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. Hi, I’ve been lurking around this blog for a while and was hoping to get some advice! I’m currently using the Cosrx Whitehead Liquid Power and my skin (dry, sensitive, eczema-prone) has responded very well to it– so well it can take 2 applications a day. I’m currently trying to purge my skin of a bunch of clogged pores though from stupidly experimenting with coconut oil and olive oil in the past, and was wondering if I should also invest in the Cosrx BHA? On one hand, I’ve heard that AHA is the way to go for whiteheads, but I’ve also heard the same about BHA? I’m just confused now I guess, and if you could offer any insight, that would be great!!

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    2. So, check a youtuber out talking about AHA and BHA effects, she’s called.. uh.. liah yoo, she talked about it at corsx video but also at her recent one. The thing is aha is to clear skin from the outside or actually the epidermis, the surface of the skin which is why it is good for whiteheads because white heads are sebum trapped under skin, causing it to build up like a bump. BHA on the other hand clears skin from within, entering pores and clearing them out, if I’m not wrong it also penetrate the skin (to dermis level) for better skin ahead..? I added some things she didn’t say but also miss a lot of things she said, my advice is to watch her video for more info but if what I said is enough, then I’m glad to help.

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      1. Hi Fiddy, I’ve been a long time lurker for a while. I’ve been meaning to pruchase the blackhead power liquid and the aha from cosrx ive been confused about the order of things. Right now im using the hada labo foaming cleanser the mizon aha and bha toner, c20, the 96 snail essence from cosrx and the all in one snail cream also from cosrx. If im using the c20 the bha and aha go after right? And if im not using it they go before toner? After? Thanks again!

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  2. Hi there! Thank you so much for your informative post!
    I recently purchased this blackhead power liquid after reading your post ^_^
    I was wondering do I use this product AFTER my toner which is the Etude House AC Clinc toner or BEFORE the toner?

    Thank you! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I generally consider acids part of the cleansing process so I use them right after cleansing, before toner, although the Etude House toner sounds like it may be a pH adjusting toner, in which case, really you could use it either way 🙂

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  3. Hi! Correct me if i’m wrong, are you applying the bha blavkhead liquid twice? I’m using the c20 serum, does it mean i have to appky the bha liquid after cleansing and after the c20? I dunno why but the bha liquid i feel is the cause of my breakouts in my eyebrow area but it works just fine in my nose and cheeks. that’s ive only been using it once or twice a week.

