Updated on July 18, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA, hyaluronic acid 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, common allergens, 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
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid 10 ingredients
COSRX AHA/BHA Refresh Vitamin C Booster Serum 24 ingredients
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid 10 ingredients
COSRX AHA/BHA Refresh Vitamin C Booster Serum 24 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Ingredients Side-by-side
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.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
2 Benefits May worsen Rosacea
Betaine Salicylate is considered a salicylic acid alternative.
6 Benefits
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
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.
Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It can be found naturally in our skin and hair.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
Actinidia Chinensis is the extract from kiwi fruit. It contains antioxidants in the forms of Vitamin C and polyphenols.
Hippophae Rhamnoides Water is created by distilling parts of the seabuckthorn plant.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
6 Benefits
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
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.
7 Benefits 2 Concerns
Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.
Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It can be found naturally in our skin and hair.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Hydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate isn't fungal acne safe.
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is an ester of lauric acid and Polyglycerin-10.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Antioxidant 6 Benefits
Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C. It is created by combining glucose from starch.
Oil
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is the oil from the bergamot orange. This bergamot is native to Italy.
2 Benefits May worsen Rosacea
Betaine Salicylate is considered a salicylic acid alternative.
2 Benefits
Alpha-Arbutin is made from hydroquinone and glucose. It may also be derived from the fermentation of soybeans.
Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract, Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycolic Acid, Betaine, Sodium Hydroxide, Water, Panthenol, Allantoin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Adenosine, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Betaine Salicylate, Alpha-Arbutin, Menthyl Lactate, Mentha Haplocalix Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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.
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 SalicylateNiacinamide 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 Niacinamide1,2-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.
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It can be found naturally in our skin and hair.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5 or dexpanthenol in dermatology.
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.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
Learn more about PanthenolSodium 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 HyaluronateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
When to use
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid 10 ingredients
COSRX AHA/BHA Refresh Vitamin C Booster Serum 24 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid 10 ingredients
sword
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
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.
