Two In One Poreless Power Liquid
Two In One Poreless Power Liquid
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, dual-action treatment essence formulated with 88% Willow Bark Water and 0.1% Betaine Salicylate (BHA) to cleanse clogged pores, control excess sebum, and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores while delivering a cooling, refreshing sensation.
Cooling Sensation
Menthyl lactate provides a refreshing cooling effect that helps prevent pore enlargement caused by heat.
Texture & feel
SENSORYCooling Sensation
Menthyl lactate provides a refreshing cooling effect that helps prevent pore enlargement caused by heat.
Gentle BHA Formula
Contains 0.1% Betaine Salicylate, a milder alternative to salicylic acid derived from sugar beets.
Natural Astringent
Tannins from willow bark act as a natural astringent to tighten enlarged pores and control sebum.
Hydrating Base
Sodium hyaluronate and panthenol provide lightweight hydration without clogging pores.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains Betaine Salicylate (BHA derivative) and Willow Bark Water. While the concentration is low (0.1%), consult your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil and Arginine, which may feed malassezia yeast when combined with skin lipids.
Dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic. The gentle 0.1% BHA makes it suitable for sensitive skin types who cannot tolerate stronger acids.
Safe to use with other AHA or BHA products due to its low acid concentration. Can boost effectiveness of stronger exfoliants.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSWillow Bark Water (Salix Alba) 88%Proven
The star ingredient and natural source of salicin, a precursor to salicylic acid. Acts as a gentle exfoliant with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- Function: Natural astringent that tightens pores and reduces inflammation
- Research: Contains tannins with demonstrated antioxidant and antimicrobial effects
- Benefit: Soothes irritated skin while providing mild exfoliation
Betaine Salicylate 0.1%Proven
A mild BHA derivative combining betaine (from sugar beets) with salicylic acid. Provides gentle exfoliation without the harshness of traditional BHAs.
- Function: Oil-soluble exfoliant that penetrates pores to dissolve sebum and debris
- pH Range: Most effective at pH 3.8-4.2
- Comparison: Less penetrating than salicylic acid, making it better for reactive skin
Sodium HyaluronateProven
The sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that can hold up to 1000x its weight in water.
- Function: Attracts and retains moisture in the skin
- Benefit: Prevents the drying effects sometimes associated with BHA products
- Size: Smaller molecular weight allows for better skin penetration
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)Proven
A provitamin that converts to vitamin B5 in the skin, offering moisturizing and skin-barrier supporting benefits.
- Function: Moisturizes, soothes inflammation, and supports wound healing
- Research: Studies show it promotes fibroblast proliferation for skin repair
- Benefit: Helps reduce irritation from other active ingredients
AllantoinProven
A naturally occurring compound found in comfrey root, known for its soothing and skin-conditioning properties.
- Function: Calms irritation, promotes cell regeneration, and softens skin
- Benefit: Helps balance the exfoliating effects of BHA
18 ingredients
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Water, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine Salicylate, Arginine, Betaine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Allantoin, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carbomer, Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract, Menthyl Lactate, Mentha Haplocalix Extract
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as a treatment essence after cleansing/toning. Can also be used as a prep step before makeup in the morning. Safe to layer with other AHA/BHA products due to low concentration.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Face
Start with a clean face. Use your regular cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities.
Dispense Product
Pump 2-3 drops onto your palm or directly onto a cotton pad.
Apply to Skin
Gently pat onto face, focusing on areas with enlarged pores. Avoid eye and lip area. If using cotton pad, wipe in upward motions.
Let It Absorb
Wait 30 seconds to 1 minute for the product to absorb before proceeding with the next skincare step.
DIY Mask (Optional)
For intensive pore care: Soak cotton pads and apply as a 5-10 minute sheet mask on areas with large pores.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have enlarged pores and want to minimize their appearance
- Your skin is too sensitive for traditional BHA products
- You struggle with excess sebum and oily T-zone
- You want a gentle daily exfoliant
- You're new to chemical exfoliation
- You want to prep skin for smoother makeup application
- You need a product that works well with other acids
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding (consult doctor first)
- You need strong acne treatment (try higher % BHA)
- You have very deep blackheads requiring intensive exfoliation
- You prefer products with immediate dramatic results
- You have rosacea (may trigger flare-ups)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESControls excess sebum, minimizes pores, and provides a cooling effect that helps regulate oil production. Ideal for oily skin types.
Balances oily T-zone while remaining gentle enough for drier areas. Lightweight formula absorbs without heavy residue.
Maintains skin clarity and provides gentle exfoliation for a smooth, refined complexion. Great for prevention.
Gentle enough for dry skin due to low BHA concentration. Follow with a rich moisturizer for best results.
Hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested. The 0.1% BHA is much gentler than traditional exfoliants. Patch test recommended.
Good for mild congestion but concentration may be too low for moderate-to-severe acne. Works best as a supporting product.
