COSRX vs Biore
COSRX and Biore are well-regarded Asian skincare brands that offer thoughtful arrays of cleansers, masks, and targeted treatments for daily routines. COSRX harnesses key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide in its serums, moisturizers, and more, while the Japanese brand relies on carefully balanced formulas across its popular sunscreens and makeup removers. Both companies suit sensitive skin, though the Korean line leans toward oily complexions with formulas that balance moisture and soothe irritation, whereas the 1980-established brand tends to favor dry skin with its gentle nature. They differ primarily in their specific standout solutions and proprietary ingredient benefits, as the Amorepacific-owned label actively works to increase barrier function and decrease hyperpigmentation, while Kao Corporation's creations deliver reliable, everyday care.
COSRX is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024.
koreajoongangdaily.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.com
Biore is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by Kao Corporation.
This page compares some of the most popular COSRX and Biore products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular COSRX vs Biore 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
-
Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream
A$24.00
-
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
A$21.80
-
The Retinol 0.1 Cream
A$26.39
People Say
Acne and Pore Control Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “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”
- “Gets the gunk out — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
- “Keeps shine away — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
Lightweight and Fast-Absorbing Mostly MentionedOften 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)”
- “melts into skin — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
Deep Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “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”
- “feels like a moisturizer — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
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”
- “Leaves skin feeling clean — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
Deep Cleansing and Oil Control Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “Face feels squeaky clean — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
- “No greasy film, leaves skin fresh, rinses easily. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
- “Removes waterproof mascara, eyeliner, foundation. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
- “removes every trace of oil — COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser”
Soothing and Calming Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “No stinging or irritation — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
- “perfect for first-time retinol users — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
- “calms down my redness — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
Drying and Stripping Effects Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “left my face tight — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
- “leaves skin feeling tight — COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser”
- “Made my skin peel — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
- “Can feel drying, skin feels tight after use. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
Medicinal and Strong Scent Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “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)”
- “smells like alcohol — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
Unpleasant Texture and Finish Often MentionedSometimes 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”
- “too dewy for oily skin — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
- “Too liquidy, thin consistency, messy application. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
COSRX vs Biore routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.59
-
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
Makeup Remover Perfect Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$32.34
-
Serum or Treatment
Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$16.95
-
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 Biore routine · A$214.43 · 92% fit
Buy COSRX routine · A$239.37 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
COSRX vs Biore routines for oily skin
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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
-
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
Makeup Remover Perfect Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$32.34
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$16.95
-
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 COSRX routine · A$330.57 · 92% fit
Buy Biore routine · A$378.72 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
COSRX vs Biore 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
Makeup Remover Perfect Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$32.34
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$16.95
-
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
-
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 Biore routine · A$371.64 · 90% fit
Buy COSRX routine · A$311.08 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
COSRX or Biore: which is better?
Both COSRX and Biore are great options, as both brands match with a Superior routine fit for dry, oily, sensitive, acne-prone, dry sensitive, and oily acne-prone skin types. Reviewers find that COSRX outperforms Biore in deep hydration and lightweight absorption, whereas Biore performs better in deep cleansing and oil control.
What is the difference between COSRX and Biore?
COSRX is a South Korean brand founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific, whereas Biore is a Japanese brand founded in 1980 and owned by Kao Corporation. Reviewers note that the products on this page for COSRX perform better for lightweight absorption, deep hydration, and soothing effects, while Biore is noted for deep cleansing and oil control.
COSRX or Biore for dry skin?
Both COSRX and Biore achieve a Superior routine fit for dry skin. The products on this page provide great options, with COSRX standing out for its deep hydration and moisture benefits.
COSRX or Biore: which cleanser is better?
Both COSRX and Biore feature multiple cleansers on this page, but COSRX is often noted for a gentler touch while Biore specializes in deep cleansing and oil control. The products on this page for both brands help target different skincare needs effectively.
Which is more affordable, COSRX or Biore?
This page does not provide pricing information to compare the affordability of COSRX and Biore.
COSRX or Biore for oily skin?
Both COSRX and Biore achieve a Superior routine fit for oily skin on this page. COSRX helps with lightweight absorption and deep hydration, while Biore focuses on deep cleansing and oil control.
COSRX or Biore: which sunscreen is better?
When comparing sunscreens between the two brands on this page, COSRX offers options like the Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen, which has a Superior fit for acne-prone skin and a High fit for sensitive skin. Biore provides the UV Aqua Rich sunscreen, which has a High fit for combination skin and an Average fit for sensitive skin.
COSRX or Biore for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, both COSRX and Biore achieve a Superior routine fit level. Reviewers note that the products on this page for COSRX are gentle and non-irritating, while Biore offers fragrance-free options like Makeup Remover Perfect Oil that is suitable for sensitive skin.
COSRX or Biore for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, both COSRX and Biore have a Superior routine fit level on Lovi. COSRX products on this page often help with effective acne control and clearing.
COSRX or Biore for combination skin?
For combination skin, Lovi rates both COSRX and Biore as a Superior routine fit. Reviewers note that COSRX outperforms Biore on this page in providing deep hydration, lightweight absorption, and smoothing skin texture.
COSRX or Biore for mature skin?
For mature skin, Lovi rates both COSRX and Biore as a Superior routine fit. COSRX products on this page often provide deep hydration and help improve skin texture, while Biore offers a well-balanced routine approach.
COSRX or Biore for skin with dark spots?
For skin with dark spots, COSRX offers products on this page rated High like The Vitamin C 23 Serum and The Niacinamide 15 Serum, which contains niacinamide that helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.
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
Psychophysical study of the effects of topical application of menthol in healthy volunteers
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
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.
-

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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