Snail & Azulane Low pH Cleanser (Renewed)
Snail & Azulane Low pH Cleanser (Renewed)
Product Description
Product overview
A mildly acidic K-Beauty gel cleanser formulated with 7% Snail Secretion Filtrate and Sodium Guaiazulene Sulfonate (derived from chamomile) to gently cleanse, soothe redness, and strengthen the skin barrier — without stripping away moisture. The Renewed formula features a streamlined, fragrance-free, paraben-free ingredient list with coconut-derived surfactants and a skin-matching pH of ~5.5, making it ideal for sensitive, reactive, and acne-prone skin types.
7% Snail Secretion Filtrate
Clinically studied mucin complex provides hydration, supports skin elasticity, aids barrier repair, and helps calm post-inflammatory redness after cleansing.
Texture & feel
SENSORY7% Snail Secretion Filtrate
Clinically studied mucin complex provides hydration, supports skin elasticity, aids barrier repair, and helps calm post-inflammatory redness after cleansing.
Sodium Guaiazulene Sulfonate (Azulene)
Chamomile-derived blue pigment (50 ppm) that gives the cleanser its distinctive purple hue. A potent anti-inflammatory that visibly calms irritation and soothes reactive skin.
Skin-Matching pH ~5.5
Formulated to match the skin's natural acidic pH, protecting the moisture barrier, preserving beneficial microbiome balance, and preventing post-cleanse tightness or dryness.
Coconut-Derived Surfactants
Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate deliver a gentle, effective cleanse that removes dirt, oil, and pollution without stripping the skin's lipid layer.
Panthenol + Allantoin Complex
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) deeply hydrates and strengthens the barrier, while Allantoin promotes skin-cell renewal and soothes sensitivity — keeping skin comfortable after washing.
Clean, Minimalist Formula
Only 19 ingredients. Free from parabens, silicones, sulfates, harsh alcohols, common allergens, and added fragrance — the Renewed formula is cleaner than the original version.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen actives. All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Contains Polysorbate 60, an emulsifier that has been flagged by some fungal-acne resources as potentially problematic for Malassezia-sensitive skin. The Renewed version removes some older variants. Patch test recommended if you have active fungal acne.
No high-comedogenic oils or waxes. Polysorbate 60 rates 1 on the comedogenic scale. The formula is overwhelmingly low-risk for clogging pores and is widely used by acne-prone skin types.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and paraben-free. Azulene and Allantoin actively soothe reactive skin. Reviewed extensively by sensitive skin users with minimal reports of irritation.
Safe to use before applying retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, AHA/BHA, and peptides. The low pH actually helps prep skin to receive subsequent actives more effectively.
The distinctive purple/blue color comes from azulene, a natural pigment. Color intensity may shift over time or with temperature changes — this is a natural phenomenon and does not affect product quality or efficacy.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSWater BaseFoundation
The primary solvent and base of the formula. Hydrophilic (water-loving) ingredients dissolve in this medium. In this cleanser, water forms the bulk of the gel base that carries all other actives to the skin's surface.
- Function: Solvent, humectant base, formula carrier
- Position: #1 ingredient — highest concentration in the formula
Cocamidopropyl Betaine ~10–20%Proven
A mild amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil. It creates a soft, creamy lather that effectively removes excess sebum, environmental pollution, and light makeup without disrupting the skin barrier or causing irritation.
- Function: Primary cleansing agent, foam booster, conditioning surfactant
- Skin benefit: Maintains skin's natural moisture during cleansing vs. harsher SLS/SLES
- Source: Coconut oil — biodegradable and reef-safe
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate ~5–15%Proven
A mild coconut-derived anionic surfactant. It contributes to the cleanser's ability to emulsify oils and rinse away impurities while maintaining a low, skin-compatible pH and leaving a soft, conditioned feel after rinsing.
- Function: Secondary cleansing surfactant, pH-compatible lathering agent
- Advantage: Significantly gentler than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
- Comedogenic rating: 0 — non-pore-clogging
Snail Secretion Filtrate 7%Proven
Snail mucin is one of K-Beauty's most studied bioactive ingredients. At 7%, this concentration delivers meaningful hydration, barrier support, and anti-inflammatory benefits — even during the brief contact time of cleansing. The glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid within mucin are deposited on the skin as you rinse.
- Key components: Glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, allantoin, collagen precursors
- Clinical study (2013, JDDG): Snail mucin significantly improved skin hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces erythema; used clinically for radiation dermatitis (Dr. R. Abad Iglesias, Spain)
- Wound healing: Promotes fibroblast migration and collagen synthesis
Polysorbate 60 ~1–3%Promising
A non-ionic emulsifier derived from sorbitol and fatty acids that helps blend oil-soluble ingredients (like Chamomilla Recutita Flower Oil) into the water-based gel formula, ensuring uniform texture and delivery.
