COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid vs Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Both exfoliants contain Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide, but each adds something the other doesn't. Here's where they overlap and where they split.
4% betaine salicylate — a gentler salicylic-acid equivalent derived from sugar beet — with niacinamide and willow bark water. Better tolerated than a straight 2% BHA, though effectively similar in function for surface blackheads and congestion.
Dual-textured toner pads with a low-dose AHA/BHA/PHA blend plus witch hazel and niacinamide, aimed at pores and texture. Convenient and effective for oily skin, but the multi-acid plus astringent mix can over-exfoliate if used daily.
Which should you choose?
Both contain Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide. Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 adds Glycolic Acid. Pick the one whose extra matches what you're treating. COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is the better fit for acne; Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 for congestion. On price, COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is the less expensive option (Mid-range versus Premium).
What they share
These hero actives appear in both formulas:
Ingredient stacks, side by side
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid — top of the list
- Water~50–80%
- Betaine Salicy…4%
- 1,2-Hexanediol~1.5–4%
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 — top of the list
- Aqua~50–80%
- Glycerin~3–10%
- Hamamelis Virgi…~1.5–4%
● marks ingredients that appear near the top of both lists. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order, not disclosed doses.
The specs
| COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid | Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Exfoliant | Exfoliant |
| Price tier | Mid-range | Premium |
| Best for | Acne, Rough Texture, Oiliness | Congestion, Oiliness, Rough Texture |
| Usage notes | Evening only | Evening only |
| Shared hero actives | Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide | |
Common questions
Is the COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid or the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 better?
What's the difference between the COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid and the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0?
Are the COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid and Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 dupes for each other?
Can I use the COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid and Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 together?
Related comparisons
Want a deeper, personalised read? Drop both products into the live comparison tool for an ingredient-by-ingredient breakdown tuned to your skin profile.
Compare these yourself →