{"id":900694,"date":"2025-12-07T03:36:09","date_gmt":"2025-12-07T00:36:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=900694"},"modified":"2025-12-07T03:36:09","modified_gmt":"2025-12-07T00:36:09","slug":"are-high-ph-cleansers-bad-for-skin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=900694","title":{"rendered":"Are high pH cleansers bad for skin?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.\n<\/p>\n

The Best Low-pH Cleansers to Balance Your Skin<\/h1>\n
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By<\/span><\/p>\n
Kristin Howard<\/p>\n
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\"Kristin\"Kristin<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nKristin Howard\n<\/div>\n
\nKristin Howard is a writer and content creator.\u00a0She has contributed skincare and wellness articles for Reader’s Digest, Hello Giggles, and The Pretty Pimple.\u00a0\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Updated on June 26, 2024 10:25AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Reviewed by<\/span><\/p>\n
Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD<\/p>\n
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Reviewed by<\/span>
\nRachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD\n<\/div>\n
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    \nRachel is a board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor at Mount Sinai Hospital Department of Dermatology. She has contributed to Byrdie, as well as Harpers Bazaar, Marie Claire, Allure, Vogue, and the New York Times, and more\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \nAbout Byrdie’s Beauty & Wellness Board\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    Board-Certified Dermatologist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    Stocksy<\/p>\n

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    Where once there was only a bar of soap to treat a variety of concerns, now there are dozens (nay, hundreds!) of cleansers formulated to treat even the most specific of skincare types and needs. While most of us may not have a degree in cosmetic chemistry, we consider ourselves skincare literate enough to know our way around the basics of an active ingredient list. But while we can navigate our way around acne-fighting benzoyl peroxide or hydrating hyaluronic acid, most of us stop there 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.\n<\/p>\n

    “The pH is a scientific indication of how acidic or basic something is,\u201d says Dr. Sapna Palep, adding, \u201cThe 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 skin\u2019s pH (and the pH of the products we put on that skin) can make a huge difference in the way it looks, feels, and functions, we turned to Palep and dermatologist Dr. Rita Linkner.<\/p>\n

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    Meet the Experts<\/p>\n

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    • Sapna Palep, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Spring Street Dermatology in New York City.<\/li>\n
    • Rita Linkner, MD, 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      Check out the best derm-approved cleansers with low pH, ahead.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"cetaphil\"cetaphil<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      Cetaphil<\/span>Gentle Skin Cleanser<\/span>$13.00<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

      Shop<\/span><\/div>\n

      Linkner lists Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser among her favorite low-pH cleansers. Non-irritating and soap-free, this cleanser won\u2019t strip your skin of the oil it needs to function healthily. Bonus: It\u2019s available at most drug stores.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

      Alastin Gentle Cleanser <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"alastin\"alastin<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      Alastin<\/span>Gentle Cleanser<\/span>$52.00<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

      Shop<\/span><\/div>\n

      Another favorite of Linkner\u2019s is the Alastin Gentle Cleanser. This cleanser is free of sulfates so it won\u2019t irritate the skin, and is designed to not disrupt the moisture levels all skin needs to stay looking, feeling, and working great.\n<\/p>\n

      Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Neutrogena\"Neutrogena<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      Neutrogena<\/span>Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser<\/span>$9.00<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

      Shop<\/span><\/div>\n

      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 refreshed\u2014and at an affordable price, no less.<\/p>\n

      Drunk Elephant Beste No.9 Jelly Cleanser <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Drunk\"Drunk<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      Drunk Elephant<\/span>Beste No.9 Jelly Cleanser<\/span>$34.00<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

      Shop<\/span><\/div>\n

      We think you’re ready for this jelly: Drunk Elephant Beste No.9 Jelly Cleanser, that is. It’s a lightweight gel that counts soothing and hydrating cantaloupe extract and glycerin among its ingredients and has a pH of 5.5. \u201cAt the lower pH, the lipids within the skin are preserved, which is better for those who are prone to eczema or dryness,\u201d explains Palep.\n<\/p>\n

      Farmacy Clean Bee Ultra-Gentle Facial Cleanser <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      Farmacy<\/span>Clean Bee Ultra-Gentle Facial Cleanser<\/span>$29.00<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

      Shop<\/span><\/div>\n

      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 Balm\u2014you won’t be disappointed.<\/p>\n

      E.l.f. Bounce Back Jelly Cleanser <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      E.l.f.<\/span>Bounce Back Jelly Cleanser<\/span>$8.00<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

      Shop<\/span><\/div>\n

      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. Low-pH cleansers may positively affect skin conditions and improve concerns like acne, eczema, and aging. At less than $9, this product is good to keep on hand when your skin needs a gentle touch.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

      The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      The Inkey List<\/span>Oat Cleansing Balm<\/span>$13.00<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

      Shop<\/span><\/div>\n

      One of our editors, who is prone to breakouts (not to be confused with skin purging), tried out this cleansing balm and praised it for its gentle, yet powerful, makeup-removing abilities. Boasting anti-inflammatory properties thanks to star ingredient colloidal oatmeal, the lightweight cleanser can also help to reduce redness. We’ll go so far as to say that this balm is the bomb.<\/p>\n

      Kate Somerville Delikate\u2122 Soothing Cleanser <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      Kate Somerville<\/span>Delikate\u2122 Soothing Cleanser<\/span>$44.00<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

      Shop<\/span><\/div>\n

      Although it’s a bit pricey, this cream cleanser is enticing. It’s packed with skincare superhero ingredients\u2014amino acids, ceramides, ginger root extract, and cucumber seed oil, to name a few\u2014that support a healthy skin barrier. Your dry, sensitive and\/or irritated skin will be relieved.<\/p>\n

