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Low pH Daily Gel Cleanser 5.5

Low pH Daily Gel Cleanser 5.5

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A gentle, pH-balanced gel cleanser formulated at pH 5.5 to match your skin's natural acid mantle. Enriched with Salicylic Acid (BHA) and Allantoin, it removes dirt, excess oil, and impurities without stripping moisture — leaving skin clean, calm, and balanced after every wash.

pH 5.5 Balanced Contains BHA (Salicylic Acid) All Skin Types Daily Use Acne-Fighting Maintains Moisture Barrier
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
Caution
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
150ml
pH Level
5.5
Type
Gel Cleanser
Key Active
Salicylic Acid
Ingredients
12 Total
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

pH 5.5 Balanced Formula

Matches the skin's natural acid mantle to cleanse without disrupting the moisture barrier, preventing post-wash dryness and tightness.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Clear Gel
Scent
Light Fragrance
Absorption
Quick Rinse
Finish
Clean & Fresh

pH 5.5 Balanced Formula

Matches the skin's natural acid mantle to cleanse without disrupting the moisture barrier, preventing post-wash dryness and tightness.

Natural BHA Exfoliation

Salicylic Acid gently unclogs pores and reduces excess sebum, helping to prevent breakouts and refine skin texture over time.

Moisture-Retaining Cleanse

Formulated to remove impurities without stripping essential oils, leaving skin feeling hydrated and comfortable after every wash.

Soothing Allantoin

Allantoin calms irritated skin, promotes cell renewal, and helps reduce redness and sensitivity for a smoother complexion.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains Salicylic Acid (BHA) and DMDM Hydantoin (formaldehyde releaser). While it is a wash-off product with brief skin contact, many dermatologists recommend avoiding formaldehyde releasers during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before use.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

Contains Cocamide DEA, a coconut-derived fatty acid amide that may feed Malassezia yeast. As a wash-off product, the risk is lower than leave-on products, but those with active fungal acne may want a safer alternative.

Low Comedogenic Risk

Rated 1/5 for comedogenicity. As a rinse-off gel cleanser, ingredients have minimal time to clog pores. No heavy oils or known pore-clogging agents present.

DMDM Hydantoin (Formaldehyde Releaser)

This preservative slowly releases formaldehyde to prevent microbial growth. Approved for cosmetic use at under 0.6%, but may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals (8-9% of the U.S. population).

Contains Triclosan

Triclosan is a controversial antimicrobial ingredient. The FDA banned it from OTC antiseptic wash products in the U.S. in 2016 due to concerns about hormone disruption and antibiotic resistance. Still permitted in some cosmetic products internationally.

Contains SLS/SLES

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (listed as Galaxy LES 70) is a common surfactant that effectively removes oil and dirt, but can be stripping for very dry or extremely sensitive skin types.

Contains Fragrance

This product contains Fragrance Oil (Parfum), which is an undisclosed blend of aromatic chemicals. Those with fragrance sensitivities should patch test before full use.

Suitable for Daily Use

The pH 5.5 formula is gentle enough for twice-daily cleansing. The BHA concentration in this wash-off product provides mild exfoliation without over-stripping the skin.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Salicylic Acid (BHA) <2%Proven

A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates oil-filled pores to exfoliate from within. It dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and reduces excess sebum — making it a gold-standard acne-fighting ingredient.

  • Mechanism: Oil-soluble acid that penetrates sebum-filled pores to dissolve debris and dead cells
  • Clinical evidence: Multiple studies confirm efficacy against P. acnes bacteria and comedonal acne at 0.5-2% concentrations
  • pH dependency: Requires acidic pH (under 4) for maximum free acid activity; at pH 5.5, exfoliation is gentle and mild
At pH 5.5, the salicylic acid functions primarily as a mild exfoliant rather than a potent pore-clearing treatment. For stronger BHA action, a dedicated leave-on BHA product at lower pH is recommended.

Allantoin 0.1-0.5%Proven

A well-studied soothing and skin-conditioning agent derived from the comfrey plant. Allantoin promotes cell proliferation, softens the skin, and helps heal minor irritation.

