COSRX AHA BHA CLARIFYING TREATMENT TONER 150ML

100% Genuine (Adilsons policy) · Fragrance-Free (confirmed in the declared INCI) · FA-Safe (no Malassezia-feeding esters detected) · Halal-Friendly* / Vegan-Friendly*.

If you've never used an exfoliating acid before and want to test tolerance without committing to a strong product, this toner's ultra-low concentration is a legitimate, gentle starting point.

Pros: low-pH, gentle enough for frequent use, dual AHA+BHA action at trace-but-real concentrations. Caveats: at 0.1% each, this will not deliver the resurfacing results a 5-10% AHA or a true 2% BHA product does — it is maintenance-strength, not treatment-strength.

Mauritius humidity makes surface sebum feel like dirt, tempting over-washing that strips the acid mantle (pH 4.5-5.5) and triggers compensatory oil production. This toner's own pH of roughly 4.0 helps re-balance skin after cleansing rather than adding further stripping, while its gentle acids help clear the debris that over-cleansing was mistakenly trying to solve.

Bedside-compatible: yes. No rinsing required, applied by hand or cotton pad in seconds. On a low-energy night, this toner alone after a quick rinse is a legitimate minimal step — its low concentration means skipping the rest of a routine occasionally will not cause a reaction rebound the way a strong acid might.

Step 1 (When): PM to start; add AM once tolerance is confirmed. Step 2 (How much): 5-8 drops, or a coin-size puddle in the palm. Step 3 (How): Pat into skin with hands, or sweep with a cotton pad if using as a light exfoliating swipe.

Introduce this as the ONLY new product in your routine. Wait a full 14 days before adding anything else. This isolation window ensures you can identify whether any reaction is caused by this specific product.

1. Gentle cleanser (optional) → 2. COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner → 3. Hydrating serum (optional) → 4. Moisturizer → 5. Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ (mandatory). Even at this low concentration, any AHA/BHA use increases sun sensitivity slightly — daily SPF is non-negotiable.

1. Double cleanse → 2. COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner → 3. Treatment serum (optional, on non-conflicting nights) → 4. Moisturizer. At 0.1% concentration each, this toner is gentle enough to sit in most people's nightly routine, but see the Conflict Solver below before adding a separate strong exfoliant or retinoid on the same night.

Technique: Pat into skin with hands, or a light cotton-pad swipe. Required skin state: either damp or dry. Wait time: 10-20 seconds before the next step.

Hands deliver 100% of product; a cotton pad absorbs approximately 30-40% — use hands for maximum delivery, or a pad if you specifically want a lighter exfoliating swipe.

This is an encyclopedia map of all product types. You do not use all of these daily. You select modules based on your skin state.

Global rules: viscosity ladder thinnest → thickest, water-phase before oil-phase, treatments before seals. Wait-time defaults: watery layers 10-20s, serums 30-60s, pH-dependent acids 10-20 min if layering further acids, before sunscreen 10-15 min. Amount defaults: watery toner/essence 5-8 drops, serum 2-3 drops, gel moisturizer 1-1.5 peas, cream 1-2 peas, sunscreen 2-finger rule. If the routine pills, stings, or feels heavy — reduce layers, never increase.

AM Maximum Stack: 1. Rinse/gentle cleanse (optional) 2. pH-prep/exfoliating toner — this product's slot 3. Hydrating toner layers (optional) 4. Essence (optional) 5. Booster/soothing serum (optional) 6. Antioxidant lane (optional) 7. Hydration serum lane (optional) 8. Peptide/repair lane (optional) 9. Eye cream (optional) 10. Moisturizer 11. Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ (non-negotiable) 12. Lip SPF (optional).

PM Maximum Stack: 1. Micellar pre-cleanse (optional) 2. Oil cleanser (if SPF/makeup) 3. Water cleanser 4. Exfoliating toner — this product's slot 5. Hydrating toner layers (optional) 6. Soothing/barrier serum (optional) 7. Anchor active (optional, only if not conflicting — see below) 8. Moisturizer 9. Sleeping mask (optional) 10. Spot treatment/patch (as needed). Do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA in the same night; keep "one lane" per night.

