COSRX Niacinamide 2% + BHA 4% Blackhead Exfoliant Toner, 3.38 fl oz

In a 3.38 fl oz bottle, COSRX Blackhead Exfoliant is a Korean toner made for pore-focused skincare. Its 2% niacinamide and 4% BHA formula adds an exfoliating step after cleansing.

Betaine salicylate is the BHA in this formula. It helps exfoliate dead skin cells and clear clogged pores, while willow bark water supports the product’s exfoliating and pore-clearing purpose.

Use it as part of a nighttime routine to care for blackheads, visible pores, excess sebum, and uneven-feeling texture. Its liquid format is applied with a cotton pad, making it easy to target the face or areas prone to blackheads.

Technical overview

The formula combines 2% niacinamide with 4% BHA (betaine salicylate). This pairing is designed for a targeted exfoliating toner routine: BHA helps address pore congestion and dead skin buildup, while niacinamide is part of the formula for pore and sebum care. The product also contains willow bark water, identified as a natural ingredient that supports exfoliating and clearing benefits.

Rather than choosing a toner focused on hydration alone, this option centers on exfoliation and the look of congested pores. It is described for all skin types and can be used on the face or on specific areas with blackheads. The formula is also described as hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested, and as free of animal testing, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

Practical tips

After cleansing, saturate a cotton pad and gently wipe it over the face or the area you want to target. Use it during your nighttime routine, as directed. The product may cause brief tingling or discomfort, so keep the application gentle. For daytime use, apply broad-spectrum SPF as part of your sun-protection routine.

A practical routine is to cleanse first, apply the toner with a cotton pad, and follow with the other steps you normally use at night. If you are choosing between a broad, general-purpose toner and a more targeted exfoliating step, this formula is designed for the latter: its BHA helps address clogged pores and dead skin cells, while its liquid application makes focused use straightforward.

Everyday use

The toner is intended for regular nighttime use. Apply it after cleansing, using a cotton pad to cover the face or concentrate on blackhead-prone areas. Its role is to add exfoliation and pore care to an existing routine, rather than replace cleansing. For daytime routines, the product’s directions call for broad-spectrum SPF.

Is it worth it?

This toner is a practical fit for shoppers looking to add BHA exfoliation to a routine focused on blackheads, congested pores, excess sebum, or skin texture. The 2% niacinamide and 4% betaine salicylate formula gives the product a clear pore-care focus, while willow bark water complements its exfoliating purpose. Its cotton-pad application also makes it simple to use across the face or on selected areas. If you want an exfoliating toner for regular nighttime use, COSRX brings those targeted ingredients together in a 3.38 fl oz format.