COSRX AC COLLECTION CALMING FOAM CLEANSER 150ML

Values you can trust: 100% Genuine (Adilsons policy) / Halal-Friendly* / Vegan-Friendly* / Cruelty-Free (uncertified)*.

*Brand-stated Functional Cosmetic claim; no MFDS registration number independently verified in our research.

Persistent breakouts and an oily T-zone in humid weather are exhausting to manage, and it's easy to over-wash trying to "fix" it — which usually makes things worse, not better. This cleanser is built to interrupt that cycle: enough Salicylic Acid to work inside the pore, enough Centella to keep the process from feeling punishing.

Pros: verified 0.5% Salicylic Acid, calming Centella trio, rich lather from a small amount, large 150ml size. Caveats: alkaline pH (~9) can feel stripping on dry/normal skin, contains fragrance (lavender oil, Linalool, Limonene), not fungal-acne safe.

In Mauritius heat, the oil on your skin by midday is mostly sebum and sweat doing their job, not "dirt" — but it feels grimy enough that washing more than twice a day is tempting. Every extra wash strips the acid mantle (the skin's protective pH 4.5-5.5 film), and stripped skin responds by producing more sebum to compensate, which is the exact oiliness you were trying to eliminate.

This cleanser breaks that cycle two ways: 0.5% Salicylic Acid works inside the pore to dissolve the sebum-and-dead-skin plugs that turn into blackheads and closed comedones, so you need less mechanical scrubbing to feel clean, and the CentellAC-RX complex calms the inflammation that over-washing and active breakouts both cause. The trade-off is its alkaline pH (~9) — effective for a deep, oil-cutting clean, but not a "low-pH gentle" formula, so once-daily use (not twice) is the safer default for most combination skin.

Classification: YELLOW — 14+ with guidance. The active ingredient is a real exfoliating acid (0.5% Salicylic Acid), not just a hydrator, and prepubescent skin hasn't yet developed the sebaceous activity this product is designed to manage. The concentration is low and the format is wash-off (60 seconds of contact, then rinsed away), which meaningfully lowers the risk compared to a leave-on BHA — but it is still an active, not a plain gel wash.

Packaging is plain, functional COSRX branding rather than youth-targeted design, so this isn't a "packaging trap" case. For a teen just starting to deal with breakouts, start once daily (PM) and watch for excessive dryness before increasing frequency.

1. When: PM to start (once daily); add AM only once your skin tolerates it well.
2. How much: A pea-to-dime-sized amount (about 0.75-1.5ml), lathered with water in your palms first.
3. How: Massage the foam onto damp skin in circular motions for about 60 seconds, avoiding the eye area, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Introduce this as the ONLY new product in your routine. Wait a full 14 days before adding anything else. This isolation window ensures you can identify whether any reaction is caused by this specific product.

1. COSRX AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser — 60 seconds, lukewarm water, rinse thoroughly.
2. Hydrating toner (optional) — rebalance after the pH-9 cleanse.
3. Lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
4. Broad-spectrum SPF50+ — mandatory, especially since active breakouts leave post-inflammatory marks that UV exposure darkens.

In Mauritius' humid mornings, humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerin) in your toner pull moisture from the humid air rather than from deeper skin layers, so even a quick hydrating step after this alkaline cleanser does real work.

1. Oil cleanser or micellar water (only if wearing sunscreen/makeup) to dissolve oil-based residue.
2. COSRX AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser — the water-based second cleanse, or your only cleanse on bare-skin days.
3. Targeted treatment (spot gel, brightening serum) if not conflicting with the cleanser's BHA lane.
4. Lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to reseal.

If you're already running a leave-on BHA/AHA or retinoid elsewhere in your PM routine, this wash-off cleanser still counts toward your "one active lane" for the night — see the Conflict Solver below before stacking more actives on top.

Technique: Pat/press or gently massage — do not scrub. Friction from vigorous rubbing degrades the calming effect and can worsen inflamed acne. Use the "60-Second Rule": keep the lather on skin for roughly a full minute of massage before rinsing, giving the surfactants and Salicylic Acid adequate contact time to work.

Required skin state: Apply to damp skin (helps the foam spread evenly and lather more easily). Hands vs. cotton pad: hands deliver 100% of the product; a cotton pad absorbs 30-40% of it, so hands are the better choice for a cleanser you're relying on for active delivery.