One-lane rule: Retinoid OR Exfoliation OR Strong Vitamin C (LAA) OR Acne-control active per routine; barrier/hydration can always accompany any of them.

Water-thin toner — the very first liquid layer after cleansing, before essence, serum, and moisturizer. Water-phase, no oil content.

Purge vs Reaction: at 0.1% concentration, true purging is uncommon but possible in genuinely acne-prone skin — purging occurs in usual breakout areas and resolves within 4-6 weeks; a REACTION (new areas, burning, swelling, hives) means stop immediately.

Before starting, your routine should already include a gentle cleanser and daily sunscreen.

Classification: YELLOW (14+ with guidance). The 0.1% concentrations here are far below the clinical-strength threshold that would classify this RED, but it is still a genuine acid product, not a plain hydrating toner, so guidance is appropriate for younger teens rather than treating it as universally safe for all ages.

Mild texture unevenness: 0.1% Glycolic Acid gently loosens surface cell bonds. Occasional congestion: 0.1% Betaine Salicylate helps dissolve oil-bound debris inside pores. Secondary benefits: Allantoin and Panthenol soothe and support comfort during exfoliation.

This product cannot deliver the resurfacing results of a true 5-10% AHA or 2% BHA product, cannot clear established acne on its own, and cannot replace sunscreen.

Hydrating follow-up serum: primary — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 100ml; alternatives — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule 55ml, Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum: Green Tea + Panthenol 30ml, Anua Heartleaf 80% Moisture Soothing Ampoule 30ml.

Sunscreen (mandatory when using any acid): primary — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum 50ml; alternatives — Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics 50ml, Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream 50ml, SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream Light 50ml.

This is a conflict-solver for ACTIVE ingredients. If you run multiple actives, use these rules to avoid irritation, deactivation, and barrier damage.

Universal rules: run only one primary active lane per routine (Retinoid OR Acid Exfoliation OR L-Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C OR strong acne lane). If you break a rule, reduce frequency or split AM/PM rather than pushing through. If moisturizer stings or skin feels tight within 30 minutes of cleansing, pause all actives and run barrier-only for 3-7 days.

× Retinoids: even at this low dose, avoid the same night as a retinol/tretinoin/adapalene product — alternate nights, or use this toner AM and the retinoid PM. × A separate strong AHA or BHA product: don't stack two acid products hoping for a stronger effect — pick one as your primary exfoliant and use this toner as the gentler daily layer, not both at full strength the same night.

Do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA in the same night; keep "one lane" per night.

MYTH: "AHA/BHA in the name means this is a strong exfoliant." REALITY: at 0.1% each, this is a gentle daily-maintenance toner, not a treatment-strength resurfacing product.

MYTH: "Tingling means it's working harder." REALITY: mild tingling on first use is normal adjustment; persistent burning is a sign to stop, not a sign of extra efficacy.

Mauritius tap water hardness varies by region; this toner's low pH directly counteracts the tight, filmy calcium-stearate residue hard water leaves after cleansing.

Free Acid Value: pH of approximately 4.0 (independently measured by community sources; not a brand-published figure). At this pH, both acids sit well within their active range for a mild, non-aggressive exfoliating effect regardless of the low total percentage on the label.

Full INCI: Water, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Lactate, [--- Estimated 1% Line ---] Glycolic Acid, Betaine Salicylate, Allantoin, Panthenol, Ethyl Hexanediol.

Preservative system: 1,2-Hexanediol and Ethyl Hexanediol (preservative-boosting diols).

Fragrance status: Fragrance-Free. Scent: effectively none. EU 26 allergen screen: none detected. Alcohol: Alcohol-Free.

Betaine Salicylate is chemically related to aspirin (salicylic acid family) — if you have a known aspirin/salicylate sensitivity, patch test before facial use and consult a doctor if you have a history of salicylate allergy.

Halal: *Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No ethanol from fermentation and no animal-derived ingredients detected in the declared ingredient list. This is NOT a formal Halal certification. Muslims with stricter requirements should consult their own scholars.

Vegan: *Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No animal-derived ingredients detected. This is NOT a formal vegan certification by The Vegan Society or equivalent body.

