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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Cos De BAHA S2 Salicylic Acid 2% Liquid versus COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid .

Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on November 23, 2022

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain BHA and niacinamide

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Exfoliator South Korean Brand South Korea
Exfoliator South Korean Brand South Korea

Exfoliator

Exfoliators are used to exfoliate the skin, or remove dead skin cells from the skin. Exfoliators may be chemical or physical.

Exfoliator

Exfoliators are used to exfoliate the skin, or remove dead skin cells from the skin. Exfoliators may be chemical or physical.

Price

Shop

Buy S2 Salicylic Acid 2% Liquid

Starts at $13.49
Shop

Buy BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

Starts at $11.79

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
ph level
4.85

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

BHA (2)
Niacinamide

Benefits

Good For Oily Skin (3)
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation
Reduces Large Pores (4)
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting (3)
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
Irritating
Rosacea (2)
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

BHA
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Good For Oily Skin (2)
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Dark Spots
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

Rosacea
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Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Antimicrobial
Community Rating: Liked

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

Cos De BAHA S2 Salicylic Acid 2% Liquid contains this as ingredient number 4.

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid contains this as ingredient number 3.

2
What it does: Smoothing
Community Rating: Loved

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.

Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.

The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.

When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.

Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.

Learn more about Niacinamide

Cos De BAHA S2 Salicylic Acid 2% Liquid contains this as ingredient number 5.

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid contains this as ingredient number 4.

3
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.

Cos De BAHA S2 Salicylic Acid 2% Liquid contains this as ingredient number 6.

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid contains this as ingredient number 5.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

58% are loved or liked
17% have mixed ratings
8% are disliked or very disliked
17% have no rating yet
50% are loved or liked
40% have mixed ratings
10% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Cos De BAHA S2 Salicylic Acid 2% Liquid 12 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating
Tonephone_641's avatar

Tonephone_641

9 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

This products exfoliates and reduces my fungal acne overnight. It's affordable too

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid 10 ingredients

3.9 /5
from 24 ratings
Works Well (4) Great Value (4) Light (4) No Scent (4) Absorbs Well (3) Doesn't Work (2)
sword's avatar

sword

5 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

Gently Exfoliates
I decided to try a leave-on exfoliator rather than an exfoliating cleanser because I noticed I kept getting irritation from...

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.

tsmeu's avatar

tsmeu

5 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

This was only the second BHA product that I ever tried and got this because I just don't enjoy the skin feel of the Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid...

This was only the second BHA product that I ever tried and got this because I just don't enjoy the skin feel of the Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid (which I used on/off for years), and this was recommended by fiddysnails who has a similar skin type and concerns to mine. I do like that this leaves no residue but I just don't find this to be very effective.

I have dry combo skin and very rarely deal with breakouts - the only reason I use BHA is to help keep the pores on my nose and chin clear of sebacious filaments. I also use peptides in my routine so I don't want a BHA that I need to use every day, as I haven't been able to find conclusive information on whether acids really make peptides less effective and for now choose to use them on alternate days. I find that this product when used every other day just isn't enough to keep my pores clear of gunk. Maybe my skin just responds better to salicylic acid than to betaine salicylate which this uses.

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 1 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Cos De BAHA S2 Salicylic Acid 2% Liquid.

See 1 alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 6 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid.

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