We read Cosmedix's description of Purity Clean on 9 October 2026 and considered what each named ingredient can do in a product you rinse off. We have not used this cleanser.
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Research-based score out of 10. The overall score is the average of the four parts below.
- States its lactic acid percentage
- Lactic acid is one of the gentler exfoliating acids
- Lathers without stripping, per the maker
- Generous 150 mL bottle
- About $8.60 per fluid ounce
- Acid is rinsed off within a minute or so
- Peppermint and tea tree oils can irritate
- No pH given
The short answer
Consider it if
- Your skin is oily or congested and tolerates fragrance and essential oils.
- You like a cooling, minty wash.
- You want mild exfoliation without adding another leave-on step.
Skip it if
- Your skin is sensitive, reactive or prone to eczema.
- You already use a leave-on acid or retinoid nightly and do not need more exfoliation.
- You want the most exfoliation per dollar.
What can a rinse-off acid do?
Purity Clean contains 5% L-lactic acid. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that loosens the bonds between dead skin cells, and 5% is a sensible, mild strength. Cosmedix earns a point for stating the percentage, which many brands do not.
How well an acid works depends on three things: its concentration, the product's pH, and how long it stays on the skin. A leave-on lactic acid serum works for hours. A cleanser is on your face for perhaps 30 to 60 seconds and then goes down the drain. The page does not give a pH.
So expect gentle surface smoothing over weeks, and do not expect it to match a leave-on exfoliant. Claims about discoloration in particular are a lot to ask of a one-minute wash.
Tea tree and peppermint
The other two featured ingredients are tea tree oil and peppermint essential oil. Tea tree oil has some evidence for helping with blemishes at leave-on strengths. Peppermint gives the cooling tingle that makes skin feel clean.
Both are also among the more common causes of irritation and contact allergy in skincare. A tingle is a sensation, and it is not a sign that the product is working. If your skin stings, flushes or peels with fragranced products, choose a plain cleanser. Keep this one away from your eyes.
Price per ounce
The bottle is 5 fl oz (150 mL) at $43. That is $8.60 per fluid ounce, or about 29 cents per millilitre. If a pump is about 1.5 mL and you wash twice a day, the bottle lasts roughly seven weeks and costs about 86 cents a day.
Drugstore lactic or salicylic acid cleansers cost a fraction of that. You are paying for the brand, the texture and the scent. That is a fine reason to buy something you enjoy using, as long as you know it.
Key facts
As published by Cosmedix or the sources named above, checked on 9 Oct 2026. Prices and terms change, so confirm them before you buy.
| Type | Exfoliating gel cleanser, rinse-off |
|---|---|
| Exfoliant | 5% L-lactic acid |
| Other featured ingredients | Tea tree oil, peppermint essential oil |
| pH | Not stated |
| Size | 5 fl oz / 150 mL |
| Price | $43.00 |
| Price per fl oz | $8.60 |
| Best for (maker) | Congested, shiny or uneven skin |
FAQ
Is Cosmedix Purity Clean good for sensitive skin?
Probably not the best choice. It contains peppermint and tea tree oils, which are common irritants.
How much lactic acid is in it?
5% L-lactic acid, according to Cosmedix.
Do I need sunscreen with it?
Yes. Alpha hydroxy acids can increase sun sensitivity, and the FDA advises sun protection when using them.
Did you test it?
No. This review is based on Cosmedix's published description.
Verdict
Purity Clean is an honest, mild exfoliating wash that tells you its acid percentage. It is also $43 for a product that touches your skin for a minute. Buy it if you love a minty lather and your skin tolerates essential oils. If you want results from lactic acid, a leave-on product gives the ingredient time to work.
Product names and trademarks belong to their owners. This review is general information, not professional advice.