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    1. No, I didn’t apply it twice, only after C20. On days when I didn’t use vitamin C (because it persists so long in the skin that I didn’t feel the need to use C20 every day after a while) then it would be the first step.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Hey Fiddy! First of all, I cannot stop reading your blog. Seriously, I’ve become obsessed… I love your reviews and your approach to skincare and all the information you give. You really know your science and ingredients (which I appreciate), but you don’t get overly bogged down or hung up on those things and dismiss products that are well formulated or could end up being superstars in your routine because of petty reasons like packaging, smell or questionable ingredients/bias. Also, I really appreciate the lengths you go to test the products’ PH and list the ingredients and mention which ones could be potential irritants and which ones could really benefit the skin. Your reviews are so much more than the “Yeah I like it bc it smells pretty and its got a cute snail on the bottle!” reviews on other blogs and its so refreshing and convenient to get all the info in one place from someone who really knows what they are talking about. Also, you’re funny and your blog is just fun to read overall. You’re awesome!!! 🙂
    Anywho, I also have been really absorbed in the world and products of Paula’s Choice and most of my (extensive) routine is made up of her line. Sadly tho, I feel like these products did well for me at first, but I feel I’m plateauing and they aren’t doing much for me anymore. Also, I’m getting a little sick and tired of her obvious bias towards any product/product line that isn’t her own. Some info about my mah face: My skin is ALWAYS clogged. I’m a hairdresser and I have to wear heavier, long-wear makeup all day to survive the elements that I work in (steam from shampoo bowl, super hot heat from my blow dryer, hairspray and other products constantly sprayed in the air (And sometimes directly on my face–on accident of course!), etc.) so my foundation isn’t running down my face at the end of my crazy day. I feel like all this gunk just gets into my pores and my skin just gets so clogged through out the day. There is ALWAYS stuff to take from my skin after I remove my makeup and cleanse and its gross and drives me nuts! I’m really diligent with my routine and use all these seemly great products but I honestly don’t feel satisfied with the results. I never used to have oily skin until I hit my mid 20s and started doing hair full time. My skin gets reallllyyyy oily at work and I’m constantly blotting and its soo annoying bc I don’t know if its just the elements I’m in and something I just have to deal with, or something with my routine that is making me over produce oil. My pores have gotten really large in the center of my cheeks too and it really bothers me. I use the PC 2% BHA at night only (bc I hate the greasy feeling too!) and the 2% Resist BHA for Oily/Combo Skin during the day bc its lighter. Also, I use the 4% BHA Foam a few times per week for more exfoliation of gunk and oil in my huge AF pores… but it smells like rotting fish or something! Which I wouldn’t even care about if I felt like it did much.. Also, I’ve never waited between products bc Paula says that its not necessary but I’m starting to wonder if thats not true and I’m actually just neutralizing the ingredients before they can do their work. (It honestly makes the most sense.)
    So, I’m wanting to get the BHA Blackhead Power Liquid and the AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid for sure, but I’m wondering about what other products to add and/or if anything would be good for my skin/situation to improve efficacy. (Like the BHA A-Sol or one of the other toners or whatever.) I also have some past sun damage from years of sun worshipping in my teens and early 20s. My skin just looks blotchy in natural light without makeup on! I’ve been wanting to try some snaily goodness (either the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence or the Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream or both!) or the Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence too. I have a tendency to want to go “ham” and buy everything bc I’m obsessed with my skin’s health and appearance and I just want to find something(s) that works. Sorry for the long-ass message, but any tips would be really really appreciated. Thanks!! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Okay, so I definitely would advise you to take it slow, but I know it can be hard when everything is just so exciting! One thing I think might be helpful for you would be a “dust cut” type finishing product for day. These are products that were formulated for people living in very high-pollution areas like major Asian cities, and their function is to form a protective film over your skincare and under your makeup to help protect your skin. Off the top of my head, I know Etude House makes a Dust Cut line, and I think Tosowoong does too. So once you’ve got your actives figured out with the Cosrx AHA and BHA, I’d look at a dust cut thing and then go from there!

      And THANK YOU for all the nice words! You just made my day!

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Hi! I was just wondering how do you alternate between the blackhead liquid, whitehead liquid and the a-sol? like which do you use at night/in the morning and such? 🙂 Cos i read on their site that the blackhead and whitehead power liquid are to be alternated? so im assuming to use one for one day and the other the following day?:) And for the a-sol how would you use it too? your feedback is much appreciated:)

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  6. Hi there!! Thanks a very berry lot for the great reviews!! I’ve learned a lot from your blog ^^
    Can I ask you something? I’m using Son & Park beauty water and C20 right now, but I’m planning to get a BPL to get rid of my annoying blackheads.. I’m a bit confused about order tho.. Could you perhaps give me an advice on the appliance order and the waiting time needed?
    I’d really appreciate your suggestion!! Thanks before ;D

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Hello, what’s the difference between COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid and COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid? Can I use them at the same time? And when can I use them? I got so enlightened by your posts that I’m actually going to try C20 and COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol. Is there a proper order where I can use these four products? That is if it’s possible. Thank you once again for your product reviews!

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  8. Hello, that was a really good review. I actually got my Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid yesterda and I have been wondering which order is correct: toner first or cosrx BHA Blackhead liquid? I am pretty confused since both of the product said to appy [them] first, right after cleansing. Thank you 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Which step does your A-sol comes in, together with this?

    Please let me know!! My insanely stubborn blackheads on nose is never ever coming off, even after using this for 2 – 3 weeks, still no improvement. I don’t think anyone has as stubborn and recurring blackhead as i do. It’s a sad condition to have. 😦

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    1. Hiya, if I use these two products together, A-Sol comes after the BHA so that the nourishing ingredients of the A-Sol do not interfere with full effectiveness of the BHA. Good luck! 🙂

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      1. Hello, do not use the a sol one with the bha power liquid!! I emailed cosrx regarding this and they told me not to use them together

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  11. Hi, I’m using this product to help with acne as well as blackheads and I was wondering if I could use my Etude House Wonder Pore toner before using this since it’s supposed to be at a PH of 4.5 or will that lower the effectiveness? Thank you, your blog is always informative!

