One cleanser says “Low pH” and the other says “5.5”. That sounds so accurate that one would like to compare the bottles like two numbers. But the lower number is not automatically the better choice.

The pH value helps to classify a formulation. Whether you have pleasantly clean skin after washing or whether you want to use the cream straight away also depends on the overall formula and how you cleanse.

What does the pH value say about the skin?

The pH value describes how acidic or basic an aqueous environment is. When it comes to skin, this usually means measuring its surface. There is usually a slightly acidic environment there; it is one of the conditions under which the skin fulfills its protective function.

The common term protective acid mantle describes this connection. You don’t have to imagine a separate layer underneath that can be peeled off like a film. The protective function is related to the stratum corneum, its components and the conditions on the surface.

We explain how the outer layer of skin limits water loss and can react to stress in the article on the skin barrier . pH is part of this picture.

Why 5.5 is not a personal target number

Measured values ​​differ depending on the body part, age and previous cleaning, among other things. A study of 330 people found an average value of less than 5 on the inside of the forearm after a break from showering and cosmetics. This does not mean that every face cream has to have the same value.

In common chemical usage, “pH-neutral” means approximately pH 7. “pH-skin-neutral” is used for products whose setting is based on the slightly acidic environment of the skin. That’s why both statements can appear on packaging and mean something different.

What is more important when choosing is how the specific product is intended: a cleanser is rinsed off, a cream remains on the skin and an acid exfoliation has a different purpose. Their numbers cannot be placed side by side like school grades.

The formula is part of the number

Cleaners contain washing-active substances, so-called surfactants. They help to loosen residues and rinse away with water. Which substances are used together is part of the selection, as are fragrances, the texture and the intended application.

A slightly acidic cleanser can still be unpleasant for your skin. Conversely, strong foam is not reliable evidence of particularly aggressive cleaning. Therefore, read the information about the pH value as information about the product, not as a personal guarantee of compatibility.

ETUDE Soon Jung pH 5.5 Foam Cleanser

The ETUDE Soon Jung pH 5.5 Foam Cleanser mentions its pH orientation right in the name. The formula we currently list includes glycerin, panthenol and madecassoside. Perfume is not listed there.

The creamy cleanser is foamed with water and then rinsed off. If you like creamy cleansers that lather up with water, you can use them to create your morning or evening cleansing routine. The number 5.5 alone doesn’t say whether it suits your skin better than your previous cleanser.

COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

The COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a gel-like cleanser. COSRX specifies a slightly acidic pH range for its product and lists, among other things, betaine salicylates in the list of ingredients.

A low pH value describes the acidity of a product. If you need to avoid certain fragrance ingredients, also check the full ingredient list.

Cleanse gently without polishing the skin

Take lukewarm water and spread the cleaner carefully with your fingertips. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft towel. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends this calm process and advises against scrubbing.

The skin does not have to squeak afterwards. If it strains regularly, it’s worth taking a look at the amount used, the frequency and the combination of your cleaning steps. A second wash cycle is not necessary just because there are two suitable bottles.

Our double-cleansing guide explains when a cleansing oil and a water-based cleanser can make sense together. It’s about removing residue. The pH value does not decide this question alone.

Does the skin need a balancing toner afterwards?

A pH statement does not result in an obligation to purchase an additional bottle. If your cleansing works well and the subsequent cream works well, you don’t need a toner as a precautionary corrective step. A moisturizing toner can still be nice if you like that light layer of care.

Our article on Toner and Essence will help you determine the purpose of such products. If the burning sensation or visible inflammation persists, you should have the cause clarified instead of changing the pH value of your skin on suspicion.

What we know for sure

• The surface of the skin is usually slightly acidic; A single measurement does not describe every skin and every part of the body.
• pH neutral and pH skin neutral do not mean the same thing.
• Product pH, overall formulation and application are all part of choosing a cleanser.

Sources: Lambers et al.: Measurements of skin surface pH ; Farage et al.: Influences on skin pH ; Proksch: pH and skin function ; American Academy of Dermatology: Facial Cleansing ; COSRX: Product information and application .