Compare · Exfoliants
COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid vs Salicylic Acid 2% Solution: which is better?
This comparison comes down to whiteheads and rough texture versus clogged pores and sebum buildup, with irritation reported for both.
Reddit’s pick
AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
- Rated higher: AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid — 86 vs 59 nextscore
COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid earns a clearly more positive reception, with praise for whiteheads, rough texture, early breakouts, and dark spots; some find it harsh or drying.
Choose COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid if
- you’re targeting whiteheads, early breakouts, or rough texture
- you want to address dark spots or hyperpigmentation
Choose Salicylic Acid 2% Solution if
- you’re focused on clogged pores or sebum buildup
- you prefer reserving treatment for the T-zone or spot use


At a glance
| COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid | Salicylic Acid 2% Solution |
|---|---|
| $0.15/ml | $0.23/ml |
| 86 · 46 verdicts | 59 · 112 verdicts |
| Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide | Salicylic Acid |
What Reddit says
COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
What Reddit likes
- 7% glycolic acid for whiteheads and rough texture
- HG spot treatment for early breakouts
- Community reports help with hyperpigmentation and dark spots
Watch out for
- Too harsh and drying when overused
- Can burn intensely on reactive skin
- May leave the barrier fragile and dehydrated
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
What Reddit likes
- Leave-on BHA for clogged pores and sebum buildup
- Budget-friendly, low-residue serum
- Easy to reserve for T-zone or spot treatment
Watch out for
- Dryness and stinging show up fast on compromised skin
- Daily use can trigger breakouts and barrier damage
- Underperforms for some; months of use can change nothing
Compare full ingredient lists · 2 in common
In both · 2
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Xanthan Gum
Only in COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid · 8
- Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Water
- Butylene Glycol
- Glycolic Acid
- Niacinamide
- 1,2-Hexanediol
- Panthenol
- Sodium Hyaluronate
- Ethyl Hexanediol
Only in Salicylic Acid 2% Solution · 10
- Salicylic Acid
- Water
- Chlorphenesin
- Citric Acid
- Glycerin
- Isoceteth-20
- Pentylene Glycol
- Phenoxyethanol
- Saccharide Isomerate
- Sodium Citrate