What is COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum?
This COSRX serum is a three-in-one "glow" step. Glycolic acid (an AHA) smooths the surface, betaine salicylate (a gentle BHA) helps keep pores clear, and vitamin C supports a brighter, more even-looking tone. It is light and quick to absorb, and it comes in a 30ml dropper bottle.
The base is unusual: instead of starting with water, the formula leads with kiwi fruit extract, dragon fruit extract and sea buckthorn water, all naturally rich in vitamins. Niacinamide, panthenol and allantoin round it out, adding balance and comfort so the acids feel gentler.
Is COSRX a Korean brand?
Yes. COSRX is a Korean skincare brand known for simple, effective formulas such as the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence and its BHA and AHA treatments.
COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum benefits: what it does for your skin
Smoother texture
Glycolic acid loosens the dull, dead cells on top, so rough patches soften and skin feels smoother to touch.
Clearer-looking pores
Betaine salicylate is oil-friendly, so it can work around the pore opening to help reduce blackheads and congestion. Learn more in our salicylic acid and BHA guide.
Brighter, more even-looking tone
Vitamin C and niacinamide support radiance and help the look of dark spots and post-acne marks fade over time. See our vitamin C guide for more on this antioxidant.
Antioxidant support
Vitamin C helps defend skin against everyday stress from sunlight and pollution, a real concern in busy Pakistani cities.
Comfort while exfoliating
Panthenol and allantoin help keep the skin calm and hydrated.
COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum key ingredients
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Glycolic acid (AHA) | Water-soluble exfoliant for surface smoothness |
| Betaine salicylate (BHA) | Gentle oil-soluble exfoliant for pores |
| Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) | Brightening antioxidant |
| Kiwi, dragon fruit and sea buckthorn | Vitamin-rich fruit base |
| Niacinamide | Supports even tone and oil balance |
| Panthenol, allantoin, betaine | Hydration and soothing |
How to use COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum (morning and night)
Step by step
- Cleanse with a gentle wash such as the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Cleanser.
- Use your usual toner.
- Put two or three drops on your fingertips and press onto the forehead and cheeks, then spread over the rest of the face.
- Pat lightly until absorbed, then moisturise.
- In the morning, finish with sunscreen.
Morning or night?
Either works. Vitamin C pairs well with sunscreen in the morning, while evening use gives the acids a quieter time to work. Whatever time you choose, wear SPF the next day, since acids make skin more sun-sensitive.
Can I use it every day?
Many people can, once the skin is used to it. Start every other day for the first two weeks, then move to daily if your skin stays comfortable.
Layering with an essence
For extra hydration, follow it with the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence before moisturiser.
What not to mix with COSRX AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum
Avoid using it in the same routine as retinoids, such as the celimax Vita-A Retinol Shot Tightening Serum or the stronger celimax Retinal Shot Booster. A simple plan is to use this serum in the morning and retinoids at night, or alternate nights. Also skip extra acid toners and scrubs on the same day.
Can I use it with niacinamide?
Yes. It already contains niacinamide, and you can layer a niacinamide serum such as the ANUA Peach 70% Niacinamide Serum afterwards if your skin likes it.
Is COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum good for sensitive skin?
It is milder than many acid serums thanks to betaine salicylate and the soothing ingredients, but it still exfoliates. Sensitive skin should patch-test and start two or three times a week. If you are going through a flare-up, pause actives and focus on gentle hydration. More options are in our sensitivity collection.
What skin type is it best for?
Oily, combination and normal skin with dullness, uneven tone, rough texture or clogged pores benefit most. Dry skin can use it too, followed by a richer moisturiser from our dryness range.
COSRX AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster vs other COSRX and niacinamide serums
| Serum | Main focus | Choose it if |
|---|---|---|
| COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster | Exfoliation plus glow | You want smoother texture and brightness in one step |
| COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum | High-strength vitamin C | Dark spots are your main concern and your skin tolerates potent vitamin C |
| The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | Oil and blemish balance | Shine and breakouts bother you more than dullness |
COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum results: how long until you see a difference?
Smoother, softer skin often shows within the first week. A brighter, more even-looking tone and clearer pores usually appear after four to six weeks of consistent use, and faded-looking marks after eight weeks or more, provided you wear sunscreen daily. Pair it with the dark spots and dullness edits to build a fuller routine.
Tips for the best results
- Apply to fully dry skin after toner; damp skin can make acids tingle more.
- Use a small amount; two or three drops cover the whole face.
- Take a daylight photo on day one and compare after a month, since gradual changes are easy to miss.
- Keep the rest of your routine simple and hydrating while your skin adjusts, for example a COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser on oily days and a plain moisturiser.
Does COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum have side effects?
A slight tingle is normal for acids. Possible side effects include redness, dryness, flaking or stinging, especially with overuse or on freshly waxed or shaved skin. A few people notice small breakouts in the first weeks as pores clear; if bumps are itchy or spread, stop. Avoid the eye area, stop if irritation lasts and see a dermatologist if it does not settle.
Using an acid and vitamin C serum in Pakistan's climate
With strong sun for most of the year, sunscreen is non-negotiable while you use acids. In humid summers, oily skin may enjoy this serum daily for clearer pores; in dry winters, reduce to every other day and use a richer cream. Keep the bottle closed, cool and out of direct sunlight, because vitamin C is sensitive to heat and light.
COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum price in Pakistan
A 30ml bottle usually lasts around six to eight weeks of daily use at two to three drops a time. The current price is shown at the top of this page.
Original vs fake COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum: how to check
COSRX is one of the most counterfeited Korean brands, so check closely. A real box and bottle have consistent fonts, a clean dropper, a batch and expiry code and a holographic or sealed finish where COSRX uses one. The serum should be light and fluid with a faint fruity scent; a thick, oily or strongly perfumed liquid is a warning sign. YESBEAUTY is an authentic seller of COSRX in Pakistan, and every bottle is sourced directly from COSRX's official distribution channels in Seoul, Korea. If a product is ever found inauthentic, our 7-day guarantee covers you. Read our Authenticity Promise or browse the COSRX range, more serums and our K-Beauty edit.
