Versus

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner Versus Cos De BAHA S2 Salicylic Acid 2% Liquid

Toner
Exfoliator
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on October 10, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe . They have a total of 2 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain BHA

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing 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 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 Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse. 

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 preservatives 
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

When to use

4,122 Routines
36% use in am
64% use in pm
80% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
134 Routines
26% use in am
74% use in pm
60% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner 11 ingredients

3.7 /5
from 93 ratings
Light (34) Absorbs Well (33) Works Well (32)
solitaire_'s avatar

solitaire_

9 months ago
Review

It feels nice on my skin, very gentle and hydrating. I like how it doesn't have fragrance. It does have a subtly medicine smell but I think that's because of the ingredients, it's soothing and not too overpowering. This toner leaves my skin glowy the next morning whenever I use it the night before. I use this everyday since my skin got accustomed to it, used to only use it once a week, every week, Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well
Meegort's avatar

Meg

9 months ago
Review

A staple in my skin care routine that I stock up on! My ace scaring and residual red acne marks have overall brightened over time. I noticed specifically this when i introduced it to my skin care routine made a hugeee difference in the severity of my breakouts and the quickness of the fading of my acne marks! Make sure you use sunscreen though because i heard some people say it makes blemishes Show more

#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well
#works well

Cos De BAHA S2 Salicylic Acid 2% Liquid 11 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 3 ratings
Great Value (2) Works Well (2) Absorbs Well (1)
ivorycat's avatar

Cami

10 months ago
Review

I actually love this exfoliating serum for my very oily skin! I use it 3 times a week and only use two baby drops of it that I apply mostly on my T zone. The mornings after I use it, my skin feels lighter and purified. Try not to mix this serum with retinoids or vitamin C, although I mixed it with only derivatives (was told it’d be ok by employees), my skin felt a bit sensitive when I did.

#great value
#absorbs well
#works well
Tonephone_641's avatar

Tonephone_641

2 years ago
Review

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