Struggling with stubborn blackheads or clogged pores? Summer’s heat and oil can make pores look bigger and skin dull, but a gentle exfoliant can help. COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is a K-beauty cult favourite that promises to clear blackheads, minimise pores, and leave skin glowing, all without irritation.

Its lightweight formula and affordable price make it a go-to for summer skincare. I tested it for two weeks to see if it lives up to the hype. Want clearer, smoother skin? Here’s my honest take on this pore-perfecting liquid!

First Impressions

The COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid comes in a sleek, white 100ml pump bottle with a secure cap, perfect for travel or your summer skincare routine. The clear, slightly viscous liquid has a watery-gel texture and no added fragrance, just a faint, natural scent that fades quickly.

The minimalist packaging and clean ingredient list feel true to COSRX’s no-fuss K-beauty vibe. Priced at ~$15, it’s a budget-friendly option that promises to last 3–6 months with regular use, making it a summer staple.

Texture & Application

This BHA liquid feels like silky water, spreading effortlessly across skin with a slightly tacky finish that absorbs in minutes, per common application tips. I applied 2 pumps on a cotton pad after cleansing and toning at night, swiping gently over my T-zone and cheeks, avoiding the eye area.

Some prefer patting it on with clean hands to avoid wasting product, a method popular in skincare communities. After 15–20 minutes, I followed with a soothing moisturiser to lock in hydration. It didn’t sting or dry out my combination skin, aligning with online praise for its gentle feel.

Formula Breakdown

The COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is packed with skin-friendly ingredients for summer clarity:

• Betaine Salicylate (4%): A gentler BHA alternative to salicylic acid, clears clogged pores and exfoliates, equivalent to ~2% salicylic acid.
• Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water (67.8%): Soothes and reduces inflammation, enhancing exfoliation without irritation.
• Niacinamide (2%): Brightens skin and fades hyperpigmentation, ideal for sun-exposed skin.
• Sodium Hyaluronate & Panthenol: Hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier, preventing dryness.
• No Harsh Additives: Vegan, cruelty-free, and free of parabens, sulphates, alcohol, fragrances, and silicones.

With a pH of ~4.0–4.85, it’s effective yet gentle, suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.

Performance

Here’s how it performed over two weeks on my combination skin:

• Blackhead Reduction: 8/10. Blackheads on my nose and chin visibly reduced after 10 days, with sebaceous filaments less noticeable.
• Pore Clarity: Pores appeared smaller and cleaner, especially in my oily T-zone.
• Texture: 9/10. My skin felt smoother, with less bumpiness around my cheeks.
• Hydration: Non-drying, leaving skin soft when paired with a moisturiser, unlike harsher BHAs.
• Summer Fit: Lightweight and non-greasy, perfect for humid days; didn’t interfere with sunscreen.
• Cons: Some purging (small breakouts) in week one, which subsided, a common BHA effect noted online. Requires a 15–20 minute wait before layering products.

Social media users praise its gentle exfoliation, with some calling it a “game-changer” for blackheads and texture, though a few note slow results without consistent use.

How to Use COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

• Step 1: Double-cleanse (e.g., with Banila Co Clean It Zero, ~$19) and tone to prep skin.
• Step 2: Dispense 1–2 pumps onto a cotton pad or clean hands. Swipe or pat over face, focusing on blackhead-prone areas (nose, chin), avoiding eyes.
• Step 3: Wait 15–20 minutes for absorption to ensure the BHA works at the right pH, then follow with a soothing moisturiser.
• Step 4: Use 2–3 times weekly (start with once for sensitive skin) at night. Apply SPF 30+ in the morning, as BHAs increase sun sensitivity.

Tip: Avoid using with other actives (AHA, retinol, high-dose vitamin C) to prevent irritation. Store in a cool place to maintain potency.

FAQs About COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

1. Is it safe for sensitive skin?
→ Yes, it’s gentle. Betaine salicylate is less irritating than salicylic acid. Start with once weekly to avoid purging.

2. Can it remove blackheads instantly?
→ No, it reduces blackheads over 2–4 weeks with consistent use. Purging may occur initially.

3. Is it safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
→ Avoid BHAs during pregnancy or breastfeeding; consult a doctor.

4. Can I use it with other activities?
Avoid combining with AHA, retinol, or high-dose vitamin C to prevent irritation.

6. Does it work on oily skin?
Yes, it controls sebum and clears pores, ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.

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