  • Skin soothing: Recognized by the FDA as a Category I skin protectant at 0.5-2% concentration
  • Cell renewal: Promotes keratinocyte migration and proliferation, aiding in skin repair
  • Anti-irritant: Helps counteract the potential irritation from surfactants in the formula
Allantoin is non-irritating, non-allergenic, and safe for sensitive skin. It helps balance out the stripping effects of SLES in this formula.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) 1-5%Proven

A gentle, coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant commonly used to reduce the harshness of primary surfactants like SLES. It provides foam, improves skin feel, and has mild cleansing properties.

  • Mildness: Acts as a co-surfactant to reduce irritation potential of SLES
  • Hydrating: Coconut-derived formulation helps maintain skin hydration during cleansing
  • Safety: A 2012 study confirmed that pure, high-grade CAPB does not induce allergic reactions

DMDM Hydantoin <0.6%Controversial

A formaldehyde-releasing preservative that prevents bacterial and fungal growth. While effective at preservation, it has raised safety concerns due to its classification as a formaldehyde donor.

  • Preservation: Releases small amounts of formaldehyde to prevent microbial contamination
  • EU limit: Permitted up to 0.6% in finished cosmetic products in the EU
  • CIR assessment: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel concluded safe at current use levels, but limited free formaldehyde to 0.2%
DMDM Hydantoin is a known skin allergen affecting approximately 8-9% of the population. Those with formaldehyde sensitivity, dermatitis, or pregnant individuals should avoid this ingredient.

Triclosan <0.3%Controversial

An antimicrobial and antibacterial agent. The FDA issued a final rule in 2016 banning triclosan from OTC consumer antiseptic wash products in the United States due to insufficient evidence of safety and efficacy.

  • FDA ban: Banned from U.S. consumer hand soaps and body washes since September 2017
  • Endocrine concerns: Studies suggest potential thyroid hormone disruption and contribution to antibiotic resistance
  • Still permitted: Allowed in some cosmetic products and toothpaste internationally at concentrations up to 0.3%
This ingredient is controversial and has been phased out by many major cosmetics brands globally. Consider this when evaluating this product for long-term use.

12 ingredients

Aqua, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (Galaxy LES 70), Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, Carbomer, Potassium Hydroxide, Cocamide DEA (CDEA), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB), DMDM Hydantoin, Triclosan, Fragrance Oil (Parfum)

FREE FROM: Parabens, Silicones, Mineral Oil, Ethanol/Denatured Alcohol, Colorants/Dyes, Phthalates, Sulfates (contains SLES but no SLS)
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser (This Product)
2
Toner
3
Serum / Essence
4
Moisturizer
5
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as the first step in your skincare routine, both morning and evening. For heavy makeup days, consider double cleansing with an oil cleanser first, followed by this gel cleanser.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Splash lukewarm water on your face and hands. Avoid hot water as it can strip natural oils and irritate skin.

2

Apply a Small Amount

Squeeze a pea-to-dime-sized amount of gel onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way with this formula.

3

Massage Gently for 20 Seconds

Work the gel into a lather using circular motions across your face, focusing on the T-zone. Avoid the eye area.

4

Rinse & Pat Dry

Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel — never rub. Follow with toner and the rest of your routine.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You want a gentle daily cleanser that maintains your skin's pH balance
  • You have oily or combination skin prone to breakouts
  • You need mild BHA exfoliation without harsh treatments
  • You are looking for an ultra-affordable cleanser on a student budget
  • You want a simple, short ingredient list cleanser
  • You prefer a gel texture that lathers well

Consider alternatives if:

  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding (contains DMDM Hydantoin and Triclosan)
  • You have active fungal acne (Cocamide DEA may feed Malassezia)
  • You have formaldehyde sensitivity or contact dermatitis
  • You prefer fragrance-free, clean beauty formulations
  • You have very dry or eczema-prone skin (SLES may be too stripping)
  • You want a preservative system free of formaldehyde releasers
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

The SLES surfactant and BHA work well to cut through excess oil. Lathers nicely and leaves skin feeling clean without a greasy residue.

Combination Skin
Good

pH 5.5 helps maintain balance across different face zones. Effective on the T-zone without over-drying cheeks when used correctly.

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

Salicylic Acid provides mild pore-clearing action. Low comedogenic risk (1/5). However, fragrance and triclosan may be irritating for inflamed acne.

Dry Skin
Moderate

SLES can be stripping for dry skin types. Allantoin helps counteract this, but a cream or milk cleanser would be gentler for very dry skin.

