I have super oily skin and pores that tend to get clogged every other day. And the Cosrx BHA Blackhead power liquid is one product that helps me with this issue. So based on my experience with this product, here’s a short review about it!
Life Before Korean Skincare
Before starting Korean skincare, my skin’s condition was beginning to deteriorate. I had enlarged pores and it was starting to spread all over my face. I had to regularly go for facial clean ups to the salon to keep my pores clean. However as I suffered from extreme blackhead formation and regular cleanups was not enough, I would always end up with a comedone extractor in my hands to squeeze out these pesky blackheads.
Home remedies and pore tightening face packs only pulled out all the oil from my skin which I thought was a good thing back then. Now looking back, I realised it only made my skin oilier as our body produces more oil when our skin is dry. I do use pore tightening packs once every now and then. But I do compensate the dryness with hydrating and balancing toners and moisturisers.
First Impressions: Cosrx Bha Blackhead Power Liquid
A year back when I initially started using the BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, I experienced a slight peeling. This may have been caused by the fact that I used it more than the recommended 2-3 time a week. I was that desperate to minimize my pores!
However after about a month, I noticed that my blackhead formation had considerably reduced, my pores looked cleaner and smaller and my overall face looked bright and clean. I stopped going to the salon for clean ups as the BHA Blackhead liquid worked wonders at keeping my pores clean and making them less visible.
How It’s Going
I usually use it 2-3 times a week for my PM routine. Even though Cosrx recommends using the BHA liquid with a cotton pad, I like to apply it on my face more like an essence by pumping the liquid into my palms and dabbing it directly onto my face.
Not going to lie, I’ve been through bottles of the BHA Blackhead Liquid now. And if I skip my weekly exfoliation for weeks in a row, I know my pores would start clogging with blackhead, whitehead formation and make my pores look bigger. Now that my pores are all under control, I don’t use it as often or religiously. I use it once or twice every two weeks.
A lot of you ask if you stop using the liquid, will the pores and blackhead recur again. Since oil is secreted from our sebaceous glands inside our skin and it will continue to secrete oil whether we exfoliate or not. Unless you are exfoliating your pores to keep it clean, your blackheads and pores will appear again.
What I Love About The Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Another thing I love about the Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is its minimal ingredients. It contains 67.8% salix Alba and 4% betaine salicylate as the key exfoliating ingredient. Niacinamide and sodium Hyaluronate as the lightening and moisturising ingredient so it helps to brighten your skin as you use it and the plus point is there are no unnecessary preservatives, fragrance or alcohol.
How to use
Cleanse your face properly with a gentle low pH cleanser:
Then soak a cotton pad with the Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid and gently wipe your face using outward strokes.
For the first week use only once a week and you can slowly increase usage to Three times a week once your skin gets adapted to the acid. You can reduce usage to once or twice a week if your oily skin is under control.
Note: If you’ve never exfoliated your skin before you may experience slight dryness or peeling which is absolutely normal. If you feel it’s drying your skin, use it once or twice a week only.
If you have acne-prone skin and are new to BHAs, you may experience initial purging, as it exfoliates the pore lining and brings the underlying clogs to the surface. Purging typically lasts up to two months. However, it’s well worth sticking it out, as your skin will be much clearer after the purging phase.
What products should I stay away from when using this?
Avoid using products that have exfoliating ingredients such as retinol, high concentration of vitamin C, AHA, BHA, and more at the same time/application as it may irritate your skin.
INGREDIENTS
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water, Butylene Glycol, Betaine Salicylate, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Arginine, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol
Skin type: Oily, skin type
Skin concern: Pores, Blackheads, Whiteheads.
Have you tried the Cosrx BHA Blackhead power liquid? How did it work for you?
Learn more about Korean skincare products by reading more reviews like this one.