by Jude Chao

Review: COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

Got visible pores? Then you probably know the constant struggle of trying to keep them clean so that they’ll look smaller and less noticeable, especially on the cheeks and in the T-zone. Primers and makeup can work wonders to hide them, but not everyone wants to wear makeup, and your skincare goal is probably to have skin that looks great without makeup, anyway. The occasional clay mask and oil massage treatment can deep-clean pores for a temporarily improved appearance, but on a daily basis, your most reliable weapon against obvious pores is going to be a BHA.

Unfortunately, BHAs formulated at the correct concentration and pH are few and far between. In the Western market, the two best-known are probably the cheap and easily accessible but often drying and irritating Stridex Maximum Strength or the gentler but more expensive and unpleasantly textured Paula’s Choice BHA products.

And then there’s COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid.

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
After once daily usage on face only for two months, there’s still this much left. This will last.

Purpose: COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is an oil-soluble chemical exfoliant that clears dead skin cells from deep within pores to minimize their appearance and prevent breakouts.

Do not use if: You are sensitive to betaine salicylate or anything else in the ingredients list. Check with your doctor if you are already using a prescription-strength retinoid or if you have an aspirin allergy.

When and how to use: After cleansing (and after vitamin C serum if you use one), apply to face in a thin layer using hands or a cotton pad. For best results, wait 20-30 minutes before applying any other products to allow the acid to take effect without being prematurely neutralized.

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid ingredients: Salix alba (willow) bark water, butylene glycol, betaine salicylate (4%), niacinamide, 1,2-hexanediol, arginine, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate, xanthan gum, ethyl hexanediol. pH: 4.0 (according to Wishtrend)

Notable ingredients: Since this is a chemical exfoliant, let’s first talk about the two factors that make or break effectiveness: BHA concentration and pH.

Unlike most Western BHA products, COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is formulated with betaine salicylate rather than the more common salicylic acid. Korean regulations around salicylic acid are particularly strict. Betaine salicylate, on the other hand, is a milder, gentler, and more sensitive skin-suitable BHA–the friendly, polite “Canadian of BHAs,” as Snow White and the Asian Pear put it.  The 4% concentration of betaine salicylate is enough to do the job here without going overboard. The pH, meanwhile, is 4.0. That’s on the high end of the effectiveness range for a BHA, which also contributes to the gentler nature of COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid compared to Stridex or Paula’s Choice BHAs.

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is based on willow bark water rather than plain water. Willow bark is a natural source of BHAs, which have anti-inflammatory as well as exfoliant properties. While I’m inclined to believe that willow bark water will not exfoliate on its own, the anti-inflammatory action contributes to an overall less irritating experience.

The only ingredient CosDNA flagged was butylene glycol, which is everywhere, and which only scored a 1 as a potential acne trigger.

Performance

I’d already been using a BHA every day for over a year before I got the COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid. I’d alternated between the Paula’s Choice and the Stridex, depending on how my skin felt on any given day. I’ll be comparing COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid to these two better-known BHA products throughout this review.

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is clear and slightly thicker than water, with a slippy texture that allows it to glide smoothly over skin. It has a slight chemical odor. The smell fades much more quickly than the strong menthol scent of Stridex Maximum Strength and is far less unpleasant, in my opinion, than the weird, musty funk of the Paula’s Choice. Seriously, why does the PC have to smell like that?

One thing I really appreciate about COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is the way it feels after application. BHAs can be quite drying, as just about anyone who’s used Stridex Maximum Strength will agree: the 20-30 minute wait time after putting on Stridex was often torturous for me. It made my face feel like it was shriveling up and dying. I’m really not a fan of scorched-earth tactics when it comes to my face, so I never found Stridex ideal. And in my opinion, Paula’s Choice overcompensates for the naturally drying properties of BHAs. Their 2% BHA Liquid always left a sticky, oily-feeling film on my skin, no matter how thinly I applied the product. COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid dries down within minutes and feels just hydrating enough to prevent tightness or discomfort without leaving any discernible residue behind.

The other thing I appreciate even more about COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is the results it delivers. As I said, I’d been using BHAs daily for over a year before I captured this unicorn. I wasn’t being diligent because I was happy with my progress, though. When it came to my BHAs, I was being diligent because I’m pig stubborn. BHAs are known to keep pores clear when formulated at the right pH and concentration, and both the Paula’s Choice BHA liquid and the Stridex in the red box are known to be at the right pH and concentration, so even though I never saw any change, I kept grimly putting them on and hoping that someday I’d see some kind of improvement. My pores didn’t get any worse, that’s true. But they weren’t getting any better.

