Versus

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner Versus COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid

Toner
Essence
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on June 07, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe . They have a total of 6 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain AHA

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, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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.

Pyrus Malus Fruit Water is created by distilling parts of the apple.

Apples contain a large amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.

The sugar in Apples helps keep the skin hydrated. Apples also contain some acids, such as malic acid. These acids may have a mild exfoliating effect.

Apples also contain Vitamins C and B.

Learn more about Pyrus Malus Fruit Water
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

Learn more about Butylene Glycol
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 
Buffering

Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.

Its main role is to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing newer skin cells to emerge.

Specifically, AHAs work by breaking down the structural "glue" holding the old skin cells in place. Getting rid of the old skin cells allows skin to regenerate newer skin cells in its place. A build up of dead skin cells can lead to tired and dull looking skin.

Due to this, glycolic acid helps with:

Fun fact: Glycolic acid increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.

When starting glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging.

The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product. Concentrations between 5-20% glycolic acid have been shown to be effective in clinical studies.

Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Glycolic Acid
Skin Conditioning

Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.

There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.

D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.

Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):

Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.

This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.

Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.

This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.

Learn more about Panthenol

Ethyl Hexanediol is an aliphatic alcohol. It is a solvent.

Solvents are used to keep ingredients together in a product. They can help dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.

When to use

4,102 Routines
36% use in am
64% use in pm
80% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
798 Routines
22% use in am
78% use in pm
58% 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

COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid 10 ingredients

3.2 /5
from 22 ratings
Absorbs Well (9) Great Value (7) Light (6)
SpaceyTrxsh's avatar

SpaceyTrxsh

1 year ago
Review

Seeing forever to see results

#light
#absorbs well
#no scent
Zienn's avatar

Zienn

1 year ago
Review

oily skin nothing change or happend when use
not working at all. but kinda clean my dead skin off.

#expensive
#irritating
#light
#absorbs well