may want a foaming or oil cleanser for a deeper PM clean.
Low comedogenic risk for general breakouts, but it is NOT fungal-acne safe due to oils and esters Malassezia can feed on.
๐ Results Timeline
Clean & comfortable
Skin feels freshly cleansed but soft and hydrated rather than tight or squeaky โ the gel-to-water texture rinses away without residue.
90% notice immediatelySmoother morning routine
Less morning tightness and a balanced, prepped canvas that makes toner and serum absorb more comfortably.
75% noticedCalmer, more resilient skin
With daily use, the barrier-supporting actives (ceramides, panthenol, HA) help skin hold hydration and look less dull.
60% noticedMaintained barrier comfort
Consistent gentle cleansing keeps the moisture barrier comfortable, with fewer dry, flaky patches over time.
55% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Exceptionally gentle โ leaves skin soft, not tight or stripped
- Unique, satisfying gel-to-water texture that rinses clean
- Genuinely hydrating thanks to ceramides, HA and panthenol
- Low pH 5.5, barrier-friendly and dermatologically tested
- Ideal morning cleanse for dry and sensitive skin
โ Criticized
- Not strong enough alone for heavy makeup or waterproof SPF
- Contains citrus/lemongrass essential oils (light scent + EU allergens)
- Not fungal-acne (malassezia) safe
- Some users miss the foam of a traditional cleanser
- Costs more than a basic drugstore face wash
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
The closest everyday match: a low-pH gel morning cleanser. It does foam lightly and contains tea-tree oil plus BHA, so it is a bit more active and slightly less cushiony than Lagom's gel-to-water slip.
A low-pH gel with mild AHA/BHA and a fresh feel. More of a lightly foaming daily cleanser; gentle but not as richly hydrating or as "skincare-base" focused as Lagom.
Shares the gentle low-pH philosophy at a lower price, but it is a true foaming cleanser โ less of the watery, hydrating after-feel and no gel-to-water transformation.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Lagom Cellup Gel To Water (Featured)
~$22.00COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
~$12.00Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser
~$28.00Pyunkang Yul Low pH Cleansing Foam
~$14.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening (check the jar-symbol on the packaging).
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the cap closed.
Squeeze tube โ lets you see the gel level so you know when to repurchase.
Full size is 220 ml (over the 100 ml carry-on limit); a 30 ml travel mini is available.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters, and as a rinse-off cleanser it is generally considered low-risk during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The one caveat is the small amount of citrus and lemongrass essential oils; many people use rinse-off products with essential oils without issue, but if you prefer to be extra cautious, check with your OB-GYN or dermatologist.
No. The formula contains several ingredients that Malassezia yeast can feed on โ including jojoba and macadamia seed oils, cetearyl alcohol, jojoba esters, polysorbate 20, sorbitan isostearate and synthetic beeswax. If you are actively managing fungal acne, this cleanser is best avoided in favor of a strictly fungal-acne-safe option.
Yes. Because it is a rinse-off cleanser, it does not interfere with active ingredients applied afterward. Its low pH (5.5) is friendly to your skin barrier, so you can follow up with retinol, vitamin C, AHA or BHA as your routine calls for. Cleanse first, then layer your treatments.
It shines on dry, combination, normal and sensitive skin that wants a gentle, hydrating morning cleanse. Oily skin can use it happily in the morning but may prefer a deeper foaming or oil cleanser at night. It is not the best pick for those managing fungal acne or strictly avoiding all fragrance.
The clean-but-comfortable, non-tight feeling is noticeable from the very first wash. Over one to four weeks of daily use, the barrier-supporting actives (ceramides, hyaluronic acid, panthenol) help skin hold hydration and look less dull, with continued comfort over the longer term.
It is designed as your first step in the morning, before toner, serum, moisturizer and SPF. At night it works best as the second cleanse after an oil-based cleanser or balm that has removed your makeup and sunscreen.
The clogging risk is low โ we rate it around 1/5 โ because it is a rinse-off product and most of its ingredients are non-comedogenic. That said, "low comedogenic risk" is not the same as fungal-acne safe; if breakouts are specifically malassezia-driven, this is not the right cleanser for you.
Use within about 12 months of opening (the period-after-opening, or PAO, jar symbol on the packaging confirms this). Store it in a cool, dry place with the cap closed, and the transparent tube lets you keep an eye on how much gel is left.
Verdict: The Lagom Cellup Gel To Water Cleanser is one of the most pleasant gentle morning cleansers in K-beauty. Its gel-to-water texture, low pH and genuinely hydrating, barrier-supporting formula (ceramides, hyaluronic acid, panthenol) leave skin soft instead of stripped, making it a standout for dry, combination and sensitive skin. Just go in knowing it is not a heavy-duty makeup remover, contains light natural essential oils, and is not fungal-acne safe. Pair it with an oil cleanser at night and it earns a permanent spot in a barrier-friendly routine.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 3 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 7 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Skin Conditioning, Emolient
|
Ache-fighting
|