COSRX vs Allies of Skin
COSRX and Allies of Skin are two distinct skincare lines known for addressing varied complexions through trusted formulations. The Korean skincare brand focuses on serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and masks featuring hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide to suit oily and acne-prone skin best, while the second option is loved for luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, and targeted eye products formulated with powerhouse ingredients like niacinamide to suit dry and acne-prone skin best. Ultimately, both differ primarily in their texture profiles and specific active combinations, with the former leaning toward straightforward, soothing solutions and the latter offering deeply nourishing, clarifying treatments.
COSRX is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024.
koreajoongangdaily.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.com
This page compares some of the most popular COSRX and Allies of Skin products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular COSRX vs Allies of Skin products
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Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
AED 29.35
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Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
AED 30.75
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The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum
AED 41.75
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BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
AED 68.00
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The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum
AED 49.98
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Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream
AED 36.00
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AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
AED 28.00
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The Retinol 0.1 Cream
AED 44.90
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Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum
AED 601.29
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Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum
AED 650.47
- Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream
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Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
AED 378.00
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Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
AED 230.55
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Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist
AED 349.00
People Say
Deep hydration and plumping Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “skin drinks it up — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
- “woke up with soft, supple skin — COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream”
- “nourished and hydrated — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
- “more like a spray serum — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
Improves skin texture and smoothness Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “gives me that glass skin look — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
- “skin feels softer immediately — COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum”
- “Skin feels like glass — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
- “Woke up looking well-rested — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
Lightweight and fast-absorbing Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “absorbs instantly like water — COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum”
- “sinks in immediately — COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream”
- “absorbs practically immediately — COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)”
- “sinks easily into damp skin — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
Gentle and non-stripping Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “No stinging or irritation — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
- “perfect for first-time retinol users — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
- “doesn't strip my skin — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
- “Best retinol for sensitive skin — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
Soothing and calming Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Redness is less noticeable — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
- “feels super soothing, doesn't trigger redness — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
- “reduces appearance of redness — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
- “calms down my redness — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
Effective acne and pore control Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “helped to improve my acne after only 2 weeks — COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser”
- “cleared up my spots — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
- “Melted blackheads right off — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
- “Dramatic impact on acne — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
Small size and high price Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “only 20mls... significantly less product — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
- “tube is tiny — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
- “expensive for me — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
- “Pricey — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
No visible results or ineffective Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “no change in circles — COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream”
- “didn't do anything — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
- “still not impressed with the results — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
- “Have not noticed improved skin quality yet — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
Packaging and pump issues Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “tube cracked on the side — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
- “hate dipping fingers in — COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream”
- “pump head is fixed — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
- “bad spritz mechanism — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
COSRX vs Allies of Skin routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 32.95
-
Moisturizer
Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 349.00
-
SPF
Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+
Morning
AED 81.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
AED 35.29
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
AED 38.99
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Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
AED 378.00
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Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
AED 65.00
-
Cleanser
Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 37.20
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
AED 65.43
-
Moisturizer
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 29.35
-
SPF
Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
Morning
AED 44.50
-
Pre-Cleanser
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 42.95
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Cleansing Toner
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Evening
AED 28.00
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Serum or Treatment
Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence
Evening · Once a week
AED 40.00
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Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
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Nourishing Mask
Advanced Snail Mucin Power Sheet Mask
Once a week
AED 73.65
Buy Allies of Skin routine · AED 1,027.85 · 96% fit
Buy COSRX routine · AED 408.70 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
COSRX vs Allies of Skin routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 49.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
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Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 230.55
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SPF
d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50
Morning
AED 92.70
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Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
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Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
AED 120.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
AED 378.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
-
Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 23.45
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 65.43
-
Moisturizer
Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 33.40
-
SPF
Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen
Morning
AED 82.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 42.95
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Evening
AED 28.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Two In One Poreless Power Liquid
Evening · Once a week
AED 74.00
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
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Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
Buy Allies of Skin routine · AED 1,405.73 · 93% fit
Buy COSRX routine · AED 581.27 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
COSRX vs Allies of Skin routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 84.53
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 230.55
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
AED 53.12
-
Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
AED 378.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
AED 122.93
-
Cleanser
Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 37.20
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 65.43
-
Moisturizer
Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 33.40
-
SPF
Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
Morning
AED 44.50
-
Pre-Cleanser
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 42.95
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Evening
AED 28.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Two In One Poreless Power Liquid
Evening · Once a week
AED 74.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
AED 122.93
Buy Allies of Skin routine · AED 1,294.67 · 94% fit
Buy COSRX routine · AED 475.50 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
COSRX or Allies of Skin: which is better?