Within a couple of weeks after I started using COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, I knew I’d found The One. The stubborn visible pores on my nose and to either side of it were already looking smaller and cleaner than ever before. I’m about two months in to my use of this product, and I’m seeing continued improvement, all without any irritation or dryness, even during my month with alkaline cleansers.

Results after two months' use of COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
My nose used to look like I’d just sprinkled black pepper all over it. It doesn’t anymore.

In conjunction with my A-Sol, the anti-inflammatory properties of the BHA have also gotten the chronic redness around my nose and on my chin under control and help to keep my oil production in check, allowing me to use less makeup overall. Love.

COSRX acid products
This is my Holy Trinity for clear pores, even tone, and refined texture.

Conclusions: I’m in total agreement with The Wanderlust Project that COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is a better product than the well respected Paula’s Choice BHA, and the COSRX perfectly complements my COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid. It’s rare that I can’t find a single thing to complain about in a product, but this is that unicorn that satisfies me in every way–and unlike the AHA, the smell of this one isn’t strong enough to be a minus. With all my other BHA products, I felt like I never got off the plateau. With COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, my skin always seems to be improving. It’s really great stuff, and I’m officially off the market when it comes to BHA.

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid label close up
This. This is my stuff. Ride or die.

Rating: 5/5

Rating scale:

1 – This should be taken off the market.
2 – Caused me some problems; would not buy again.
3 – Meh. Neither great nor bad.
4 – Pretty good. Would buy again unless I find something better.
5 – I’ll never be in the market for a replacement unless this one is discontinued.

Where can I buy COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid?

What’s your BHA of choice?

208 thoughts on “Review: COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”

  1. Great review, I plan to buy this Cosrx BHA Blackhead power liquid and the C20 Vitamin C serum really soon. I saw you mentioned the vitamin C and I have a question. I double cleanse every night (I use Banila Co clean it zero and Bioderma sensibio). If I want to incorporate these two into my skincare what is the best order? Cleanse, wait 20 minutes, vit C serum, wait 20 minutes, BHA wait another 20 minutes and then using toner essences etc?

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you, I’m completely lost when it comes to AHA/BHA/Vit C. My only concern is the waiting time, I’m afraid my skin will feel dry during those 20 minutes but hopefully everything will be alright and I will be able to get rid of those stubborn blackheads and scars.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. This has been on my radar forever since I need a new BHA and plateaued as well. Thanks for the last bit of persuasion. ;D

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Ok. This settles it, I NEED this! PC isn’t working for me either. I feel like I’m just putting water on my face. So dissapointed for the price too.
    I just need your master list of what to buy because it seems every time you love something I need it too. My wallet is very unhappy lately but it could be so so much worse! Better skin at a lower price, I’ll take that anyday!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ahahaha. Well, I guess the master list would be my routine! I actually just updated it to reflect which products I won’t be repurchasing, and I love the rest of it 😀

      Like

  5. I’m currently using Cosrx’s One Step Pimple Clear Pads, but the ingredients list is essential the same as the BHA Blackhead Power Liquid. Do you think the different forms affect the efficacy?

    Liked by 1 person

  6. I love this post. I’ve been on the fence about purchasing this and your review basically sealed the deal for me!
    Do you use the whitehead power liquid and the blackhead power liquid together? or do you use it on seperate days?
    I have never used chemical exfoliants before and I was wondering if I should use both together?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I use them both nightly, but if you’re new if chemical exfoliation, definitely start slow. Introduce just one at a time and don’t use them every night until you’re confident of your tolerance. And make sure to use sunscreen. I hope they work out for you!

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  7. So I’m just now hearing about this product via your blog and The Wanderlust Project’s recent review. I’m completely sold, but just a little confused about how this will fit into my current skincare routine. My understanding is after double cleansing, use a toner and THEN the Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid and then wait 20 minutes before finishing my routine? I use the Benton Aloe BHA Toner… is it ok to keep using this toner since it too has BHA?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I would do this before your toner, as the Benton toner sounds like it may be a little bit too “nourishing” to use under an active. Actives should ideally go on bare skin.

