COS DE BAHA Clearing Serum 30ml

100% Genuine (Adilsons policy) · FA-Conditional* · Fragrance-Free · Not Pregnancy-Safe · Vegan-Friendly* · Halal-Friendly*

*FA-Conditional: no classic Malassezia-feeding fatty-acid esters were found in the declared INCI, but the Tea Tree Leaf Oil and multiple exfoliating actives can still irritate inflamed acne-prone skin — this is a texture/irritation caveat, not a fungal-acne feeding risk.

Dealing with breakouts that leave behind dark marks for months is genuinely demoralizing, especially when every new product promises fast results and delivers more redness instead. This serum is built for that frustration, but it asks for patience and a healthy barrier in return.

Pros: four acne-relevant actives in one bottle; azelaic acid also targets redness and post-inflammatory marks; niacinamide supports the barrier while the other actives work; widely available at accessible pricing across K-beauty retailers.

Caveats: the brand has not published this serum's pH or its exact Salicylic Acid percentage, so free-acid strength can't be fully verified; combining retinol with BHA and azelaic acid in one product is unusual and raises real irritation risk for anyone new to actives; not suitable during pregnancy.

RED — not for under 16. This serum contains Retinol (accelerates cell turnover, a process prepubescent and teenage skin has not yet matured into tolerating well), Azelaic Acid 5%, and Salicylic Acid — a combination of clinical-grade actives layered in one product, not a single gentle ingredient.

If a younger person is dealing with acne, the more responsible starting point is a single-ingredient, lower-strength product introduced one at a time under a dermatologist's or pharmacist's guidance, not a four-active combination serum.

Step 1 (When): PM only, 2-3 nights per week to start.

Step 2 (How much): 2-3 drops for the whole face — more is not faster, it is more irritation.

Step 3 (How): Pat onto fully dry, clean skin; do not apply to broken or actively inflamed skin.

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.

6B AM restriction: Do not use this serum in the morning. It contains Retinol, which increases photosensitivity, and layering it under sunscreen and makeup increases the odds of irritation without added benefit — the actives work overnight while skin repairs.

A typical AM sequence while using this serum at night: 1) Low-pH cleanser or water rinse, 2) hydrating toner, 3) plain barrier moisturizer, 4) SPF50+ PA++++, non-negotiable — retinoid users are more sun-sensitive, and unprotected UV exposure directly undoes the tone-fading work this serum is doing overnight.

1) Oil cleanser if wearing sunscreen/makeup, 2) water-based cleanser, 3) pat skin fully dry, 4) apply COS DE BAHA Clearing Serum (2-3 drops, face only), 5) wait 1-3 minutes, 6) plain moisturizer to buffer the actives, 7) optional occlusive if skin feels tight.

Skin cycling placement: this serum already contains a retinoid AND an exfoliant lane in one product, so it occupies both the "Exfoliation" and "Retinoid" nights in a standard 4-night cycle by itself — use it Night 1, then run Nights 2-4 as Recovery (barrier support only), rather than adding a separate acid or retinol product on top.

Technique: Pat/press into skin — do not rub. Friction on skin already carrying multiple actives increases irritation without improving absorption.

Required skin state: Fully dry. Retinol applied to damp skin penetrates faster and stings more; wait a few minutes after cleansing before applying.

Wait time: 1-3 minutes before moisturizer, so the actives sit at their working pH rather than being diluted immediately.

Hands deliver 100% of product. Cotton pads absorb approximately 30-40%. Use hands for this serum.

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 execution rules: Viscosity ladder — thinnest to thickest, water-phase before oil-phase, treatments before seals. Wait-time defaults: watery layers 10-20s, serum layers 30-60s, before sunscreen 10-15 min if going outdoors. Amount defaults: watery toner/essence 5-8 drops; serum/ampoule 2-3 drops or 1 pump; eye product ½ rice-grain per eye; gel moisturizer 1-1.5 peas, cream 1-2 peas; occlusive seal rice-grain to pea-size; sunscreen 2-finger rule for face, +1 finger for neck. Hydrators go on slightly damp skin; retinoids go on fully dry skin; if the routine pills, stings, or feels heavy, reduce layers, not increase.