This is an encyclopedia map of all product types. You do not use all of these daily. You select modules based on your skin state.

Global execution rules: layer thinnest to thickest, water-phase before oil-phase, treatments before seals. Wait-time defaults: watery layers 10-20s, serum layers 30-60s, 10-15 minutes before sunscreen if going outdoors or applying makeup. Hydrators go on slightly damp skin; retinoids on fully dry skin; exfoliating acids on dry-to-lightly-damp skin depending on tolerance. If your routine pills, stings, or feels heavy, reduce layers — never increase them to compensate.

AM Maximum Stack: (1) Rinse/gentle cleanse — 1-2 pumps or pea-size, this is that step; (2) pH-prep toner (optional, 5-8 drops); (3) hydrating toner layers (1-3, optional); (4) essence (optional — choose toner OR essence if you pill easily, not both); (5) mist (optional micro-step); (6) booster/soothing serum (Centella, panthenol — 2-3 drops); (7) antioxidant lane (choose one, optional); (8) pigment-support lane (optional, one only); (9) hydration serum lane (HA/polyglutamic acid, optional); (10) oil-control/sebum-regulating lane (niacinamide/zinc, optional); (11) peptides/repair lane (optional); (12) eye product (optional, ½ rice-grain per eye); (13) moisturizer (gel 1-1.5 peas / cream 1-2 peas); (14) optional sealing occlusive (only if dry/AC, thin film); (15) sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++, non-negotiable, 2-finger rule; (16) lip SPF (optional). In AM, prioritize comfort and SPF adherence over stacking — in high humidity, fewer layers often perform better.

PM Maximum Stack: (1) micellar pre-cleanse (optional, heavy makeup/sunscreen); (2) oil cleanser/balm (if wearing SPF/makeup) — massage dry, emulsify with water, rinse; (3) water cleanser — this product, second cleanse or standalone; (4) pH-prep toner (optional); (5) hydrating toner layers (optional, stop early if tacky); (6) essence (optional); (7) soothing/barrier serum (optional, buffers active lanes); (8) anchor active for the night if different from this cleanser (retinoid on fully dry skin, wait 2-5 min; acid/exfoliant, wait 1-3 min; otherwise 30-60s); (9) targeted serum (optional, only if non-conflicting); (10) moisturizer; (11) sleeping mask (optional, dry/barrier-support nights); (12) occlusive seal (optional, avoid if clog-prone); (13) spot treatment/pimple patch (as needed); (14) lip sleeping mask (optional).

Do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA in the same night; keep "one lane" per night. One-lane rule: Retinoid OR Exfoliation OR Strong Vitamin C (LAA) OR Acne-control active per routine; barrier/hydration can always accompany. If unsure, default to the safest lane — barrier/hydration — and reduce layers.

This is a rinse-off cleanser — the very first step of any routine, applied and removed before any leave-on product touches your skin, so it sits outside the normal thinnest-to-thickest layering ladder entirely. Its job is purely to prep a clean surface for whatever comes next.

Because it is water-based and fully rinsed away, there's no phase-compatibility conflict to manage with later steps — the one thing to watch is timing, not layering: rinse thoroughly so no residual alkaline film (pH ~9) is left to interfere with a low-pH toner's acid-mantle-restoring job.

Purging vs. Reaction: PURGING shows up in your usual breakout areas, stays surface-level, and resolves within 4-6 weeks as cell turnover speeds up. A REACTION appears in new areas, involves burning, swelling, or hives, and gets worse rather than better — stop immediately if you see this pattern.

Before starting this product, your routine should already include a basic moisturizer and, if you go outdoors, daily SPF. Without those foundations, an alkaline BHA cleanser used on already-dry, unprotected skin causes more irritation than benefit.

Barrier index gate: if your skin stings on moisturizer, feels tight within 30 minutes of any cleanse, or shows visible flaking, your barrier is below the threshold this product assumes. Start with a genuinely low-pH, fragrance-free cleanser — see COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser — before returning to this one.

Active acne and blemishes: 0.5% Salicylic Acid is oil-soluble and penetrates into the pore lining to dissolve the sebum-and-dead-skin plug that forms a comedone. Clogged pores and blackheads: the same keratolytic mechanism, applied consistently over weeks, reduces new blackhead formation. Redness and irritation around active breakouts: Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside are anti-inflammatory Centella derivatives that calm the visible redness around inflamed lesions.