- Function: Emulsifier, solubilizer for oil components
- Comedogenic rating: 1 — considered non-comedogenic at cosmetic use levels
Butylene Glycol ~1–5%Proven
A multifunctional humectant and solvent. It draws moisture into the skin, improves the texture and spreadability of the gel formula, and enhances the penetration and delivery of other active ingredients to the skin.
- Function: Humectant, solvent, skin-conditioning agent
- Hydration: Retains water in the upper layers of the stratum corneum
- Safety: Non-comedogenic, well-tolerated by sensitive skin
1,2-Hexanediol ~0.5–2%Proven
A multifunctional glycol used as a mild preservative booster and skin-conditioning agent. It enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of other preservatives, helping to extend product shelf life without the need for parabens or formaldehyde releasers.
- Function: Preservative booster, humectant, solvent
- Benefit: Allows for cleaner, shorter preservative systems
- Tolerance: Generally well-tolerated; considered non-irritating at cosmetic concentrations
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Oil ~50 ppmProven
Cold-pressed chamomile flower oil, the natural source of azulene — the blue anti-inflammatory compound responsible for the cleanser's distinctive purple color. It delivers calming, anti-irritant, and antioxidant activity to the skin.
- Key active: Chamazulene — potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
- Research: Clinical studies confirm chamomile's ability to reduce skin inflammation and support barrier recovery (European Journal of Dermatology, 2000)
- Color note: Natural azulene blue pigment causes slight color variation between batches — this is normal
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) ~0.5–1%Proven
Panthenol converts to Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) in the skin, where it functions as a powerful humectant that attracts and retains water. It also supports keratinocyte proliferation and accelerates barrier repair — essential for post-cleanse skin recovery.
- Hydration: Increases skin moisture content and reduces TEWL
- Barrier repair: Promotes synthesis of ceramides and lipid components in the stratum corneum
- Wound healing: Multiple RCTs confirm accelerated healing of minor skin damage
Allantoin ~0.1–0.5%Proven
A naturally occurring compound (found in comfrey root and snail mucin) with well-documented keratolytic and healing properties. It softens the skin, promotes desquamation of dead cells, and accelerates tissue regeneration — making it ideal for sensitive and compromised skin.
- Function: Skin protectant, keratolytic, wound healing agent
- FDA classification: Listed as a safe and effective skin protectant
- Benefit: Reduces scaling and roughness; supports skin renewal post-cleanse
Sodium Guaiazulene Sulfonate 50 ppmProven
A water-soluble, stabilized form of guaiazulene — the key active component of chamomile. This synthetic analogue is more stable and bioavailable than plant-extracted azulene, making it ideal for rinse-off cleansers. It provides potent anti-inflammatory, anti-redness, and skin-calming effects at just 50 ppm.
- Function: Anti-inflammatory, skin calming, antioxidant
- Mechanism: Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and reduces erythema
- Used for: Rosacea, post-procedural redness, reactive and sensitized skin
- Stability advantage: Water-soluble sulfonated form resists oxidation unlike pure azulene
Citric Acid pH AdjusterFunctional
Used to adjust and stabilize the formula to its target pH of ~5.5. By keeping the cleanser mildly acidic, citric acid protects the skin's natural acid mantle, supports the microbiome, and ensures the cleanser does not disrupt the barrier during use.
- Function: pH adjuster, chelating agent, mild AHA
- At this concentration: Acts as a pH buffer — not a chemical exfoliant
19 ingredients
Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Snail Secretion Filtrate (7%), Polysorbate 60, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acrylates Copolymer, Tromethamine, Ethyl Hexanediol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Oil, Dipropylene Glycol, Panthenol, Allantoin, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Guaiazulene Sulfonate (50ppm)
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as a second-cleanse step (after an oil/micellar cleanser if wearing SPF or makeup). Suitable for both AM and PM routines. Low pH prepares skin to absorb subsequent actives more effectively.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Hands & Face
Splash face with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water — it strips the skin barrier and temporarily raises skin pH, reducing the cleanser's effectiveness.
Dispense & Lather
Pump or squeeze a small amount (about a 10-cent coin size) onto wet palms. Rub hands together to create a light, creamy lather before applying to the face.
Massage in Circular Motions
Apply lather to the face and massage gently in upward circular motions for 30–60 seconds, paying attention to the T-zone, jawline, and hairline where buildup accumulates.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water until all product is removed. Pat dry with a clean, soft towel — do not rub, as this can cause micro-irritation and disrupt the barrier you just protected.
