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Product photo: cosrx.com (official brand store). The pack size shown may differ from the Korean 150ml.
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
A watery, low-strength exfoliating toner with glycolic acid and betaine salicylate on a base of willow bark water and apple fruit water.
Buyer verdictA good first acid toner for oily and congested skin, gentle enough to use most days. It won't replace a proper BHA treatment for stubborn blackheads. It's one of the cheapest items on Olive Young's shelf, so add it to a bigger basket.
- Key ingredient
- Glycolic acid, Betaine salicylate
- Texture
- Watery toner, almost like a mist
- Routine step
- toner · AM & PM
- Korean pack
- 150ml (+50ml)
Overview
Key ingredients
- Glycolic acid An AHA that loosens dead surface cells for smoother skin
- Betaine salicylate A milder relative of salicylic acid that helps keep pores clear
- Willow bark water and apple fruit water Plant waters with naturally occurring mild acids
- Sodium lactate, allantoin and panthenol Hydrating and calming ingredients that soften the acids
From the US, it's 50% cheaper in Seoul after tax and refund. From the UK, it's 53% cheaper in Seoul.
Seoul packs often add a bonus (+50ml); we don't count it in the saving.
What it is
COSRX’s AHA/BHA toner is a watery exfoliating toner in a 150ml bottle. It’s designed to be the gentle version of an acid toner. The acids are at low levels, and it’s meant for daily use rather than a once-a-week peel.
The current ingredient list starts with water, then willow bark water and apple fruit water. COSRX says these two plant waters make up about 10% of the formula. Then come humectants, sodium lactate, glycolic acid and betaine salicylate, followed by soothing allantoin and panthenol. COSRX doesn’t publish the exact acid percentages, but the order of the list tells you they’re modest.
Who it suits (and who should skip it)
Good pick if
- You have oily, combination or acne-prone skin with bumpy texture or clogged pores
- You’re new to acids and want something easy to start with
- You like a toner you can splash on or sweep with a pad in 10 seconds
Skip it if
- You have stubborn blackheads and need a real 2% salicylic acid treatment
- Your skin is very dry, sensitive or already irritated
- You already use a strong acid or retinoid and don’t need another exfoliating step
What the ingredients do
Glycolic acid is the smallest AHA molecule. It loosens the “glue” between dead cells on the surface, so skin looks smoother and brighter. At low strength it works gradually, which is the point here.
Betaine salicylate is related to salicylic acid, the classic BHA. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble and gets into pores, and betaine salicylate is a milder version that’s used for the same reason. It helps keep pores from clogging, but it’s less powerful than the 2% salicylic acid in a treatment like COSRX’s own BHA Blackhead Power Liquid.
Willow bark naturally contains salicin, and apple contains malic acid, so the plant waters add a gentle extra layer of exfoliation. Sodium lactate (a salt of lactic acid) hydrates, and allantoin and panthenol keep the formula comfortable.
How to use it
After cleansing, soak a cotton pad and sweep it over the face, avoiding the eye area. Or pour a little into your palms and pat it in. Follow with serum and moisturiser, and use sunscreen in the morning.
Start every other day. If your skin stays calm after two weeks, you can use it daily, morning or evening. Skip it on nights you use retinol or a stronger acid.
How it compares
Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner is the closest rival. It adds PHA and tea tree, and some people find it a little stronger. Medicube Zero Pore Pads are the step up if you want stronger exfoliation in a pad. Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner is an acid-free toner for oily skin that just wants to feel fresh.
Is it worth buying in Seoul?
Yes. Olive Young sells the same 150ml bottle that Amazon lists, and it often adds a 50ml bonus, which our price box doesn’t count. The Seoul price is clearly lower than on Amazon US.
At around ₩10,000 to ₩12,000, it’s below the ₩15,000 tax refund minimum on its own. It’s an easy add-on to a bigger Olive Young basket. At 150ml, pack it in your checked bag.
FAQ
Can I use it every day?
Many people can, because the acids are at low levels. Start every other day for the first two weeks and increase if your skin stays comfortable.
Can I use it with retinol?
It's safer to use them on different nights, or this toner in the morning and retinol at night. Using both together is a common cause of irritation.
Does it make skin sun-sensitive?
AHAs like glycolic acid can increase sun sensitivity, so wear sunscreen every morning while using it.
Does it contain fragrance?
No added fragrance or essential oils are listed. It has a faint natural scent from the plant waters.
