COSRX vs Allies of Skin
COSRX and Allies of Skin are notable skincare lines offering targeted solutions for diverse complexions. The Korean brand, founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024, is beloved for its thoughtful array of serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and masks that harness key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide to suit oily and sensitive skin best. Conversely, Allies of Skin is deeply loved for its thoughtful range of moisturizers, serums, and eye products built around potent ingredients like niacinamide to suit dry and mature skin best. While both brands feature niacinamide and address dark spots, acne-prone skin, and mature skin through distinct formulations, they differ primarily in their ingredient profiles, targeted skin types, and product specializations.
COSRX is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024.
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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
A$18.90
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Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
A$16.53
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The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum
A$14.00
- BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
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The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum
A$32.00
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Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream
A$24.00
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AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
A$21.80
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The Retinol 0.1 Cream
A$26.39
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
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.59
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Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
-
Moisturizer
d'Alba First Spray Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.09
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$27.35
-
Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$188.14
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
-
Cleanser
Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
A$37.00
-
Moisturizer
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$18.90
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$28.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence
Evening · Once a week
A$33.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
Advanced Snail Mucin Power Sheet Mask
Once a week
A$34.99
Buy Allies of Skin routine · A$380.63 · 98% fit
Buy COSRX routine · A$239.37 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
COSRX vs Allies of Skin routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$13.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.99
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$80.43
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$188.14
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$18.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$37.00
-
Moisturizer
Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.99
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$28.99
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Evening
A$21.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Two In One Poreless Power Liquid
Evening · Once a week
A$19.95
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Allies of Skin routine · A$598.00 · 94% fit
Buy COSRX routine · A$330.57 · 92% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
COSRX vs Allies of Skin routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$73.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$188.14
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$37.00
-
Moisturizer
Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$28.99
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Evening
A$21.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Two In One Poreless Power Liquid
Evening · Once a week
A$19.95
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Allies of Skin routine · A$541.48 · 94% fit
Buy COSRX routine · A$311.08 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
COSRX or Allies of Skin: which is better?
Both COSRX and Allies of Skin are great, and Lovi shows they match on many skin types, though COSRX is better for texture and acne control while Allies of Skin stands out for anti-aging and brightening serums.
What is the difference between COSRX and Allies of Skin?
COSRX offers products on this page that are well-regarded for lightweight absorption and effective acne control, whereas Allies of Skin focuses on hydrating and plumping serums that may help with anti-aging.
COSRX or Allies of Skin for dry skin?
Both brands achieve a Superior Lovi fit level for dry skin. The products on this page for both lines help deliver deep hydration, though reviewers note that Allies of Skin often comes with a high price point.
COSRX or Allies of Skin: which moisturizer is better?
Both COSRX and Allies of Skin offer moisturizers with a Superior routine fit for dry skin, though COSRX products on this page frequently provide deep hydration and lightweight absorption while Allies of Skin focuses on calming and anti-aging treatments. Lovi gives both brands a Superior fit level for dry skin routines, making either brand a strong choice depending on whether you prefer soothing snail mucin or advanced peptide formulas.
Which is more affordable, COSRX or Allies of Skin?
COSRX is more affordable, as Allies of Skin carries a high price point.
COSRX or Allies of Skin for oily skin?
Both brands achieve a Superior routine fit for oily skin, making them equally well suited for this skin type. COSRX features lightweight absorption and effective acne control across the products on this page, while Allies of Skin provides gentle moisturizers.
COSRX or Allies of Skin for sensitive skin?
Both COSRX and Allies of Skin are great options, as Lovi rates both brands as having a Superior routine fit for sensitive skin. COSRX helps with gentle, non-stripping care, while Allies of Skin is noted for soothing and calming sensitive areas.
COSRX or Allies of Skin for acne-prone skin?
Both COSRX and Allies of Skin provide a Superior routine fit for acne-prone skin. COSRX particularly helps with effective acne control and clearing, while Allies of Skin is noted for its calming serums.
COSRX or Allies of Skin for mature skin?
For mature skin, Allies of Skin is a strong choice as Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior, compared to High for COSRX. Allies of Skin relies on formulas featuring niacinamide, which helps control skin aging, though reviewers often mention a high price point.
COSRX or Allies of Skin for skin with dark spots?
For skin with dark spots, Allies of Skin is the better choice because Lovi rates its overall routine fit as Superior, whereas COSRX achieves a High fit level. Furthermore, Allies of Skin includes specialized brightening options like the Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum.
COSRX or Allies of Skin for combination skin?
Allies of Skin fits combination skin better, with a Superior Lovi fit level compared to the High level of COSRX on this page. The products on this page help provide deep hydration and soothing benefits for various skin types.
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
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

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
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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