My pick for a truly gentle cleanse is COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. 

I keep coming back to it because it hits that sweet spot: clean enough for oily/combination skin, but soft enough that I don’t get the squeaky-tight aftermath. The texture is a watery gel—almost like a thinned gel—so it spreads fast, feels non-sticky and lightweight, and never drags. Add water and it foams lightly (thin, cushiony bubbles). That’s plenty for an AM wash or as a second cleanse at night. Rinsing leaves my face fresh and balanced, not stripped.

A few things I actually notice: Betaine Salicylate gives a mild nudge to oil and blackhead build-up, so my T-zone looks less cloudy by midday. Citric Acid helps keep the cleanser low-pH, which is why my barrier feels calm instead of squealy after rinsing. And there’s Tea Tree Leaf Oil—it targets oil and breakouts, but if you’re sensitive to herbal scents or essential-oil tingles, patch test first. On me, the scent passes quickly.

If you’re wondering about the finish: it’s hydrating, not glossy. I don’t get that glass-dry tightness around my nose and mouth; serums and sunscreen layer smoothly with no pilling. On SPF-only days, one cleanse is enough. After workouts or heavier days, I use an oil/balm first and this as the second step, and my skin still feels comfortable—clean, not over-corrected.

Results after steady use: pores look a touch clearer (fewer flaky plugs around the nose), my complexion stays calmer through late morning, and makeup grips better because I’m starting from a balanced base instead of a desert. It won’t vacuum out blackheads overnight—and it isn’t meant to—but as a daily baseline for acne-prone, oily, or combo skin, it quietly does the boring-but-essential work: remove sweat, overnight oil, and residue while keeping the barrier happy.

Texture recap: watery gel → light foam; non-sticky, lightweight, refreshing.

Skin feel: hydrating finish with no post-wash tightness.

Who it’s for: oily/combination types or anyone worried about pores/blackheads who still wants a gentle start to the day.

My best gentle cleanser? Still COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. Shake off the a.m. oil, keep the comfort, and get on with your day💖