Review: COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

I was pretty satisfied with my current BHA product (reviewed here), but that didn't stop me from recently giving into temptation and snagging a COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid from Jolse to see if I could duplicate the success via a cheaper version.  My skin had a love-at-first-sight reaction to Paula's Choice 2% BHA and I've never had dryness, irritation or adverse reactions from using it.  Within 2 weeks of starting this relationship the upper half of my face was blemish-free and only the stubborn lower half (the hormonal patches) remained unconquered.  I didn't set out to cheat on my BHA but I figured a break would be okay (^_^) and maybe COSRX's BHA version would deliver different (better?) results given its active ingredient was 4% betaine salicylate vs the tried and true 2% salicylic acid.  Yes, I'm superficial enough to consider the larger percentage more attractive!



The short ingredient list has the active ingredient betaine salicylate doing the heavy lifting but also has niacinamide (for brightening/wrinkles) and sodium hyaluronate (for hydration).  My ever-present hyperpigmentation from past acne battles can always use lightening and I never say no to more moisture!

I really liked the hygienic pump that never squirted too much or too fast into my awaiting palm (no cotton balls/pads for me, just dabbing fingers) and the transparent 100 ml bottle would be helpful for gauging when to re-order.  The clear and slightly viscous texture is less gooey than Paula's version but that's neither a plus/minus for me.  (I always wait 15-20 minutes after applying acids to layer another skincare product over them and by that time everything is already absorbed.)  There's also a much appreciated lack of odor, a huge win over Paula's smelly tire stench!

Unfortunately, here are where the positives ended.  I could only try this product on and off over several weeks instead of continuously because within 1-2 days of using it my forehead produced a large breakout (unusual because I don't tend to break out above my nose).  Instead of immediately stopping I assumed/hoped it was just a strange coincidence and kept applying this liquid every morning for an additional week.  However, the first spot was shortly joined by a second, equally large and painful!  =(

I took a break and re-started my Paula's BHA for the next 2 weeks before becoming brave enough to try COSRX again.  This time I used BOTH simultaneously, COSRX in the morning and Paula's in the afternoon.  No further blemishes on my forehead erupted during this time and the old ones slowly calmed down.  After the 2 week period I attempted using only the COSRX liquid once a day and stopped Paula's.  And guess what?  Another forehead breakout occurred!! 

The vast majority of my acne is hormonal and appears along my lower cheeks/chin.  North of my nose (forehead, upper cheeks, temples, etc) rarely breaks out and if it does it's usually only with tiny bumps.  That's why I'm convinced COSRX's BHA liquid isn't quite compatible with my skin.  Best case scenario is that betaine salicylate is too weak for my stubborn face and there's only room for salicylic acid in my life.  Worst case explanation is that the COSRX version actually caused the breakouts I experienced.  I'm not interested in trying it further and testing this theory.  Originally I planned on taking nicer pictures for this review with different angles and/or showing the liquid texture on my hand, but I'm not motivated now given how unsuccessful things turned out!

Anyway, long story short is that I'll be returning to my faithful Paula's Choice BHA.  No matter how much I wanted things to work out with COSRX we're clearly not fated to be.  It may be cheaper, smell better and come in a nicer pump bottle, but I just don't get the same results that I'm used to from a BHA product.  Sadly, I will not be re-purchasing.

Summary

• Packaging:     5/5 (hygienic pump; sturdy; transparent bottle)
• Smell:             5/5 (no obvious smell, yes!!)
• Performance:  1/5 (didn't prevent breakouts & possible caused some?)
• Value/Price:    4/5 (widely available $14-18 for 100ml on Jolse, Roseroseshop, etc)
• Recommend? No (there are better BHA products out there)
• Repurchase? No