COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Summary
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid scores 75/100. K-beauty cult product delivering 4% betaine salicylate (the gentler, naturally-derived equivalent of approximately 2% salicylic acid) in a willow-bark-water base — willow bark itself is a natural BHA source. Niacinamide is added for barrier support. The formula has been on the market since 2014 and is widely tolerated by sensitive skin, including users who find Paula's Choice irritating. No fragrance, no essential oils, no parabens, no alcohol. Minor concerns: propanediol-arginine-trimethylglycine humectant base is exceptionally clean, with only ethyl hexanediol (a mild PG-family solvent) as a notable concern.
At a glance
Key ingredients 12
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark WaterVery Good
Natural source of salicylic acid; the carrier water itself contributes mild BHA activity and soothing tannins.
See more about Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water →Butylene GlycolNeutral
Mild humectant/solvent.
See more about Butylene Glycol →NiacinamideVery Good
Barrier-supportive Vitamin B3.
See more about Niacinamide →Betaine Salicylate (4%)Very Good
Naturally-derived BHA equivalent. Approximately equivalent to 2% salicylic acid in efficacy but with significantly less irritation potential. Combines betaine (sugar-beet humectant) with salicylic acid in a buffered form.
See more about Betaine Salicylate (4%) →Sodium HydroxideNeutral
pH adjuster.
See more about Sodium Hydroxide →ArginineGood
Amino acid humectant.
See more about Arginine →PanthenolGood
Pro-vitamin B5; barrier-supportive.
See more about Panthenol →Trimethylglycine (Betaine)Good
Sugar-beet humectant.
See more about Trimethylglycine (Betaine) →PropanediolGood
Corn-fermentation-derived humectant. Cleaner alternative to propylene glycol.
See more about Propanediol →CyclodextrinGood
Naturally-derived molecule for stabilizing and delivering actives.
See more about Cyclodextrin →Sodium DNAGood
Salmon-derived polynucleotide; humectant and skin-conditioning.
See more about Sodium DNA →Ethyl HexanediolBad
Synthetic preservative-booster — CIR-safe and well-tolerated, but a petroleum-derived synthetic that clean brands typically replace with food-grade/natural systems. Minor clean-beauty demerit.
See more about Ethyl Hexanediol →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
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