      La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      La Roche-Posay<\/span>Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser<\/span>$17.00<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

      Shop<\/span><\/div>\n

      Derms love La Roche-Posay\u2014and so do we. This daily face wash cleanses skin while keeping its moisture and pH level in check. Formulated with niacinamide, glycerin\u2014and let’s not forget the brand’s “magical” prebiotic thermal spring water\u2014it can help to hydrate skin and combat discoloration. Consider it the “Fountain of Youth” for your body’s largest organ.\n<\/p>\n

      Atopalm Moisturizing Facial Cleansing Foam <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      Atopalm<\/span>Moisturizing Facial Cleansing Foam<\/span>$23.00<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

      Shop<\/span><\/div>\n

      Although foaming cleansers tend to carry a high pH, that’s not the case with Atopalm’s Moisturizing Facial Cleansing Foam. With a pH of 5.5, it cleanses skin without stripping it of moisture. Meanwhile, good-for-your-skin ingredients\u2014bisabolol, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, and bitter orange extract\u2014soothe, gently exfoliate, hydrate, and brighten skin, respectively.\n<\/p>\n

      Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      Glossier<\/span>Milky Jelly Cleanser<\/span>$22.00<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

      Shop<\/span><\/div>\n

      Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser is pH balanced and safe for use every day thanks to its gentle formula (extra points for being cruelty-free and vegan). This one is also safe on the eyes and won\u2019t irritate as it\u2019s made with the same cleansing agents that are found in contact solution.\u00a0<\/p>\n

      JLo Beauty That Hit Single Gel-Cream Cleanser <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"JLo\"JLo<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      JLo Beauty<\/span>That Hit Single Gel-Cream Cleanser<\/span>$39.00<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

      Shop<\/span><\/div>\n

      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 (that would be the glycolipids at work) and nourishes and protects skin given the squalene and host of antioxidants in its formula. Needless to say, it hits all the right notes.<\/p>\n

      COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanse <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"COSRX\"COSRX<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      COSRX<\/span>Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanse<\/span>$13.00<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

      Shop<\/span><\/div>\n

      You may recognize this Korean skincare brand for its viral snail mucin products or cult-favorite pimple patches, but the COSRX gentle cleanser deserves a spot amongst their ranks. The silky gel-like formula boasts a pH balance of 5.31 and leans on a combination of tea tree oil and BHA to brighten dull, dry skin and buff away texture while strengthening the skin barrier. If that’s not enough to sway you, the brand sells two of the award-winning product every 60 seconds.\n<\/p>\n

      Honest Beauty Gentle Gel Cleanser <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      \"Ulta\"Ulta<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      Honest Beauty<\/span>Gentle Gel Cleanser<\/span>$14.00<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

      Shop<\/span><\/div>\n

      Honest Beauty’s Gentle Gel Cleanser is a major hit here, topping the list of our favorite natural cleansers on the market. With a skin-loving pH of 5.5, the formula removes dirt and impurities while offering a soothing combination of chamomille and calendula extracts to leave skin calm and refreshed. As with all Honest Beauty products, this cleanser is free of parabens, phthalates, SLS, dyes, SLES, PEGs, synthetic fragrances and made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic.<\/p>\n

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      FAQ<\/div>\n
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        Are high pH cleansers bad for skin?<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Not necessarily, especially for those with specific skin concerns that can tolerate a more alkaline and drying substance. \u201cHigher 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,\u201d explains Palep. \u201cIn oily skin, where sebum re-establishes itself within 20 minutes of cleansing, high pH cleansers are acceptable.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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        How can you know when a cleanser has a low pH?<\/span><\/div>\n
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        \u201cSee if it bubbles or foams, which means it\u2019s a high pH cleanser,\u201d says Linkner. \u201cIf it’s cream-based and gentle, then it\u2019s a low pH wash.\u201d So, the fewer the suds, the lower the pH, in most cases. Low-pH cleansing formulas to look out for include gel, cream, and \u201cmilk\u201d varieties. Additionally, products marked \u201cpH balanced\u201d have been formulated to mimic the skin\u2019s natural pH level, and won\u2019t raise your skin\u2019s pH level.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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        What is the best pH for cleanser?<\/span><\/div>\n
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        The best pH for cleanser is 5.5, which is slightly acidic, and will help to keep skin hydrated, protected, and healthy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        Article Sources<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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        Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.<\/div>\n
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        1. \n

          Prakash C, Bhargava P, Tiwari S, Majumdar B, Bhargava RK. Skin surface pH in acne vulgaris: insights from an observational study and review of the literature.\u00a0J Clin Aesthet Dermatol<\/em>. 2017;10(7):33-39.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        2. \n

          Blaak J, Staib P. The relation of pH and skin cleansing.\u00a0Curr Probl Dermatol<\/em>. 2018;54:132-142. doi:10.1159\/000489527.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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          Read more:<\/div>\n
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          • Skin<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Skin Type<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Sensitive Skin<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

            Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/low-ph-cleanser-4777467<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

            If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The Best Low-pH Cleansers to Balance Your Skin By Kristin Howard Kristin Howard Kristin Howard is a writer and content creator.\u00a0She has contributed skincare and wellness articles for Reader’s Digest, Hello Giggles, and The Pretty Pimple.\u00a0 Byrdie’s Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 26, 2024 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":900695,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83],"class_list":["post-900694","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/900694","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=900694"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/900694\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/900695"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=900694"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=900694"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=900694"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}