AM Maximum Stack: 1. Rinse/Gentle Cleanse (optional) — pea-size gel, pat to slightly damp. 2. pH-Prep Toner (optional) — 5-8 drops, wait 10-20s. 3. Hydrating Toner Layers (optional, 1-3) — 5-8 drops each, wait 10-20s. 4. Essence (optional) — 5-8 drops, wait 10-20s. 5. Mist (optional micro-step) — 1-2 sprays. 6. Booster/Soothing Serum (optional) — 2-3 drops, wait 30-60s — recommended here given this routine's active load. 7. Antioxidant Lane (optional, choose one) — skip if using this serum's retinol at night; a gentle antioxidant is fine. 8. Pigment Support Lane (optional) — skip while this serum is already targeting tone. 9. Hydration Serum Lane (optional) — 2-3 drops on damp skin, seal with moisturizer, especially in AC. 10. Oil-Control Lane (optional) — this serum's niacinamide already covers this at night; skip in AM. 11. Peptides/Repair Lane (optional). 12. Eye Cream (optional) — ½ rice-grain per eye. 13. Moisturizer — 1-2 peas. 14. Optional Sealing Layer (only if dry/AC). 15. Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ (non-negotiable) — 2-finger rule, reapply every 2 hours outdoors. 16. Lip SPF (optional).

In AM, prioritize comfort + SPF adherence over stacking. In high humidity, fewer layers often perform better.

PM Maximum Stack: 1. Micellar (optional pre-cleanse) if heavy sunscreen/makeup. 2. Oil Cleanser/Balm (if SPF/makeup) — massage dry, emulsify, rinse. 3. Water Cleanser — 30-60s, rinse, dry skin fully before this serum. 4. pH-Prep Toner (optional) — 5-8 drops. 5. Hydrating Toner Layers (optional). 6. Essence (optional). 7. Soothing/Barrier Serum (optional) — buffers this serum's actives if applied first. 8. COS DE BAHA Clearing Serum (anchor) — 2-3 drops on fully dry skin, wait 1-3 minutes. 9. Targeted Serum (optional, only if non-conflicting) — skip; this serum already occupies the active lane. 10. Moisturizer — 1-2 peas. 11. Sleeping Mask (optional) — good on recovery nights. 12. Occlusive Seal (optional; avoid if clog-prone). 13. Spot Treatment (as needed) — not needed alongside this serum's own spot-targeting actives. 14. Lip Sleeping Mask (optional).

Do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA in the same night; keep "one lane" per night — this serum is its own lane, so no separate retinoid or acid product belongs alongside it.

One-lane rule: Retinoid OR Exfoliation OR Strong Vitamin C (LAA) OR Acne-control active per routine; barrier/hydration can always accompany. If unsure: default to the safest lane — barrier/hydration — and reduce layers.

Water-thin serum tier — apply after any hydrating toner/essence and before moisturizer, following the thinnest-to-thickest, water-phase-before-oil-phase rule.

Phase compatibility: water-phase formula. Layer a plain, fragrance-free moisturizer directly after to buffer the four active ingredients and reduce transepidermal water loss while they work.

Rest days matter because this single product already carries a retinoid and an exfoliant — using it nightly from day one does not speed up results, it compounds barrier stress.

Exceeding 3-4 nights per week in the first month does NOT produce faster results — it produces barrier damage, which then requires days of recovery-only routine before you can use actives again at all.

Purging vs. Reaction: PURGING shows up in your usual breakout areas, stays surface-level, and resolves within 4-6 weeks as turnover speeds up. REACTION means new areas, burning, swelling, or hives, and gets worse rather than better — stop immediately if this happens.

Before starting this product, your routine MUST already include: a gentle low-pH cleanser, a daily SPF50+ habit, and a plain barrier moisturizer. Without these foundations, this product causes more harm than benefit.

