HI-REVIEW: COSRX AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser 🧼

Hi Beauties! 🌸

This month I will be putting the AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser by COSRX to the test 😊 We actually stock the ENTIRE AC Collection which not only includes a cleanser, but exfoliants, serums and more! This product review is something you don’t want to miss especially for all of the acne-prone beauties out there 💖

The AC Calming Foam Cleanser is said to be an “acne cleanser made with plant-derived Salicylic Acid for thorough sebum cleansing. Soft foam gently cleanses impurities, sebum and dead skin cells.”

Price: $20 NZD

Quantity: 150mL / 5.07 FL.OZ

Product Features

✅ Cruelty-Free ✅ Vegan Friendly ✅ Alcohol Free ✅ Artificial Fragrance Free

There is no artificial fragrance in the product (ingredients such as essential oils and fragrance) meaning there is no potential fragrance irritants for those with sensitive skin! However the natural smell of the product is reminiscent of a herbal, tea-tree smell 🌿🌿 The texture of the product is the same as any other foam cleanser, white and puffy~

One thing to note that is really commonly talked about in cleansers: pH! The lower the pH of a cleanser indicates a more gentle cleanse, typically the optimal pH should be 4-6. I was surprised to find out the pH was 9! However it is actually common for acne cleansers to have higher pH for a deeper cleanse 🧼

Water, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Lauramide DEA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Oil, Potassium Cocoate, Salicylic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madcassic Acid, Disodium EDTA

Let’s break down this ingredients list to the most important ones!

The secret to the AC Collection Line is the CentellAC-RX complex which is a blend of three active ingredients extracted from Centella asiatica: Madecassic acid, Asiaticoside and Asiatic acid.

(Learn more about the ingredient "Centella" ➡️ HI-TIPS: What is Centella?)

• Madecassic acid works as an active antioxidant as well as soothing our irritated skin.
• Asiaticoside will keep our skin clear and translucent
• Asiatic acid strengthens and maintains out skin barrier

Salicylic acid is found in this cleanser! It is the superstar ingredient found in exfoliators and other acne products to help reduce acne, blackheads and whiteheads as well as remove dead skin from the surfaces of our skin.

When you think of acne products, you automatically think of products that are extremely strong, drying and harsh on the skin. 🚫 But this is actually a misconception 🚫 Not all products that are super strong will be super effective! For some people, using too many drying products to treat your acne may cause you to break out even MORE. The AC Calming Foam Cleanser treats acne by using only essential and minimal ingredients that specializes in healing irritated skin and fighting blemishes at the same time 💆

Remember that more ingredients on the list does not mean the product is more effective! Rather, it is more dangerous for those with sensitive skin as a super lengthy list of ingredients could contain unknown ingredients to further irritate your skin.

Personal Thoughts

The AC Calming Foam Cleanser worked well for my combination/acne-prone skin. I really liked how it gave my skin a more thorough cleanse especially on my oily T-zone! My skin had a slightly ‘tight’ feeling post wash but not excessively drying my skin out. Over the 3 weeks, I noticed that my pores were not filled with blackheads as often and used my exfoliator less! I believe the culprit of this would be the salicylic acid found in the cleanser.

The AC Calming Foam Cleanser is a good cleanser, but nothing too astonishing from other similar foam cleansers we stock at Hikoco such as the “Low pH Good Morning Cleanser” and “Salicylic Acid Daily Cleanser” for myself, but I think it heavily depends on your own specific skin situation 🙂 This cleanser is suitable for someone with sensitive skin AND acne as a major skincare concern for them, looking for something to deal with their acne! I would also recommend this to someone without active acne but have oily and acne-prone skin as a way to prevent new blemishes.

For any blemish-prone or sensitive skin beauties looking for a new cleanser, this is definitely one worth a try! Everyone’s skin works in different ways, so you never know, this could be your next go-to ✨

Thanks for reading! 💖