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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid versus COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner .

Last updated on December 25, 2023. Published on January 27, 2021

Overview

What they are

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

Cool Features

They both contain BHA

Suited For

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

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 need an update? Let us know.

Exfoliator South Korean Brand South Korea
Toner 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.

Toner

Toners are used as a “last-step” cleanser, a pH balancer, add moisture to the skin, or may help in reducing impurities on the skin. They have a liquid consistency and are usually used after cleansers but before treatments.

Price

Shop

Buy BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

Starts at $12.69
Shop

Buy AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

Starts at $9.99

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
ph level
4.85
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

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

Notable Ingredients

AHA
BHA

Benefits

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

Concerns

Irritating
Rosacea (2)
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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: Astringent, Skin Conditioning, Soothing, Tonic
Community Rating: Liked

Salix Alba Bark Water is created by distilling parts from the white willow tree. The white willow tree is native to Europe and Central Asia.

Salix Alba Bark has often been described as salicylic acid's cousin. This is due to the salicin it contains. However, studies are limited showing salix alba bark to be an effective salicylic acid alternative.

Salicin does have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has shown to decrease the formation of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear factor-kappa B. Salicin also has a mildly exfoliating effect on the skin.

As an astringent, salix alba bark water helps tighten the skin by drawing water out. This helps reduce the appearance of large pores.

Learn more about Salix Alba Bark Water

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid contains this as ingredient number 1.

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner contains this as ingredient number 2.

2
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

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

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid contains this as ingredient number 2.

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner contains this as ingredient number 4.

3
What it does: Antimicrobial
Community Rating: Liked

Betaine Salicylate is a salicylic acid alternative. It is created with betaine and salicylic acid.

Betain Salicylate is a keralytic ingredient. This means it breaks down the top layer of skin. Due to its similarity to salicylic acid, it can be considered a BHA alternative.

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

Learn more about Betaine Salicylate

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

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner contains this as ingredient number 8.

4
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.

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

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner contains this as ingredient number 5.

5
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.

lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.

Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.

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

Learn more about Panthenol

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid contains this as ingredient number 7.

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner contains this as ingredient number 10.

6
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Liked

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.

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid contains this as ingredient number 10.

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner contains this as ingredient number 11.

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

60% are loved or liked
30% have mixed ratings
10% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet
73% are loved or liked
18% have mixed ratings
0% are disliked or very disliked
9% 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

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid 10 ingredients

3.9 /5
from 24 reviews
tsmeu's Avatar'
Dec 21, 2023

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...

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.

Light
No Scent
Doesn't Work
sword's Avatar'
Dec 20, 2023

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...

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
kyniwi's Avatar'
Jan 28, 2024

I love this! It’s such a mild exfoliant but it does the job. It’s not irritating and honestly can be somewhat hydrating (as hydrating as an exfoliant can be). It’s not fungal acne safe BUT it has not broken me out in that way so far....

I love this! It’s such a mild exfoliant but it does the job. It’s not irritating and honestly can be somewhat hydrating (as hydrating as an exfoliant can be). It’s not fungal acne safe BUT it has not broken me out in that way so far. I’ve seen a lot of improvement in my texture and redness since I started using this!

Great Value
Light
Absorbs Well
Works Well

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner 11 ingredients

3.8 /5
from 37 reviews
Gracekp_827's Avatar'
Mar 12, 2024

My first chemical exfoliator. Great as an introduction for beginner or sensitive skin. Works well for a couple of months and then it didn't give the same effect as it used to. Help reduce blackheads, bumps, and prevent hormonal aches.

My first chemical exfoliator. Great as an introduction for beginner or sensitive skin. Works well for a couple of months and then it didn't give the same effect as it used to. Help reduce blackheads, bumps, and prevent hormonal aches.

jojoswrld_'s Avatar'
Jan 7, 2024

When I first used this, it made my skin tingle ever-so-slightly before revealing the smoothest skin ever. The ever-present texture (closed comedones) on my forehead and cheeks have diminished greatly because of this. I only use it at...

When I first used this, it made my skin tingle ever-so-slightly before revealing the smoothest skin ever. The ever-present texture (closed comedones) on my forehead and cheeks have diminished greatly because of this. I only use it at night because AHA can cause sensitivity to sunlight!

Great Value
Works Well
ChienYun_CY's Avatar'
Jul 8, 2023

HG exfoliating toner
I use this only at night twice a week. On first use, I didn't really feel the good effects straight away but I woke up to clearer complexion. But on second use, my skin felt so smooth and silky the next day when I...

HG exfoliating toner
I use this only at night twice a week. On first use, I didn't really feel the good effects straight away but I woke up to clearer complexion. But on second use, my skin felt so smooth and silky the next day when I woke up. It is also really gentle on my sensitive skin and didn't cause any irritations.

Alternatives

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