Secondary benefit: the rich lather also lifts sunscreen and daytime grime effectively as a second-cleanse step. What this product cannot do: it cannot shrink pore size (pores don't have muscles to contract), cannot treat cystic/nodular acne that sits below the skin's surface (a wash-off product's contact time is too brief to reach it), and cannot fade existing post-inflammatory marks — that needs a leave-on brightening active plus consistent SPF.

Every recommendation below was verified as currently active and in stock in the Adilsons catalog at the time of writing. Adilsons restocks constantly, so we give a primary pick plus alternatives for each slot rather than a single static recommendation.

Hydrating toner (to rebalance after the pH-9 cleanse) — primary: COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner (AM/PM, 5-8 drops, wait 10-20s). Alternatives: a gentle exfoliating toner such as COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Daily Toner (use on alternate days from this cleanser's BHA — see Conflict Solver below), or a barrier-support essence-toner from another line if you find yourself needing more calming than exfoliation.

Targeted spot treatment — primary: COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum (PM, on active blemishes only, after this cleanser, wait 30-60s before moisturizer) — same sub-line, formulated to work with this cleanser's calming lane rather than against it.

Post-acne dark mark support — primary: Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Correcting Serum (AM or PM, 2-3 drops, wait 30-60s) — addresses PIH left behind once active breakouts calm down; niacinamide is generally well tolerated alongside a wash-off BHA cleanser.

Lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer — primary: Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel, purpose-built for sebum control on oily/combination skin. Alternatives: Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream, APLB AHA BHA PHA Centella Facial Cream, or, for those who find this cleanser leaves them tight, the richer SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream.

Daily SPF (mandatory for acne-prone routines) — primary: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++. Alternatives: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica Soothing Sun Milk (formulated specifically for acne-prone/oily skin), SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream Light (mineral-only, zinc oxide), or Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream.

Pilling pairs: as a rinse-off product this cleanser has no pilling interactions of its own — pilling risk depends entirely on what you layer afterward, not on this step.

This is a conflict-solver for ACTIVE ingredients. If you run multiple actives, use these rules to avoid irritation, deactivation, and barrier damage.

Universal rules: run only one primary active lane per AM or PM routine (Retinoid OR Acid Exfoliation OR L-Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C OR Benzoyl Peroxide OR strong acne lane). If you break a rule, don't push through — reduce frequency, split AM/PM, or alternate nights. If moisturizer stings or skin feels tight within 30 minutes of cleansing, pause all actives and run barrier-only for 3-7 days.

This cleanser's own lane: because it's wash-off with roughly 60 seconds of contact time, it's lower-risk to combine with a leave-on active than a leave-on BHA/AHA product would be — but it still counts as your BHA exposure for the day.

• × Leave-on Retinoid (Retinol/Retinal/Tretinoin/Adapalene): Generally tolerable to use this cleanser AM/PM alongside a PM retinoid, since the acid rinses away before the retinoid goes on — but if you notice extra dryness or flaking, switch to a low-pH cleanser on retinoid nights instead.
• × Leave-on AHA/BHA exfoliant (separate product): Avoid stacking a strong leave-on acid on top of this cleanser same-day if you're new to actives — that's two acid exposures in one routine. Instead: use this cleanser daily, and keep a separate leave-on exfoliant to 1-2x/week until you know your tolerance.
• × Benzoyl Peroxide (leave-on spot treatment): No direct chemistry conflict since this rinses off first, but doubling up BHA-cleanse + BPO can be drying for combination/dry areas — apply BPO only to active spots, not the whole face.
• × L-Ascorbic Acid (pure Vitamin C serum): No conflict — this cleanser is gone before the Vitamin C goes on. Standard AM Vitamin C / PM retinoid-or-acid split still applies for your other actives.

Scheduling template — AM/PM Split (most common): AM: gentle rinse or this cleanser (if oily overnight) → antioxidant/Vitamin C → moisturizer → SPF. PM: this cleanser (or double-cleanse if wearing SPF/makeup) → your one leave-on active lane → moisturizer.

Do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA in the same night; keep "one lane" per night. One-lane rule: Retinoid OR Exfoliation OR Strong Vitamin C (LAA) OR Acne-control active per routine; barrier/hydration can always accompany. If unsure, default to the safest lane and reduce layers.