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  8. So what I’m unsure of after reading this article and your A-Sol review is why you need 2 BHA products? I just purchased the Blackhead Power Liquid as yourself and The Wanderlust Project tooted it quite highly and she doesn’t mention using it with the A-Sol. I’m currently using the Biologique Researche P50 lotion (also an acid exfoliator), should I be able to get away with just the B.P.L.?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You can definitely just get away with the BPL. I mostly use the A-Sol because I have it (I thought it was their BHA treatment), and while I do find that it seems to have a great booster effect in conjunction with my other COSRX acids, I could definitely live without it.

      Like

  9. hI! LOVED THE REVIEW- THX!
    I have a question, first time im using any chemical exfoliants, and i saw on your routine u use also “COSRX AHA 7 WHITEHEAD POWER LIQUID” + A-Sol.
    I have pigmentation on my forehead and large pore and blackhead on my nose (Bugger :\ )
    So im wondering should i use them all like 3 times a week cause its my first time? or should i start only with 1 product?
    Would love to hear your thoughts about it, Also if you have other recommendation for my pigmented skin:\..

    Many many thxs!

    Michal.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Definitely start with only one, and start by using it just once a day every three days or so a few times before moving up to once every other day and then once a day. Only after you know your skin tolerates the first one should you begin to introduce the second. Skin irritation and overexfoliation are no joke 🙂 Also, AHAs are photosensitizing, so make sure you’re using an adequate amount of sunscreen during the day!

      For pigmentation, check out vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate probably; they are more gentle than L-ascorbic acid) and products with niacinamide, arbutin, and licorice root extract.

      Good luck! Thanks for reading my blog!

      Like

      1. Thanks for the fasr reply!:)
        I have the OST C20 serum. Is this enough?

        And following your comment ill buy the “COSRX BHA BLACKHEAD POWER LIQUID”.
        The routine should be- cleaning the face- put on the serum, wait 20 min- tan the black heas BHA, 20 min, and than moisturize?

        Again- many thanks!

        Michal.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. hi
    great review!
    I am thinking about getting BHA Blackhead power liquid as i cant really see any change with paula choice BHA. Do i apply this after cleanser, toner and missha FTE?

    thanks

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Kelly,

      Apply it after cleansing and before FTE. What kind of toner do you have? If it is a pH-adjusting toner (like Etude House Wonder Pore or pretty much any toner with AHA/BHA) then it will go after toner, but if it’s a hydrating toner like Hada Labo, then the toner will go after the BHA.

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  12. I’m currently using Paula’s Choice, but the gel, which doesn’t smell funky at all and doesn’t leave my skin feeling oily. When I finish the bottle, I want to try COS RX, though! I’ve read a couple reviews now and all are super positive. It’s more affordable as well, so I’m looking forward to the results!

    Liked by 1 person

  13. What is the order in which you use the holy trinity? I have the same three but i’m kinda confused about which goes first and next

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  14. So I have A-sol and BPL which one do I use first or do I use them on separate nights/days?
    Thanks

    Like

      1. Ok so first black power then wait 20 minutes then a-sol wait 20 minutes then whitehead power liquid wait 20 minutes then normal moisturiser? Is that right?
        Thank you 🙂

        Like

  15. Hi, I am new to your blog and I’m learning tons! I am really interseted in starting the 2 step cleanse and the actives technique that everyone have been raving about but I am not sure which step I should try first as I have very sensitive skin. I have some whitehead problems on my forehead/pores on cheek but otherwise not problematic. Would you suggest I keep my current 1-step cleanse and introduce a BHA or A-sol before proceeding to the double cleanse technique? Thanks!

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Pingback: QUICK REVIEW: LA GIRL PIGMENT GLOSS & WISH LIST | DENOK/USAPYON

  17. I’ve tried the product and found it so effective. My skin used to be dry which causes itchiness. For two years, I’ve been using SKII everyday. I find it so expensive for everyday use and aside from that, I don’t get the result what I wanted. My friend recommends COSRX products to me. I tried for a week everyday. BINGO! I found the result what I wanted! Just a little powder on my face and I can proudly go out of the house without using make up.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Hello your majesty, my snail queen.

    Since I am both very excited and scared about introducing actives into my skincare routine. How should I go about it?

    I’m planning to use the C21.5 (It’s $29 on Amazon whereas the C20 is soooo much cheaper, sigh, I guess my face is worth it…), the BHA and AHA power liquids. I know that if my face will not be able to even if I use them all at once at the beginning. I need my face to be able to even. Ugghhhhh I can’t evennnnnn. (This took a lot of thinking, I do sincerely hope you laugh exhaled at least a little bit.)

    Anxiously awaiting your reply! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hiya and hahaha. Hmm, how you introduce the actives depends on what your priorities are. What problem are you trying to tackle first?