Barrier index gate: if your skin stings on moisturizer, feels tight within 30 minutes of cleansing, or shows visible flaking, your barrier is below threshold. Start with a plain Centella or panthenol-based soothing serum, such as the Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum, before introducing this product.

Active breakouts: Salicylic Acid dissolves oil-bound debris inside the pore lining; Azelaic Acid has documented antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity against acne-associated bacteria.

Post-inflammatory marks: both PIH (brown/dark marks from excess melanin — responds to niacinamide and azelaic acid) and PIE (red/pink marks from damaged capillaries — responds more to time and gentle care) can occur after breakouts. This serum's niacinamide and azelaic acid combination is built primarily for PIH; if your marks are pink/red rather than brown, azelaic acid still helps with the redness component, but a dedicated centella-based calming product will do more for pure PIE.

Secondary benefits: Retinol supports gradual texture and fine-line improvement over months of consistent (not aggressive) use.

What this product cannot do: it cannot physically shrink pore size (pores don't have muscles to contract — it can only reduce the debris that makes them look larger); it cannot "purge toxins" — there is no detox mechanism in skincare; it cannot fix hormonal acne at its hormonal root — it manages the skin-level symptoms.

Primary pick — Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum : Green Tea + Panthenol (30ml): shop it here. Apply before or after this serum on nights the skin feels tight, to buffer the active load with Panthenol and Mugwort. Use PM, alternating or layering with a short wait.

Alternative 1 — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser (150ml): shop it here. A ~pH 5.1 gel cleanser that won't strip the acid mantle this serum's actives already stress. Use AM and PM.

Alternative 2 — Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser (100ml): shop it here. Low-pH (~5.5) gel-to-foam cleanser, a gentle first step before this serum. Use AM and PM.

Alternative 3 — Anua Birch 70 Moisture Boosting Cream (50ml): shop it here. A lightweight gel-cream to seal in this serum's actives without heaviness. Use PM after the serum.

Pilling pairs: layering this serum under a thick occlusive without waiting the full 1-3 minutes can cause pilling — thin layers, full wait time, and patting rather than rubbing avoids it.

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

One Active Lane per routine: in a single AM or PM routine, run only one primary active lane (Retinoid OR Acid Exfoliation OR L-Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C OR Benzoyl Peroxide OR Hydroquinone OR strong acne lane). This serum already occupies BOTH the retinoid lane and the exfoliation lane by itself — do not add a separate retinol, AHA, or BHA product on the same night.

If you break a rule: don't "push through." Reduce frequency, split AM/PM, or alternate nights. Barrier override: if moisturizer stings or skin feels tight within 30 minutes of cleansing, pause all actives and run barrier-only for 3-7 days.

× L-Ascorbic Acid (pure Vitamin C): Don't layer in the same routine — the acidity of this serum plus L-Ascorbic Acid raises irritation risk. Instead: Vitamin C in the AM, this serum at night (this serum is already PM-only, so the split is automatic).

× Benzoyl Peroxide: Do not layer — BPO can oxidize/deactivate the retinol in this serum. Instead: use BPO as a separate AM spot treatment only, never combined the same night.

× Physical scrubs/exfoliating tools: Don't combine same day — this serum already exfoliates chemically; adding a physical scrub on the same day risks micro-tears plus over-strip.

Wait-time defaults: watery layers 10-20s, serums 30-60s, pH-dependent acids 10-20 min if layering (splitting across AM/PM is safer), sunscreen 10-15 min before sun.

Scheduling Template — Alternate-Night Protocol (recommended for this serum): Mon/Wed/Fri this serum, Tue/Thu/Sat/Sun Recovery (barrier-only). This gives the skin more recovery nights than active nights, appropriate given the serum's own internal combination of actives.

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. If unsure: default to the safest lane = barrier/hydration, and reduce layers.