Pre-period breakouts happen because progesterone causes the pore lining to physically swell, narrowing the opening and trapping sebum beneath — which is exactly the mechanical problem 0.5% Salicylic Acid is designed to address, since it works from inside the pore rather than on the surface.

Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which breaks down collagen, increases transepidermal water loss (TEWL), triggers inflammatory acne flares, and compromises barrier function — a combination that makes an already-alkaline cleanser feel harsher than usual during high-stress periods.

The CentellAC-RX complex's anti-inflammatory action (Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside) can help calm stress-triggered inflammatory breakouts, but during a genuinely high-stress stretch, dialing back to once-daily use and leaning more on your moisturizer is the more reliable protocol than pushing frequency up to "fix" stress breakouts faster.

MYTH: "A squeaky-clean feeling after cleansing means it worked." REALITY: That tightness is usually the acid mantle being stripped, not dirt being removed — it's a sign to reduce frequency and follow up with hydration, not a sign of success.

MYTH: "Washing your face more often will clear acne faster." REALITY: Over-washing triggers compensatory sebum production, which can worsen breakouts. Twice daily maximum, with this cleanser, is the ceiling — not a floor to exceed when frustrated.

MYTH: "If it stings a little, it's 'working.'" REALITY: Salicylic Acid working correctly shouldn't burn. Persistent stinging beyond 30 seconds is irritation, not efficacy — reduce frequency or switch to a gentler cleanser.

Hard water note: Mauritius tap water hardness varies by region; hard water can leave a calcium-stearate film after any cleanse that adds to post-wash tightness. If your area has hard water, follow immediately with a pH-adjusting toner to counteract the residue rather than skipping that step.

Full INCI List: Water, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Myristic Acid, PEG-32, Potassium Hydroxide, Palmitic Acid, Lauric Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Lauramide DEA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Potassium Cocoate, Salicylic Acid, [--- Estimated 1% Line ---] Sodium Chloride, Arachidic Acid, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Linalool, Disodium EDTA, Oleic Acid, Limonene, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid.

*This ingredient list was assembled from ingredient-database search summaries rather than fetched directly from COSRX's own ingredient page in this research pass (our web-fetch tool was blocked for cosrx.com and incidecoder.com). We also found an independently listed "Discontinued" version of this product with a different, Centella-only ingredient set, suggesting a genuine prior reformulation. The list above reflects what current sources describe as the current formula — we recommend cross-checking the physical tube's printed ingredient panel if ingredient-level precision matters to you.

Preservative system: Disodium EDTA (chelating agent, supports preservation rather than acting as a standalone preservative) is the only preservation-adjacent ingredient identified in the declared list; no paraben, phenoxyethanol, or formaldehyde-releaser was found in the sourced INCI.

Fragrance status: Contains added fragrance via Lavandula Hybrida Oil (lavandin, a lavender-type essential oil) — this is not a fragrance-free product. Scent description: herbal/lavender, consistent with independent reviews describing the scent as "herbal" and "medicinal."

Intensity: approximately 2/5, noticeable during application, largely rinsing away rather than lingering on skin. EU 26 allergen screen: Linalool and Limonene are both declared in the INCI (naturally occurring constituents of the lavender oil) — both are on the EU's list of 26 declarable fragrance allergens. If you have a known sensitivity to either, patch test before full-face use.

Alcohol disclosure: Alcohol-Free — no ethanol or denatured alcohol detected in the declared ingredient list.

Aspirin/salicylate sensitivity: if you have a known aspirin allergy or salicylate sensitivity, Salicylic Acid (BHA) is structurally related and can theoretically cross-react — patch test on your inner forearm before full-face use, and stop immediately if you notice hives or unusual burning.

Prescription interactions: if you are currently using prescription tretinoin, adapalene, or isotretinoin, this wash-off BHA cleanser is lower-risk than a leave-on acid, but combined dryness can still add up — monitor and reduce frequency if your skin feels over-exfoliated.

Halal Status: Halal-Friendly*. Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No ethanol from fermentation, no porcine-derived ingredients, and no haram animal-derived ingredients detected in the declared ingredient list. This is NOT a formal Halal certification. Muslims with stricter requirements should consult their own scholars.

Vegan Status: Vegan-Friendly*. Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No animal-derived ingredients detected. This is NOT a formal vegan certification by The Vegan Society or equivalent body.

Cruelty-Free Status: Uncertified*. We checked PETA's own cruelty-free database directly, and COSRX does not currently appear on it as Beauty Without Bunnies certified. *Brand-stated policy. Not independently certified by Leaping Bunny, PETA, or equivalent third-party audit.

