COSRX vs Estée Lauder
COSRX and Estée Lauder are two distinct skincare lines known for their comprehensive offerings of serums, moisturizers, and cleansers. The Korean brand features trusted ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide, suiting oily and acne-prone skin best, while the American brand relies on hyaluronic acid and glycerin to benefit acne-prone and mature skin. These ranges differ primarily in their formulation origins and targeted active components, as the first incorporates niacinamide to reduce hyperpigmentation alongside snail mucin, propolis, and centella, whereas the second utilizes targeted essences, moisturizers, and peptide serums to nourish the complexion.
COSRX is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024.
koreajoongangdaily.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.com
Estée Lauder is an American skincare brand founded in 1946 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..
en.wikipedia.orgelcompanies.com
This page compares some of the most popular COSRX and Estée Lauder products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular COSRX vs Estée Lauder 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
Deep hydration and moisturization Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “skin drinks it up immediately — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
- “The formula is incredibly hydrating and leaves my skin feeling smooth. — Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv”
- “texture is dreamy — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme”
- “skin drinks it up — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
Improves skin texture and smoothness Mostly 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 a baby's bottom — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
- “silky smooth — Estée Lauder Micro Essence Treatment Lotion”
Lightweight and fast-absorbing formula Often 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 quickly into the skin — Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+”
Gentle and non-stripping cleansing/use Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “doesn't strip the skin — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée”
- “Lathers well — Estée Lauder Soft Clean Moisture Rich Foaming Cleanser”
- “removes all my makeup effortlessly — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée”
- “No stinging or irritation — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
Soothing, calming and barrier care Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “perfect for first-time retinol users — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
- “calms down my redness — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
- “calms inflammation — COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream”
- “soothes redness — Estée Lauder Micro Essence Treatment Lotion”
Acne and pore control Often MentionedNot noted
- “extremely gentle — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
- “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”
High price and value concerns 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”
- “way too expensive for the size — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
Packaging and container 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”
- “lid is hard to open — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée”
- “Please make a jar or refill that is not as big and heavy. — Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv”
Drying or insufficient for dry skin Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “left my skin very dry — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée”
- “Not moisturizing enough for winter — Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+”
- “left my face tight — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
Slow or no visible results Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Takes a month to work — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
- “didn't do anything — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
- “did absolutely nothing — COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum”
- “didn't notice any difference — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
COSRX vs Estée Lauder 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
-
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
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Cleanser
Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 75.44
-
Hydrating Toner
Micro Essence Treatment Lotion
Morning
AED 397.18
-
Moisturizer
Revitalizing Supreme+
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 605.21
- SPF DayWear Moisturizer Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
Evening · Once a week
AED 241.00
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
AED 38.99
- Serum or Treatment Perfectionist Pro Evening · Once a week
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Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
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Nourishing Mask
Nutritious Melting Soft Creme/Mask
Once a week
AED 247.62
Buy COSRX routine · AED 408.70 · 83% fit
Buy Estée Lauder routine · AED 1,653.06 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
COSRX vs Estée Lauder 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
Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 75.44
-
Hydrating Toner
Micro Essence Treatment Lotion
Morning · Once a week
AED 397.18
-
Moisturizer
Revitalizing Supreme+
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 605.21
- SPF DayWear Moisturizer Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
Evening · Once a week
AED 241.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
AED 120.00
- Serum or Treatment Perfectionist Pro Evening · Once a week
-
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 Estée Lauder routine · AED 1,743.92 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
COSRX vs Estée Lauder routines for combination skin
-
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
Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 75.44
-
Hydrating Toner
Micro Essence Treatment Lotion
Morning · Once a week
AED 397.18
- Moisturizer Re-Nutriv Morning · Evening · Once a week
- SPF DayWear Moisturizer Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
Evening · Once a week
AED 241.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
AED 53.12
-
Serum or Treatment
Advanced Night Repair
Evening · Once a week
AED 235.20
-
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 Estée Lauder routine · AED 1,225.96 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
COSRX or Estée Lauder: which is better?
COSRX is better suited for oily and acne-prone skin types, where Lovi rates its routines as Superior compared to Estee Lauder's High fit. Both brands perform equally well for dry, combination, sensitive, mature, and dark spot skin concerns with High fit levels across their routines.
What is the difference between COSRX and Estée Lauder?
COSRX is better for oily and acne-prone skin with superior Lovi fit levels, while Estée Lauder offers deeper hydration and gentler cleansing. Both brands perform equally well for dry, combination, sensitive, mature, and dark-spot-prone skin types.
COSRX or Estée Lauder for dry skin?
COSRX and Estée Lauder both offer a High routine fit for dry skin on this page. Reviewers report that Estée Lauder does better for deep hydration, while COSRX delivers a more lightweight and fast-absorbing formula.
COSRX or Estée Lauder: which cleanser is better?
Both COSRX and Estée Lauder offer cleansers with strong performance, but COSRX is the better choice for acne-prone skin, where Lovi rates its cleansers as Superior overall. Estée Lauder cleansers are noted for being gentle and non-drying.
Which is more affordable, COSRX or Estée Lauder?
COSRX is more affordable, whereas high price and value concerns are commonly noted for Estée Lauder.
COSRX or Estée Lauder: which brand is better for mature skin?
Both COSRX and Estée Lauder are good for mature skin, as Lovi rates the routine fit for both brands as High. COSRX products on this page often feature ingredients like retinol that help stimulate collagen accumulation in naturally aged human skin.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
Which brand performs better for acne and pore control?
COSRX performs better for acne and pore control, as Lovi rates its routine fit for acne-prone skin as Superior compared to Estée Lauder's High fit. The products on this page provide effective acne control and clearing.
COSRX or Estée Lauder: which brand offers better deep hydration?
Estée Lauder offers better deep hydration than COSRX according to reviewer themes on this page. Hyaluronic acid helps bind moisture within the skin, supporting hydration benefits across both product ranges.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Drug Delivery, 2017
COSRX or Estée Lauder for oily skin?
For oily skin, COSRX offers a Superior fit while Estée Lauder provides a High fit on Lovi. COSRX stands out as the better choice for this skin type due to its specialized acne and pore control products.
COSRX or Estée Lauder: which moisturizer is better?
COSRX offers moisturizers that fit sensitive skin at a Superior level, whereas Estée Lauder fits sensitive skin at an Average level. Lovi rates COSRX as having a Superior routine fit for oily skin, while Estée Lauder reaches a High level.
COSRX or Estée Lauder for sensitive skin?
COSRX is a better fit for sensitive skin, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to High for Estée Lauder. The products on this page help provide gentle and soothing care with minimal fragrance.
COSRX or Estée Lauder: which sunscreen is better?
Both COSRX and Estée Lauder offer sunscreens with High Lovi fit levels for dry, oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin on their respective pages. COSRX features options like the Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen and Aloe Soothing Sun Cream, while Estée Lauder offers the DayWear Moisturizer, which has a Superior fit for dry sensitive, dry, sensitive, and mature skin.
COSRX or Estée Lauder for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, COSRX is the better choice because Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior, compared to High for Estée Lauder. The products on this page help control breakouts effectively while keeping skin clear.
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
Chrysin protects epidermal keratinocytes from UVA- and UVB-induced damage
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Another Reason for Using Caffeine in Dermocosmetics: Sunscreen Adjuvant
Phyllanthus emblica L. (amla) branch: A safe and effective ingredient against skin aging
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
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
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
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
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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
How does it fit your skin?
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