Low Ph Cleansers: Benefits And How To Choose One
- The acid mantle is a protective film on the outermost layer of skin, the stratum corneum
- This film is slightly acidic and can become dysfunctional if too alkaline or acidic
- Low pH cleansers help maintain the balance of skins natural pH levels
- These cleansers can benefit all skin types, especially acne-prone and sensitive skin
Facial cleansers serve an important function in daily skin care routines by clearing away grime, excess oils, debris and environmental impurities. Low pH cleansers offer an added benefit when cleansing as they are formulated to restore and balance the stratum corneum, skins protective barrier.
The stratum corneum, also known as the skin barrier, plays an important role in maintaining the health of skin it keeps much-needed moisture in and harmful environmental elements out. When compromised, skin can develop uncomfortable symptoms such as inflammation, dryness, irritation and oversensitivity.
Contents
Wash With Gentle Cleansers
Whether gentle for you means using a specially formulated commercially made face wash or cleaning your skin with DIY natural or plant-based items, remember that water affects your skin too, even if momentarily.
More alkaline facial cleansers may make your skin more prone to irritation.
More acidic cleansers may help combat acne, which may clear up once your pH levels reach below 6. More acidic-based skin care ingredients maintain healthy skin in conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Look for products with a pH of to help maintain your skin barrier. Not all products list pH, but some do.
Farmacy Clean Bee Ultra
Our obsession with Farmacy’s nature-loving skincare products is real. For instance, take its Clean Bee Ultra-Gentle Facial Cleanser . It washes and nourishes skin using ingredients like hyaluronic acid and honey. FYI: If you like this product, we encourage you to check out the brand’s Sweet Apple Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balmyou won’t be disappointed.
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How To Choose The Right Facial Cleanser
Water has a neutral pH of 7 so water wont disrupt your skins pH. When it comes to choosing your skincare products, naturally derived cleansers are less alkaline than chemically-derived cleansers. For example, your face should feel clean, not stripped or dry after you cleanse.
Foaming cleansers have a higher pH than cream cleansers. Sometimes as high as 10. However, that doesnt rule foaming cleansers out. For example, if you wear makeup you may prefer a foaming cleanser in the evenings to remove your makeup. However, if your skin is sensitive, naturally dry, or irritated you should always choose a cream cleanser.
How To Choose A Low Ph Cleanser For Your Skin
While you will want to choose a cleanser that is as close as possible to your skins natural pH level, doing so can be challenging as not all products list the exact pH on their products. Most are labeled as low pH or pH balancing.
To ensure you are using an appropriate cleanser, one solution is to test your purchased product with pH testing strips. These are inexpensive, easily found in store and provide accurate results in seconds.
All cleansers contain surfactants in order to effectively clear the skin of grime and debris, but they also penetrate the skin barrier and can leave the skin feeling itchy, tight and red.
To counteract these effects, it is vital to choose a cleanser that includes lipids, occlusives and humectants to replenish moisture and stabilize the skin barrier.
Lastly, opt for a product that is free of fragrances, silicones, sodium-lauryl sulfate and dyes as these can all contribute to skin irritation.
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The Overall Best Low Ph Cleanser
CeraVes Renewing SA Cleanser is one of Dr. Zalkas top picks in terms of an effective face wash for acne that wont remove so much oil that itll dry out your skin and exacerbate your breakouts. Made with salicylic acid to clear out congested pores, this cleanser is balanced out by gentle, soothing ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and the brands blend of skin-strengthening ceramides, which are found in all CeraVe products. This, too, can be used on your face and body, so its a great choice if youre prone to breakouts on your back, chest, and bum as well.
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Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
Simple yet effective, Neutrogena’s Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is a crowd-pleaser. Its creamy polyglycerin formula is super hydrating, making it ideal for dry and sensitive skin types. Although it doesn’t come with any buzzy skincare ingredients, it gets our vote for leaving skin soft and refreshedand at an affordable price, no less.
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Surmedic + Azulene Soothing Peptide Ampoule
The Sur.Medic + Azulene Soothing Peptide Ampoule is another lovely product from Neogen Labs.
The ingredients list on this product is extensive, but all the good stuff is high on the list.
It is definitely soothing and my skin just drinks it up. It does not leave any tacky feeling on the skin. The product does have a noticeable scent which can be attributed to the fragrant oils included in the formulation.
I love that this comes in a 80ml dropper bottle .
This product has been a lifesaver after my chemical peel. As was to be expected my skin was irritated and this went a long way to soothing the situation.
While I am still on the fence about if peptides actually work in topical application I can 100% attest to the soothing nature of this ampule and for that reason, I would be happy to repurchase it.
