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Compare · Exfoliants

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid vs Salicylic Acid 2% Solution: which is better?

This comparison comes down to gentler pore care versus a more straightforward salicylic acid option, with different trade-offs for irritation and dryness.

Reddit’s pick

BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

  • Rated higher: BHA Blackhead Power Liquid — 84 vs 59 nextscore

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid gets the nod for gentler blackhead and clogged-pore care, with stronger praise than criticism.

Choose COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid if

  • you want gentler blackhead care
  • your skin reacts to stronger BHAs

Choose Salicylic Acid 2% Solution if

  • you want a simple salicylic acid leave-on
  • you prefer a non-sticky formula

At a glance

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power LiquidSalicylic Acid 2% Solution
$0.19/ml$0.23/ml
84 · 98 verdicts59 · 103 verdicts
NiacinamideSalicylic Acid

What Reddit says

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

What Reddit likes

  • Gentler pore-cleaner than most BHAs
  • Helps blackheads, clogged pores, and texture
  • Niacinamide adds acne support

Watch out for

  • Overuse can sting, redden, and wreck the barrier
  • Dry skin often finds it drying or too much
  • Some acne-prone users break out or get more CCs

Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

What Reddit likes

  • 2% leave-on BHA for clogged pores
  • Doesn’t leave a sticky film
  • Cheap, easy to find, easy to replace

Watch out for

  • Can sting, dry out, and wreck a weak barrier
  • Some acne-prone users see purging or outright worse breakouts
  • Underperforms for some people versus other BHAs
Compare full ingredient lists · 1 in common

In both · 1

  1. Xanthan Gum

Only in COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid · 9

  1. Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water
  2. Butylene Glycol
  3. Betaine Salicylate
  4. Niacinamide
  5. 1,2-Hexanediol
  6. Arginine
  7. Panthenol
  8. Sodium Hyaluronate
  9. Ethyl Hexanediol

Only in Salicylic Acid 2% Solution · 11

  1. Salicylic Acid
  2. Water
  3. Chlorphenesin
  4. Citric Acid
  5. Glycerin
  6. Isoceteth-20
  7. Pentylene Glycol
  8. Phenoxyethanol
  9. Saccharide Isomerate
  10. Sodium Citrate
  11. Sodium Hydroxide

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