Getting you a comprehensive analysis of the product
Reading every ingredient in the formula…
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Reading every ingredient in the formula…
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COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is a thoughtfully formulated exfoliant with good ingredient transparency, but consumers should manage expectations regarding absolute claims and be aware of price variations across platforms.
₹1,065 • Analysed 22 October 2026
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is a popular K-beauty exfoliant well-suited for the Indian climate, especially for those with oily or combination skin prone to blackheads and congestion. Its gentle BHA (Betaine Salicylate) and hydrating ingredients make it less likely to cause excessive dryness, which is beneficial in varying Indian humidity. While some claims use strong language like 'eliminates' or 'acne-free', the core functional claims are supported by the formula. The price point is mid-to-high for an Indian consumer, but the 100ml quantity offers good value for a treatment product.
Independent and free. The Clean Sheet takes no money from brands to analyse, rank, or approve a product. This is a web evidence analysis, not a Clean Sheet certification. We checked the ingredient list, publicly available test reports, marketing claims, and formula logic using only public information available at the time of analysis.
This is a strong, aspirational claim. While the active ingredients (Betaine Salicylate, Niacinamide) have ingredient-level research supporting pore clearing and blackhead reduction, no finished-product clinical study with specific methodology, sample size, and duration is publicly visible to fully substantiate this absolute claim for this exact product.
Betaine Salicylate is known as a gentler BHA, and its 4% concentration is effective for exfoliation and oil control. Multiple sources highlight its gentleness compared to salicylic acid, with some citing studies on its efficacy and lower irritation. The formula also contains soothing ingredients.
The INCI list is indeed short (10 ingredients), and the key actives are present in meaningful concentrations, supporting the 'maximum effect' aspect.
The INCI lists Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water as the first ingredient, and Niacinamide is high up, supporting the disclosed percentages. This is good transparency.
The INCI lists Betaine Salicylate high up, and the 4% concentration is explicitly stated by the brand and supported by ingredient research for sebum reduction.
While BHA and Niacinamide can help manage acne, the term 'acne-free' is very strong and implies a complete absence, which is difficult to achieve and prove with a cosmetic product. Evidence is ingredient-level.
Betaine Salicylate (BHA) is oil-soluble and known to penetrate pores to exfoliate and reduce sebum. This is well-established ingredient-level science. The 'keep your pores clear' part is a strong promise.
Exfoliating acids like BHA are known to promote cell turnover, leading to improved texture and radiance. Niacinamide also contributes to brightening. This is ingredient-level evidence.
What we could confirm from public sources and the verified ingredient list.
Ingredient Safety & Toxicity
Full ingredient list retrieved and verified against INCIDecoder.
Brand describes ingredient origin in its claims.
Screened against the ingredient database (7 of 11 ingredients matched); no cosmetics-prohibited ingredient found.
No ingredient with a recognised endocrine-activity concern found in the database.
No IARC-classified or formaldehyde-releasing ingredient found in the database screen.
Irritation & Allergen Risk
No EU-declarable or database-flagged allergen found in the list.
No high-sensitisation preservative (MI/MCI/formaldehyde-releaser) from our screen was found.
Brand claims dermatologist testing (claim stated; underlying report not seen).
Ingredient Transparency
The full INCI list is publicly available, not just hero ingredients.
Active percentages are disclosed for the hero ingredient(s).
Any proprietary 'complex' is broken down into its actual ingredients.
Ingredients are listed in the descending order required by India Cosmetics Rules 2020.
Standards & Compliance
Usage warnings and directions are clear on the label.
Sustainability & Ethics
Brand makes a cruelty-free / PETA claim.
Screened against a curated reference set that we are continuing to verify and expand, so “clear” means no flag from that set, not a guarantee. Not a substitute for a full toxicological or clinical assessment.
| Ingredient |
|---|
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water |
Butylene Glycol |
Betaine |
Niacinamide |
Betaine Salicylate |
1,2-Hexanediol |
Sodium Hydroxide |
Sodium Hyaluronate |
Panthenol |
Xanthan Gum |
Ethyl Hexanediol |
INCI order as declared on packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high to low).
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified
Flags are based on publicly available INCI only. Not a substitute for full regulatory compliance assessment.
“Blackheads OUT! Pores CLEAR!”
The use of absolute language ('OUT!', 'CLEAR!') for a cosmetic claim without robust, published finished-product clinical evidence could be seen as an ASCI concern.
“helps clear your skin and keep it acne-free and hydrated”
The claim 'acne-free' is an absolute claim that is difficult to substantiate for a cosmetic product without robust clinical trials demonstrating complete eradication of acne.
“Reduces Blackheads, Removes Excess Sebum/Oil, Unclogs & Minimizes Pores, Smoothens & Refines Skin Texture,…”
The use of 'Removes' and 'Fights' for multiple endpoints without specific finished-product clinical data for each could be an ASCI concern.
“clinically proven to reduce the formation of blackheads and excess sebum is removed and hydrate the skin”
A 'clinically proven' claim requires the methodology, sample size, duration, and results of the study to be clearly stated and verifiable to meet ASCI guidelines for quantified claims.
“eliminates blackheads”
The use of 'eliminates' is an absolute claim that is highly unlikely to be substantiated by a cosmetic product and is an ASCI concern.
This is a strong, aspirational claim. While the active ingredients (Betaine Salicylate, Niacinamide) have ingredient-level research supporting pore clearing and blackhead reduction, no finished-product clinical study with specific methodology, sample size, and duration is publicly visible to fully substantiate this absolute claim for this exact product.
Mentioned only
Betaine Salicylate is known as a gentler BHA, and its 4% concentration is effective for exfoliation and oil control. Multiple sources highlight its gentleness compared to salicylic acid, with some citing studies on its efficacy and lower irritation. The formula also contains soothing ingredients.
Evidence visible
The INCI list is indeed short (10 ingredients), and the key actives are present in meaningful concentrations, supporting the 'maximum effect' aspect.
Mentioned only
The INCI lists Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water as the first ingredient, and Niacinamide is high up, supporting the disclosed percentages. This is good transparency.
Mentioned only
The INCI lists Betaine Salicylate high up, and the 4% concentration is explicitly stated by the brand and supported by ingredient research for sebum reduction.
Mentioned only
While BHA and Niacinamide can help manage acne, the term 'acne-free' is very strong and implies a complete absence, which is difficult to achieve and prove with a cosmetic product. Evidence is ingredient-level.
Mentioned only
Betaine Salicylate (BHA) is oil-soluble and known to penetrate pores to exfoliate and reduce sebum. This is well-established ingredient-level science. The 'keep your pores clear' part is a strong promise.
Mentioned only
Exfoliating acids like BHA are known to promote cell turnover, leading to improved texture and radiance. Niacinamide also contributes to brightening. This is ingredient-level evidence.
Mentioned only
Sodium Hyaluronate is present in the INCI and is a well-known humectant. Its role in hydration is scientifically supported.
Mentioned only
These are multiple functional and concern-based claims. While the ingredients (BHA, Niacinamide, Willow Bark Water) support these actions at an ingredient level, the 'Removes' and 'Fights' language is strong.
Mentioned only
Public evidence the brand could provide to close verification gaps
This analysis evaluates brand claims against visible evidence and formula logic. It does not replace a full ingredient safety analysis or a clinical product test. Results vary by individual, and the consumer should always read the full ingredient list and follow usage guidance.
Are you the brand? If you have published test data or want to request a re-analysis, write to us at hello@thecleansheet.in.