Continue Your Routine Immediately
Apply your next steps (toner, essence, serum) while skin is still slightly damp for maximum ingredient absorption. Do not leave skin bare for more than 60 seconds before applying hydrating products.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, redness-prone, or reactive skin
- Your current cleanser leaves skin tight, dry, or stripped
- You are rebuilding a damaged or compromised skin barrier
- You use active ingredients (retinol, AHAs, BHAs) and need a gentle daily cleanser
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and want a clean, safe formula
- You prefer fragrance-free K-Beauty products
- You have acne-prone skin and want a cleanser that does not clog pores
- You enjoy snail mucin-based skincare products
Consider alternatives if:
- You wear heavy, long-wear, or waterproof makeup (this needs double cleansing)
- You have confirmed, active fungal acne / pityrosporum folliculitis on the face (caution with Polysorbate 60)
- You need a strong, deep-cleansing cleanser for very oily skin
- You prefer a richly foaming, spa-like cleanser experience
- You require medical-grade antibacterial cleansing (e.g., post-procedure)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESFragrance-free, with azulene and allantoin actively calming irritation. One of the best K-Beauty cleansers for reactive, sensitized skin.
Snail mucin, panthenol, and butylene glycol leave dry skin feeling hydrated and comfortable rather than tight after cleansing.
Balances well across dry cheeks and oily T-zones — cleans the oily areas without over-drying the drier zones of the face.
Effectively removes excess sebum, though those with very oily skin may want to double-cleanse or follow with a pore-refining toner for a deeper clean.
Non-comedogenic (rating 1/5), fragrance-free formula. Snail mucin helps soothe active breakouts and reduce post-acne redness during cleansing.
Low pH and barrier-supporting actives (snail mucin, panthenol, allantoin) make this an ideal cleanser for skin recovering from over-exfoliation or environmental damage.
Results timeline
MONTH 2–3Immediately Softer, No Post-Cleanse Tightness
Users consistently report that their skin feels soft, plush, and comfortable immediately after rinsing — unlike traditional foaming cleansers that leave a tight or squeaky-clean feeling. The low pH cleanser respects the skin's natural state.
90%+ noticedReduced Redness & Improved Hydration
Consistent users with sensitive or redness-prone skin report visible calming of baseline irritation and redness within the first two weeks of daily use. Skin feels more balanced and comfortable throughout the day.
~75% noticedCleaner Complexion & Reduced Breakouts
Regular low-pH cleansing supports a healthy skin microbiome, which can lead to fewer congestion-related breakouts. The non-stripping formula allows the skin barrier to stabilize, reducing the overproduction of sebum that often triggers acne.
~65% noticedSmoother Texture & Improved Barrier Resilience
Long-term users report a more even skin texture, faster healing of post-acne marks, and increased resilience — skin becomes less reactive to environmental stressors and active ingredients in the rest of their routine.
~55% noticedRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Genuinely does not strip or dry out the skin
- 7% snail mucin is a meaningful, non-token concentration
- Distinctive purple color from functional azulene — not a dye
- Excellent value for money — 200ml for under $15
- Fragrance-free and paraben-free — clean formula
- Skin-matching pH ~5.5 supports barrier health
- Suitable for morning and evening use
- Reef-safe and cruelty-free
- Repurchase rate is very high among regular users
Criticized
- Mild lather — less satisfying for users of traditional foaming cleansers
- Polysorbate 60 may not suit confirmed fungal acne sufferers
- Tube cap reported to occasionally leak when horizontal
- Not sufficient as a standalone cleanser when wearing heavy SPF or waterproof makeup — double cleanse required
- Color intensity may vary between batches (natural variation)
- Limited availability in some regions outside of online K-Beauty stores
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESThe most popular low-pH K-Beauty cleanser. Uses tea tree oil and Betaine Salicylate rather than snail mucin or azulene. Excellent for oily/acne-prone skin but can be drying for dry or sensitive types. No snail mucin — less barrier-supportive than the Tia'm formula.
Shares a low pH philosophy and multiple overlapping surfactants. Adds multiple weights of hyaluronic acid for hydration instead of snail mucin. Good for dry/dehydrated skin but lacks azulene's anti-inflammatory benefits. Slightly richer foam texture.
The closest ingredient-match dupe identified by Skinsort's algorithm. An oil-to-milk cleanser with overlapping skin-conditioning ingredients. Better suited as a first-cleanse step. Lacks snail mucin and azulene but shares the barrier-protective philosophy. Higher price point.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. The natural azulene color may subtly shift over time — this is expected and does not indicate spoilage.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid storing in humid environments (like directly in the shower) to preserve formula integrity and PAO.
