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Medicube vs COSRX

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

Medicube and COSRX are two prominent Korean skincare brands that offer thoughtfully formulated moisturizers, serums, toners, cleansers, and masks. Both brands suit oily and acne-prone skin best, as the first brand utilizes niacinamide, collagen, and hyaluronic acid to balance excess sebum and hydration, while the second relies on hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide to balance excess oil and soothe irritation. For targeted concerns, the first brand provides standout solutions such as the AGE-R Booster Gel, the Deep Peptide Radiance Mask, and the Deep Lifting Peptide Eye Cream, whereas the latter offers the Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser, the Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner, and the Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner. Ultimately, they differ through their distinct ownership history and nuanced ingredient combinations, with the founding year of the former being 2016 and the latter being 2013.

Medicube is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by APR Corp..

medicubereviews.co.ukglossy.co

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 Medicube and COSRX products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Medicube vs COSRX products

People Say

MedicubeCOSRX
  • Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “skin feels bouncier and hydrated — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
    • “glass skin — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
    • “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”
  • Soothing and Gentle Formulas Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “No stinging or irritation — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
    • “extremely gentle — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
    • “perfect for first-time retinol users — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
    • “refreshing sensation — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
  • Skin Texture and Smoothing 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”
    • “gives my skin a smooth, glass-like finish — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
  • Lightweight and Fast Absorbing Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “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)”
    • “dries super fast — Medicube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask”
  • Glow and Brightening Often MentionedNot noted
    • “gave me instant glass skin — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
    • “woke up with glowing skin — Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask”
    • “Dark spots go away faster — Medicube Deep Vita C Pad”
  • Pore Appearance and Oil Control Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Melted blackheads right off — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
    • “helps with whiteheads — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
    • “whisking away that excess shine — COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser”
    • “noticed a real difference in pore visibility — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
  • Sticky and Heavy Residue Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “texture is gooey and stringy — COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream”
    • “Leaves a sticky film — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
    • “feels slightly sticky — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
    • “hair sticks to my face — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
  • General Product Inadequacy Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “lifted around the nose/eyes — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
    • “didn't remove deep blackheads — Medicube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask”
    • “hard to wash off completely — Medicube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask”
    • “no change in circles — COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream”
  • Strong Fragrance and Scents Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “slightly fishy smell — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
    • “smells like old lady perfume — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
    • “smells like chemicals — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
    • “smells like onions — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”

Medicube vs COSRX routines for dry skin

Buy Medicube routine · AED 460.76 · 86% fitBuy COSRX routine · AED 408.70 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Medicube vs COSRX routines for oily skin

Buy COSRX routine · AED 581.27 · 91% fitBuy Medicube routine · AED 645.61 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit

Medicube vs COSRX routines for combination skin

Buy COSRX routine · AED 475.50 · 89% fitBuy Medicube routine · AED 552.91 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

Medicube or COSRX: which is better?

COSRX is better for sensitive and acne-prone skin with its superior fit levels, while Medicube is better for a radiant glow. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppresses melanosome transfer.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

What is the difference between Medicube and COSRX?

COSRX stands out with superior fit levels for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin, alongside better reviewer scores for soothing, gentle formulas and lightweight absorption. Meanwhile, Medicube products on this page often achieve higher marks for glow and brightening, utilizing key ingredients like niacinamide to help reduce pigmentation.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

Medicube or COSRX for dry skin?

Both Medicube and COSRX are a High fit for dry skin on this page. Reviewers report that both brands help with deep hydration, though COSRX is noted to offer more lightweight and fast-absorbing formulas.

Medicube or COSRX: which cleanser is better?

Both Medicube and COSRX offer effective cleansers, but COSRX is generally better for soothing sensitive skin while Medicube provides strong options for oily skin.

Which is more affordable, Medicube or COSRX?

The products on this page do not have pricing data provided to compare affordability between Medicube and COSRX directly.

Between Medicube and COSRX, which brand has more products formulated without added fragrance?

COSRX has more products on this page formulated without added fragrance, with 37 out of 38 products listing no fragrance compared to Medicube's 23 out of 25.

How do Medicube and COSRX compare when it comes to skin texture and smoothing review themes?

COSRX does better than Medicube when it comes to skin texture and smoothing review themes. The products on this page help improve skin texture and smooth the skin.

Which brand offers a better routine fit for oily acne-prone skin according to the facts?

COSRX offers a Superior routine fit for oily acne-prone skin, whereas Medicube provides a High fit level for this skin type. Both brands feature key ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid that help manage oil and blemishes.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

Medicube or COSRX for oily skin?

For oily skin, COSRX has a Superior routine fit while Medicube has a High fit level. COSRX better addresses pore appearance and oil control.

Medicube or COSRX: which moisturizer is better?

When comparing moisturizers, COSRX is better for soothing formulas and lightweight absorption, while Medicube is noted for glow and brightening. Hyaluronic acid helps provide deep hydration across the products on this page.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Medicube or COSRX for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin, COSRX is superior while Medicube has a high fit, and reviewers note that COSRX provides soothing and gentle formulas. Hyaluronic acid helps improve skin hydration and moisture.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Medicube or COSRX for acne-prone skin?

For acne-prone skin, COSRX is superior, whereas Medicube provides a high routine fit. Niacinamide helps control skin aging and pigmentation.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

Research behind their key ingredients

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

How does it fit your skin?

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