COSRX vs ISDIN
COSRX and ISDIN are esteemed skincare labels originating from Korea and Spain, respectively, offering thoughtful arrays of serums, moisturizers, cleansers, masks, sunscreens, and eye products. The former utilizes trusted ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide, while the latter relies on sophisticated formulas to nurture the complexion with reliable, gentle efficacy. Both brands suit acne-prone skin best, though COSRX also targets oily skin with active components that balance excess oil and soothe irritation, whereas ISDIN also caters to combination skin through carefully crafted blends. They differ in their heritages and specific ingredient approaches, providing distinct standout solutions for concerns ranging from dark spots to mature skin.
COSRX is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024.
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ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig.
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This page compares some of the most popular COSRX and ISDIN products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular COSRX vs ISDIN 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
Lightweight and fast-absorbing texture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “Lightweight formula absorbs fast — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “absorbs instantly like water — COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum”
Deep hydration and moisturization 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”
- “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “My skin felt sooo hydrated and looks so plump and dewey. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
Gentle and non-stripping formulation Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “No stinging or irritation — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
- “perfect for first-time retinol users — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
- “Sensitive/reactive skin tolerates — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “no excessive exfoliation — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
Skin texture and smoothing improvement Often 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”
- “skin looks smooth and healthy — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
Invisible and non-greasy sunscreen finish Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “doesn't leave you white as a ghost — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “dries down matte — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “Non-greasy — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “dark skin friendly — COSRX Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen”
Effective 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”
Strong scent or medicinal fragrance Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “smells like chemicals — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
- “smells like onions — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
- “smell is overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “lingering headache inducing effect — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
Packaging and size issues Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “My only wish is that ISDIN would make this product in a bigger size bottle. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “Pump stopped working — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “I like the actual product, but the packaging is awful, I've already lost three bottles the applicator pops off. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
- “only 20mls... significantly less product — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
Price and value considerations Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “expensive for me — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
- “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
COSRX vs ISDIN routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 32.95
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Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 34.80
-
SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
AED 91.99
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
AED 35.29
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Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
AED 38.99
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Serum or Treatment
Retinal Intense Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 392.99
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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
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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
-
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 ISDIN routine · AED 739.63 · 88% fit
Buy COSRX routine · AED 408.70 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
COSRX vs ISDIN 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
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 49.95
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Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 33.40
-
SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
AED 91.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
AED 120.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinal Intense Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 392.99
-
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 ISDIN routine · AED 1,222.86 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
COSRX vs ISDIN 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
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 33.40
-
SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
AED 91.99
-
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
Retinal Intense Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 392.99
-
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 ISDIN routine · AED 1,204.50 · 92% fit
Buy COSRX routine · AED 475.50 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
COSRX or ISDIN: which is better?
COSRX and ISDIN both offer strong options, but COSRX is often preferred for acne control and value, whereas ISDIN is well-known for its ultralight sunscreens and anti-aging serums. Both brands achieve Superior fit levels for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin on the products on this page.
What is the difference between COSRX and ISDIN?
COSRX is a South Korean brand founded in 2013 that helps with acne and skin texture, while ISDIN is a Spanish brand founded in 1975 that provides ultralight sunscreens. Both brands have similar fit levels for sensitive, acne-prone, and oily skin.
COSRX or ISDIN for dry skin?
Both COSRX and ISDIN offer a High Lovi routine fit for dry skin, making them equally suitable options. COSRX features a high percentage of fragrance-free products on this page, while ISDIN is recognized for its ultralight moisturizers.
COSRX or ISDIN: which moisturizer is better?
COSRX and ISDIN both offer moisturizers with a High routine fit for dry skin. COSRX features popular hydrating options like the Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream, while ISDIN provides lightweight formulas such as Hyaluronic Concentrate.
Which is more affordable, COSRX or ISDIN?
COSRX is more affordable, whereas review themes note a high price point for ISDIN.
COSRX or ISDIN for oily skin?
Both COSRX and ISDIN offer a Superior routine fit for oily skin, making either brand a strong choice depending on your product preferences. COSRX features a broad range of lightweight serums and cleansers geared toward effective acne and pore control, while ISDIN is recognized for its ultralight, makeup-friendly sunscreens.
COSRX or ISDIN: which sunscreen is better?
Both COSRX and ISDIN offer sunscreens with a Lovi fit level of High or Superior across multiple skin types. ISDIN sunscreens are mostly mentioned by reviewers for being ultralight and makeup-friendly.
COSRX or ISDIN for sensitive skin?
Both COSRX and ISDIN offer a Superior routine fit for sensitive skin. COSRX provides gentle and non-stripping formulations, while ISDIN features skin-friendly sunscreens.
COSRX or ISDIN for acne-prone skin?
Both COSRX and ISDIN offer a Superior routine fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. COSRX features targeted treatments like the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence and BHA Blackhead Power Liquid that help control acne and clear pores.
COSRX or ISDIN for combination skin?
Both COSRX and ISDIN offer great options for combination skin, with Lovi rating COSRX at a High fit level and ISDIN at a Superior fit level for this skin type. COSRX features targeted treatments like the Two In One Poreless Power Liquid, which has a Superior fit for combination skin and helps manage pores.
COSRX or ISDIN for mature skin?
Both COSRX and ISDIN offer great options for mature skin, with Lovi rating COSRX's routine as High and ISDIN's routine as Superior. Products like COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream help provide deep hydration, while ISDIN offers ultralight sunscreens and anti-aging serums.
COSRX or ISDIN for skin with dark spots?
Both COSRX and ISDIN help with dark spots, though Lovi rates ISDIN as having a Superior routine fit for skin with dark spots while COSRX has a High fit. Ingredients like niacinamide, found in the products on this page, are known to reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppress melanosome transfer.
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
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
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
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Skin moisturization by hydrogenated polyisobutene--quantitative and visual evaluation
The clinical efficacy of a new emulsion for acne and conspicuous facial pore amelioration
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
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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