Both COSRX and Allies of Skin are great, and which is better depends on your skin type and budget. COSRX fits oily skin and acne-prone skin best with a Superior Lovi fit level, whereas Allies of Skin fits dry skin, mature skin, and skin with dark spots best with a Superior Lovi fit level.
What is the difference between COSRX and Allies of Skin?
COSRX is best suited for oily and acne-prone skin with a focus on lightweight hydration and effective pore control, whereas Allies of Skin excels for dry and mature skin with a focus on deep moisturization and anti-aging care. Lovi rates the routine fit for dry and mature skin as Superior for Allies of Skin and High for COSRX.
COSRX or Allies of Skin for dry skin?
For dry skin, Allies of Skin has a Superior routine fit, while COSRX has a High fit. COSRX helps with deep hydration and moisturization using key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Allies of Skin is noted for its gentle, effective moisturizers and soothing serums on the products on this page.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
COSRX or Allies of Skin: which moisturizer is better?
Both COSRX and Allies of Skin offer effective moisturizers, with COSRX excelling in lightweight absorption and hydration through products like the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, while Allies of Skin provides superior anti-aging and plumping care with treatments like the Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment. Lovi rates the routine fit for dry and mature skin as Superior for Allies of Skin and High for COSRX.
Which is more affordable, COSRX or Allies of Skin?
COSRX is more affordable, whereas Allies of Skin carries a high price point.
Which brand has better options for acne and pore control?
COSRX has better options for acne and pore control because the products on this page focus heavily on effective acne control and clearing, while Allies of Skin does not highlight this benefit. Furthermore, review themes show that COSRX does better for acne and pore control.
COSRX or Allies of Skin for oily skin?
For oily skin, both COSRX and Allies of Skin achieve a Superior fit level on Lovi. COSRX features specific products like the Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion that are well-suited for this skin type, while Allies of Skin also provides an effective overall routine.
COSRX or Allies of Skin for sensitive skin?
Both COSRX and Allies of Skin provide products on this page that are a Superior fit for sensitive skin. COSRX features gentle formulas with ingredients like centella asiatica and snail mucin that help soothe the skin.
COSRX or Allies of Skin for acne-prone skin?
Both COSRX and Allies of Skin are a Superior fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. COSRX helps with effective acne control and clearing, while Allies of Skin provides calming serums that are mostly mentioned by reviewers.
COSRX or Allies of Skin for mature skin?
Allies of Skin is a superior fit for mature skin, while COSRX has a high routine fit on the products on this page. Topical retinol helps stimulate collagen accumulation and improve the look of naturally aged skin.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
COSRX or Allies of Skin for skin with dark spots?
For skin with dark spots, COSRX fits High while Allies of Skin fits Superior on this page. COSRX helps control melanin transfer and brighten skin with ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C.
Research behind their key ingredients
Bifidobacterium longum lysate, a new ingredient for reactive skin
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Phyllanthus emblica L. (amla) branch: A safe and effective ingredient against skin aging
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediols
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Clinical efficacy of facial masks containing yoghurt and Opuntia humifusa Raf. (F-YOP)
Skin moisturization by hydrogenated polyisobutene--quantitative and visual evaluation
Effects of an ultraviolet B radiation absorber on photocarcinogenesis in hairless albino mice
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Effects of a Greek Yoghurt-based Complex on the Human Facial Skin Microbiome
Behind this comparison
Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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