Are Products With Ph 55 Really Better For Skin
Posted on June 15 2017
Consumers begin paying attention to skincare with pH 5.5 when some famous beauty brands market this pH as the friendliest for skin.
Does our skin really favour mild acidic formulations as compared to other pH ranges? Are all products with pH 5.5 gentler and more effective than the others? What do research say regarding pH of products and our skin?
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What Is The Ideal Ph For A Facial Cleanser
So, back to that aforementioned pH acidity scale. Naturally, skin lies between 4.4 to 5.5 on the pH scale. By choosing a low pH cleanser that mimics the skin by sticking close to this range, the cleanser is less likely to work against our skin, and help to complement and work with it to prevent acne and infections.
100% Pure Rose Water Gel Cleanser $30
Not going to like we are big fans of all 100% Pure Cleansers, not only do they all lie between a pH of 4.5-6 but they all are transparent about the ingredients used, naturally sourced, and completely cruelty-free. Weve chosen to highlight the Rose Water Gel Cleanser specifically formulated for sensitive skin. The cleanser is deeply hydrating, made from a mix of calming botanicals including irritant-fighting chamomile, antioxidant-rich white tea, balancing Calendula, and of course toning rose-hydrosol. Reviews state that it gently cleans skin without leaving it tight or dry.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser $20
With a pH of 5.5 confirmed by La Roche-Posay, this cleanser targets oily skin with an oil and soap free formula. Great for acne-prone skin, the gel cleanser uses zinc pidolate to purify and cleanse the skin of unwanted dirt, excess oil, and shine. While it is meant for oily skin, it also does well in ensuring the formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin , making it a great choice for an everyday cleanser.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser $8
Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser $32
Jlo Beauty That Hit Single Gel
Are you after the JLo glow? Us too. Hailing from her eponymous skincare line, this luxurious gel-cream is a face wash that promises a radiant complexion. And in case you were wondering: “Non-foaming creamy washes leave the skin at its natural pH,” claims Palep. That Hit Single also unclogs pores and nourishes and protects skin given the squalene and host of antioxidants in its formula. Needless to say, it hits all the right notes.
- Are high pH cleansers bad for skin?
Not necessarily, especially for those with specific skin concerns that can tolerate a more alkaline and drying substance. Higher pH cleansers are more like detergents that clean the skin thoroughly these are the best in oily skin which can withstand dehydration of a cleanser that acts like a surfactant, explains Palep. In oily skin, where sebum re-establishes itself within 20 minutes of cleansing, high pH cleansers are acceptable.
- How can you know when a cleanser has a low pH?
See if it bubbles or foams, which means its a high pH cleanser, says Dr. Rita Linkner. If it’s cream-based and gentle, then its a low pH wash. So, the fewer the suds, the lower the pH, in most cases. Low pH cleansing formulas to look out for include gel, cream, and milk varieties. Additionally, products marked pH balanced have been formulated to mimic the skins natural pH level, and wont raise your skins pH level.
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Elf Bounce Back Jelly Cleanser
Looking for a super low-cost and low pH option? The E.l.f. Bounce Back Jelly Cleanser uses a no-foam formula, a tell-tale sign of a low pH product. And according to a 2018 study, low pH cleansers may positively affect skin conditions and improve concerns like acne, eczema, and aging. At only $6, this product is a good one to keep on hand when your skin needs a gentle touch.
Best For Sensitive Skin: Cosrx Low
This product is specially formulated for dry and sensitive skin types, but it works perfectly on all skin types. It has a super-gentle formula with a low pH level to help protect the natural moisture barrier of your skin. It also contains mild acids and botanical extracts that can remove makeup and residue from your skin effectively without irritating it. Check out the review of Cosrx Low-pH Good Morning Cleanser for more information.
Note: Avoid this product if you are allergic to tea tree oil.
Suitable For: All skin types, especially sensitive and dry skin
Key Ingredients: BHA and Tea tree oil
Pros
This cleansing balm removes every trace of makeup and dirt effortlessly without affecting the natural moisture balance of your skin. It contains vitamin E and vitamin C to make your skin healthy and glowing. The company has replaced the mineral oils in this product with natural ester oil. In addition, it contains green tea extracts that give you a fresh feeling after application. Massage this oil cleanser gently over your face to loosen dirt, sebum, and makeup before washing it off with a foam cleanser. In this YouTube video, you will find a detailed review of the Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm.
Suitable For: All skin types
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C and Green tea extracts
Pros
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Higher Ph = Acne Galore
Theres a reason why your skins acid mantle is acidic. An acidic pH is NOT bacteria-friendly.
