Is Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser Acne Safe? Ingredients Check
The cult-favorite cleanser with the jelly texture: is it actually safe for pore-cloggers? We analyze the full ingredient list.
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser is arguably one of the most famous cleansers in the modern beauty world. It’s praised for its unique conditioning texture that doesn’t strip the skin. It feels gentle, soft, and luxurious.
But "gentle" feeling doesn't always equal "pore-safe." For those of use prone to retention acne (closed comedones), even wash-off products can leave a residue that triggers breakouts over time.
We ran the full ingredient list through our PoreChecker database, and the results are concerning for acne-prone skin.
The Verdict: NOT Acne Safe
Unfortunately, this cleanser contains several high-risk ingredients that are well-known to clog pores.
The Clogging Culprits
- Isopropyl Myristate: A synthetic oil used to give products a slick feel. It is rated 5/5 on many comedogenicity scales, meaning it has a very high probability of causing acne.
- Isopropyl Palmitate: Similar to Isopropyl Myristate, this is a thickening agent that is highly comedogenic.
- Sorbitan Oleate: An emulsifier derived from oleic acid (olive oil) and sorbitol. Oleic acid is known to disrupt the skin barrier in acne patients and can trigger comedones.
- Polysorbate 80: A surfactant that can specifically trigger fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) in prone individuals.
Why Wash-Off Products Matter
A common myth is that because you rinse a cleanser off, the ingredients don't matter. While it's true that serums and moisturizers are more risky, film-forming ingredients like Isopropyl Myristate are designed to stay behind on the skin to make it feel "conditioned" after washing.
If you struggle with stubborn bumps along your jawline or cheeks and use this cleanser, it might be the hidden cause.
Safe Alternatives?
If you love the jelly texture, look for cleansers that use safer surfactants and are free from these specific fatty esters. Always check the ingredients before buying.
Step 1: Upload Your Product Image
Simply snap a photo of the ingredient list on the back of any bottle, jar, or box. No typing required.
Step 2: Instant AI Ingredient Analysis
Our advanced AI scans the image, performs OCR (Optical Character Recognition), and matches every ingredient against our curated database of comedogenic substances.
Step 3: Clear Results for Clearer Skin
You get an immediate breakdown. If any red-flag ingredients are found, we highlight them and explain why they might be problematic for your pores.
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