Cruelty-free: *Brand-stated policy, not independently certified by PETA or Leaping Bunny. COSRX sells through mainland Chinese retail channels, where post-market animal testing may be legally required; cross-border e-commerce sales may be exempt.

Microplastic-Free: Yes.

MFDS classification: General Cosmetic — no functional-ingredient concentration disclosed at a level that would earn Functional status. Evidence confidence: High for glycolic acid and salicylate mechanisms generally; Medium for real-world results at this specific low concentration, since dose drives outcome and 0.1% is a maintenance, not treatment, dose.

Fungal Acne Safety: FA-Safe. No Malassezia-feeding fatty acids or esters identified in this short INCI.

Assessment: Low. As a water-thin first toner step, pilling is uncommon unless layered under a very heavy silicone-based product without a full absorption wait.

Fresh color is clear to very pale. A cloudy shift or off smell signals spoilage — discard. Store away from direct sun and shower steam.

Patch test on the inner forearm for 24 hours, then behind the ear for 24 hours, before first facial use.

If adverse reaction: STOP ALL ACTIVES. For 72 hours, use ONLY a gentle cleanser, plain moisturizer, and mineral SPF — no acids, retinoids, Vitamin C, exfoliants, or essential oils. After 72 hours, reintroduce ONE product per 14 days. Seek emergency care for hives, swelling, blistering, persistent burning, or breathing difficulty.

1. Expecting strong-exfoliant results from a 0.1% concentration. 2. Skipping sunscreen while using any acid product. 3. Stacking this with a separate strong AHA or BHA the same night. 4. Over-using a cotton pad thinking more friction equals more exfoliation. 5. Layering under a retinoid the same night.

At 5-8 drops per use, once or twice daily, a 150ml bottle lasts roughly 2-3 months for an average face. Reorder about 2 weeks before it visibly runs low.

AM: Cleanse (optional) → this toner → hydrating serum (optional) → moisturizer → sunscreen (mandatory). PM: Double cleanse → this toner → moisturizer.

If you're new to acid exfoliation: start every-other-night for the first two weeks before moving to nightly. If you already use a stronger dedicated AHA or BHA product: use this toner on the alternate nights instead of stacking both the same night.

Stock-true bundle — Gentle Clarify & Hydrate: this toner + COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 100ml. How to use: toner first, essence sealed on top, nightly. Why included: gentle exfoliation followed immediately by hydration keeps this low-dose acid comfortable for daily use.

After purchasing, you will receive our skincare education email series covering this product in depth.

The recommendations above are based on formulation synergy with AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner, not on margin or stock levels. If a pairing does not exist in our catalog, we say so. If you already own a product that fills the same role, use what you have first.

If you want a stronger, treatment-strength exfoliating toner instead, Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner: AHA + BHA 150ml is a genuine in-catalog alternative built on a higher-concentration 2% Glycolic Acid base.

Choose this COSRX toner if you want the gentlest possible daily-maintenance acid exposure, especially as a first exfoliating product; choose the Beauty of Joseon toner if you have already built tolerance and want a genuinely stronger resurfacing effect.

If you've used gentle acids for 4+ weeks with no irritation and want stronger results: the Beauty of Joseon toner is worth the upgrade. If you are new to acids or have a reactive barrier: stay with this gentler formula.

If you match 2 or more upgrade triggers above, the alternative is worth choosing. If not, this toner is sufficient. Consistency beats complexity.

This product's PRIMARY function is gentle daily acid maintenance. You do not need this if you already own an unfinished exfoliating toner in the same strength range — finish it first. Stacking assessment: No Benefit if paired with another AHA/BHA toner at the same strength (redundant); Significant Benefit if paired with a hydration-only or barrier-repair product (different pathway).

This product is sourced through authorized Korean distributors — primarily Craver Co., Ltd (South Korea), alongside other verified distribution partners. Craver is a major Korean beauty distributor and the parent company of SKIN1004, handling authorized distribution for multiple K-beauty brands. All products are shipped directly to Mauritius via verified channels.

