Hello, beauties! I want to review this BHA liquid, which is my Holy Grail product! It's a gentle, leave-on exfoliant. It uses beta-hydroxy acids (which are more powerful than alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic acid and lactic acid). And it's in a moisturizing, silicone-free gel base. There's nothing else quite like it on the market!
Most BHA and salicylic acid products are spot treatments, for applying to individual pimples as they happen. COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is one of the only ones that is meant to be used ALL OVER your face.
In fact, using it on a regular basis—ideally daily—as a full-face treatment is far more effective against acne because it helps prevent clogged pores from even forming in the first place!
The reason COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid works so well against acne is that, as a BHA, it is oil-soluble and penetrates deeply, through sebum. This is different from AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), which are only water-soluble and remain on the skin surface.
So once the BHA reaches your pores, it gives your skin a deep-clean by exfoliating the pore lining and loosening clogged sebum. This process allows oil to flow out more easily (instead of becoming trapped), and softens blackheads, making them easier to extract. BHAs are also mildly antibacterial.
Compared to other BHAs, COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is quite gentle. I don't find it anywhere near as drying! I also love that the formulation includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, to help skin hold onto water.
The ingredient list is also amazing!
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water, Butylene Glycol, Betaine Salicylate, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Arginine, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol
Here are the highlights:
Willow bark water: Although willow bark contains salicylic acid, this is not the actual BHA, just the base for the product—rather than regular water. It has skin-soothing properties.
Butylene glycol: This is an organic alcohol that acts as a solvent and penetration enhancer for the BHA. It's also a humectant (draws water to the skin).
Betaine salicylate: This is the BHA, a derivative of sugar beets, which they use in a four percent concentration. According to the manufacturer, four percent of betaine salicylate is equivalent to two percent salicylic acid. I personally find betaine salicylate is equally effective, but less drying.
Niacinamide: Also known as vitamin B3, it treats many skin issues, including dullness, pigmentation, fine lines, large pores, and a weakened skin barrier.
1,2-hexanediol: This is a preservative and humectant.
I would describe the texture like a very thin, spreadable, clear gel. It feels fresh on the skin and isn't oily at all. It also absorbs fully, leaving no residue.
The effect only positive for me - I get fewer breakouts now. It also annihilated annoying, under-the-skin congestion (the kind you can't see but can feel). My pores are cleaner, my skin smoother and more glowy, and it quickly fades dark marks, sun damage, and post-inflammatory pigmentation.