Versus

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Versus Hero Cosmetics Pore Release

Exfoliator
Exfoliator
Korean Brand South Korea
American Brand United States

Updated on July 18, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe exfoliators. 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, 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

About this product

About this product

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.

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

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.
  • It has mild preservative properties.

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

Masking, Skin Conditioning

Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.

As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.

Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.

Learn more about Arginine

When to use

1,943 Routines
25% use in am
74% use in pm
57% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
119 Routines
24% use in am
76% use in pm
53% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid 10 ingredients

3.7 /5
from 39 ratings
Absorbs Well (13) Light (12) Works Well (11)
sword's avatar

sword

1 year ago
Review

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
v22's avatar

v22

6 months ago
Review

My favourite COSRX product. Pores appear smaller after a few hours. Was not expecting sebaceous filaments to disappear. I usually use one pump of liquid and put it directly on my T-zone and leave it to do its magic for about a few hours before applying moisturiser. (Putting moisturiser right after reduces its effectiveness from my personal experience.)

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent

Hero Cosmetics Pore Release 19 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 3 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Light (1) No Scent (1)
TimWizard's avatar

TimWizard

1 year ago
Review

Instantly clogged my pores

BalletMum's avatar

Michele Riley

6 months ago
Review

Great overnight to put on problem areas and spots that pop up .. significantly shrinks my blemishes overnight and keeps them from going from lumps to full blown cystic acne like I’m prone to. Too harsh to use every day though and may irritate sensitive skin if overused

#light
#absorbs well
#no scent
#works well