*Brand states cruelty-free, but sells products in Mainland China where post-market animal testing may be required by law. Cross-border e-commerce sales may be exempt. We could not independently confirm which specific channel (mainland retail vs. cross-border e-commerce) COSRX uses for its China sales in this research pass.

Microplastic status: Microplastic-Free: Yes — no polymer microbeads or film-forming plastics identified in the declared INCI.

MFDS classification: COSRX markets this product as a Functional Cosmetic (기능성화장품) for acne-prone skin — in Korea, that designation requires additional government testing beyond a General Cosmetic. We were not able to independently verify a specific MFDS registration number for this SKU in this research pass, so treat "Functional Cosmetic" as a brand claim rather than an independently confirmed regulatory fact.

Clinical evidence: the brand states the product has passed skin-irritation testing; full protocol, sample size, and results were not publicly disclosed in the sources we reviewed.* Salicylic Acid's keratolytic, pore-clearing mechanism is well-established in the broader dermatological literature independent of this specific product. Centella Asiatica derivatives (Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid) have documented anti-inflammatory and wound-healing research support, though concentration-specific data for this formula was not disclosed.

*Brand claims "passed skin irritation testing" but no publicly available study data, sample size, or testing protocol has been disclosed.

Evidence confidence: Medium — the core mechanisms (BHA exfoliation, Centella anti-inflammatory action) are well-supported in general skincare science; product-specific clinical data for this exact formula is not publicly available.

Reformulation history: we found evidence of a genuine prior formula for this product listed separately as "Discontinued" on an independent ingredient database, with a Centella-only active-adjacent ingredient set and without Sodium Chloride, Arachidic Acid, or Oleic Acid. The current version described in this pass appears to add those three ingredients. We flag this as a real reformulation signal rather than a settled fact, since we could not directly fetch COSRX's own current ingredient page to confirm the exact cutover — check the batch code on your physical tube against COSRX's own verification tool if this matters to you.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safety: FA-Unsafe. The formula contains multiple fatty acids in the C12-C18 chain-length range that are documented Malassezia feeders — Myristic Acid (C14), Palmitic Acid (C16), Lauric Acid (C12), Oleic Acid (C18:1), plus Potassium Cocoate, a coconut-fatty-acid soap in the same range. Its short (roughly 60-second) rinse-off contact time meaningfully reduces the practical risk versus a leave-on product with the same ingredients, but if you have confirmed Malassezia folliculitis, a dedicated FA-safe cleanser is the safer choice.

Assessment: None. As a rinse-off cleanser used and removed at the start of a routine, it has no opportunity to pill against leave-on products layered afterward.

Color baseline: fresh product is a light, pearlescent cream; a color shift toward yellow or an off, rancid smell (rather than the normal herbal scent) signals oxidation of the fatty-acid base — discontinue use if you notice this, since oxidized surfactant components can be more irritating than fresh ones.

Storage: keep the tube out of direct bathroom-window sun and away from prolonged heat — Mauritius bathroom humidity and heat both accelerate degradation of the fatty-acid soap base faster than a cool, dry cabinet would. Spoilage signs: separation that won't remix with shaking, a sour or rancid smell replacing the herbal scent, or a texture that turns grainy. When in doubt, discard.

Patch test: apply a small amount to your inner forearm, wait 24 hours; if clear, apply behind your ear, wait another 24 hours; only then begin full facial use.

72-hour barrier reset: if you experience an adverse reaction, STOP ALL ACTIVES. For 72 hours, use ONLY a gentle cleanser, plain moisturizer, and mineral SPF — no acids, retinoids, Vitamin C, exfoliants, or essential-oil-containing products. After 72 hours, reintroduce ONE product per 14 days.

Emergency stop signals: hives, swelling, blistering, persistent burning, or any breathing difficulty — seek medical care immediately and discontinue use.

Pregnancy/breastfeeding: 0.5% Salicylic Acid in this wash-off format is below the threshold most dermatologists flag as a pregnancy concern (that threshold is generally leave-on products above 2%), but we are not your doctor — consult yours before introducing any new active-containing product during pregnancy or while nursing.

