Cos De BAHA BHA Salicylic Acid Serum 4% with Niacinamide

Cos De BAHA BHA Salicylic Acid Serum 4% with Niacinamide
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.2Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers

Review

Does Cos De BAHA BHA Salicylic Acid Serum 4% with Niacinamide work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Cos De BAHA BHA Salicylic Acid Serum 4% with Niacinamide:

  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: Cos De BAHA BHA Salicylic Acid Serum 4% with Niacinamide has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.2 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Soothing: Cos De BAHA BHA Salicylic Acid Serum 4% with Niacinamide contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Lightweight moisturizer ideal for oily skin and a humectant boost for any skincare routine

According to CreamScan analysis, Cos De BAHA BHA Salicylic Acid Serum 4% with Niacinamide is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈85.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Some anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Cos De BAHA BHA Salicylic Acid Serum 4% with Niacinamide has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 2.2 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈1.5%), 
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that Cos De BAHA BHA Salicylic Acid Serum 4% with Niacinamide is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈85.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin soothing and calming potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Cos De BAHA BHA Salicylic Acid Serum 4% with Niacinamide is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈85.0%) and Salicylic Acid (est. ≈2.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
85
6
2
1.9
1.8
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Damascena Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf
Function:
Origin:
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Artemisia Vulgaris Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
88.3
85
1.8
1.5
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 88.3 10
10.0
85
1.8
1.5
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
85
1.8
1.5
All humectants 88.3 10
10
All humectants
88.3
85
1.8
1.5
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 1.5 2.2
Total
2.2
Niacinamide
2.2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
85
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 88.1 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
88.1
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
85
Niacinamide
1.5
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract
1
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
0.3
Artemisia Vulgaris Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
85
2
1.5
1
0.3
All soothing 89.8 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
89.8
85
2
1.5
1
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Est. %85
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractDerived from Aloe vera leaves, this moisturizing humectant, soothing, and antioxidant extract is commonly used in products targeting eczema, sunburn, or dermatitis. It soothes the skin and reduces the signs of inflammation and sensitivity.
Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
Salicylic Acid
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %1.9
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Propanediol
Est. %1.8
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Niacinamide
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Rosa Damascena Extract
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Damascena ExtractDerived from the Damask rose, this extract contains the luxurious fragrant rose essential oil, as well as astringent tannins.
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) ExtractAn extract from lavender flowers that mostly contains lavender essential oil. It also offers many beneficial antioxidant and astringent phytochemicals such as flavonoids, terpenes, and phenolic acids.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melissa Officinalis Leaf ExtractA fragrant extract derived from lemon balm leaves with antioxidant and antiviral flavonoids and terpenes. It has a lovely, fresh, lemon-like scent.
Artemisia Vulgaris Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Artemisia Vulgaris ExtractAn extract derived from common mugwort. The plant contains an essential oil that gives the extract its strong, pine-like, cooling aroma. It also boasts antioxidant and astringent flavonoids and terpenes.
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyethylcelluloseA naturally-derived thickener that can form clear gel textures without the slimy feeling, unlike some other natural gel-formers.