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    1. Hiya, yes, you can indeed use Wonder Pore as a pH adjusting toner before the BHA! If you aren’t using a low pH cleanser yet, it may help to make the BHA a bit stronger as well.

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  12. Okay so this is probably going to be a dumb question but I’m just going to go ahead and ask it; can this go bad? Like growing things in it bad. Because I’ve always wanted to stock up on this but I’m worried something unpleasant might happen if I left them too long. So here I am stuck ordering it one by one.

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  13. Pingback: Gentle Exfoliation for Sensitive Skin – Graceful Face

  14. Hihi, I m using bha corsx now and would like to use a hydrating lotion like the corsx advance snail 96. Is it advisable and which should I use first ? Vitamin c , snail corsx , bha corsx , pimple cream followed by moisturiser ?

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    1. Always actives and exfoliants first, then hydrating/moisturizing products. Think of pH dependent actives (vitamin C, AHA, BHA etc) as an extension of your cleansing step. Go vitamin C, BHA, snail, pimple cream, moisturizer.

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      1. Hi! Great post. My only concern is.. I’ve read several places(including on wish trend’s product page: “When you utilize this product please avoid using any products that contains high level of AHA, BHA (include Betain Salicylate), Retinal, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid).”) that you should avoid highly concentrated Vitamin C when using COSRX BHA blackhead a power liquid. But I see in your description that you apply a Vitamin C serum before your COSRX BHA. Could you elaborate? Thanks!

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      2. Hi! That warning is smart of them to put on the label as overexfoliation can be a big problem for people, but it depends on the individual. Since this product is quite gentle, I haven’t had problems combining it with other acids, but I definitely do lay off if using something quite strong (which is rare for me anyway).

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  15. Hi! I think I either had a bad reaction to the BHA or am using it wrong?? After using it my face erupted in tons of tiny white dots (clogged pores) — making my face really rough. It isn’t red or itchy at all, just bumpy. Do you know if anyone else has had reactions like this?

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    1. It could certainly be the BHA as skincare is YMMV and any product has the potential to give someone a bad reaction 😦 Do you remember having this kind of reaction with any other products? If you have, it might be a good time to start comparing ingredients and see if you can find your trigger.

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      1. I’ve never had this kind of reaction — but I read about purging that can happen with a BHA so I thought it might be that?? I’m pretty new to the korean skincare routine, and haven’t really been keeping track of any triggers, so I think I’m going to start doing that!

        Also — I used the BHA again last night and then used the AHA after (I had only been using BHA every few days to ease into it), and there was a noticeable decrease in the bumps. Maybe I just needed both?

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  16. Hello! Can i apply this after Cosrx good morning low ph cleanser and missha time revolution night repair serum? Or will this work better if i use a vitamin c serum? 🙂

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  17. Hello,

    Currently I use Cerave Foaming Cleanser which has a ph of 5.5 I believe. Can I go ahead and use this BHA right after (same goes for any cleanser with a low ph)or should I buy a ph balancing toner first? Currently I don’t use toners and am looking into adding it to my routine. I was going to get either the Milk Brightening or the Aloe toner (both) by Secret Key. But then I saw posts by other bloggers saying to either wait 20 minutes after cleansing before using the BHA so the skin can naturally lower the ph or to buy a ph lowering toner (if that is the case then I am going to try Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner). Also, if I find the BHA is too strong, can I put a serum (or another suggestion) on the area first and then apply the BHA? This is my first time using a BHA.

    Thank you in advance!

    Like

    1. I don’t really believe in pH lowering toners–I think the effectiveness of the acid product is more determined by the pH of the solution (the product itself) than the surface it’s applied to. There may be a reduction in effectiveness if you were using bar soap or some other super alkaline cleanser immediately before, but I don’t think there’s a problem if you’re already using a fairly acidic cleanser like the one you have. And if you’re concerned about the BHA being too strong for your skin, try only using it every few days as your skin adjusts. Good luck!

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  18. I’m planning on purchasing and using both the cosrx bha and aha liquids. Which one should I use in the morning and which one at night?