1. Using it twice daily from day one — start once (PM) and build up. 2. Scrubbing instead of massaging — friction worsens inflamed acne rather than clearing it faster. 3. Skipping moisturizer afterward — the alkaline pH needs a follow-up step, not a bare face. 4. Treating tightness as a sign it's "working" — it's a sign to dial back. 5. Layering a second leave-on BHA/AHA the same day without building tolerance first.

Overuse threshold: more than twice daily provides no additional acne-clearing benefit and reliably produces barrier damage instead.

Phone hygiene: a clean cleanser can't offset a dirty phone screen pressed against your cheek during calls — wipe your screen regularly if you're breakout-prone along the jawline.

Usage math: at a pea-to-dime-sized dose (~0.75-1.5ml) per wash, a 150ml tube provides roughly 100-200 uses. Lifespan: used once daily, that's approximately 3-6 months; used twice daily, approximately 1.5-3 months. Using more than the recommended amount shortens this without improving results — correct dosing extends the product's life without sacrificing efficacy.

Reorder timing: plan to reorder roughly 2 weeks before you expect to run out, to allow for standard Mauritius delivery timing.

An acne-prone, oily-skin routine built around this cleanser doesn't need to be complicated — the cleanser does the pore-clearing work, and everything else exists to keep your barrier intact while it does that work.

AM routine:

1. This cleanser only if oily overnight, otherwise a splash-rinse.
2. Hydrating toner, 5-8 drops, wait 10-20s.
3. Lightweight moisturizer, 1-1.5 peas.
4. SPF50+, 2-finger rule, wait 10-15 min before makeup.

PM routine:

1. Oil cleanser or micellar water if wearing SPF/makeup.
2. COSRX AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser, pea-to-dime size, 60-second massage.
3. Spot treatment on active blemishes only.
4. Lightweight moisturizer to reseal.

If your skin is barrier-compromised right now (stinging, tight within 30 minutes of any cleanse): pause this cleanser and use a genuinely low-pH gentle cleanser until your barrier recovers. If you're in the luteal phase and breaking out along the jawline: keep this cleanser in your PM routine as-is — this is exactly when its pore-clearing mechanism matters most. If you're spending long hours in AC: don't skip the moisturizer step after this cleanser — the combination of alkaline pH and dry AC air compounds dehydration fast. If you're new to BHA cleansers entirely: start PM-only for the first two weeks before considering AM use.

Stock-true bundle — "Acne Reset Starter": this cleanser + COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum + Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun. Cleanse PM, spot-treat active blemishes, moisturize, and never skip AM SPF — the three together cover clearing, calming, and preventing new post-acne marks.

After purchasing, you will receive our skincare education email series covering this product in depth.

The recommendations above are based on formulation synergy with COSRX AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser, not on margin or stock levels. If a pairing does not exist in our catalog, we say so. If you already own a product that fills the same role, use what you have first.

This cleanser is a strong choice if your primary concern is active, oily, acne-prone skin that tolerates an alkaline (pH ~9) BHA cleanse well. If your skin is dry, sensitive, fragrance-reactive, or fungal-acne-prone, a different formula will likely serve you better.

For a genuinely gentle, low-pH daily cleanser — primary: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. Alternatives: Anua 8 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser, IsNtree Hyaluronic Acid Low-pH Cleansing Foam, or Anua 8 Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Gentle Gel Cleanser (best for dry/dehydrated skin specifically).

For a first-step oil cleanse before this one (makeup/SPF days) — primary: Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil Mild. Alternatives: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil, House of Hur Purifying Cleansing Balm, or COSRX Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water (lighter, no oil-emulsify step).

Mindful consumption tip: if you already have a working cleanser at home, there's no need to switch — finish what you have first to avoid waste.

Choose COSRX AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser over COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser if you need real pore-clearing action for active blemishes: a verified 0.5% Salicylic Acid working inside the pore, not just a surface rinse.

Upgrade if: you have active blackheads/closed comedones and your barrier is currently intact → this cleanser's BHA does real work the gentler one can't. Upgrade if: you're in peak humidity season and finding the gentle cleanser isn't cutting sebum/sunscreen well enough → the richer foam here performs better in that specific condition. Upgrade if: you're in the luteal phase with jawline breakouts → this is precisely when BHA pore-clearing matters most. Do not upgrade if: your barrier currently stings on moisturizer or feels tight within 30 minutes of any cleanse — repair barrier with the low-pH option first. Do not upgrade if: you're fragrance-reactive or fungal-acne-prone — the gentler cleanser is fragrance-lighter and doesn't carry the same fatty-acid FA-risk profile. Do not upgrade if: you're brand new to active skincare — build tolerance on the gentler cleanser first.