Sensitive Skin
Moderate

Fragrance, DMDM Hydantoin, and Triclosan may cause irritation for reactive skin. Patch test first. The pH 5.5 and allantoin are positives, but other ingredients raise concerns.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 2-3
Day 1-3

Immediate Fresh & Clean Feel

Skin feels noticeably cleaner after each wash. The gel lathers up well and rinses off without leaving residue. Some users notice a slight refreshing sensation from the BHA.

90% noticed clean, refreshed skin
Week 1-2

Reduced Oiliness & Balanced Feel

Consistent use helps regulate sebum production. The pH-balanced formula starts showing benefits as the acid mantle stabilizes. Skin may feel less tight after washing compared to high-pH cleansers.

70% reported less midday oiliness
Week 3-4

Fewer Breakouts & Smoother Texture

The mild BHA exfoliation starts to unclog surface-level pores. Existing minor breakouts begin to resolve. Skin texture becomes smoother, especially in the T-zone area.

60% saw reduced breakout frequency
Month 2-3

Clearer, Healthier-Looking Complexion

With continued daily use, overall skin clarity improves. The combination of pH balance, mild BHA, and allantoin creates a healthier baseline for your skin. Pair with targeted treatments for best results.

55% reported visibly clearer skin
09

Ratings by platform

90+ REVIEWS
Arogga (Bangladesh)
4.9
Rating
70+
Ratings
Main concern: Limited international availability and limited detailed ingredient transparency
Shajgoj
4.5
Rating
50+
Reviews
Main complaint: Contains controversial ingredients like DMDM Hydantoin and Triclosan that some users are uncomfortable with
eMartWay Skincare
4.8
Rating
40+
Reviews
Main complaint: Fragrance may be too noticeable for scent-sensitive users
SkinSort
4.0
Rating
54
Routines
Main concern: Ingredient analysis flags DMDM Hydantoin and Triclosan as potential concerns for sensitive skin
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Ultra-affordable price point — excellent value for budget-conscious shoppers
  • pH 5.5 matches skin's natural acid mantle, preventing barrier damage
  • Contains salicylic acid for mild acne-fighting benefits
  • Allantoin soothes and calms skin during cleansing
  • Short, simple ingredient list (only 12 ingredients)
  • Lathers well and rinses off cleanly
  • Leaves skin feeling refreshed without over-drying
  • Suitable for daily AM and PM use

Criticized

  • Contains DMDM Hydantoin — a formaldehyde-releasing preservative
  • Contains Triclosan — banned in U.S. antiseptic washes by FDA
  • Contains SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) — may be stripping for dry/sensitive skin
  • Not fragrance-free — contains undisclosed Fragrance Oil
  • Not widely available outside Bangladesh
  • Not pregnancy/breastfeeding safe due to DMDM Hydantoin
  • Questionable for fungal acne due to Cocamide DEA
  • Salicylic acid effectiveness limited at pH 5.5 (needs lower pH for full BHA activity)
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
82% Match
Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
$10.00
Similar Price

Same pH-balanced gel concept with BHA (Betaine Salicylate), but SLS/SLES-free, paraben-free, and uses safer preservatives. 25 ingredients with tea tree oil and botanical extracts. K-beauty formulation with global availability.

68% Match
Renewing SA Cleanser
$12.99
Similar Price

Contains salicylic acid plus ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. Fragrance-free, DMDM-free, triclosan-free. More advanced barrier-support formula. Dermatologist recommended. Available at most drugstores worldwide.

60% Match
Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash
$7.49
Budget Pick

Gentle gel cleanser with no harsh chemicals, artificial perfume, or color. No BHA active ingredient, but very gentle for sensitive skin. Contains vitamins B5 and E. UK-based brand with a clean ingredient philosophy.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Key Active Betaine Salicylate (BHA) + Tea Tree Oil
pH Level 5.3-6.3
Size 150ml
Fragrance No (tea tree scent only)
Preservative Sodium Benzoate (safe)
Ingredient Count 25
Origin South Korea (K-Beauty)
Renewing SA Cleanser
Key Active Salicylic Acid + Ceramides + Niacinamide
pH Level ~5.0-6.0
Size 237ml
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Preservative Phenoxyethanol (safe)
Ingredient Count 28
Origin USA
Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
Key Active Zinc PCA + Thermal Spring Water
pH Level ~5.5
Size 200ml
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Preservative Phenoxyethanol (safe)
Ingredient Count 20+
Origin France (French Pharmacy)
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap tightly closed after use to prevent contamination.