For comprehensive information about how we verify authenticity, our layered verification system, and how to check your product at home, visit our dedicated Authenticity and Trust page.

Quick checks for this SKU: the bottle carries a laser-etched batch code on the base, and COSRX's official QR verification tool at official.cosrx.com/record can confirm current-generation stock.

COSRX built its early reputation on a minimal, low-pH, "skin-friendly" formulation ethos before its 2023 acquisition by Amorepacific. This toner, first released years before the acquisition, is one of the brand's longest-running products and reflects that original low-irritation philosophy directly.

Third-party aggregators (Skinsort) report a 3.7 out of 5 rating from roughly 93 community ratings — directional, not independently re-counted. Independent blog reviews (Berries in the Snow, Barely There Beauty) describe it as gentle and hydrating, with some users noting a gradual break-in period starting at once-weekly before daily use. One community account described a noticeable reduction in breakout severity and faster fading of acne marks after introducing it. No dedicated Reddit thread specific to this exact SKU was found in this research pass.

Common praise: feels gentle and hydrating rather than harsh, glowy skin the next morning. Common complaint: some find the low concentration underwhelming if they're expecting a strong resurfacing effect.

Sustainability: check the base for a plastic recycling code; not refillable.

Is this a strong exfoliant? No — at 0.1% each, it's a gentle daily-maintenance toner, not a treatment-strength product.

Can I use it every day? Most people can, after a 1-2 week break-in period starting every-other-day.

Can I use it with a retinoid? Not the same night — alternate nights or use this AM, retinoid PM.

Is it vegan and halal-friendly? Self-assessed yes based on the declared INCI — see the footnoted disclosures above.

Will it clear active acne? Not on its own — it supports mild congestion and texture, not a substitute for a dedicated acne treatment.

AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid)

A water-soluble acid (like glycolic acid) that loosens bonds between dead surface skin cells.

BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid)

An oil-soluble acid (like salicylic acid/betaine salicylate) that can penetrate into pores to clear congestion.

Betaine Salicylate

A gentler, pH-independent derivative combining betaine and salicylic acid.

Acid mantle

The skin's naturally slightly-acidic protective surface layer.

Purging

Temporary increased breakouts in usual areas as an exfoliant speeds up cell turnover; resolves in 4-6 weeks.

Every product sold by Adilsons Beauty is 100% genuine, sourced through authorized Korean distribution channels. Full details on our verification system: Authenticity and Trust.

Our team is available to help you build a routine, troubleshoot reactions, and answer ingredient questions. WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

For in-depth skincare education, visit our blog at adilsons.mu/blogs/k-beauty or subscribe to our email to get our guided education series delivered to your inbox.

Coverage: Island-wide delivery (Mauritius).

Processing and Timing: Orders process in 1-2 business days; usually ready by Day 3 for pickup by our delivery partners/regional team. Partner collection can take up to 1 week. After pickup, delivery typically takes 1-5 business days (weekdays only).

Express: May be available by region; request on WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

Liquids/Sensitive Items: Serums, toners, liquid makeup (and kits containing liquids) are pickup or door-to-door only; checkout enforces this.

Scheduling: Deliveries run by region on set schedules; we will contact you the evening before.

Pickup: Citadelle Mall pickup available.

Returns: No change-of-mind exchanges.

Refunds (Summary): For defective/damaged on receipt (report within 48h), wrong item, or manufacturing defect within 6 months. Refunds via bank transfer (7-10 business days); card refunds may incur a 5% processor fee (fee not charged for defects/order errors). Opened skincare/personal-care items are non-returnable (except if damaged on delivery).

Source of Truth: This is a quick snapshot. If anything differs, the policy pages are final.

Store Policies: For the most up-to-date information, please review our Shipping Policy and Refund Policy.

Best for: anyone new to chemical exfoliation, or anyone who wants a gentle daily-maintenance acid toner rather than a strong resurfacing product.

Key benefits: low pH, dual AHA+BHA action at a gentle dose, fragrance-free, well-suited to frequent use.

Keep in mind: at 0.1% each, this will not deliver strong-exfoliant results — pair with real daily SPF and don't stack it with a separate strong acid the same night.