BHA Blackhead Power Liquid — Reddit Reviews
by COSRX
Updated September 23, 2026
Betaine salicylate BHA for clogged pores; gentle, hydrating, and sometimes irritating.
What the community says
A betaine salicylate BHA toner with niacinamide, willow bark water, and panthenol. Redditors use it for blackheads, pores, and texture, and studies show niacinamide can help acne. Overuse can sting, dry, or trigger breakouts.
What this means for you
What people love
- Gentler starter BHA
- Hydrating enough for oily, combo, and some dry skin
- Helps blackheads, pores, and texture
Watch out for
- Can sting, peel, or leave skin red and irritated if you overdo it
- Dry skin and damaged barriers often need to use it sparingly
- Mixed results on closed comedones and sebaceous filaments
Product details
Use caution
Skin Type
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
Acne
Some evidence
Niacinamide: 6 studies tested it on its own. See all 17 studies
On Reddit: Betaine salicylate gently exfoliates pores to clear blackheads and closed comedones on dry or sensitive skin. 36 mentions
What the studies found
- Most studies found niacinamide helped acne
- Some studies found 4% niacinamide cleared acne about as well as clindamycin
- One study found 4% niacinamide improved red, sore spots, but IPL worked better
- Some research found no clear difference, and a large review said the effects were uncertain
Hyperpigmentation
Some evidence
Niacinamide: 5 studies tested it on its own. See all 24 studies
What the studies found
- All of these studies found niacinamide helped fade dark spots or patches
- In clinical trials, 5% niacinamide faded dark spots more than a placebo
- It also helped when used with salicylic acid peels, more than peels alone
- Used on its own, it helped, but one study found a niacinamide mix worked better
- One study found the fading effect reversed after stopping niacinamide
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 166 mentions across 27 threads
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid on Reddit, in one place — 27 threads from r/tretinoin, r/AsianBeauty and 3 more, summarized.
“Would it be too much exfoliation if I also use Cosrx's BHA Power liquid in the morning”
Mentioned
“I saw that you're doing it too.”
Mentioned
“If anyone knows the answer, I would love to know!”
Mentioned
“CosRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid and CosRX AHA Whitehead Power Liquid - Really good at getting rid of whiteheads and sebaceous filaments.”
Positive
“BHA in the AM”
Positive
“I just got so used to applying these separately”
Positive
“I used cosrx bha like 3 times a week”
Cautionary
“I took a break from everything in january because my skin started burning with products that never bothered me before”
Cautionary
“cosrx bha blackhead power liquid 3x a week - it broke me out and left my oily skin red and irritated instead of clearing pores”
Cautionary
“cosrx bha blackhead power liquid 3x a week - it broke me out and left my oily skin red and irritated instead of clearing pores”
Cautionary
“took me forever to dial it back”
Cautionary
“from piling on actives”
Cautionary
“or CosRx's power blackhead BHA serum.”
Mentioned
“my skin was angrier from that than ... CosRx's power blackhead BHA serum”
Mentioned
“sparing with the BHAs”
Mentioned
“If you can’t get Retin A, get Cosrx BHA blackhead power liquid.”
Positive
“Use it 2 or 3 times a week.”
Positive
“Cosrx Blackhead Power Liquid has helped with my nose pores.”
Positive
“(Occasionally) BHA: Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid followed up by Two in One Poreless Power Liquid”
Mentioned
“AM:”
Mentioned
“it does sooth skin and reduce appearance of pores a little”
Mentioned
Dupes & Alternatives
Paula's Choice
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Better for Texture / Pores
8 shared traits
813 mentions