      Also, any particular reason for choosing C21.5 over C20?

      I totally blew air out of my nose, so you win.

      Like

  20. Yassssssss winnnn! Because after much research I found out people like the C21.5 a lot better because there are lower chances of purging or irritation and just the entire set that leads to wearing a paper bag on your head. And it’s got a shorter ingredient list which also probably contributed to that, plus less stickiness because that was an issue too. I have blackheads and some inexplicable bumps on my face, acne and so much PIH that I feel like my face is cosplaying as a Dalmatian. #crying

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Hello milady Fiddy Snails. First time commenter here, although I’ve been a “lurker” for a few months now. I have a question re: BHA/AHAs. If I could only use just the one, which would you recommend? If I can’t wait the 40-60 mins to use both, will alternating them still be effective? I have the CorsX AHA on the way, but am now considering getting the BHA as well. If it helps, I’m not prone to breakouts, apart from the one pimple that seems to move around my face monthly. Thanks!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hiya Kat! If you can only use one, then it will depend on what your skincare priorities are. BHAs are better for pores and acne prevention; AHAs are better for skin texture, brightening, and often treating bumps of active acne.

      The other thing is that I’ve been experimenting with wait times and am not seeing any reduction in effects if I only wait 5-10 minutes in between each step 🙂

      Like

      1. Thank you for the reply! Your BHA vs AHA explanation was very helpful. Thanks! Also, good to know that I don’t have to wait almost a full hour. Some days I just want to go straight to bed! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  23. I just read above that you now only wait 5-10 minutes in between each active. At your convenience, would you be able to write a short updated post on wait times for actives as well as the order in which you use them? Thank you!!!

    Liked by 1 person

  24. If i want to use both AHA and BHA, what order should I apply? Right now I am cleansing, AHA, and then moisturizing with a snail cream before bed. Should I use AHA or BHA first? Thanks!

    Liked by 1 person

      1. But you said otherwise in the CosRX AHA liquid post: “The order of acids in my skin care routine is pH adjuster (COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol), vitamin C serum (C21.5) with a 20-minute wait, BHA (COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid) with a 30-minute wait, then COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid with a 30-minute wait.”
        Which one is it? :/ Confusing!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I refined my routine since then and am currently doing what I described–lots of experimentation was involved 😊 The way I describe in that Cosrx AHA review is a reliable general method of dealing with acids but I’m always looking for ways to adjust and improve!

        Like

  25. Hii, miss fiddy snails… ^-^ I’m completely newbie about CORSX product, and really thanks a lot for your super detailed (which I like) review about COSRX product…. Currently, I’m using COSRX Galactomyces 95 White Power Essence…
    So, I have problems with my pores, and wondering if I am going to use the BHA Blackhead Power Liquid…How am I supposed to use it with Galactomyces?? Before or After??
    And Which one works better?? BHA Summer Pore Minish Serum or BHA Blackhead Power Liquid??

    Pardon my bad english (since I’m an Indonesian)
    I’ll love to hear from your opinion and experience more

    Thank you \^-^/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, and use it before the Whitening Power Essence, on a bare face if possible! Also try to let the BHA work for at least 10 minutes before you apply anything else. Enjoy and I hope it works well for you!

      Like

  26. Hi! Bit confused by what a BHA can do. I’m prone to white heads and CCs. Would using this help clean out my pores to stop the from forming in the first place?

    Like

  28. Hi! I’m still confused a little…
    Should I use AHA/BHA toner before actives to make them work better?
    And what do you think about using one active on part of face that in need? Ex. AHA for cheeks and forehead (wrinkles, dehydrated) and BHA for nose and nose-area (visible pores and black heads)?

    Love your blog! learning a lot!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. AHA/BHA toner is helpful but tbh I don’t really think it’s necessary, especially if you use a low pH cleanser anyway. And using actives only on the parts of your face that they’re needed is a great idea!

      Like

  29. if i use an AHA toner as my first step after cleansing, which goes next? my c serum (PH is 3.5), then the BPL? how long do i wait in between each product?

    im trying to figure out how to incorporate this into my AM routine 😉

    thanks!

