Visible pores are hard to keep clean so that they can look smaller and less noticeable, particularly in the T-zone and on the cheeks. Although makeup and primers work wonders to hide them, not everyone wants to wear makeup every time, and your skincare goal is to have glowing skin without makeup.
Blackheads are also something people hide with makeup, but for how long? Well, it would be best if you had a reliable weapon to deal with the blackhead, which is none other than the COSRX Blackhead Power Liquid. If you use this skin product as recommended, you will fight the stubborn blackheads and acne for good.
What is the Cosrx Blackhead Power Liquid?
This power liquid is a leave-on exfoliant. It's formulated with a natural salicylic acid by-product known as betaine salicylate rather than pure salicylic acid making it a more gentle option for exfoliation. Though the liquid is called COSRX Blackhead Power Liquid, it does more than remove blackheads. The product can help with open and closed comedones ( blackheads and whiteheads, respectively), clogged pores, acne and blemishes.
This Korean skincare brand claims that the product offers chemical exfoliation to attain clear, acne-free skin. Rather than plain mineral water, this product contains willow bark water that's a natural exfoliant to increase clearing and exfoliating benefits without irritation. Moreover, they have kept the ingredients list incorporated into the product to a minimum to avoid excess irritation.
COSRX BHA 4 Percent Blackhead Power Liquid Blackhead Remover
- CONCENTRATED BHA LIQUID: Formulated with 4% BHA (Betaine Salicylate),...
- CONGESTED PORES, BE GONE: BHA penetrates deeply into the pores and...
- INGREDIENTS AND BENEFITS: Made with natural ingredients like the...
- HOW TO USE: After cleansing, saturate a cotton pad and wipe gently...
- COSRX STANDARDS: Clean Beauty - All COSRX products are formulated with...
COSRX Blackhead Power Liquid is formulated with 4 percent Betaine Salicylate Acid (BHA) and diminishes enlarged pores and removes dead skin cells, replacing it with a natural glow. The BHA usually penetrates deeply into the pores, helps clear blocked pores, and exfoliates the skin, giving it its natural radiance. Moreover, the product is made with natural ingredients such as willow bark water to increase exfoliating and clearing advantages without irritation. Plus, it's gentle enough for daily use.
After cleansing your face and being ready to apply this liquid, ensure you saturate a cotton pad and gently wipe over your face or region with a blackhead. Though you may experience brief tingling and some discomfort, it's pretty normal. Next, ensure you apply broad-spectrum SPF for during-the-day usage. This COSRX skincare product is formulated with skin-friendly ingredients that relieve irritated skin. Plus, the product is dermatologist tested, sulfate-free, hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, phthalates free and parabens-free.
This product comes in a see-through plastic bottle when it comes to packaging. It features a convenient pump dispenser that functions smoothly. The bottle also comes housed in a typical COSRX box with the ingredients listed on the box. Though the packaging is good, the main issue is that if you have several COSRX products, say the COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid or the Whitehead Power Liquid; it becomes hard to identify them since all of them look very alike.
Pros
Cons
Who Cosrx Blackhead Power Liquid Might be Good for
Cosrx Blackhead Power Liquid is a gentle, oil-free product suitable for normal, oily or combination skin. This skin product is an excellent starter chemical exfoliant for individuals with minor hyperpigmentation and clogged skin pores. With consistent application, you should see a difference in the skin tone and texture. So, if you have acne-prone skin or oily T-zone, apply this Korean skin care product as recommended, and you will see significant changes in 4 weeks. Besides, this product is one of the less expensive BHA's on the market.
Who Cosrx Blackhead Power Liquid Might not be Good for
As mentioned earlier, this skin product is simple but still adequate for gentle exfoliation only. Though you won't see results upfront, it's a good product if you're starting. However, if you have more dry or very sensitive skin, we recommend consulting your dermatologist before starting.
What Are the Main Benefits of Cosrx Blackhead Power Liquid?
1. Reduces oil and minimizes enlarged pores
When you use COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid continuously, it will help you reduce oil production on your skin since, like all BHAs, it has a somewhat drying, oil-absorbing action in your pores. Also, since it keeps your skin pores clean and oil-free, it helps them look smaller too. (Although you can't "change" the size of your pores, they can stretch and look large when they're filled with debris and oil).
2. Fades pigmentation
COSRX BHA Power Liquid is also anti-aging, and you can use it to treat fine lines. This research found that skin became more flexible and resistant to cracking and wrinkling. Besides, getting rid of skin cells helps fade pigmentation and age spots. Moreover, BHAs have some capability to inhibit melanin formation. Plus, the liquid contains niacinamide, a fantastic ingredient for an evening-out skin type.
3. Not a spot treatment
Most salicylic acid and BHA skin products are spot treatments for applying to each pimple as they happen. However, with COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, you apply it all over your acne-prone and sensitive skin (excluding lip and eye area). Moreover, applying it regularly daily as a full-face treatment routine is far more effective against acne since it helps prevent clogged pores from forming.
4. Safe with direct sun exposure
You can apply COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid day or night year-round. However, we recommend applying sunscreen regardless; salicylic acid and BHA won't maximize sun sensitivity and photoprotective properties.
5. Targets blackheads and acne
The main reason COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid works well against acne is that, as a BHA, it's oil-soluble and effectively penetrates deeply through sebum. This is different from alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which are only water-soluble and stay on the skin surface. Therefore, once the BHA gets your pores, it gives your skin a deep clean by exfoliating the pore lining and helps clear clogged pores. In addition, the process usually allows oil to flow out quickly rather than becoming trapped and softens blackheads, making them easier to remove. Moreover, BHAs are mildly antibacterial.
6. Exfoliating, softening, smoothing and brightening.
BHAs usually deliver the same brightening and exfoliating benefits as AHAs. Therefore COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid has the same surface action as other acid exfoliants, removing dead skin and giving you a radiance. It also makes skin texture much softer and smoother than other acids.
7. Gentle, non-irritating and anti-inflammatory
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is gentle compared to other BHAs. Also, the formulation includes vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid to help your skin hold onto water. The other great thing about salicylic acid and BHAs is that they're anti-inflammatory by nature. Moreover, they are less irritating than AHAs because of their larger molecule sizes.
What Are the Main Ingredients of COSRX Blackhead Power Liquid?
1. Niacinamide
Niacinamide is an all-around ingredient with many benefits for clogged and acne-prone skin. It usually acts on the skin in many ways, including; soothing redness and inflammation related to acne, decreasing sebum production, increasing the skin's hydration and decreasing blemishes and pigmentation on your skin.
2. Betaine salicylate
As we mentioned earlier, salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid. So, betaine salicylate is a mixture of betaine and salicylic acid. It usually works as a natural moisturizer and exfoliant without being too harsh on your skin. Besides, betaine salicylate is a common ingredient in Korea Beauty products. It's available at 4 percent. It's thought that 4 percent betaine salicylate is as effective as 2 percent salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid is famous for drying the skin. Therefore the addition of betaine makes it much gentle on your skin since betaine itself has skin-smoothing properties. Also, it's anti-inflammatory, helping cool down active acne. Moreover, since it keeps the pores clean of oil and sebum, they look smaller.
3. Sodium hyaluronate
Sodium hyaluronate is also referred to as hyaluronic acid. This is a potent humectant that can hold 1000 times water weight. It usually hydrates the skin by slowing down the water evaporation rate from its surface by drawing moisture from the dermis and the atmosphere. Researches have as well shown it helps considerably speed up wound healing. Besides, sodium hyaluronate usually adds to oily skin hydration, making it plump and smooth.
4. Panthenol
Panthenol is a vitamin that is part of the B complex. It enhances barrier function, encourages keratinocyte differentiation, hydrates the skin and may also help treat burn wounds. Additionally, research on children found that it could help treat dermatitis.
5. Willow bark water
Willow bark water has salicin in it, which converts into salicylic acid when absorbed orally or in the presence of enzymes. This ingredient has anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits.
Tips on How to Use COSRX Blackhead Power Liquid
- Cleanse your face and gently wipe it dry
- After wiping it dry, please take a few drops of this Liquid and use them all over your face.
- Concentrate on the target area with the blackheads and massage gently.
- If you're applying it in the morning, we recommend applying sunscreen over it.
- It's crucial to be careful around the mouth and eyes. Instead of applying the liquid directly, you can pump a few drops onto a cotton pad. Then wait for about 15 to 20 minutes before proceeding to the next steps of your skincare routine.
- You can apply it during the day or night time. Besides, the instructions and directions on the frequency of use are well stated: start with once a week and then gradually increase it up to about 2-3 times a week.
- Be gentle on your skin, don't over-exfoliate. Signs of overdoing it include irritation, redness, skin sensitivity and stinging sensation. Also, avoid using other ingredients like retinoids and glycolic acid in the same skin care routine since they can irritate sensitive skin.
- Moisturize your skin frequently. Beta hydroxy acids are effective in lowering sebum production. Therefore, they can dry out the skin so remember to moisturize it daily.
- Wear sunscreen daily. Although salicylic acid is photoprotective, it's essential to use sunscreen since chemical exfoliation can make the skin sensitive to UV light.
Frequently Asked Questions on the COSRX Blackhead Power Liquid
1. How long does it take to see results?
Generally, it will take one week to start noticing some changes in your oily skin. The blackheads, after one week, will look prominent. The duration of one skin cycle is about four weeks. Therefore, it'll take about 4 to 6 weeks to notice a significant change in your skin. However, the maximum time with this COSRX Blackhead Power Liquid is 12 weeks.
2. Can I apply Cosrx blackhead power liquid daily?
Class Korean-Beauty products acids such as COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid contain about 4 percent of betaine salicylate, and you can use it every day. Nonetheless, it is not a wise idea to start using 4 percent BHA daily if you have never tried a BHA before. Therefore, we recommend you use this product once a week to change as instructed.
3. Is BHA or AHA better for blackheads?
BHAs usually clear up whiteheads, blackheads and have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Conversely, AHA is also great for dry skin. They usually bypass the oil that clogs your pores and dissolves the mix of dead skin cells and sebum that leads to acne. They also stabilize the pore-lining, which contributes to acne.
4. Does glycolic acid actually remove blackheads?
Yes. COSRX Blackhead Power Liquid has glycolic acid and usually helps remove blackheads on a deeper level, thanks to its capability to drive new skin cells to the face surface. As a result, the new skin cells are less prone to becoming clogged and will exfoliate naturally consistently, ensuring no future blackheads.
