Marissa, Betaine Salicylicate is less effective than salicylic acid at the right pH. I personally recommend Korean BHA exfoliants only to people who can’t tolerate salicylic acid as it takes a lot longer to see results.

K, thank you for the update. Glad to hear it’s working well for you. And I couldn’t agree more. People ask me all the time what the best acid is and I always tell them: they one that works best for you! Just because an ingredient is popular or works for your best friend, it doesn’t mean it’ll work for you. Get to know your skin and what it likes.

An update on my previous post – I just finished my bottle of Cosrx BHA, and I loved it!

I initially used it once a day, and have since increased my used to twice a day without experiencing irritation. I have large pores and tend to be oily, formerly with blackheads in my t-zone area. The blackheads have largely disappeared since incorporating Cosrx BHA into my routine, and the remaining stubborn blackheads are slowly disappearing since I’m increased to twice daily BHA exfoliation. The BHA, coupled with twice-daily niacinamide and azelaic acid, has significantly lessened the oiliness. I’ve now tried 3 of the 5 products on this list (TO and Paula’s Choice), and hands down, the Cosrx BHA is my favorite. Wish I had found it years ago!

However, a caveat – like any skin care product, what may work well for many doesn’t work for all. I had my partner try it, and she experienced significant irritation. Akin to a sunburn, and it took a full 2 days for the irritation to dissipate. So far, the only acid that she can tolerate is the First Aid Beauty radiance pads…

Kristina, oh no, I’m sorry to hear that! Betaine salicylate is gentler so you should be fine.