COSRX vs Avène
COSRX and Avène are skincare brands founded in 2013 and 1990, respectively, that offer thoughtful arrays of serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and masks. The Korean brand is known for utilizing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide, while the French brand relies on science-backed formulations and hydrating glycerin to ensure a calm complexion. Both brands suit oily skin and acne-prone skin best, yet they differ as the former relies on targeted active components to balance excess oil, whereas the latter focuses on restoring barrier function.
COSRX is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024.
koreajoongangdaily.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.com
Avène is a French skincare brand founded in 1990 and owned by Fondation Pierre Fabre.
pierre-fabre.comavene.co.ukaveneusa.com
This page compares some of the most popular COSRX and Avène products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular COSRX vs Avène 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
People Say
Gentle and Non-Stripping Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “No stinging or irritation — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
- “extremely gentle — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
- “leaves face clean but not dry — Avène Cleanance”
- “Perfect cleanser for sensitive skin. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedOften 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”
- “gives a healthy glow — COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum”
- “Restores moisture barrier — Avène Cold Cream”
Lightweight and Fast Absorption 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)”
- “absorbs very quickly — Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum”
Skin Texture and Smoothing Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “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”
- “I've noticed a definite improvement in the fine lines around my eyes — Avène RetrinAL EYES”
Soothing and Calming Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Calmed my angry red skin overnight — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “Nothing has ever worked to soothe or heal my skin like these before. — Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm”
- “Calms angry, red skin — Avène Soothing Radiance Mask”
- “calms down my redness — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
Acne and Pores Control Often MentionedRarely 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”
- “Cleared my cystic acne — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
Unpleasant Texture and Finish Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “texture is gooey and stringy — COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream”
- “too slimy and sticky — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
- “Tube squirted water everywhere — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “Leaves a greasy film — Avène Cold Cream”
Strong Scent or Fragrance Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “smells like chemicals — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
- “smells like onions — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
- “smells like tea tree/medicinal — COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)”
- “The fragrance is very present. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
Packaging Issues and Size Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Tube cracked on the side — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “Cap leaks in bag — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
- “Good product bad packaging. — Avène RetrinAL EYES”
- “only 20mls... significantly less product — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
COSRX vs Avène routines for dry skin
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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
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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
Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence
Evening · Once a week
AED 40.00
-
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
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Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 76.99
-
Moisturizer
Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 169.99
-
SPF
Ultra Fluid
Morning
AED 105.54
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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
-
Serum or Treatment
Antirougeurs Fort Relief Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
AED 130.00
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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
Buy COSRX routine · AED 408.70 · 83% fit
Buy Avène routine · AED 669.42 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
COSRX vs Avène routines for oily skin
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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
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
-
Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 76.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 68.90
-
SPF
Cleanance
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 58.95
-
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
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
Buy COSRX routine · AED 581.27 · 91% fit
Buy Avène routine · AED 859.37 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
COSRX vs Avène routines for combination skin
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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
-
Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 76.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 118.99
-
SPF
Cleanance
Morning
AED 58.95
-
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
Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 199.98
-
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 COSRX routine · AED 475.50 · 89% fit
Buy Avène routine · AED 1,056.50 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
COSRX or Avène: which is better?
COSRX and Avène both offer great options, but COSRX is superior for oily skin, sensitive skin, and acne-prone skin, while Avène is known for soothing irritation. COSRX also tends to perform better for hydration, lightweight absorption, and acne control.
What is the difference between COSRX and Avène?
COSRX is generally better for hydration, lightweight absorption, and acne control, whereas Avène stands out for soothing irritation. Both brands offer high routine fits for dry, combination, mature, and dark spot-prone skin, but COSRX achieves a superior fit for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin.
COSRX or Avène for dry skin?
Both COSRX and Avène offer a High routine fit for dry skin. COSRX has a wider range of products with Superior or High fit levels for dry skin, such as the Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser and Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner.
COSRX or Avène: which cleanser is better?
COSRX offers cleansers with superior Lovi fit levels for dry and sensitive skin on this page, while Avène provides cleansers that are better for oily acne-prone skin.
Which is more affordable, COSRX or Avène?
This page does not compare the prices or affordability of COSRX and Avène products.
COSRX or Avène: which brand has less fragrance?
COSRX has less fragrance, as the products on this page list no fragrance in 37 out of 38 items, compared to Avène where nearly half of the products include added fragrance.
COSRX or Avène: which has better options for dry sensitive skin?
COSRX has better options for dry sensitive skin, offering a High routine fit compared to Avène's Average fit. The products on this page help provide deep hydration and soothing care for delicate complexions.
COSRX or Avène: which brand is better for soothing irritation?
Avène does better for soothing irritation. Lovi gives Avène high marks for calming sensitive skin, while its formulas lean heavily on thermal water and gentle ingredients to help ease redness and discomfort.
COSRX or Avène for oily skin?
For oily skin, Lovi finds COSRX to be a superior fit while Avène has a high fit level. COSRX offers more effective oil and acne control across the products on this page.
COSRX or Avène: which moisturizer is better?
COSRX is the better brand for moisturizers on this page, as Lovi rates its formulas as Superior or High across most skin types compared to Avène. Reviewers also note that COSRX provides deeper hydration and moisture than Avène.
COSRX or Avène for sensitive skin?
COSRX has a Superior Lovi fit level for sensitive skin, while Avène has a High fit level. COSRX also tends to do better on this page for hydration and lightweight absorption, whereas Avène is often noted for soothing irritation.
COSRX or Avène: which sunscreen is better?
COSRX offers superior or high Lovi fit levels across its sunscreens for acne-prone, sensitive, and dry skin types, while Avène's sunscreens vary widely from superior to low depending on the specific product and skin type. COSRX has 37 out of 38 products listing no fragrance, whereas more than half of Avène's sunscreens on this page contain fragrance.
COSRX or Avène for acne-prone skin?
COSRX has a Superior Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin, while Avène has a High Lovi fit level for it.
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
An oil-soluble extract of Rubus idaeus cells enhances hydration and water homeostasis in skin cells
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
Comparative benefit of two thermal spring waters after photodynamic therapy procedure
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
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
Skin moisturization by hydrogenated polyisobutene--quantitative and visual evaluation
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Effects of an ultraviolet B radiation absorber on photocarcinogenesis in hairless albino mice
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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
-

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
-

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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