Pre-period breakouts happen because progesterone causes the pore lining to physically swell, narrowing the opening and trapping sebum beneath — this is a hormonal mechanism this serum's actives can support but not override with more frequent use.

Water-Permeable — this is a water-thin serum with no film-forming or occlusive ingredients that would sit as a barrier on the skin surface, so water can reach the skin during ablution.

Adilsons provides this assessment based on the product's physical properties. Rulings on wudu validity vary between scholars. Consult your own trusted Islamic authority.

MYTH: "More actives in one bottle means faster results." REALITY: Combining a retinoid, a BHA, and azelaic acid in one formula increases irritation risk without proportionally increasing speed — skin turnover has a biological floor around 28 days regardless of how many actives you apply.

MYTH: "If it doesn't sting, it isn't working." REALITY: Tingling can indicate normal active-ingredient adjustment, but stinging and burning are signs of barrier damage, not efficacy — an effective routine should feel tolerable, not painful.

DIY risk warning: Do not add DIY lemon juice, baking soda, or additional over-the-counter acids to "boost" this serum — stacking undisclosed-strength homemade acids on top of a formula that already contains retinol and BHA is a common cause of chemical burns.

Sugar cane burning season (July-November): PM2.5 rises during harvest burns. Because this serum already contains antioxidant-adjacent actives (niacinamide) but is applied at night, its pollution-defense value is limited — pair with a daytime antioxidant serum if outdoor exposure during burn season is a concern.

Hard water note: Mauritius tap water hardness varies by region; hard water can leave a calcium-stearate film after cleansing that adds to the tightness this serum's actives can already cause. Follow cleansing with a pH-balancing toner before applying this serum.

*Most published clinical data on azelaic acid uses prescription-strength 15-20% formulas; evidence at this product's 5% OTC concentration is real but more modest in magnitude. *Salicylic Acid and Hinokitiol concentrations are not published by the brand, so their individual contribution can't be independently verified — evidence grade reflects that gap, not a claim the ingredients are ineffective.

Full INCI list (source: aggregated third-party ingredient-database listings; the brand's own site could not be fetched directly in this research pass): Propylene Glycol, Purified Water, Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid, Polysorbate 20, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicylic Acid, Hinokitiol, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Retinol, Disodium EDTA. [--- Estimated 1% Line ---] Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicylic Acid, Hinokitiol, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Retinol, Disodium EDTA are estimated to sit at or below 1% based on typical formulation ranges for a serum like this — this is an estimate, not a lab-confirmed cutoff.

*This ingredient appears below the estimated 1% line in the INCI list, suggesting it is present at a trace/sub-efficacious concentration. Its inclusion may be primarily for marketing rather than clinical effect. This applies most directly to Hinokitiol and Tea Tree Leaf Oil, whose exact percentages are undisclosed.

Preservative system: 1,2-Hexanediol (a preservative-booster/humectant hybrid common in Korean formulas) and Disodium EDTA (a chelating agent that supports preservative efficacy) are the declared preservative-adjacent ingredients in this INCI.

Fragrance status: No added Fragrance/Parfum in the declared INCI — Fragrance-Free.

Scent: Tea Tree Leaf Oil contributes a faint medicinal/herbal note; this is the essential oil itself, not an added fragrance compound.

EU 26 allergen screen: None of the 26 EU-regulated fragrance allergens (limonene, linalool, geraniol, etc.) are explicitly declared in the INCI. Essential oils like Tea Tree can naturally contain trace allergen compounds without them being separately listed — patch test advised for known essential-oil sensitivities.*

*Based on brand-declared INCI. The term "Fragrance" or "Parfum" does not appear here, but essential oils are a separate potential allergen source not required to be broken down on the label. Patch test advised for sensitive individuals.

Alcohol disclosure: Alcohol-Free — no denatured or drying alcohol appears in the declared INCI.

Halal status:* Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No ethanol from fermentation, no porcine-derived ingredients, and no haram 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 status:* 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 status:* Brand-stated policy. Not independently certified by Leaping Bunny, PETA, or equivalent third-party audit. Mainland China retail presence for this brand was not confirmed either way in this research pass.