Timing note: this cleanser works in either AM or PM lane, but starting PM-only for the first two weeks is safer regardless of which product you choose. If you match two or more upgrade triggers above, this is worth choosing. If not, the gentler alternative is sufficient and safer. Consistency beats complexity.

Within COSRX's own cleanser range, there's a genuine gentleness ladder relevant here: Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser (no active, gentlest) → this AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser (0.5% wash-off BHA, moderate) → a leave-on exfoliating toner such as COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Daily Toner for those who've built tolerance and want more consistent exfoliation than a 60-second wash-off step provides.

Most people with genuinely active, oily, acne-prone skin can start directly at this middle step rather than working up from the gentlest cleanser — the ladder exists for those unsure of their tolerance, not as a mandatory sequence.

This product's PRIMARY function is: a wash-off BHA cleanse for oily, acne-prone skin. You do NOT need this if you already own another salicylic-acid or BHA-based cleanser you're actively using — finish your current one first.

Inventory audit prompt: check whether you have an open BHA cleanser, exfoliating gel wash, or medicated acne cleanser already in rotation. With a 12-month PAO, buying a second one while the first sits unused past that window is genuine waste.

Stacking assessment: No Benefit if you already run a leave-on BHA product and a different acne cleanser doing the same mechanism — pick one lane. Significant Benefit if your current cleanser has zero active ingredient and you specifically need pore-clearing action for active blemishes.

This product is sourced through authorized Korean distributors — primarily Craver Co., Ltd (South Korea), alongside other verified distribution partners. Craver is a major Korean beauty distributor and the parent company of SKIN1004, handling authorized distribution for multiple K-beauty brands. All products are shipped directly to Mauritius via verified channels.

For comprehensive information about how we verify authenticity, our layered verification system, and how to check your product at home, visit our dedicated Authenticity and Trust page.

Quick verification tips: genuine tubes carry a batch/lot code crimped or printed directly on the tube seam (not a loose applied sticker); the box and tube should show a mix of Korean and English text consistent with COSRX's export packaging. If in doubt, WhatsApp us a photo for a second check before you use the product.

COSRX built its reputation on a minimal, low-pH, "skin-friendly" formulation philosophy that predates its 2023 acquisition by Amorepacific — simple, targeted actives over long ingredient lists. The AC Collection line, including this cleanser, applies that same targeted-active approach specifically to acne-prone skin: one verified BHA percentage, one named calming complex, rather than a long list of trend ingredients.

Note: these are paraphrased, aggregated sentiments from publicly findable retailer reviews, not clinical claims — individual results vary. We searched Reddit (r/AsianBeauty, r/SkincareAddiction), Amazon, and YesStyle for this exact product; no individually quotable Reddit or YesStyle thread turned up findable in this pass. What follows draws on Amazon and a New Zealand K-beauty retailer's verified-buyer review platform (Hikoco/Judge.me) instead.

One Amazon reviewer described it as clearing hormonal breakouts effectively with consistent use, noting the rich lather meant only a small amount was needed per wash.

A Hikoco (verified buyer) reviewer with oily and sensitive skin described feeling "squeaky clean" but non-irritating, and called it one of their repeat cleanser purchases for its soft foaming texture.

Fair caveat: at least one Amazon reviewer with drier/oily-but-tight skin disagreed that it was moisturizing at all, describing it as leaving their skin feeling tight and dry rather than balanced — consistent with the pH-9, alkaline-cleanser trade-off noted throughout this page.

Common praise theme: effective breakout-calming with a small amount of product needed per use. Common complaint theme: drying/tightness for users without genuinely oily skin, and mild stinging reported on first use by at least one reviewer.

Sustainability: the tube is plastic (PE); check local Mauritius recycling guidance for proper disposal, as not all municipal programs accept squeezable tube plastics. Not refillable.

Can I use this cleanser every day?

Yes — most people use it daily, and research into public routine-tracking data suggests the large majority of users apply it once or twice a day. Start once daily (PM) and only add a morning wash once you know your skin tolerates the pH-9 base well.

Is this cleanser drying?

It can be, especially for dry or normal skin, because of its alkaline pH (~9) and 0.5% Salicylic Acid together. Reviews are genuinely mixed on this point — it works well for oily skin but several users with drier or combination skin reported tightness.

