Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Review [In-Depth]
Update Dec 2023: 5 bottles and several years later, this is still one of my favorite products of all time!
After 2 weeks with regular use (this is really gentle, but you should use it every three days or once a week to start), you should begin to notice less texture, fewer clogged pores - my pores appeared smaller, and the blackheads on my nose were visibly reduced.
The effects are subtle at first but you DEFINITELY notice a difference when you stop using it!
Keep on reading for the full COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid review.
Quick Facts
Formulation: Paraben-free, fragrance-free
Application: Light, watery but slightly viscous texture. Easily absorbed into the skin with a slightly tacky finish
Scent: Light botanical fragrance
Packaging: Simple, clean, plastic pump packaging. It comes with a cap on the pump for storage (but it’s not leakproof)
Price: ~$25 CAD
Where to buy: Amazon or StyleVana (StyleVana is cheaper but it takes 3 weeks+ to arrive sometimes and their customer service is non-existent).
Verdict: 10/10. I love this treatment so much =’). It’s so gentle yet effective and keeps my forehead so clear (I’m very prone to closed comedones up there). Highly recommend this to try if you’re wanting to venture into BHAs to help with any skin textures as this is quite gentle! (But still please patch test prior to putting this all over your face and definitely don’t use daily to start).
About the Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
The Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is a gentle, leave-on exfoliant. It features 4% BHA, or beta-hydroxy acids that penetrate deeper into the skin (compared to alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic acid and lactic acid).
BHAs penetrate deeply into the pores and helps clear clogged pores and gently exfoliates dead skin cells, giving the skin its natural glow. BHAs are oil-soluble so they are able to penetrate through oil, natural and otherwise, to truly dissolve it and clean out clogged pores. They also have amazing anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The active ingredients are paired with a light, moisturizing, watery gel base that contains willow bark water, instead of plain mineral water to maximize exfoliating and clearing benefits without irritation.
I love how it contains Niacinamide as well! The ingredients list is simple but very effective, as to be expected from Cosrx.
Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Ingredients
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Niacinamide, Betaine Salicylate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol
How often should I use the Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid?
I typically use this at nighttime, every other night. You can use the COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid every day but it’s not recommended (it contains approx 4% of betaine salicylate (a type of BHA), which may be too much for new users).
1. After double-cleansing, I’ll use a Muji cotton pad and do 2-3 pumps across mainly my t zone area (please avoid your eye and lip area). Some people prefer to pat this on using their fingertips, but I find if I use a cotton pad I can see that there’s still either makeup or dead skin after application so I use it as a last step cleansing method.
2. It’s quite thin but slightly tacky after application so you can let it just sit and soak in a bit prior to moisturizing with a very basic moisturizer (because this product contains a chemical exfoliant already, I would recommend sticking to a more soothing/moisturizing product over top).
3. You can store this in the fridge so it’s more refreshing to apply for summer nights.
4. This will make your skin more sensitive to sunlight so be sure to wear sunscreen during the day.
Is the Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid good?
Yes this is a holy grail chemical exfoliant that is still gentle and soothing. With consistent use (once every two days to start, for two weeks) you should see a change in the texture of your skin. My results were really visible around my nose and forehead (with reduced clogged pores and blackheads)!
I’ve been using this for years and I have normal skin with an oily T zone. It’s most suitable for normal/combination/slightly more oily skin types. It’s also one of the less pricey BHA’s out there (Paula’s Choice 2% BHA is very comparable, but priced around $23).
This is great as a starter chemical exfoliant for those who have minor texture issues, and any clogged pores/small bumps.
Cons
It’s a very simple but effective product for mild/gentle exfoliation only. You’re probably not going to see results immediately but that is a good thing because it’s gentle! If you have more sensitive skin I would start with Paula’s Choice BHA which is at 2% BHA!
And with any chemical exfoliants, you should be very very careful to patch test first! Everyone’s skin is different so with actives it’s definitely lots of trial and error.
Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Review Summary
The COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is a very good starter acid option for someone that has normal/slightly more oily skin wanting to try out chemical exfoliants. It’s effective for gently unclogging pores and you should see the results usually in about 2 weeks with continued use. It has really good value for the price, based on the ingredient list, and has minimal irritants plus no added fragrance.
I’ve seen pretty decent results with it and have gone through many many bottles already, so I will definitely be repurchasing! Let me know down below if you decide to try it and if you enjoy it :)!
Read here for the complete list of my all-time favourite skincare and makeup products!
Cheers,
T