Microplastic-Free: Yes — no listed polymer/microbead ingredients in the declared INCI.

MFDS classification: Not confirmed as a Functional Cosmetic for this specific SKU; treated as General Cosmetic pending verification. "Functional" in Korea means the product underwent additional government testing for a specific claim (whitening, wrinkle improvement, or UV protection).

Clinical evidence:* No product-specific clinical trial for this exact four-active combination was found. Individual actives (niacinamide, azelaic acid, retinol, salicylic acid) each have independent peer-reviewed literature at comparable concentrations, but that is ingredient-level evidence, not a study of this formula.

*Evidence confidence: Medium for the individual actives' mechanisms; Marketing-Only for any claim of superior results from combining all four in a single product, since no comparative trial for that combination was found.

This product is also listed by other retailers under closely related names ("AC Serum," "Azelaic Acid Hinokitiol Clear Skin Serum") for what appears to be the same underlying formula and 30ml volume — naming can vary by market without indicating a different product.

Fungal Acne Safety: FA-Conditional. No classic Malassezia-feeding fatty-acid esters (like isopropyl myristate or oleic acid derivatives) appear in the declared INCI, but Tea Tree Leaf Oil and the multi-acid combination can irritate skin that is already fungal-acne-prone — treat this as a texture/irritation caveat rather than a feeding-ingredient risk.

Assessment: Low, if the full 1-3 minute wait time is respected before moisturizer.

Applying a thick cream immediately after this serum, before it has absorbed, is the most common cause of pilling — the moisturizer's polymers ball up against the still-wet serum layer.

Mitigation: apply to fully dry skin, wait the full absorption time, pat (don't rub) the next layer on.

Fresh formula should appear as a clear-to-faint-yellow liquid. Retinol degrades with light and air exposure — if the liquid turns noticeably darker yellow/orange or develops an off smell, the retinol content has likely oxidized and lost potency; oxidized retinol can also be more irritating than fresh retinol.

Storage: Keep out of direct Mauritius sun and away from bathroom humidity if possible — a bedroom drawer preserves a retinol-containing formula longer than a steamy bathroom shelf. Keep the cap tightly closed between uses to limit air exposure.

Spoilage signs: color darkening, separation that doesn't remix, or a sour/off smell. When in doubt, discard.

Patch test: apply a small amount to your inner forearm, wait 24 hours; if clear, apply behind the ear, wait another 24 hours; only then begin facial use.

If adverse reaction: STOP ALL ACTIVES. For 72 hours, use ONLY gentle cleanser + plain moisturizer + mineral SPF. NO acids, retinoids, Vitamin C, exfoliants, or essential oils. After 72h, reintroduce ONE product per 14 days.

Emergency stop signals: hives, swelling, blistering, persistent burning, or breathing difficulty — seek emergency care immediately.

Pregnancy alternatives: a niacinamide-only formula such as the COS DE BAHA Niacinamide 10 Serum, or an azelaic-acid-only option such as COS DE BAHA Azelaic Acid 5% Serum, are commonly considered pregnancy-friendlier acne actives — always confirm with your own doctor before using any active ingredient while pregnant or nursing.

1. Using it nightly from day one instead of building up slowly. 2. Skipping sunscreen the next morning — retinol increases photosensitivity. 3. Adding a separate retinol or BHA product on the same night, doubling up on a lane this serum already covers. 4. Applying to damp or freshly-cleansed, still-warm skin, which increases stinging. 5. Not moisturizing afterward, leaving actives unbuffered overnight.

Overuse threshold: more than 4 nights per week in the first month is the most common cause of the "it burned me" reviews this kind of combination serum tends to get.

Phone hygiene: for acne-prone skin generally, wipe your phone screen regularly — it is a documented bacterial vector that can undermine an otherwise well-run acne routine.

Usage math: at 2-3 drops per application, a 30ml bottle holds roughly 150-200 applications.