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    1. It doesn’t really matter. Some people say it’s better to use AHA at night “because it’s photosensitizing,” but AHA’s photosensitizing effects last a week after the last use, so whether you use it morning or night doesn’t really matter. You can also layer them both at night (or morning) if you want. Just let the BHA dry for 5-10 minutes before putting the AHA on top.

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      1. Can the AHA liquid be used daily? Also, what kind of toner do you recommend when using these products? I’m currently using Pixi Glow Tonic which is an AHA toner but I think I’ll need to find something new since it’ll be too much exfoliation on my face.

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  20. Hi!

    I’ve been contemplating on getting either this one or the BHA skin returning A-sol. I have mostly blackhead/whiteheads in my t-zone and cheeks, with the occasional acne breakout. Would you know if these two supposed to be used together or since they’re both BHA can be used independently? Thanks! Great blog!

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  22. Hi!
    First, I would like to thank you for your reviews! Whenever I read your blog posts, I literally have 20 tabs open, ready for me to read (it gets super addicting!) Thank you so much for all your awesome reviews and advice. Even reading the comments is super helpful too.
    Second, the products you recommended seem very appealing. I am currently in Korea and am planning to stock up on some of these products before leaving.

    FEW QUESTIONS:
    1) How often do we use CORSX BHA & AHA? Daily?
    2) Currently, I currently use the Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Toner. I also bought the Etude House Pore Control Refresher toner.
    I am also planning to buy some more to stock up (but I am not sure which one)
    My main confusion/concern is I am not sure what kind toner goes well with the BHA & AHA. Do you have any suggestions?
    3) What kind of product will I have to use after BHA & AHA to make sure (1) these chemicals are not too harsh on my skin, (2) my skin still stays very hydrated (3) prevent oily problem?

    INFORMATION ABOUT MY SKIN:
    I have combination to oily skin. In the winter, my skin gets more dry patches. I live in America, and during non-winter season, my skin is less oily. However, in Korea, my skin is suuuuper oily. I am not sure if it’s because of the skin care products I started using in Korea, or if it’s because of Korea’s humid weather, or other reason.
    My pores get clogged very easily. I used to have pretty bad acne for a while, until I started using Cetaphil, Epiduo (prescribed by doctor), along with prescribed Doxycline Monohydrate.
    However, since coming to Korea around 6 weeks ago, I stopped putting on Epiduo regularly & stopped taking Doxycline Monohydrate regularly. My skin in Korea is actually clear of acne (though much more oily).

    I am currently using:
    Toner: Innisfree Jejue Volcanic Pore Toner
    The Innisfree Green Team Balancing Line: oil cleanser, serum, skin, lotion
    Last step: Innisfree Fresh Cream

    I am sorry for the huge long psot but I am not sure what kind of information you need to make helpful recommendation.
    It will be AWESOME and I will GREATLY APPRECIATE if you could answer some of my concerns 🙂 because I am leaving Korea soon, and it will be harder to buy these products outside of Korea

    THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP ❤

    Like

    1. Hi! I’m so sorry it took me so long to answer your comment!

      So for the AHA and BHA questions, 1) I don’t necessarily think a toner is necessary, but using one afterwards won’t hurt, either. To avoid irritation or the exfoliants being too harsh on your skin, the best thing to do is not to overuse them. When you start out, only start one of the product and only use it every few days for a couple of weeks. If your skin tolerates it well, then you can use it more frequently or introduce the other one.

      The Innisfree line that you use is one that I’ve used before and find it nicely hydrating for oily skin types, so if that’s working for you, then I would say to stick with it so that you aren’t adding too many new things to your routine at once 🙂

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      1. Hi! Thank you so much for your reply!
        I am planning on buying:

        AHA 7 WHITEHEAD POWER LIQUID
        BHA BLACKHEAD POWER LIQUID
        AHA / BHA CLARIFYING TREATMENT TONER

        What are the steps you recommend in using them?
        Should I use them at the same time, or alternate on different days?

        Thank you so much!

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  23. Please answer it because I currently use Innisfree Jejue Vplcanic Pore Toner too and I dont know is good to use this toner after the Corsx Blackhead Power Liquid. Thanks!!