But when you raise the pH up several notches, bacteria suddenly find the perfect environment to proliferate and thrive.
A 1995 study tested the impact of cleansing on acne-prone skin. Scientists asked patients with inflammatory acne lesions to use either soap or an acidic cleanser for three months. The results?
Only one month later, the group using soap had way more lesions than before. The group using an acidic cleanser had the opposite result: they had fewer lesions than before!
In other worse: high pH soaps make acne worse while acidic cleansers help clear acne up.
The reason? As this study shows, when you wash your face with soap, P. Acnes proliferates. You have a lot of those nasty buggers on your skin. But when you switch to an acidic cleanser, the amount of P. Acnes bacteria on your skin falls down significantly.
In other words, an acidic cleanser makes your skin inhospitable to P. Acnes and other bacteria.
So if youre washing your face a lot in the hope of getting rid of shine and pimples, youre only making things worse.
WARNING!
Foaming cleansers are usually the worst culprits because they use surfactants that raise the skins pH. For a list of safe, low pH foaming cleansers, click here.
Laneige Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser
LANEIGE Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser.
If you adored LANEIGEs famous Cream Skin Refiner, then youll also love the LANEIGE Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser. It uses non-emulsifying hydrating milk oil to cleanse off dirt and dead skin cells.
Another reason to love it: It has soothing Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract and Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil to promote clear, moisturised skin.
It’s priced at SGD34.40 per 200ML at .
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Should You Use A Low Ph Cleanser
Yes, you should. A low pH cleanser is ideal for all skin types as it maintains the integrity of the skin barrier. Doing so is especially important for those who experience acne, eczema or skin irritation in the form of itchy, dry red skin. This is an indication that the barrier is weakened or damaged and that pH levels are not optimal.
A low pH cleanser can remove dirt and debris, and refresh skin. It can help maintain skins natural pH level, strengthen the skin barrier and reduce or eliminate uncomfortable symptoms with continued use.
Low Ph Facial Cleanser: How The Skincare Staple Balances Skin
Robin Lynne Gibson / Getty Images
Regardless of your skin type or skincare concern, it seems that there are dozens of cleansers out there formulated with specific ingredients to treat it. From acne-fighting benzoyl peroxide to hydrating hyaluronic acid, most of us stop at the ingredients list when it comes to finding the right skincare products however, there’s another notable detail that we ought to consider when shopping for a cleanser: pH.
“The pH is a scientific indication of how acidic or basic something is, says Dr. Sapna Palep, adding, The skin’s pH runs from four to six.” This means that the skin is slightly acidic and naturally aims to stay that way in order to function at its best. To learn more about how our skins pH can make a huge difference in the way it looks, feels, and functions, we turned to Palep and dermatologist Dr. Rita Linkner.
Meet the Expert
- Dr. Sapna Palep is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Spring Street Dermatology in New York City.
- Dr. Rita Linkner is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. She is also the clinical instructor for the department of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Check out the best derm-approved low pH facial cleansers, ahead.
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Infographic: A Background On Korean Cleansers Ingredients & Routine
Korean skin care products are all the rage right now! According to Statista, South Koreas revenue in the skin care segment has amounted to $7.85 billion in 2022.
Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, look for cleansers that keep your skin naturally healthy and free of toxins, pollutants, or sebum.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Korean products are at the top of all skin care and beauty trends. Everyone is switching to a Korean skin care routine, whether they are insta celebrities or celebrities from the beauty industry. The best Korean cleansers have a special place in the beauty industry. These cleansers are specially formulated with skin-friendly ingredients that balance the skins pH and provide you with radiant skin. The products listed in our article detoxify the skin, hydrate the skin, and brighten your skin. However, consider investing in hypoallergenic cleansers that are paraben-free so that it does not alter your skins natural elasticity and pH balance.
Benefits Of A Low Ph Cleanser
A low pH cleanser plays an important role in maintaining the proper functioning of the skin barrier. Washing the skin with soap or just plain water can cause significant changes in skins acidity and damage the barrier function. Not only can this result in moisture loss, inflammation and irritation, it increases the risk of skin disorders.
Changes to the pH can contribute to the development of several inflammatory skin conditions such as contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis and acne vulgaris as well as Candida albicans fungal infections.
The skins surface is also home to skin flora, or microbiota which includes bacteria, fungi and viruses. These work in harmony with each other and the immune system to maintain skin health.
It has been demonstrated that an ideal environment for this bacterial flora is a pH of 4.04-4.5 an alkaline pH of 8.00.9.00 will disperse this microbiota and instead encourage the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
A study examining pH levels in samples of soaps , found that most had a pH level between 9.00 and 10.00 well over the normal levels found in the acid mantle.
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