Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant vs COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

Paula's Choice

COSRX

A chemical exfoliant built around BHA and Salicylic acid, for hydration and smoothing.

A chemical exfoliant built around Niacinamide and Panthenol, for hydration and barrier repair.

Chemical exfoliant

8 ingredients

10 ingredients

Brand price

USD 37.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

USD 25.00 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand country not recorded

Brand from South Korea

At a Glance

They come out differently on Fungal-acne-safe; that row is shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 20
BHA1
Beta hydroxy acid — oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid1
The BHA used in acne treatment.
Salicylic Acid

Panthenol (provitamin B5)1
Provitamin B5 — a humectant and soother.
Panthenol
Hyaluronic acid1
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Niacinamide1
Vitamin B3 — supports the barrier and evens tone.
Niacinamide

Hydrating3
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Niacinamide, Panthenol
Reduces Irritation2
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Panthenol, Salix Alba Bark Water
Redness Reducing2
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Niacinamide, Salix Alba Bark Water

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Polysorbate 20

No concerns found

Show highlights for:

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Butylene Glycol
Fragrance, Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
Learn more about Butylene Glycol →

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