    Liked by 1 person

  30. Thank you for these wonderful review about Corsrx products. I’m now considering to buy either this one or the AHA one. But, I’m toying which one I should buy. FYI, I never used any chemical exfoliants before. I have combination skin with oily t-zone, whiteheads + visible pores around nose and mouth areas, and ocassional pimple during my period.
    So, what would you recommend for me, the BHA or AHA one? Thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

  32. Great review! I just purchased and received the BHA Blackhead Power Liquid. I have a question about the order in which I should use it. My toner has a ph of 6 and I also use a VitC serum. I’m assuming because of the high ph level of my toner I should cleanse, wait 15 mins, use the VitC serum, wait 20 mins, use the BHA wait 20 mins, and then use my toner and wait 15 mins, and add my cream. Is this correct? Thanks in advance for your help.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hiya! What cleanser and vitamin C serum are you using? Their pH levels will help determine whether it’ll make much of a difference if you wait between cleansing and serum or not.

      Like

      1. I use the innisfree Apple juicy cleanser and the aveeno foaming cleanser. Then the C20 21.5 advances serum for vitc.

        Like

  33. Hi there! how often is the recommended to use ahas and bhas? i personally use bha and aha everynight and i am purging but i am just worried about over exfoliating. thanks!

    Like

  34. Hello Fiddy! I was wondering about using this, since I use a cleanser with 4% salicylic acid and double cleanse with a gentle exfoliant with charcoal and goji berry, should i use this after these two? or should i stop using the salicylic acid because it’s also a BHA?

    Like

  35. Pingback: Cosrx BHA blackhead power liquid | jeg-tester

  36. Hello! I double cleanse using the an oil cleanser > Innisfree Jeju Bija anti-trouble foam > (once/twice a week only) Skinfood Black Sugar Wash Off ‘OR’ Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask > Innisfree Jeju Bija anti-trouble skin > COSRX BHA BPL > Skinfood Premium Tomato Whitening Essence > (twice/thrice a week only) hyaluronic/tea trea Mask > Tony Moly Tea Trea Sebum and Pore Lotion (day) OR water-based moisturizer / Laneige Water Sleeping Pack (night).

    I’d like to ask if you have suggestions or any comments. I have oily skin… I noticed that I broke out the first week of using the BPL. Is that normal? Am I doing it wrong?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Skip your toner for now and use it after any actives (L-AA vitamin C, AHA, BHA) you have. One handy way to remember is to think of those actives as part of your cleansing step. Then your toner will help rehydrate your skin and prepare it for the following essence/serum/cream-type steps you have!

      Like

  38. hi i really love your review!
    im going to other c21.5 serum , bha , a-sol , aha 7 power liquid
    can you tell me the routine to use these products properly???(Day and night)
    thanks!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. At night, do C21.5, wait 15-20 minutes, AHA and wait 5+ minutes (I usually just do 5), BHA and wait 5+ minutes, then A-Sol, but please start one product at a time to make sure that each one plays well with your skin! Good luck!

      Alternatively you can do the C21.5 during the day and just start with the AHA at night. I just prefer doing actives at night because I don’t like to have wait times in the morning!

      Like

  39. Hi!

    I work in beauty so should know these things but I’m new to Korean skincare and am having trouble finding consistent information on these things.

    I currently use a natural cleanser, glycolic acid toner, vitamin c serum and have recently purchased the Blackhead Powder Liquid.

    In which order should I be applying these? and how long of a gap should I leave between each step? I’m aware that there may be some skin PH level issues here!

    Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi! With actives, I generally just go from lowest pH to highest, so what order you use them in will depend on that. And to be perfectly frank, I’ve stopped doing wait times between AHA and BHA–I just wait for them to dry, then move on. I do still do 15 minutes wait time after vitamin C when it’s L-ascorbic acid, though.

      Hope that helps!

      Like

  40. I’ve gone through this post countless of times and I just want to confirm that you only use this once every day? I don’t think you mentioned this, but it’s in one of your photo captions! Just making sure hehe 🙂 Thanks!

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    1. The AHA will be better for active acne, BHA is better for clearing open pores and for keeping pores from getting clogged. I really prefer the synergistic effects of using them together though.

      Like

  42. Hello, I have a question! You mentioned that anyone with an aspirin allergy should not use it? I’m allergic to consuming aspirin, is it advisable for me to use it or no?

    Like

    1. I would patch test it first. I can send you a couple of sample sachets if you can’t find them elsewhere–betaine salicylate and salicylic acid are chemically similar to aspirin, so it’s something that I strongly suggest people be careful with.

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  43. I’ve been consuming your posts / information over the past few days, thank you so much for your indepth explanations! 🙂

    I and went online to purchase my first bottle of the BHA Blackhead Power Liquid and the AHA Whitehead Power Liquid and stumbled across the AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner. Have you tried this product?

