Works for
Anti-agingGlycolic acid, NiacinamideWorks well
“Harnessing the powers of 7% Glycolic Acid and Apple Water (an ingredient containing natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids), the lightweight exfoliant expertly removes dead skin cells and pore-clogging impurities, whilst helping to minimise the appearance of whiteheads, fine lines and roughness.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid, niacinamide.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Panthenol + 2 moreWorks well
“Perfect for dry to combination skin, this liquid hydrates the skin, while gently exfoliating it.”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": sodium hyaluronate, butylene glycol.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide, panthenol
ExfoliationGlycolic acidWorks well
“Formulated with 7% Glycolic Acid (AHA), AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid gently exfoliates skin and helps reveal a radiant even-toned complexion.”
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: glycolic acid.
Anti-blemishNiacinamide, Glycolic acidWorks well
“AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid”
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: glycolic acid
Evens skin toneGlycolic acid, NiacinamideWorks well
“Formulated with 7% Glycolic Acid (AHA), AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid gently exfoliates skin and helps reveal a radiant even-toned complexion.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid, niacinamide
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 flagged ingredientsLow risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Pyrus malus fruit water~25–37%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Butylene glycol~8.3–12.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolGlycolic acid~4.7–7.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
More about Glycolic acidWater~3.4–5.1%
Niacinamide~2.3–3.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideSodium hydroxide~1.6–2.3%
1,2-hexanediol~0.1–0.45%
Ethyl hexanediol~0.5–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used to dissolve other ingredients. Might be irritating
More about Ethyl hexanediolPanthenol~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolSodium hyaluronate~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateXanthan gum~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumIngredient list view
Pyrus malus fruit water, Butylene glycol, Glycolic acid, Water, Niacinamide, Sodium hydroxide, 1,2-hexanediol, Ethyl hexanediol, Panthenol, Sodium hyaluronate, Xanthan gum
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| COSRXAHA 7 Whitehead Power LiquidYOUR PRODUCT | BaleaNiacinamide AHA Peeling Concentrate | CreamyTônico clareador | VeracityREGENERATING INFUSION | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 91% | 86% | 85% |
| Price | $19.60 | — | — | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 4 | 3 of 4 | 4 of 4 |
| Key difference | — | Mandelic Acid | Alpha-Arbutin | Hydroxyproline |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Extreme XXL Pads - 100 PadsMDSUN Skin Exfoliation Pads
Product summary
"COSRX - AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid" is effective for: Exfoliation, Anti-aging, Anti-blemish, Moisturizing and Evens skin tone
Ingredient callouts
- A good concentration of Niacinamide (2.30% - 3.50%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- Exfoliating acids (glycolic acid 4.70% - 7.10%). In this concentration, they will have a noticeable exfoliating effect. They can also have an anti-aging effect and stimulate collagen production in a long-run.
- An effective concentration of Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) - about 0.35% - 0.80%. Panthenol helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and reduce inflammation in skin.
- Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.10% - 0.40% and panthenol 0.35% - 0.80%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "COSRX" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Price
The product retails from 11.10£ up to 26.00£ in the United Kingdom, for 2499.99KSH in Kenya, from 19.60$ up to 24.96$ in the United States, from 18.80A$ up to 43.56A$ in Australia and for 37.60CA$ in Canada.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 11 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
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