Packaging

Plastic squeeze tube with flip-top cap

Travel Friendly

150ml — exceeds the 100ml carry-on liquid limit. Transfer to a smaller container for air travel, or pack in checked luggage.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

This product is NOT recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It contains DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative that is classified as CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, and Reprotoxic). It also contains Triclosan, which has raised endocrine disruption concerns. While the salicylic acid concentration is low and it is a wash-off product, the combination of these ingredients makes it a product to avoid during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider and consider safer alternatives like CeraVe or COSRX cleansers.

This product is considered a CAUTION for fungal acne. It contains Cocamide DEA (CDEA), which is a coconut-derived fatty acid amide that could potentially feed Malassezia yeast. However, since this is a wash-off product with brief skin contact time, the risk is lower than with leave-on products. If you have active fungal acne, consider a cleanser verified as fungal-acne safe, such as the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser or a simple sulfate-free option.

Yes, this cleanser can be used alongside active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Since it is a wash-off product, the salicylic acid in this cleanser rinses away and does not interact with your leave-on actives. Just be sure to follow your cleanser with actives as directed — apply vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night. If using additional BHA or AHA leave-on treatments, monitor your skin for over-exfoliation (redness, peeling, sensitivity).

This cleanser is best suited for oily and combination skin types. The SLES surfactant provides effective oil removal, while the BHA offers mild pore-clearing benefits. It also works for normal skin. Dry and sensitive skin types may find the SLES and fragrance too stripping or irritating — in those cases, a gentler, fragrance-free cleanser would be a better fit.

You will feel an immediate clean, refreshed feeling from the first use. Reduced oiliness is typically noticed within 1-2 weeks of consistent use. Visible improvements in breakout frequency and skin texture may take 3-4 weeks. For best results, use twice daily (AM and PM) as part of a complete skincare routine with toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

This cleanser goes as the FIRST step in your skincare routine (or second step if you use an oil cleanser or makeup remover first for double cleansing). After cleansing, follow with: Toner → Serum/Essence → Moisturizer → Sunscreen (AM only). The brand recommends a 5-step routine: Cleanser → Toner → Treat (Serum) → Moisturizer → Sunscreen.

This cleanser has a low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. As a rinse-off product, the ingredients have minimal time on your skin to clog pores. It contains no heavy oils, waxes, or known comedogenic ingredients. The salicylic acid actually helps to unclog pores. Most users report that it does not cause breakouts, though individuals with extreme sensitivity to SLES or fragrance should patch test first.

The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. After opening, use within one year for optimal effectiveness and safety. Store in a cool, dry place with the cap closed. At the recommended usage of twice daily, the 150ml tube typically lasts approximately 2-3 months, well within the PAO window.

— Skincarisma verdict
3.2 / 5 ★★★☆☆

Verdict: The Innsaei Low pH Daily Gel Cleanser 5.5 delivers on its core promise of gentle, pH-balanced cleansing at an exceptionally affordable price. The pH 5.5 formulation, BHA content, and allantoin are smart choices for maintaining the skin's acid mantle. However, the inclusion of DMDM Hydantoin (formaldehyde releaser), Triclosan (banned in U.S. antiseptic washes), and fragrance oil significantly limit its appeal for safety-conscious consumers. If you prioritize clean, safe formulations, competitors like COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser or CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser offer safer ingredient profiles with similar or better performance. This cleanser is best for budget-focused consumers with oily/combination skin who are not concerned about controversial preservatives.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb 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 «promises» 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.

muscle 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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Salicylic Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Allantoin
ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Salicylic Acid
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1 1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
1
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
33% 25% 41%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 12 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
4 B
Salicylic Acid
Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Antidandruff Agent, Antiacne Agent, Denaturant, Preservative, Exfoliant, Keratolytic, Corn/Callus/Wart Remover
brightening Brightening
ache Ache-fighting
Pores
3 Unknown
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing, Foaming
1 A
Disodium EDTA
Viscosity Controlling, Chelating Agent
1 A
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS