COSRX vs Good Molecules
COSRX and Good Molecules are two celebrated skincare lines known for thoughtful formulations that feature ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. The former is a 2013 Korean brand favoring oily and sensitive skin with targeted serums and cleansers, while the latter is a 2019 American line focusing on dry and acne-prone skin through gentle exfoliants and eye products. Together, both offer distinct approaches to strengthening skin barriers, boosting hydration, and addressing specific concerns.
COSRX is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024.
koreajoongangdaily.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.com
Good Molecules is an American skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by Beautylish, Inc..
beautymatter.comgoodmolecules.compitchbook.compreqin.com
This page compares some of the most popular COSRX and Good Molecules products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular COSRX vs Good Molecules 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
-
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
A$21.80
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The Retinol 0.1 Cream
A$26.39
People Say
Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “sinks in immediately — COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream”
- “absorbs practically immediately — COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)”
- “absorbs quickly... zero irritation or tacky feeling — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
- “absorbs instantly into skin — Good Molecules Lightweight Daily Moisturizer”
Soothing and Gentle Formulas Mostly MentionedOften 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”
- “no skin purging — Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream”
Affordability and Value Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “best value for money — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “great value — Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum”
- “huge bottle — COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream”
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “skin drinks it up — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
- “absorbs instantly like water — COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum”
- “woke up with soft, supple skin — COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream”
- “skin appears smooth and supple — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
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”
- “pores are much smaller — Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum”
- “pores are visibly smaller — Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner”
Brightening and Glow Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “scar on your chin doesn't look nearly as noticeable — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
- “skin looks more radiant — Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner”
- “Assassinates fine lines — Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum”
- “diminished fine lines under eyes — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
Packaging and Sizing Issues Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “only 20mls... significantly less product — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
- “tube is tiny — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
- “Metal tube cracks — Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel”
- “Hole is too big — Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder”
Drying or Insufficient Moisture Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “left my face tight — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
- “leaves skin feeling tight — COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser”
- “dried my skin out — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “didn't do anything — Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream”
Slow or Ineffective Results Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “no change in circles — COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream”
- “Takes a month to work — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
- “didn't really see a difference — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
- “completely clear so red shows — Good Molecules PIMPLE PATCHES”
COSRX vs Good Molecules 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
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$21.06
-
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
Discoloration Correcting Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$54.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Pineapple Exfoliating Powder
Once a week
A$47.76
-
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 Good Molecules routine · A$253.72 · 93% fit
Buy COSRX routine · A$239.37 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
COSRX vs Good Molecules 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
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$21.06
-
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
Niacinamide Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$19.90
-
Enzyme Powder
Pineapple Exfoliating Powder
Once a week
A$47.76
-
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 Good Molecules routine · A$440.09 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
COSRX vs Good Molecules routines for combination skin
-
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
-
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
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$21.06
-
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
Niacinamide Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$19.90
-
Enzyme Powder
Pineapple Exfoliating Powder
Once a week
A$47.76
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy COSRX routine · A$311.08 · 89% fit
Buy Good Molecules routine · A$383.57 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
COSRX or Good Molecules: which is better?
Both COSRX and Good Molecules offer great options depending on your specific skin concerns, as Lovi shows they perform equally well across most skin types. For brightening and fading dark spots, Good Molecules is superior, whereas COSRX is known for its soothing and gentle formulas.
What is the difference between COSRX and Good Molecules?
Both COSRX and Good Molecules offer products with similar routine fit levels across major skin types, but they differ in their standout review themes where COSRX is better for soothing and gentle formulas and hydration, while Good Molecules is better for brightening and glow and affordability. COSRX is owned by Amorepacific Group and founded in South Korea in 2013, whereas Good Molecules is owned by Beautylish and founded in the United States in 2019.
COSRX or Good Molecules for dry skin?
Both COSRX and Good Molecules offer a Superior routine fit for dry skin. The products on this page from both brands help deliver deep hydration and moisture using key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
COSRX or Good Molecules: which cleanser is better?
Both COSRX and Good Molecules offer cleansers with strong options for various skin types, such as the COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser which has a superior fit for sensitive and dry skin, and the Good Molecules Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel which has a high fit for dry and sensitive skin. Reviewers note that COSRX excels in soothing and gentle formulas, while Good Molecules is recognized for affordability and value.
Which is more affordable, COSRX or Good Molecules?
Good Molecules is more affordable, as reviewers often mention its affordable and great value serums along with affordable and hydrating moisturizers.
Between COSRX and Good Molecules, which brand is better for fading dark spots and brightening?
Good Molecules does better than COSRX for brightening and glow on this page, and Good Molecules is also the superior fit for skin with dark spots. Topical niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppress melanosome transfer.
How do the founding years, countries of origin, and parent companies of COSRX and Good Molecules compare?
COSRX was founded in 2013 in South Korea and has been owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024, whereas Good Molecules was founded in 2019 in the United States and is owned by Beautylish, Inc.
Which brand performs better for soothing and gentle formulas, COSRX or Good Molecules?
COSRX performs better for soothing and gentle formulas, while both brands offer equal routine fit levels for sensitive and dry sensitive skin.
COSRX or Good Molecules for oily skin?
Both COSRX and Good Molecules offer a Superior routine fit for oily skin. Reviewers often mention COSRX for its lightweight absorption and effective acne control, while Good Molecules is noted for affordability and value.
COSRX or Good Molecules: which moisturizer is better?
Both COSRX and Good Molecules offer moisturizers with a Superior fit level for dry and oily skin types, meaning either brand helps provide deep hydration. Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient across both lines, which helps improve skin quality and signs of aging.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
COSRX or Good Molecules for sensitive skin?
Both COSRX and Good Molecules offer a Superior Lovi fit level for sensitive skin. COSRX is noted for providing soothing and gentle formulas across its products on this page.
COSRX or Good Molecules: which sunscreen is better?
Both brands offer sunscreens on this page that achieve a High Lovi fit level for all or most skin types. COSRX features a 38-product range where 37 items list no fragrance, while Good Molecules states that every product on its page lists no fragrance.
COSRX or Good Molecules for acne-prone skin?
Both COSRX and Good Molecules offer a Superior Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin. Reviewers note that COSRX helps with effective acne control and clearing, while Good Molecules provides affordable and great value serums.
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
Preparation and evaluation of anti-wrinkle cream containing saffron extract and avocado oil
The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediols
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
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
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Hippophae rhamnoides oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion improves barrier function in healthy human subjects
Development and efficacy assessments of tea seed oil makeup remover
Skin moisturization by hydrogenated polyisobutene--quantitative and visual evaluation
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
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
-

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
How does it fit your skin?
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