Used at the recommended 2-4 nights/week, that lasts several months; using it nightly (which this page recommends against) burns through the bottle roughly twice as fast without producing faster results.

Reorder timing: at a moderate 3x/week pace, expect to reorder in approximately 3-4 months — order about two weeks before you expect to run out to allow for delivery time.

Clearing skin-level breakouts and the marks they leave behind is the goal here, and this serum is the PM anchor of that routine — a water-thin, four-active treatment that sits between toner and moisturizer.

AM: 1) Low-pH cleanser, 2) hydrating toner, 3) plain moisturizer, 4) SPF50+ PA++++ (mandatory).
PM: 1) Double cleanse if wearing SPF/makeup, 2) pat dry, 3) Clearing Serum (2-3 drops, 2-4 nights/week), 4) moisturizer to seal.

If your skin is barrier-compromised right now, pause this serum and run the 72-Hour Barrier Reset first. If you're in the luteal phase and breaking out along the jawline, keep to your scheduled nights rather than adding extra applications. If you're spending long hours in air conditioning, add a hydrating serum layer before this one to offset the added dehydration risk of the retinol/BHA combination.

Stock-true bundle: Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser (AM/PM low-pH first step) + this serum (PM anchor) + Anua Birch Moisture Boosting Cream (seal, PM) + SKIN1004 Centella Air-Fit Suncream Light (AM, mandatory with retinol 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 COS DE BAHA Clearing Serum, 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 gentler, single-ingredient control instead of a four-active combination, COS DE BAHA Azelaic Acid 5% Serum isolates just the azelaic acid for redness and tone, without the retinol or salicylic acid layered on top — easier to dose and to identify what's working.

Choose Clearing Serum over the single-ingredient Azelaic Acid 5% Serum if you need broader pathway coverage: one product handling oil control (niacinamide), pore-clogging debris (salicylic acid), bacterial/inflammatory acne (azelaic acid + tea tree), and texture (retinol) at once, rather than adding each separately.

IF you have active, inflamed breakouts on resilient skin with an established SPF habit, THEN this combination serum is appropriate. IF your barrier is currently compromised or you are new to actives, THEN do not upgrade yet — start with the single-ingredient Azelaic Acid 5% Serum or a barrier-repair product first. IF you are pregnant or nursing, THEN neither product with retinol is appropriate — the Azelaic Acid 5% Serum alone is the commonly considered pregnancy-friendlier route, but confirm with your doctor.

Don't upgrade if: your barrier is below threshold; you can't commit to daily SPF; you're already running a separate retinol or BHA product (redundant same-lane stacking); you're new to actives altogether.

If you match 2 or more upgrade triggers above, THIS is worth choosing. If not, the single-ingredient alternative is sufficient and safer. Consistency beats complexity.

This product's PRIMARY function is: multi-active acne and post-acne mark treatment. You do NOT need this if you already own an unfinished retinol serum, BHA exfoliant, AND azelaic acid product covering the same three lanes separately — finish those first rather than duplicating with this combination formula.

Check your shelf for any open product with retinol, salicylic acid, or azelaic acid as its main active; buying this while one of those sits half-used is redundant stacking, not faster results.

Stacking assessment: No Benefit if you already run all three actives separately — Significant Benefit if you currently have none of them and want to start with one, simpler bottle.

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.

Genuine COS DE BAHA packaging carries a full English + Korean ingredient list and clear brand/product naming on the box — if your unit is missing an ingredient list entirely or shows obviously irregular fonts or printing, check it against our Authenticity page.

COS DE BAHA positions itself as a high-potency, accessible actives brand — clearly labeling concentrations like "Niacinamide 10%" or "Azelaic Acid 5%" directly in product names rather than relying on vague marketing language. The brand's catalog leans heavily toward single- and multi-active serums built around one clear job (brightening, exfoliation, or blemish control) sold at a lower price point than many prestige K-beauty actives lines.

