Versus

Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner Versus COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

Toner
Exfoliator
American Brand United States
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on July 18, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 2 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain BHA and hyaluronic acid

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin and reducing pores

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant 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

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Antimicrobial

Betaine Salicylate is considered a salicylic acid alternative.

Limited studies exist proving this ingredient to be a complete alternative to salicylic acid. Based on existing research, this ingredient does not penetrate as deeply and is not shown to be as effective.

However, this makes it a great choice for those with sensitive skin or need gentle BHA action.

This ingredient is created using betaine and salicylic acid.

This ingredient is oil-soluble and is most effective at a pH range of 3.8-4.2.

Learn more about Betaine Salicylate
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate

When to use

81 Routines
46% use in am
54% use in pm
89% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
1,956 Routines
25% use in am
75% use in pm
57% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner 27 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 1 rating
Drying (1) Irritating (1) Strong Scent (1)
wednesdayophelia's avatar

Mica

6 months ago
Review

This was too harsh of an astringent for my sensitive dry face, nobody needs so many fragrant plant oil extracts with chemical exfoliants, but it found a new purpose exfoliating on and behind my ears, on the kp bumps on my arms, and on ingrown hairs on my bikini line.

#drying
#irritating
#strong scent

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid 10 ingredients

3.7 /5
from 39 ratings
Absorbs Well (13) Light (12) Works Well (11)
sword's avatar

sword

1 year ago
Review

Gently Exfoliates
I decided to try a leave-on exfoliator rather than an exfoliating cleanser because I noticed I kept getting irritation from exfoliating cleansers. This Cosrx one is really gentle and pleasant. It takes a few minutes for it to absorb into my skin, but afterwards I get very little irritation and my skin texture and pore appearance have definitely improved.

#great value
#light
#no scent
#works well
v22's avatar

v22

6 months ago
Review

My favourite COSRX product. Pores appear smaller after a few hours. Was not expecting sebaceous filaments to disappear. I usually use one pump of liquid and put it directly on my T-zone and leave it to do its magic for about a few hours before applying moisturiser. (Putting moisturiser right after reduces its effectiveness from my personal experience.)

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent