|REVIEW| COSRX: BHA Blackhead Power Liquid + AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid review

Welcome back for another COSRX review! We are jumping straight into acids today. If you haven't already, please follow me on Bloglovin' using the little black button on your right (that's → side) to stay updated for my upcoming reviews! If you want to know more about COSRX you can read the review on COSRX AHA BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner to brush up on your beauty knowledge. Don't forget to also check out my recent review on the COSRX One Step Pimple Clear Pad!

Today, we are going to talk about the Power Liquids of COSRX. I will do the AHA and BHA reviews side by side to help you make a more informed decision when buying acids.


HOLA! CHEAPER AHA & BHA!

My first thought: a cheaper alternative to Paula's Choice. Of course I'm in! Like the COSRX One Step Pimple Clear Pad, I got them for a discount. I have always wanted to test try acids so I did not hesitate when I found out COSRX carries them. Other than them being on sale, I bought them because I wanted to get rid of the persistent bumps around my chin. I've read again and again that acids can help reduce acnes because they exfoliate dead skin cells and impurities trapped inside our pores, which are the culprits behind acnes! What's better? You can apply and go to bed straight after without having to wash off! If you are here because you want to get rid of your whiteheads and blackheads, read on!

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid review
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid (RM72 for 100ML)

COSRX BHA BLACKHEAD POWER LIQUID
The clear liquid is runny and silky in texture. It can be a little oily when I first spread it across my skin. The oiliness will disappear if I pat sufficiently to assist absorption but can be rather uncomfortable if the weather is too hot. Sounds like a problem for us in Malaysia! Hence I tend to do it in an air-conditioned room to avoid this.

Follow me:
I sometimes forget and apply it before blow drying my long hair and I highly advise you against this. My hair keeps getting stuck on my face when I blow dry and it is really annoying. If you are planning on layering serum on it or even AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid*, I suggest you wait at least 20 minutes. This will let the BHA Blackhead Power Liquid sink in first so that the product later will get absorbed better. 

*CAUTION: COSRX does NOT recommend the use of its BHA Blackhead Power Liquid with other AHA, BHA, vitamin C or A products. They suggest using them on either alternative days or one in the morning and one at night if you want a faster effect. This is simply my personal preference in using the product and it does not represent COSRX. Even though I see excellent results myself, I'm not recommending this so please follow the instructions when using the products.

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Runny, runny

In terms of results, my face has become much smoother and it has this glow that lasts even when I'm deprived of sleep! I didn't buy this for my blackheads but it does not really remove the blackheads I have near the bridge of my nose. It may need more time but I've been using this for five months now, should've seen some results by now. 

However I do realise if I get the blackheads squeezed out by a professional aesthetician, they do not come back if I use the BHA consistently later. Which means it works better at preventing blackheads rather than removing formed ones! My chin area has also become much clearer and the recurring bumps have not returned as frequently as they did before.

In terms of smell, some said it smells like burnt tyres. Personally, I've not smelled a burnt tyre before but I would not say the smell is easily acceptable. It has a sweet scent that lingers when I apply onto my skin. If you are applying it to your whole face, you might need to tolerate with the smell for a minute or two as it slowly fades away.  Although it's not entirely an unpleasant smell, it did take me a day or two to get used to it. Therefore it may come across as a strong smell to some of you, so try to get a sample of this before you buy it!

COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid review
COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid (RM59 for 100ML)

COSRX AHA 7 WHITEHEAD POWER LIQUID

Its clear solution has a runny texture similar to the BHA Blackhead Power Liquid. However, in the smell department, it is much sweeter. It is also not as oily and gets absorbed much better than the BHA Power Liquid. I don't have to pat as long to get it into my skin.

COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid review
Even runnier 

COSRX suggests beginning by using this once a week and make sure to not mix with any other acids or vitamin products. After your skin has adapted to it, you can then increase usage to 2-3 times a week. You should adjust the usage according to your skin condition to ensure your skin gets along well with it.

This is a stronger product which stung when I first tried it. Hence if you face any severe stimulation you should get it washed off immediately with lukewarm water. I took three weeks to get used to it before increasing usage to once a day. YES, I use this once a day after the BHA at night. This is, again, my personal preference which is NOT recommended by COSRX and I'm not recommending this. I do this because it didn't cause any severe stimulation to my skin and it works well with the BHA at keeping my face clear. 

I have a lot of random whiteheads near my lips and the side of my nose and I really hope this would miraculously remove them. Turns out I put my hopes too high. But I was happily surprised by its ability to prevent whiteheads, which is even better! Formation of whiteheads has reduced tremendously and I will go back to getting new ones if I skip for more than three days. As the saying goes, don't work in fits and starts. Be consistent in what you do and make sure you stick to your plan! I'm pretty sure this applies to skincare too. :3

A SHORTER INGREDIENT LIST
Okay, so I found an even shorter ingredient list than that of the AHA BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner. The prize goes to: 

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, which has only 11 ingredients!
Here is the ingredient list:

(Skincarisma)
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark (BHA), Water, Butylene Glycol, Betaine Salicylate, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Arginine, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol
 Whereas the AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid has 12 ingredients

(Skincarisma)
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Water (AHA), Butylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid (AHA), Water, Niacinamide (AHA), Sodium Hydroxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol
COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid review

PROMISE ME YOU WILL USE SUNBLOCK 
I only use them at night after toning my face. I will always make sure to put on sunblock in the morning and if you plan to use this, promise me you will too! The BHA Blackhead Power Liquid contains 4% of Betaine Salicylate (BHA) while the AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid contains 7% of Glycolic Acid (AHA). This gives them the ability to exfoliate your skin chemically.

Once the top layer of dead skin is removed, your skin becomes more vulnerable to the UVA and UVB. This is because it was supposed to shield your skin from the evil sun rays! With them gone, sunspots will form more easily if you don't cover your face up with a sunscreen of SPF30 or greater. So, my lovely peeps, promise me you will use sunblock! 

Note: 
Make sure to avoid getting them into or even near your eyes. It stings like hell.

This post contains affiliate links.

Where to get the COSRX Power Liquids:

Malaysia only

Hermo
BHA Blackhead Power Liquid - RM76.32 (incl. of GST)
AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid - RM62.54 (incl. of GST)
*Buy two free shipping

you can use Shopback to save some money (save 2% for every purchase) when buying from Hermo. Just sign up using my link: https://www.shopback.my/hermo?raf=OxeI66, and you'll be rewarded with RM5 immediately, followed by RM5 when you make your first purchase on Hermo through Shopback. That's RM10 in total. It works in the form of cash back which you can cash out to your bank account. You'll can learn more on their website here.

International

Amazon
BHA Blackhead Power Liquid - USD12.90 (RM51)
*Shipping fee is USD5
AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid - USD13.80 (RM55)
*Free shipping

Wishtrend
BHA Blackhead Power Liquid - USD21 (approx. RM83)
AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid - USD18 (approx. RM71)

*Free Shipping with purchases over USD60 (ships worldwide)

Keep in mind their referral program! You can get a 10% off your first purchase by inputting this Wishtrend discount code 2FD84A38 when you check out. What better way to save money? Remember to share this awesome deal with your friends too because sharing is caring!

If you are still on the fence, don't be shy and shoot me questions below. I like questions and comments (and subscribers)! Tell me if you would buy it!

Thank you for reading, see you in the next post!

I post new contents on skincare every Tuesday and Friday. Follow me on Bloglovin' so you won't miss it when my next review is up!
This post contains affiliate links. 
Which means, if you use my link, I can earn some commission. You don't have to use my link, but if you do, it would really help my blog!
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66 comments

  1. thanks for the lovely review. im considering to add actives in my skincare routine for awhile now

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    1. You're welcome Ldynisa! Just try it and do update me on your experience with it! :)

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  2. Hi YanRu, thanks for the genuine review. I have a lot of bumps on my face as well and I do not know how to remove them to have a clear skin. I bought the Cosrx AHA Whitehead treatment last month and there is still a lot of bumps on my skin. Can you recommend any useful products to clear bumps and blemish ? Thanks :D

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    1. Hello Cheryl! What kind of bumps are you getting? Do you mind telling me more about them? Are they skin coloured or red bumps? Because if red bumps maybe you can try the centella blemish cream, I thought it is quite good for welts :) Let me know! :D

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    2. Hi, thanks for the reply. They are those skin colored bumps. Does the centella blemish cream really work on blemishes and scars?

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    3. Hi Cheryl, no problem. :D Skin coloured bumps may be due to products you use being too rich for your skin. However, I am no dermatologist so I'm just basing it on my past experience with my own skin. Usually I'll just wait for the bumps to subside because so far I haven't found a product that works on those (haven't tried enough products haha). But you said the bumps have been there for a month? Maybe try switching out some of your products to see which one is causing it and if any new ones come out when you don't use a certain product. If that doesn't work then maybe you'd need to see a doctor to get it sorted out.

      The blemish cream works great on red bumps that look like mosquito bites but are not mosquito bites, like those that arise due to pollution or a long day of makeup from my experience. I don't think it works well on blemishes, while for scars, I think it does accelerate the recovery maybe a little. But in the end it really depends on your skin. :) Some people think it works wonder. :D

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    4. Oh, okay. Thank you so much on taking the time to reply me. <3

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    5. No problem Cheryl, hope it helps! <3

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  3. Oh and also, do you use the AHA whitehead treatment on your whole face or just troubled area ? Thanks :)

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    1. I use it on my whole face. :) around two pumps every night.

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  4. Hi YanRu, I just came across your blog and I'm pretty excited to try both products. But first. I've battled cystic acne for the past 6 months, my dermatologist has me on antibiotics and topicals but no luck still. Sometime last month, I came across the Korean regimen and gave it a shot. Even without the 10 steps, I think I did 5 or 6, but the cysts dried up immediately and started the dark spots left behind started fading. Unfortunately, I became lazy when I saw improvements and last week they all came back in full force. I mean both cheeks and entire jawline. So now I'm back to square one with cysts and black spots from dried out ones.
    My current regimen is 1) oil cleanse 2) water based cleanser 3)salicylic cleanser 4)toner 5) murad 2% salicylic serum 6) snail essence 7)aloe vera to moisturize 8) Spf

    What would you suggest to help clear the cysts and black spots left behind and prevent future breakouts? Btw, I'm not new to acids as I've done countless chemical peels and used aha/bha serums in the past.


    Thanks
    Abi.

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    1. Hello Abi! May I know is there any change (lifestyle, diet, work) in the last 6 months? Since the antibiotics don't work it could either be triggered by the change or it could be related to hormonal issues. I had the same problem last year when I started work and everything went haywire. My hormone was good and I had sufficient sleep. But I was under too much stress that my skin couldn't take it. After the stress source was taken out, everything went back to normal. Maybe you can try looking into this area as well to see if this can solve your problem.

      Since your Korean regimen worked, I'd suggest just go back to it! Salicylic is really good for drying up acnes and I think the aloe vera + snail essence combination does a good job in fading your scars as well. Personally I use Vitamin C serum by C20 (no review by me yet, still in the midst of testing haha) for dark spots and so far I've seen good results. My complexion is much brighter (note: not whiten) and the stubborn acne scars left on my chin seem to fade much sooner than I thought. My skin also becomes more radiant which I'm really in love with. I'd actually recommend it since your skin is okay with actives. There could be a little burning sensation for the first 2-3 applications but it goes away after your skin gets used to it. But since you're also using a salicylic serum, make sure to check with your dermatologist whether those two (salicylic and vit c serums) are okay to be used together. Also also! I'm sure you must be familiar with this, wear SPF of at least 30 when you go under the sun. Vit C tends to make the skin more vulnerable to the evil rays.

      Btw, do you apply makeup, e.g. foundation / bb cream / concealer? It's best to avoid those to prevent bacteria spreading to your good spots through the makeup brushes.

      Sorry, I'm being a little long winded haha, I hope this helps! Just reply here or email me if you have further questions! x

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    2. Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. My hormones have always been the culprit as this isnt my first experience with that so maybe I need to go see my ob/gyn. I'm certainly going to stick to my Korean regimen, I was just wondering if to switch

      to the Cosrx Bha since it contains 4% salicylic. I'll also give the Vit C a shot, I've been DIYing mine but willing to try something else.
      I must confess I'm not very religious with my spf so I need to change that habit too. And I wear makeup only on Sundays to church and occasionally Saturdays but not weekdays.


      Thanks
      Abi

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    3. Hello Abi! You're welcome. It's my pleasure!

      Since Murad's 2% works, I thought it's best not to use something stronger at the moment. I'd suggest you to switch only when 2% stops working for you as our skin may sometimes stop showing improvement after it has got used to a certain product.

      In that case, remember to clean your makeup brushes each time after using them. :)

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  5. In that case I'll stick with my current products.

    Thanks.

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  6. Hi! I am new to cosrx product. I have an oily acne prone skin so i bought the salicyclic acid cleanser. It is so good and i can see the improvement of my skin where the acne become lesser but i have a lot of acne scars. Can u suggest any other cosrx products that can reduce acne and the scars?

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    1. Hello Awatif! Usually for acne scars I'd use Vitmain C. I've been using the C20 one (actually a COSRX sister brand) but if you're looking at COSRX, you can try their new Triple C Lightning Liquid. I haven't tried it myself but I heard it absorbs quickly without stickiness. You should be able find some reviews to read too :) hope this helps!

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  7. Hi Yanrula. I am tempted to try Cosrx product. Do you mind suggesting suitable products for dry skin, some blackheads on the nose, milia under eyes and uneven skin tone? Thanks!

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  8. Hi Yanrula. I am tempted to try Cosrx product. Do you mind suggesting suitable products for dry skin, some blackheads on the nose, milia under eyes and uneven skin tone? Thanks!

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    1. Hello Zatul! For the blackheads you can give this blackhead liquid a try, it should be able to help reduce it whereas for the milia, the whitehead liquid may help reduce formation but usually they subside on their own after a while so it depends on you. Since your skin is dry and you want to even out the skin tone, the snail products (essence and cream) seem to be a good idea. Or you can get the COSRX oil-free ultra moisturiser too if you have the budget but I do have the feeling that the snail cream would be sufficient if you live under a hot weather. Personally I haven't tried those before (other than the blackhead and whitehead liquids) so it's based on me reading and watching the reviews online haha. Hope this helps!

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  9. Hi there. I have a lot of small skin-coloured tiny bumps on my forehead. I got confused, whether i am having whiteheads or clogged pores? Or are they both actually the same thing? Then, what should i be getting, is it AHA or BHA better for my condition? Thanks!

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    1. Hello Nee! I don't think those are whiteheads because you said they are of skin colour. are you using any skincare products now? The bumps may due to a few reasons and one of them is probably due to the skincare products you're using. They might be too rich for your skin hence causing the bumps to arise. If you're using those products now, I'd suggest you take a break from using them then slowly bring back one by one to see which one is causing the bumps. If you really want to try the BHA/ AHA, I personally think BHA would be better since it goes deeper into the skin. Nevertheless, I'm no expert and am simply basing theabove on my personal experience 😂 I hope this helps!

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    2. Thank you for your reply! I

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  10. Hi, just came across your blog. I have a lot of blackheads on my nose and it's really stressing me out. Would you recommend some products to use that could help reduce them? Since you said that this BHa only help to prevent them. I also have few acne scars and large pores on my face. Any products that you could recommend would really help me. Thanks a lot! :) x

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    1. Hello Nureen, so sorry for the delay in response, I was completely overwhelmed by work lately.

      Anyways, I understanding what you're going through! I've been trying the Skin&Lab Red serum lately to help with my acne scars. Overall I think it's helping but I can't be 100% sure yet because I've only been using it for two weeks. I'd also highly recommend vitamin C serum (you can try Tiam Source or C21) for your acne scars. It works perfect in keeping my skin smooth and reducing the look of acne scars. If you combine it with the Benton Snail Bee Content Essence (http://yanrula.blogspot.my/2017/09/benton-snail-bee-high-content-essence-review.html), the effect may show slightly more quickly but it's not really that prominent so you can skip this if you have a tight budget (and it's not a guaranteed effective option as well. You can get both of them on Hermo.

      For large pores, I highly highly recommend this mask by FROMNATURE (http://yanrula.blogspot.my/2017/09/review-fromnature-sparkling-effect.html). It's quite a new brand to Malaysia but if you look at the pictures, it shrunk my pores crazily. Although I'd say the effect is only temporary. If you have the budget, you can opt for laser sessions (carbon peel + q switched), you can take a look at Skin Gym Laser Centre haha (http://yanrula.blogspot.my/2017/09/skin-gym-laser-clinic-carbon-peel-review.html). I think the doctors and staff there are really friendly so it's a great place to start off your first ever laser session. :)

      I hope this helps! :D

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    2. Oh ya! About the blackheads issue, you can try nose strips. Try to go for those that come with three steps (e.g. holika holika). You can also try a clay mask that specifically targets blackhead. One that I've used before (this one targets not just blackheads) and find quite effective, is the Innisfree Super Volcanic Clay Mousse Mask (http://yanrula.blogspot.my/2017/05/whitening-innisfree-super-volcanic-clay-mousse-mask-review.html). Make sure you clean properly with a sponge to avoid the white cast effect. Recently the blackhead erasers have become really popular, basically you just rub a bar or lipstick lookalike around your nose, and the blackheads will come out. I haven't really got my hands on one yet so I can't guarantee whether it works haha. You can try watching some youtube videos to see how it works. :)

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  11. Hi YanRu. I'm just wondering if I still can use the Vitamin C20 serum from Wishtrend along with the AHA. Maybe any option like use the Vitamin C this night and AHA tomorrow night. Is it any effect in your opinion? I'm just bought COSRX AHA 7 whitehead power liquid just now but still won't give up with my second bottle of the Vitamin C serum.

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    1. Hi Nazreeyatul! I actually used to own both of them and used them both together at night. What I did was, I applied BHA, waited for 20 minutes, then AHA, waited for another 20 minutes, followed by C20. According to the instructions on the AHA & BHA bottles, we shouldn't do that but my skin has got used to the actives so it was okay for me.

      For you, I'd suggest you to alternate (like what you said) to let your skin slowly adapt. Because after all everyone's skin is different haha. What works on mine may not work on yours. After that you just observe your skin condition and adjust accordingly. 😊

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  12. Hi YanRu. Had experienced tiny bumps on the cheeks? I have problems of tiny bumps and also large pores around my cheeks. I just googled about BHA from CosRx to find users reviews and came across to your blog. If you don't mind, can you recommend some of the products to get rid of the tiny bumps on the cheeks and reduce the size of large pores? I have oily and acne prone skin.

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    1. Hello! What kind of tiny bumps? Are they the skin-coloured ones or pinkish ones?

      For large pores I use clay masks, actives, moisturiser/moisturising masks and sunblock to help with mine. You can try the super volcanic clay mask by innisfree (go for the mousse mask version since it's more hygienic) and these AHA and/or BHA actives. Since you have oily and acne prone skin, for moisturiser it's better for you to go for the gel-based type. Avoid cream type moisturiser at all cost because they might be too rich for your skin (can cause skin-colour tiny bumps). Aloe vera is a good one but if you can find an algae based moisturiser, that's also an option too! About moisturising masks, it's for when you're looking for a quick fix because the effect is temporary but often very obvious if you go for the right ones. I highly recommend this FROMNATURE aqua masks (click to go see the effect on my skin). Lastly, sunblock. The sun plays a role in causing our pores to become larger as it damages our skin with its UV rays. So make sure you get a sunblock that you love and apply it every day before you step out the door. I even go to the extreme of applying it even though I know I will be staying indoor the whole day HAHA. You can find some of the sunblocks I've reviewed here: Reviewed Items

      So, ya. I hope this helps! :D

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  13. hi YanRu, thankyou for your review about BHA and AHA 7. i have plan to buy both. but i wonder, both of BHA and AHA 7 can make my pore smaller or only make whitehead and blackhead gone ? can u explain what effect that u have after used the AHA 7 and BHA liquid powder? i have combination to dry skin, but i have a lot blackhead on my nose and whitehead around my mouth. could you explain how to use both of them? whole my face or only the T zone? thankyou YanRu

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    1. Hello Jessica, the effect I experienced is a smoother and more glowy complexion. I also noticed reduction in formation of whiteheads and blackheads if I use it consistently. In terms of where to use, I think it all depends on your preference. If you want to keep it for more uses, then T-zone only is good. But I normally use it all over my skin haha. You can use them either back to back with 20 minutes absorption time left in between (not recommended by COSRX but I use it that way haha) or on alternate days if you're worried that it might irritate your skin. For AHA, you can follow the instructions on the bottle to help your skin adapt to it. Actually, you can try acne patches (I think the 3M one is the best hehe, you can get them at Watsons) for your whiteheads and blackhead removal sticks/strips for your blackheads. Recently the blackhead removal stick has become really famous. Although I haven't tried one myself you can give it a look for your blackheads. The AHA and BHA liquids are better at preventing them rather than removing the existing ones. :) Also, you can refer to my reply above to anonymous for a better option to reduce pore size. Hope this helps. :D

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  14. Hi your review is very helping! But I have a few questions hope you can reply me. Is this routine step is correct? Cleansing - toner - AHA for whiteheads (not everyday) - clay mask (not everyday) - serum - moisturizing. And also can I use clay mask in the same night with AHA? Oh and one more thing can I apply AHA on active pimples?

    Thank you! :D

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    1. Hello Nisrin! Glad to hear that!! Thank you! :D

      And there's no right or wrong when it comes to your routine, as long as it fits your skin. From what I see, as long as you go from light to heavy, your skin should be able to absorb them well. And yes you can. Clay mask and AHA on the same night shouldn't be an issue. Since clay mask is more towards the removal of impurities while AHA is for exfoliation. You can use AHA after clay mask for more prominent results. And to the last question, yes haha. As long as you can endure the slight irritation that may come with the application, go ahead! It may help speed up the recovery process since it exfoliates and removes the dirt within the pimples.

      Hope this helps! :)

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  15. hi,YanRu.I wonder can this product use around in eye area? because i have little bit whitehead in my eye area (eyelid, corner, and under eye).
    Thankyou

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    1. Hi Silvana, sorry for the delay in response. I dont really recommend doing so because sometimes the product can easily get transferred.

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  16. does cosrx Blackhead Power Liquid changes color? IS IT STILL EFFECTIVE? PLEASE REPLY :(

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    1. Hello! It does change a bit. Mine has turned a little orange (very very light orange, totally unnoticeable if I didn't compare it side by side with the Whitehead Power Liquid) after almost year but I'm still using it. However, I do feel that it is not as effective as before, but it could also due to my skin being used to the strength of the product, hence showing no improvement whatsoever. But I will recommend you to be generous in application from the beginning to reduce wastage.

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  17. Hi there! Your review is very helpful. :) I'm looking into geting the BHA Blackhead Power Liquid and the AHA Whitehead version, but came across your review on the BHA/ALA clarifying treatment toner. Since I already use a skin softener, I was thinking that getting the Blackhead Power Liquid and Whitehead version would be better?

    Could you help me understand the difference of these and the BHA/ALA clarifying treatment toner? Thank you! :)

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    1. i have the same question! are the power liquids separately higher strength than the bha/aha toner? didnt know if i should use the all-in-one toner everyday or alternate bha liquid one day and aha the next

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    2. Hello Barby and Roxy! Let's talk a little bit about toner and essence.

      Toners are the most lightweight of all three. Often, it feels like you're putting water on your skin and it normally has a pH close to our skin pH (around pH5). There are many different types of toner. Some softens our skin really well, some aims to help treat acne while some aims to moisturise. But they all have one thing in common, they all help PREPARE the skin for what we plan to put on next. This AHA/BHA treatment toner has a pH much lower than our skin pH as it is made to help our skin absorb the AHA & BHA power liquid (or any other 'actives', such as Vitamin C) much much better. However, some has claimed that it irritates their skin (because of the much lower pH at around 3.8). If you're particularly sensitive, you can try getting the Mizon one (it has a similar version, just google around and you'll be able to find it) instead. It is much milder and works the same way. This kind of AHA/BHA toner helps lower skin pH and aids the actives in getting underneath our skin much more effectively.

      The Power Liquids themselves belong to the essence category, which are slightly thicker in consistency than toner but thinner than serum. They are higher in strength when compared to toners, and are also known as acids. We normally use them on top of toners and they mainly aim to TREAT instead of prepare. You can use them WITH the toner and this will make them work better (mentioned above). But it is advisable to go slow when you just start using because they are chemical exfoliants that may irritate your skin if you're not used to its strength. Make sure to follow the instructions on the bottle (unless you're already an active expert and have been using actives for some time, then you can adjust according to your skin's ability to accept) to avoid any unwanted skin issues.

      Hope this helps! :D

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  18. Just bought both of Cosrx AHA & BHA liquid, is it ok if I wear BHA at night, followed by AHA in the next morning? And after I wear AHA & BHA, I put Rosa E serum.. I worried if my steps was wrong.

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    1. Hi SQ! So sorry for replying this late. Yes you can use them that way. Just make sure you put on a sunscreen of at least SPF30 before you head out the door!

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  19. Hello Yan Ru! :) have you ever tried paula's choice skin perfecting 2% BHA liquid or paula's choice skin perfecting 8% AHA gel? I'm still confused. Which acid toner will I use, from cosrx or paula's choice :(

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    Replies
    1. Hello Syah Laini! No I haven’t tried Paula's Choice before. For toner, you just have to choose one that suits your skin. Usually when I’m totally lost about which one to buy, I’ll go for the same brand product since they’re usually designed in a way that they won’t cause any adverse reaction to the skin when used together. Just to be safe! But if you know both of them will work okay, just get the cheaper one haha. :) hope this helps!

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  20. Hello Yan Ru. Thanks so much for your detailed review and comment replies. Basically i have combination skin with very little breakouts. But recently,i have suddenly gotten loads of blackheads and whiteheads on my cheek area. They keep coming back even after my facial appointments. Maybe its due to my face oiliness? I am have been using Clinique's moisture surge and had no issues previously. I am wondering whether its sufficient after i start using both AHA/BHA? Do you have a recommendation on what moisturiser should i use for a 'now' blackhead whitehead person prone like me? Thanks soo much!

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    1. Hello there! Thank you for your comment! I'm so sorry I only managed to get back to you now.
      Hmm, we have very similar issues! If you say those blackheads and whiteheads keep coming back after facial, is there a possibility that the facial is not actually treating the issue and is instead aggravating it? It's either they did not remove what's stuck in the pores entirely, leaving dirt behind to grow into another white/blackhead again or they used tools that were not sterilised enough. Either way it leads to the regrowth of those white/blackheads.

      Moisturiser wise, maybe you can go for something less heavy. Avoid oils/creams at the moment and introduce gel-like moisturiser to your skin. Since you said those white/blackheads mostly concentrate on your cheek area, maybe you can try using this Wishtrend TECA 1% Barrier Cream (it is gel-based despite the name haha) on the problematic area and continue using the Clinique's moisture surge on your normal area.

      Hope that helps! Do note that I'm not a professional and all these opinions are based on my personal experience with my own skin. Thank you!

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    2. This is the TECA 1% Barrier Cream I was talking about: http://yanrula.blogspot.com/2017/12/new-by-wishtrend-teca-1-barrier-cream-review.html

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  21. Hi dear!

    currently using real kill grean tea as cleanser and toner bha blackhead liquid every night would like to seek recommendation from you what cleanser and toner better suits to bha blackheads liquid since may current cleanser caused bumps thank you!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jenifer! For cleanser, you can give this COSRX Low pH Good Morning Cleanser a try. I personally quite like it but it can be a little drying to the skin. But as long as you follow up with a toner, it should be fine. For toner, you can use an acidic toner. You can either DIY a natural one using Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) and water (1:5 ratio) or buy one (either the COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Toner or the Mizon AHA & BHA Daily Clean Toner).

      Hope this helps and thank you for reading my blog!

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  22. Hi! Can I use BHA and AHA at the same night? Like, after washing my face apply BHA and wait for 30 mins then apply the AHA.

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    1. Hello there! Sorry for the late reply! Yes you can do so haha that’s how I used them as my skin reacted very well to it. As long as your face isn’t reacting badly to it. But if you’re just starting to use these acids, take a few weeks to introduce the AHA. After your skin has gotten used to it only you start using them on the same night. :)

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  23. hi! i read from 1 of your review you're using vit C, what brand are you using? i have blackspots and i tried may products but i didnt get any significant result yet

    thanks,
    myta

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    Replies
    1. Hello Myta! I used C20 (now known as Tiam OST C20) and am trying C21.5 now. If you want to, maybe you can start with lower concentration Vitamin C such as the Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin drop (5%). But if you're confident that your skin can accept higher concentration without an issue (you should patch test before putting it to your whole face) then maybe you can give 20% (C20 or this Red C Serum) a try. I haven't tried the Red C Serum before but I heard it oxidises much slower compared to C20 due to the presence of glutathione. :)

      Hope this helps!

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  24. if i want to use bha liquid, vit c and essence.. can you tell me the order how i apply them?

    thanks

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    1. Hello there! Are you a newbie on acids? If yes then I’d suggest you to use them on alternate nights. I.e. night 1 BHA then essence (I’m assuming your essence is not an acid based one haha); night 2 vitamin C then essence. In the morning, make sure you apply a sunblock of at least SPF30 & PA++. :) hope this helps!

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  25. hi!
    i'm newbie to acid, never use it before except i'm using acv as toner and i want to try this bha liquid and cosrx galactomyces 95 whitening power essence ( is that acid? ) and cosrx white ampoule.. do you know the order how i apply it? or i have to use them every other night ?

    thanks,
    intan

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    1. Hello Intan! Sorry for not replying earlier!

      Nah, the cosrx galactomyces 95 whitening power essence is not an acid. It's merely an essence which you can use together with the BHA liquid. But if this is your first time trying them out, I wouldn't suggest you starting them all at the same time. It's better to first start with one then another one maybe one or two weeks later. This is just to be safe, as it would let you know which product you're reacting to in case anything happens. You can start with the BHA liquid (wait for 20 minutes to let it absorb), followed by the essence then the ampoule (also known as serum).

      Hope this helps!

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  26. Hi! I have both white heads and black heads problem... which one should i use? im a bit confused haha thanks!

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    1. Hello Min! Sorry for the terribly late reply! Hmm, in that case, actually you can try both. They both have the ability to exfoliate and clean out pores, which can in turn help prevent more whiteheads and blackheads. :)

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  27. Hi :) im just new to cosrx product and i want to give a shot on trying the products by removing and/or preventing tiny bumps on my chin and forehead. I wanna know if using aha/bha clarifying toner without bha power liquid or vice versa can do the magic? Or it should be use both? Also, does the product i mentioned can diminish the dark spot that due to acne? Please help me to figure out this :) hehehe

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    1. Hello Aslima! Sorry for the extremely delayed response, hope I can still help! You don't necessarily have to use them together. :) It will still work. You can actually use any toner that is around the pH of our skin (pH5.5) and it will still work just as well. You can just do a quick googling for toners with pH5.5 and a tonne of them will pop up haha. ;) And yes, this is a chemical exfoliator and hence it does help with diminishing dark spots. However, it will take some time and the results may not be as effective as Vitamin C serum or a good chemical peel at the clinic. :)

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  28. I am currently under 20 do i need a chemical exfoliator like this kind and i do also have a physical exfoliator and my skin type in normal

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    1. Hello KZ! Hmm, that depends on your skin condition. But I am personally against physical exfoliator as I think it sometimes create microtear on our skin when we scrub it. If you want you can start with a mild chemical exfoliator such as the BHA Liquid or the Cosrx One Step Pimple Clear Pad. It can exfoliate the skin as it contains BHA and is not harsh at all. Hope this helps!

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  29. Hi Yan Ru! Currently I'm using the cosrx bha blackhead power liquid. Is it ok if I want to alternate it every other day with cosrx aha whitehead power liquid? And is it fine to use a bha toner afterwards?

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