Is it fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe?

No. It contains several C12-C18 fatty acids (Myristic, Palmitic, Lauric, Oleic acids, plus Potassium Cocoate) that are documented Malassezia feeders. Its short rinse-off contact time lowers but doesn't eliminate the practical risk.

Is this the same formula as the version sold a few years ago?

Not necessarily. We found an independently listed "Discontinued" version of this product with a different ingredient set (missing Sodium Chloride, Arachidic Acid, and Oleic Acid, which appear in the current formula we researched) — a real signal of reformulation, though we couldn't confirm the exact date of the change.

Will this help hormonal acne?

It can help manage the visible symptoms — clogged pores and inflammation — during a hormonal breakout, since Salicylic Acid works on the pore mechanics that progesterone-driven swelling creates. As a cosmetic, it does not address the underlying hormonal cause.

BHA (Beta-Hydroxy Acid)

An oil-soluble exfoliant; Salicylic Acid is the most common BHA in skincare and works by penetrating pores to dissolve excess sebum and dead skin cells.

Acid mantle

The skin's naturally slightly acidic (pH 4.5-5.5) protective film; over-washing or high-pH cleansers strip it, which can trigger compensatory oiliness.

Centella Asiatica ("Cica")

A medicinal plant known for soothing, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, commonly used in K-beauty barrier and acne products.

CentellAC-RX Complex

COSRX's named blend of three Centella-derived compounds (Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid) used across its calming/acne-focused products.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia Folliculitis)

Small, uniform, itchy bumps caused by yeast overgrowth rather than bacterial acne; triggered by certain fatty acids and esters, and not improved (sometimes worsened) by standard acne treatments.

MFDS

South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, which regulates "Functional Cosmetics" making specific claims like acne-prone-skin management.

PAO (Period After Opening)

The open-jar icon with a number (e.g. "12M") printed on packaging, indicating how many months a product remains safe and stable to use after first opening.

PIH vs. PIE

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown marks, from melanin) versus post-inflammatory erythema (red/pink marks, from damaged capillaries) — both can follow healed acne but respond to different treatments.

Every product sold by Adilsons Beauty is 100% genuine, sourced through authorized Korean distribution channels. Full details on our verification system: Authenticity and Trust.

Our team is available to help you build a routine, troubleshoot reactions, and answer ingredient questions. WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

For in-depth skincare education, visit our blog at adilsons.mu/blogs/k-beauty or subscribe to our email to get our guided education series delivered to your inbox.

Coverage: Island-wide delivery (Mauritius).

Processing and Timing: Orders process in 1-2 business days; usually ready by Day 3 for pickup by our delivery partners/regional team. Partner collection can take up to 1 week. After pickup, delivery typically takes 1-5 business days (weekdays only).

Express: May be available by region; request on WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

Liquids/Sensitive Items: Serums, toners, liquid makeup (and kits containing liquids) are pickup or door-to-door only; checkout enforces this.

Scheduling: Deliveries run by region on set schedules; we will contact you the evening before.

Pickup: Citadelle Mall pickup available.

Returns: No change-of-mind exchanges.

Refunds (Summary): For defective/damaged on receipt (report within 48h), wrong item, or manufacturing defect within 6 months. Refunds via bank transfer (7-10 business days); card refunds may incur a 5% processor fee (fee not charged for defects/order errors). Opened skincare/personal-care items are non-returnable (except if damaged on delivery).

Source of Truth: This is a quick snapshot. If anything differs, the policy pages are final.

Store Policies: For the most up-to-date information, please review our Shipping Policy and Refund Policy.

Best for: oily, combination, or acne-prone skin dealing with active breakouts and clogged pores, who can tolerate an alkaline (pH ~9) cleanse and want a verified 0.5% Salicylic Acid working inside the pore rather than just a surface rinse.

Key benefits: a real, verified BHA concentration rather than a fairy-dusted trace amount; a named, research-backed calming complex (Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid); efficient lather that cuts through Mauritius heat, sweat, and sunscreen; a large 150ml size that lasts months at correct dosing.

Keep in mind: its alkaline pH (~9) is genuinely higher than most modern "gentle" cleansers and can feel stripping on dry or normal skin; it contains fragrance (lavender oil, Linalool, Limonene) and is not fungal-acne safe, so patch test first if either is a concern for you.