If you are COSRX users, you may know that exfoliation is important in skincare routine.

However, many people probably don’t know the difference of the type chemical exfoliators and don’t know what ingredients are contained in COSRX products.

Today, we will introduce chemical exfoliators and recommend COSRX’s exfoliators for you.

AHA is a water-soluble acid often obtained from sugar cane, fruits, and milk, and includes components such as Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Citric acid, Malic acid, Mandelic acid, and Tartaric acid, which are the most commonly used exfoliating ingredients.

It has a definite exfoliating effect that makes dead keratinocytes fall off the outermost layer of the skin.

Since it is an ingredient that can be accompanied by high stimulation, care should be taken when using high-concentration products for a long time.

It is not certain that AHA has a positive exfoliation effect simply with a high content.

*High concentrations of AHA rather cause severe skin irritationsto or side effects.

If you haven’t used AHA yet, or if you have sensitive skin, it’s good to start with a product with low concentrations of AHA. 

If you are familiar with AHA, it’s maybe a new way to try a product with a slightly higher concentration and proper pH balance.

 ▶Pure daily exfoliating for beginners
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner –  Glycolic Acid(AHA) 0.1%

 ▶Fast exfoliating 
AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid – Glycolic Acid(AHA) 7%

Salicylic acid obtained by refining salicin contained in willow bark is a representative BHA component.

Like AHA, it has the effect of removing dead keratinocytes in the outermost layer of the skin as well as removing sebum and waste in the pores due to its oil-friendly characteristics.

Salicylic acid is highly toxic when used at a high concentration, and can cause severe side effects of cosmetics, as a result, it is strictly restricted from using large quantities.

Betaine Salicylate, which synthesizes betaine into salicylic acid, is another BHA and also known to reduce stimulation of salicylic acid and have similar effects to salicylic acid.

If you are looking for a exfoliator with removing sebum from pores, it is a good choice to use BHA products.

▶Wash off cleanser for excess dead skin cells and sebum
AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser – Salicylic Acid(BHA) 0.5%

▶Leave-On Liquid For daily exfoliating dead skin cells and sebum
BHA Blackhead Power Liquid – Betaine Salicylate (BHA) 4%

PHA is an exfoliating component that follows AHA and BHA, and is known to cause less irritations than AHA and BHA while having an exfoliating effect like them. Gluconolactone and Lactobionic Acid are the most popular PHA.

Using exfoliators with AHA or BHA may temporary cause dry skin depending on skin types, but PHA is a relatively moisturizing and exfoliating ingredient because it exfoliates while moisturizing the skin.

It also has a function to relieve environmental damage and irritants such as ultraviolet rays, so it is good for those who are worred about sensitive skin after exfoliating.

▶Gentle daily exfoliating for those who are worried
about harsh exfoliating
One Step Moisture up Pad

Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, a derivative form of salicylic acid (BHA), is a representative LHA.

It is known to penetrate the skin relatively slowly and act very mildly because it has a large molecular weight among other chemical exfoliating ingredients.

With its mild exfoliation effect, it’s easy to use ingredients with anti-aging effects for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

If you want to exfoliate and improve your skin at the same time, you can start with a LHA product

We hope you could learn more about chemical exfoliators through this opportunity.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Let’s take good care of your skin by using the right skincare products with the right ingredients for your skin! ✨✨

by. COSRX R&D CENTER