    I don’t always have the time (or patience) to wait between products, so I thought this might be a good alternative! ^_^

    I look forward to your thoughts, keep up the amazing work! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hiya,

      I wouldn’t worry about the wait times too much if I were you. I got a lot more relaxed about them in the last few months and didn’t see any reduction in effectiveness. Play around with it and see what works for you. And no, I’m afraid I haven’t tried that toner, sorry!

      Like

  44. Thank you for the great and informative review!
    Since you’ve already tried both AHA and BHA, can you give me some advice?
    I’m one people described as having “decent” skin: slightly oily on the T-Zone, micro-pores, even tone,..
    These past 2 months I’ve been on Cosrx’ AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid to get rid of the colorless closed comedones, and the results are wow. My skin is so much smoother and brighter, although the PIH are haunting.
    Yet, there is this one pore, after having its dome cleared up by the AHA, revealed itself to be a blackhead. I have extracted most of its content out now, but I have doubts this could mean anything in the long run.
    So, should I incorporate BHA in my skincare too?To treat that blackhead? I mean, it’s just this one spot. Or is the already-so-amazing AHA sufficient to cover it too?
    Sorry for the long post, but I look forward to your 2 cents on this matter!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hiya! If I were you, I would spot treat that blackhead with a BHA. AHAs are great but because they’re water soluble, their action remains on the skin’s surface; BHAs are oil soluble and can penetrate sebum and get deep into pores to clear up what’s inside.

      Hope that helps! I’m super glad the AHA has worked so well for you already!

      Like

  45. Hi! I’ve been browsing your blog all night and it’s infomative! Hahaha also, I’ll be purchasing the bha blackhead power liquid and the aha/bha treatment toner. In what order do i use these products? :))

    Liked by 1 person

  46. Hi there! Great review! 🙂
    I’m planning to buy this product, also BHA Skin Returning A-Sol, AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner, Galactomyces 95 White Power Essence, and Centella Blemish Cream. I’m confused about the steps to apply them, can you help me? 😦 or, if you got a better recommendation about what product should i use (hopefully from cosrx) that would be really great! I’m looking to refine my skin texture (bad scars from acne pinching in the past), treating blemishes, shrinking my huge pores around the nose, and keeping my skin less oily (combination/oily skin here).
    I’d love to hear some of your advice! Cheers 😀

    Like

  47. Hi!
    I’m about to start with COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid ( and generally on my way to a whole new routine). I’m also a newbie in the whole Korean skincare routine, so there’s a whole lot of reading and researching going on. This also means that sometimes the information is inconsistent.

    I’ve read that Cosrx products like the BPL shouldn’t be used the same night as other products containing acids from other brands – like toners with acids or the OST C20. And others say that this doesn’t matter unless your skin reacts to it. I can’t find any documentation regarding this, so I was wondering if you knew something about it?

    Thank you for a very helpful blog😊

    Liked by 1 person

  48. So after I clean my face and use vitamin c do I wait 20 min then put AHA then wait 20 min then put in bha then wait 20 min then use a toner ? Or can I put aha aand bha right on top of each other with out waiting 20 min in between?

    Like

  49. Hi do you use bha and aha whitehead at the same time together? And apply on whole face?

    Is it okay to use the bha blackhead everynight since i just start using this? I just using this for twice a week, when do you think i can start to use bha blackhead often (to three times a week and everynight)?

    Thankss

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    1. Hi! I’m not using the acids right now because of my stronger tretinoin prescription, but I did use them both at the same time together and apply to whole face, yes. I think if your skin is tolerating the BHA fine now, then there’s no problem using it more often and seeing how that goes!

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  50. I love you for this post, especially for what you said about two other BHA toners. I have exactly the same reaction with one of them but the product is so loved up that I get hate whenever I say it doesn’t work for me. I ordered these off Wishtrend and love both of them, though I’ve never used them on the same night. Question: I keep reading on Skincare Addiction (which is where I stumbled upon this post) that BHA goes on before AHA but you’ve said the AHA one goes first. Does this rule apply only to CosRx or to all BHAs and AHAs? TY!

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    1. There’s some conflict and not really much consensus. I was doing AHA first because Cosrx’s BHA is higher pH than their AHA, but an argument for the other way could be that since BHA is oil soluble and AHA is water soluble, it’s good to put BHA first to cut through the oils that could make AHA less effective. But since we put this on right after cleansing, why would oils be an issue? Gah. Play around and see which way works better for you.

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