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    1. If the pH of it is lower than your cleanser but higher than the actives you’ll be using afterwards, and it doesn’t have a bunch of extra hydrating/moisturizing/nourishing ingredients in it, then I’d think that would be fine.

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      1. Thank you for responding 🙂 I am new to these kinds of skin care products and I am currently updating of what I am using since I’m now seeing changes on my face that I have never seen before. I hope you keep on reviewing products, and I will gladly read them.

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  25. Hi your post is a big contributor why I bought COSRX, I ordered your Holy Trinity products, vit c serum and centella blemish cream, (Which is on the way now yay!!!)
    Can you give me the steps on how to use them correctly so I won’t waste it? thank you so much!!
    Much love from UAE! 🙂

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  26. Hi! I love all of your articles and I’m new to AB in general. Upon your blog recommendations I got my first kit consisting of:
    * Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser
    * Illi Total Aging Care Cleansing Oil
    * Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask
    * Panda’s Dream Brightening Eye Base
    * Donkey Milk Yogurt All-In-One Moisture Gel Cream
    What I have been doing is slowly introducing products so I can isolate any breakouts to particular products.
    This is what I have been doing on a daily basis:
    AM:
    Step 1) Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser
    Step 2) Dry face
    Step 3) Panda’s Dream Brightening Eye Base (under eye area)
    Step 4) Donkey Milk Yogurt All-In-One Moisture Gel Cream
    Step 5) Neutrogena Sport Face Sunblock Lotion, SPF 70+ (I like the silica as I have oily skin)

    PM:
    Step 1) Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser
    Step 2) Dry face
    Step 3) Donkey Milk Yogurt All-In-One Moisture Gel Cream

    In your opinion, is this an “ok” routine for morning and night? Should I eventually incorporate a BHA such as COSRX Blackhead Power Liquid into my daily morning routine after Step 1? Or at night? Do you ever wash off the BHA or you just leave it on when you add the moisturizer and SS?

    Thank you very much and hopefully get to read a response! You’re amazing!

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  27. Hi Fiddy! I know you get a ton of comments, but i’ve been searching the internet and your blog for answers and i cant find them anywhere!!
    1. Does Black head power liquid sting? Do you feel it working on your face?
    2. How much prióduct do you use? 1 pump, 1/2 pump, 2pumps?

    Love you and your blog so much! Keep up the amazing work!

    Johanna x

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  28. Hi Fiddy! I bought this BHA blackhead power liquid because i’ve read about so many good reviews about it a year ago, now it has turned colour to slight yellowish colour compared to the original colour which is transparent white. Is it normal or could mine be a fake product? Can I still use it?

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  29. Hi, I’m planning to buy BPL and good morning gel cleanser. I use Wonder Pore Freshener and C20 Serum. And recently I already bought one step pimple clear pad.

    Can I use it together?
    Good morning gel cleanser – wonder pore freshener – C20 Serum – BPL/One step pimple clear pad?

    I hope you can reply my comments ❤

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  30. Hi, Fiddy! After stumbling on your blog, I’ve become such a huge fan of it! I just want to ask if I can use my dead sea mud mask or Cure Aqua Gel even after using my CosRX BHA liquid everyday? I’m scared of overexfoliating and damaging my skin so I’ve been trying not to use the mask anymore.

    Thanks! x

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  31. Hi, Fiddy! You have the most informative blog on Korean skin care. I recently switched to my new system of care. I am 31 years old. I have after the birth of her second child and prolonged breastfeeding ( God!! it was 19 months!!)) the problems started with my code. Began to appear cystic acne in the chin, jawline and cheeks, breakouts of spots on the skin. I bought Innisfree Jejubija Anti-Trouble Facial Foam , Foam: rich and AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner and Chica y Chico Beta Salic 2.0 (aka Miracle Cream). Tell me what else to buy for fighting acne? I wanted: Cosrx AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid: Cosrx and BHA BLACKHEAD POWER LIQUID. Give advice on what is better or both and in what order to use them. And with them vitamin C ? Or until I not need to use? Give advice, please ! Really looking forward to the answer! Greetings from Russia!! PS : you have a great blog!! I follow your news!!

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  32. Have you ever tried CosRx’s Summer Pore Minish Serum? If so, where does it fit in with the a-sol, blackhead & whitehead power liquids?