Squeeze tube (200 ml). The tube format minimizes air exposure and contamination risk. Ensure cap is tightly closed after each use to prevent leakage when stored horizontally.
The 200 ml size exceeds airline carry-on liquid limits. Decant into a travel-size bottle (<100 ml) for carry-on travel, or pack in checked luggage in the original sealed tube.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes — this cleanser is considered safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The formula contains no retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, retinyl palmitate), no salicylic acid, no hydroquinone, no chemical UV filters, and no added fragrance. The Snail Secretion Filtrate, azulene, panthenol, and allantoin are all well-tolerated and pose no known risk during pregnancy. As with all skincare, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider or OB-GYN if you have specific concerns.
This requires caution. The formula contains Polysorbate 60, an emulsifier that some fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis / Malassezia folliculitis) resources flag as potentially feeding Malassezia yeast. While the product is a rinse-off cleanser (contact time is brief and the ingredient is diluted), individuals with active fungal acne on the face should patch test carefully or consider a confirmed fungal-acne-safe alternative such as the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. The Renewed formula has reduced some of the more problematic older variants compared to the original formula.
Yes — this cleanser is fully compatible with all actives including retinol, vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid), BHAs (salicylic acid), niacinamide, and peptides. In fact, the low pH ~5.5 formula is ideal as a pre-active cleanser because it does not disrupt the skin's acid mantle or significantly alter skin pH before applying pH-sensitive actives like vitamin C serums (which work best at pH 2.5–3.5). Simply cleanse as normal, then apply your actives after rinsing and patting dry.
This cleanser is rated Excellent for sensitive, dry, combination, acne-prone, and barrier-damaged skin types. It performs particularly well for people switching away from stripping, high-pH cleansers. It is rated Good for oily skin — it effectively removes sebum but some with very oily skin may prefer a cleanser with a slightly stronger degreasing action. It is used by people across all skin types within the K-Beauty community and in 176+ tracked skincare routines on Skinsort.
The absence of post-cleanse tightness is typically noticed from the very first use. Visible improvements in redness and hydration are commonly reported within 1–2 weeks of consistent daily use. More significant changes — including fewer breakouts, smoother texture, and improved barrier resilience — are typically noticeable after 4–8 weeks. Since this is a cleanser (rinse-off product), results build gradually over time through the cumulative protective effect of maintaining your skin's healthy pH and barrier integrity with every wash.
This is a second-cleanse step, used as Step 2 in a double-cleanse routine (after an oil cleanser or micellar water), or as your single cleanser in the morning if you do not wear SPF overnight. The routine order is: Oil/Micellar Cleanser (Step 1 — PM only if wearing SPF/makeup) → Tia'm Low pH Cleanser → Toner/Essence → Serum/Treatment → Moisturizer → SPF (AM). It is suitable for both morning and evening routines. The low pH helps prep skin to receive subsequent actives more effectively.
No — this cleanser has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, which is considered non-comedogenic. It contains no high-comedogenic oils, heavy waxes, or occlusive butters. The primary ingredients (Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Panthenol, Allantoin) all have comedogenic ratings of 0–1. Polysorbate 60, the only ingredient with any comedogenic note, rates a 1 and is used at cosmetic concentrations that are not pore-clogging in practice. The cleanser is widely used by acne-prone skin users without reports of pore-clogging.
The Period After Opening (PAO) for this cleanser is 12 months. Given the 200 ml tube size and typical usage of 1–2 pumps twice daily, a single tube typically lasts 3–6 months for most users — well within the PAO window. Store the tube in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight with the cap tightly closed after each use. The azulene color may shift slightly over time; this is a normal natural phenomenon and does not indicate the product has expired or gone bad.
Verdict: The Tia'm Snail & Azulene Low pH Cleanser (Renewed) is one of the most thoughtfully formulated budget K-Beauty cleansers available. With a genuine 7% Snail Secretion Filtrate concentration, clinically validated azulene from chamomile, skin-matching pH ~5.5, and a clean, minimal 19-ingredient list, it delivers real barrier-protective and soothing benefits that most cleansers at twice the price cannot match. It is especially well-suited for sensitive, dry, and acne-prone skin types who have been frustrated by stripping or irritating cleansers. The only caveats are the limited lather for heavy-makeup users and the Polysorbate 60 for fungal acne sufferers — but for the vast majority of skin types, this is an exceptional, repurchase-worthy daily cleanser from the South Korean brandTia'm.
Product Overview
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
Cleansing, Surfactant
|
|
|
| 1 |
Snail Secretion Filtrate
Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
|
|
| 3 |
Polysorbate 60
Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|





