A dual-function essence-toner built around one central idea: 88 percent white willow bark water in place of purified water. Willow bark is the natural botanical source of salicylic acid, and using it as the base of the formula rather than plain water means the gentle exfoliating and soothing activity runs through the entire product, not just through a single added active.

This is a texture and pore product. It works on the visible roughness, congestion and enlarged-looking pores that come from a build-up of dead cells and sebum sitting in the pore opening, clearing them steadily rather than aggressively. The finish is lightweight, non-tacky and slightly cooling, and it absorbs in seconds.

A note on strength, because it matters: this product contains betaine salicylate at 0.1 percent. That is a deliberately low, daily-use concentration — it is not a strong chemical peel and should not be confused with COSRX's 4 percent BHA Blackhead Power Liquid. The intent here is gentle, consistent exfoliation that can be used every day without compromising the skin barrier. If you want a strong, targeted blackhead treatment, this is not that product. If you want something that quietly keeps texture smooth and pores clear as part of a normal routine, this is exactly that product.

Key ingredients

• White willow bark water (88%) — the base of the formula. A natural source of salicin, the precursor to salicylic acid, with soothing and mildly anti-inflammatory properties.
• Betaine salicylate (0.1%) — a BHA derivative that is oil-soluble, meaning it can travel into the pore itself rather than working only on the surface. Betaine salicylate is measurably gentler on the skin than an equivalent dose of pure salicylic acid.
• Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin — a delivery molecule that helps stabilise and release the active gradually, reducing irritation potential.
• Sodium hyaluronate — binds many times its own weight in water, offsetting any dryness from the exfoliating action.
• Panthenol (provitamin B5) — hydrating and barrier-supporting; one of the more reliable ingredients for keeping exfoliated skin comfortable.
• Allantoin — soothing and softening, used to calm reactive skin.
• Betaine and arginine — natural moisturising factors that maintain hydration levels in the upper layers.
• Menthyl lactate and mint extract — responsible for the light cooling sensation on application.

How to use

1. Cleanse and pat the skin dry.
2. Saturate a cotton pad and sweep gently across the face, avoiding the eye and lip areas. Do not scrub — the exfoliation is chemical, not physical, and rubbing adds irritation without adding benefit.
3. Alternatively, decant into the palms and press directly into the skin. This wastes less product and is the gentler option for sensitive skin.
4. Allow 30 to 60 seconds to absorb, then continue with serum, moisturiser and — in the morning — sunscreen.

Intensive method (evening, targeted)

Soak two or three cotton pads, split them, and lay them over the areas where pores and congestion are most visible — typically the nose, chin and inner cheeks. Leave for 5 to 10 minutes as a localised compress, then remove and continue with the rest of your routine. Use this method once or twice per week, not daily.

Recommended frequency

• Normal, combination or oily skin: once or twice daily, morning and evening. At 0.1 percent this is formulated for daily use.
• Sensitive or dry skin: begin with three or four evenings per week and build up as tolerated.
• First-time acid users: start at two or three times per week for the first two weeks, then increase.
• Targeted cotton-pad compress: once or twice weekly maximum.
• Timeline for results: smoother texture is typically noticeable within one to two weeks. Visible improvement in pore appearance takes four to eight weeks of consistent use. Pores do not shrink permanently — they appear smaller when they are clear of debris, which is why this needs to be maintained rather than completed.

Where it sits in your routine

Immediately after cleansing, before serums and moisturiser. It replaces your regular toner rather than adding a step. Avoid layering it in the same routine as a strong AHA, a high-percentage BHA, or a retinoid — alternate these on different evenings instead. If you are using a prescription retinoid, use this in the morning only.

Best suited to

Oily, combination and congestion-prone skin. Enlarged-looking pores across the nose and cheeks, rough or bumpy texture, blackheads, and skin that looks dull from surface build-up. Also appropriate as an entry point for anyone who has found stronger acids too irritating.

Specifications

• Volume: 100 ml
• Product type: Exfoliating essence-toner (two-in-one)
• Key actives: Betaine salicylate 0.1% (BHA); white willow bark water 88%
• Texture: Thin, watery liquid; absorbs immediately, non-sticky
• Finish: Lightweight with a subtle cooling sensation
• Scent: Fragrance-free (no added perfume); faint natural botanical scent
• Formulated without: Parabens, artificial fragrance, artificial colourants
• Animal testing: None
• Skin type: All skin types; particularly oily, combination and congestion-prone
• Country of origin: Republic of Korea
• Approximate usage: 2–3 months at once-daily use with a cotton pad

Good to know

Exfoliating acids increase the skin's sensitivity to UV light. Daily broad-spectrum SPF is not optional while using this product — without it you undo the texture and tone benefits you are working for. The formula contains menthyl lactate and mint extract, which produce a cooling sensation; this is normal, but if you have rosacea or highly reactive skin, patch test on the jawline for 24 hours before full-face use. For external use only. Avoid the eye area. Discontinue use if persistent stinging, redness or peeling develops. Store away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or under dermatological care, consult your doctor before introducing salicylic acid derivatives.