COSRX Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water Versus Cetaphil Healthy Renew Micellar Cleansing Water - Australia
Updated on March 30, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe makeup removers. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
COSRX Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water 16 ingredients
Cetaphil Healthy Renew Micellar Cleansing Water 18 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
COSRX Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water 16 ingredients
Cetaphil Healthy Renew Micellar Cleansing Water 18 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Betaine
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Oryza Sativa Lees Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Citric Acid
Buffering
Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningBuddleja Davidii Extract
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Extract
Perfuming
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Glycerin, Oryza Sativa Lees Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Citrate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Buddleja Davidii Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Tocopherol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPolyglyceryl-4 Caprate comes from Capric Acid and Polyglycerin-4. It is an emulsifier.
Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. They do this by preventing ingredients from separating, such as oils and water which do not mix naturally.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
COSRX Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water 16 ingredients
Cetaphil Healthy Renew Micellar Cleansing Water 18 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