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  33. Hi, Fiddy!! How do you feel about having to wash off BHA-liquid? One friend argues that it is better to wash off BHA-liquid after 30 minutes, because it makes no sense to “keep the skin of the dissolved epidermis”.

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    1. I don’t wash it offusually. The exfoliation from a weak daily use exfoliant like this doesn’t happen instantaneously (you don’t put it on and then 30 minutes later all the dead skin cells come off)–it’s a more gradual process than that. Only a strong peel would cause immediate peeling. I have wiped with toner afterwards sometimes, but more to get excess product off if I’ve applied too much.

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  34. I have sensitive skin with closed comedones, and I’m wondering whether which would be better, cosRX BHA blackheads or the AHA 7 Whitehead power liquid ? Your reply would be so much appreciated, thank you!

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  35. Hello,Snail lady! I’ve been wondering, are BHA and tretinoin 0.5% compatible in the same routine and if yes, in what order? Hope you’ll be that kind to reply.Thanks in advance,
    Regards from wet,muggy England 😉

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    1. Yes, but take it slow at first until you see whether your skin tolerates both the tret and the exfoliant 🙂 I do BHA right after cleansing and tret just a little bit later.

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  37. Hi Fiddy! i was just wondering where a mechanical face brush like the clarisonic or foreo come in with reagrds to the cleansing steps? and where does a professional face cleaning/facial come in in terms of my entire skin care regimen? I would be so grateful for an answer. thanks in advance!

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    1. I am not a big fan of either mechanical cleansing tools or professional facials, ahahaha. (I think I have a very old post around here about why I’m not into facials actually!). But if you do want to use something like the foreo, I think you would use that with your facial cleanser and forego other physical exfoliants if you have those.

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  39. Hi Fiddy! I have been reading on this awesome product, but I have heard that it is discontinued. What would you suggest as a replacement? It may still be available outside Korea I guess, but only way for me to buy it is from a friend in Korea, so… Any help/suggestion is much appreciated:)

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    1. I don’t think it’s been discontinued, but if you’re unable to find this one, they now have a BHA cream as well. I haven’t spent enough time with any other BHAs besides Paula’s Choice and Stridex to think of anything particularly comparable in price point and gentleness, I’m sorry to say 😦

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      1. Thank you so much! I guess I will be able to get my hands on it!🤗 However I already started using Cosrx Aha, and it causes me to have flakes all over! Make up looks horrible, even though I have combo skin I look like I have the driest skin! How do I combat these flakes? (I commented on this issue on your general chemical peels post as well before seeing this, sorry for the double comment 😳)

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  41. Oh and for the rest of the routine, I think I moisturize well? I use advanced 96 snail mucin twice a day (I love it!!) followed by Darphin exquisage serum, Benton Aloe Propolis gel and sunscreen in the morning, and Darphin hydraskin light cream or cosrx rice mask in the evenings instead of Benton gel. But I always get super flakey after I use Aha liquid. It doesn’t burn or anything though… What am I doing wrong? 😞

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  43. Thank you for your informative review on the Blackhead Power Liquid! I was wondering if I should use it before or after my Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner?

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  44. Hey fiddy! I bought the COSRX Blackhead liquid & the AHA/BHA clarifying toner! Currently, I double-cleanse (first with oil, the with honey), then I put on the toner, wait 15 mins, apply the BHA, wait 20 minutes, then put on my aloe vera gel. Is this right? Or is the toner kinda unnecessary? I just thought that since they were both COSRX it would boost the BHA a bit haha 🙂

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  47. Hi! Is this product OK to use if pregnant/nursing or trying to get pregnant? I have read that chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid should be avoided if pregnant. Thanks!

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  49. Hi! Do you still use the BHA liquid and if you do, how often can I use it? I heard it’s gentle enough to use every day (twice a day actually) but isn’t there such a thing as over exfoliating? Thanks so much for your time!

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  50. Hi Fiddy. I’ve been using the bha liquid for a couple of weeks now the way it’s written in the guide but my nose still looks like there’s black pepper sprinkled all over it :(. Is there any particular reason you can think of besides skin difference that the product wouldn’t be working? Also, is there anything you recommend for closed comedones? Thanks!

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