Results timeline
ONGOINGInitial Smoothing Effect
Skin feels smoother immediately after use. Mild cooling sensation refreshes skin. Some users notice slightly less oiliness throughout the day.
70% noticed smoother texturePore Refinement Begins
Pores appear less congested. Blackheads start to loosen and clear. Skin texture becomes more refined and even.
65% noticed clearer poresVisible Pore Minimization
Consistent use shows visible reduction in pore appearance. Sebum production feels more balanced. Skin preps better for makeup.
55% noticed smaller-looking poresMaintained Results
Continued daily use maintains pore clarity and sebum control. Best results when combined with proper cleansing routine and sunscreen.
Requires consistent use for maintenanceRatings by platform
4K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely gentle — suitable for sensitive skin and BHA beginners
- Refreshing cooling sensation without irritation
- Improves skin texture and smoothness noticeably
- Can be layered with other acids safely
- No fragrance or artificial colors
- Affordable K-beauty option
- Great for morning routine prep before makeup
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested
Criticized
- Too gentle for stubborn blackheads or severe acne
- Results take time — not an overnight solution
- Not fungal acne safe
- Some find 100ml size runs out quickly
- May not satisfy those wanting dramatic BHA effects
- Caution needed during pregnancy
- May trigger rosacea in some users
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESStronger formula with 2% pure salicylic acid vs 0.1% betaine salicylate. More effective for acne but also more drying. Better for oily skin; may be too harsh for sensitive types.
Contains multiple acid types (AHA, BHA, PHA) plus tea tree. More multi-tasking but potentially more irritating. Good for combination skin needing multiple benefits.
Same brand, stronger at 4% betaine salicylate. Better for established blackheads and persistent congestion. The Poreless Liquid can be used as a prep step before this.
Gold standard BHA with 2% salicylic acid. More effective and well-researched but significantly pricier. Oilier texture may not suit all skin types.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required, but keep away from heat sources.
Pump bottle with opaque packaging to protect active ingredients from light degradation.
Yes, 100ml is TSA-compliant for carry-on luggage. Secure pump prevents leakage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. This product contains Betaine Salicylate (a BHA derivative) and Willow Bark Water, which are related to salicylic acid. While the concentration is very low (0.1%), it's recommended to consult your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Many dermatologists advise avoiding BHA products during pregnancy as a precaution.
No, this product is not fungal acne safe. It contains PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil and Arginine, which can feed malassezia yeast when combined with skin's natural lipids. If you have fungal acne, look for products specifically formulated to be malassezia-safe.
Yes! Due to its very low BHA concentration (0.1%), this product can safely be layered with other acids like AHA, BHA, and even vitamin C. COSRX specifically designed it to complement other exfoliating products. However, always introduce new combinations gradually and monitor your skin for irritation. If using retinol, consider using this product in the morning and retinol at night.
This product works best for oily and combination skin types dealing with enlarged pores and excess sebum. It's also excellent for sensitive skin that cannot tolerate stronger BHA products. It's suitable for beginners to chemical exfoliation. Those with severe acne may find the 0.1% concentration too mild and should consider stronger alternatives.
Initial texture improvement can be felt within 1-2 weeks of consistent use. More noticeable pore refinement and sebum control typically appear after 3-4 weeks. Significant visible results in pore minimization usually require 6-8 weeks of daily use. This is a gradual, gentle product — patience is key for best results.
Apply after cleansing and toning, before serums and moisturizer. Use as a treatment essence step. In the morning, follow with moisturizer and sunscreen. You can also use it as a mask by soaking cotton pads and leaving on enlarged pore areas for 5-10 minutes. It can be used both AM and PM.
This product has a low comedogenic rating of approximately 1/5. The lightweight, watery formula is specifically designed to help clear pores rather than clog them. The BHA and willow bark actually help dissolve pore-clogging sebum and debris. However, individual reactions vary, so patch testing is always recommended.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain efficacy. The pump bottle helps minimize air exposure and contamination. With daily use of 2-3 pumps, a 100ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months.
Verdict: The COSRX Two In One Poreless Power Liquid is an excellent entry-level BHA treatment for those seeking gentle pore refinement without irritation. Its 88% willow bark water base combined with 0.1% betaine salicylate makes it one of the mildest BHA products on the market — perfect for sensitive skin and acid beginners. While too gentle for stubborn acne or deep blackheads, it excels at daily maintenance, sebum control, and skin smoothing. The cooling sensation is a bonus for hot climates. Not suitable for fungal acne sufferers or those needing aggressive exfoliation, but a solid choice for anyone wanting to dip their toes into chemical exfoliation or maintain already-clear pores.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Salix Alba Bark Water
Astringent, Skin Conditioning, Soothing, Tonic
|
Irritation
Texture
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
Masking, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Pentylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|