Independent Reddit and Amazon review threads specifically for this exact 30ml Clearing Serum were not found in our research at the time of writing. The most substantive independent review found was from the skincare review blog arktastic.com.

That reviewer, testing it as part of a broader routine, described it as one of the more aggressive acne treatments they tried — it burns and irritates on application for them, but they found it did help with hormone-driven acne specifically when used carefully. They also flagged, as a fair critique, that the brand doesn't publish this serum's pH or its exact salicylic acid percentage, which makes it harder to judge the BHA's real exfoliating strength from the label alone.

Common theme: real short-term irritation balanced against real reported effectiveness for stubborn, hormonal-pattern breakouts — consistent with what a four-active combination formula would be expected to produce.

Sustainability: Rinse the empty bottle before recycling per your local municipal glass/plastic guidance; the product is not currently sold in a refillable format.

Is it safe to combine retinol and BHA in one product? It's unusual — most skincare guidance keeps these in separate lanes to control irritation. This formula combines them at a low 0.1% retinol dose specifically to manage that risk, but it still means more caution (lower frequency, full patch test) than either ingredient alone.

Can I use this while pregnant? No. It contains Retinol, which is contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing regardless of the concentration.

Will this cause purging? Possibly, for the first 4-6 weeks, since retinol and salicylic acid both accelerate cell turnover. Purging happens in your usual breakout areas and improves over time; a reaction happens in new areas and gets worse — see the Results Timeline section.

What is the pH of this serum? Not publicly disclosed by the brand — this is a genuine transparency gap, not something we can state a number for.

Can sensitive skin use this? Not as a first active. With four actives in one bottle, sensitive or reactive skin has no way to isolate what's causing irritation if a reaction occurs — start with a single-ingredient product instead.

Azelaic Acid

A dicarboxylic acid with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and mild pigment-fading properties.

Salicylic Acid (BHA)

An oil-soluble acid that exfoliates inside the pore lining, useful for blackheads and congestion.

Retinol

A form of Vitamin A that speeds up skin cell turnover; needs gradual introduction.

Niacinamide

Vitamin B3; supports the skin barrier and regulates oil production.

PIH

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation — brown/dark marks left after a blemish heals.

PIE

Post-Inflammatory Erythema — red/pink marks from damaged capillaries after a blemish heals.

Barrier

The skin's outermost protective layer; when damaged, products sting and skin loses moisture faster.

Purging

Temporary increased breakouts as faster cell turnover brings existing congestion to the surface sooner.

Patch Test

Applying a small amount to a discreet area first to check for a reaction before full-face use.

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: Oily, resilient, breakout-prone skin with an already-established SPF habit, looking for one product that covers oil control, pore congestion, bacterial acne, and post-acne marks together. Not a first serum for anyone new to actives.

Key benefits: four evidence-backed actives (niacinamide, azelaic acid, retinol, salicylic acid) working through different mechanisms; azelaic acid's dual action on both bacteria and pigment; fragrance-free formula.

Keep in mind: the brand has not disclosed this serum's pH or its exact salicylic acid concentration; combining a retinoid with acid exfoliation in one bottle carries real irritation risk if introduced too quickly; not suitable during pregnancy or for anyone under 16.

Quick version: Week 1-2, use once, alone, at night, 2x/week, and monitor for excess redness or flaking. Week 3-4, if stable, increase to the full table below. Week 5+, add one support product only if genuinely needed. If irritation appears at any point, follow the 72-Hour Barrier Reset above rather than repeating these steps.

This product must be introduced as the ONLY new product. Wait 14 days before adding anything else.

Retinization note: the initial flaking or tingling some people feel in weeks 1-2 (sometimes called "retinization") is a temporary adjustment period. If it happens, the correct response is reducing frequency for a week or two, not stopping the product entirely, unless the emergency stop signals in the Safety section appear.

Decision point — end of Week 2: any persistent redness or burning? YES → stay at Week 1-2 frequency for two more weeks before increasing. NO → proceed to Week 3's schedule.