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COSRX vs Simple

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

COSRX and Simple are distinct skincare lines originating from different regions, with the former being a Korean brand founded in 2013 and the latter a British brand established in 1960. Both offer thoughtfully formulated cleansers, moisturizers, and toners that harness skin-friendly ingredients like niacinamide and glycerin to support hydration and barrier function. While the Korean brand suits oily and sensitive skin best through products that balance moisture and soothe irritation, the British brand caters particularly well to acne-prone skin with gentle formulas that respect delicate barriers. They primarily differ in their regional heritage, founding eras, and specific active ingredients, such as the former incorporating hyaluronic acid and propolis for various skin concerns.

COSRX is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024.

koreajoongangdaily.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.com

Simple is a British skincare brand founded in 1960 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2011.

en.wikipedia.orgsec.govprnewswire.comsimple.co.uk

This page compares some of the most popular COSRX and Simple products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular COSRX vs Simple products

People Say

COSRXSimple
  • Soothing and Gentle Care Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Does not cause any form of irritation on the skin which I love. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “The only cleanser that doesn't turn my face red. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “no artificial perfume — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “No stinging or irritation — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
  • Texture and Glow 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)”
    • “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
  • Hydration and Moisture 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”
    • “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “Instantly boosts skin's hydration... face doesn't feel dry and tight. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Value and Convenience Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “great value for money — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
    • “super affordable — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “No need to rinse... perfect for traveling or lazy nights. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “fine mist spray — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
  • Acne and Pore Control Often MentionedRarely 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”
    • “Takes off any makeup residue and makes my face feel refreshed. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Drying or Insufficient Moisture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “left my face tight — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
    • “leaves skin feeling tight — COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser”
    • “not moisturizing enough — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “need to apply multiple layers — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
  • Unpleasant Texture Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “Feels slimy on skin — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
    • “Still feeling a little bit of a film on my skin. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “feels like a film — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “texture is gooey and stringy — COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream”
  • Formulation and Performance Issues Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “weird smell — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
    • “pH is 9 — COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser”
    • “runs with sweat — COSRX Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen”
    • “Did not remove my mascara very well at all. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Packaging and Size Issues Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Worried about the snap top bottle leaking when travelling. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “The cap broke off immediately. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “hard to get last bit out — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “only 20mls... significantly less product — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”

COSRX vs Simple routines for dry skin

Buy COSRX routine · A$239.37 · 91% fitBuy Simple routine · A$208.81 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit

COSRX vs Simple routines for oily skin

Buy COSRX routine · A$330.57 · 92% fitBuy Simple routine · A$388.80 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

COSRX vs Simple routines for combination skin

Buy COSRX routine · A$311.08 · 89% fitBuy Simple routine · A$322.10 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit

Questions and answers

COSRX or Simple: which is better?

COSRX is generally better than Simple on this page, as Lovi rates COSRX as Superior for dry, sensitive, and dry sensitive skin, whereas Simple is rated High for those skin types. COSRX also does better for texture and glow as well as acne and pore control, while Simple does better for soothing and gentle care as well as value and convenience.

What is the difference between COSRX and Simple?

COSRX tends to outperform Simple on this page for texture, glow, and acne control, while Simple offers stronger value and convenience. COSRX achieves a Superior Lovi fit level for dry, sensitive, dry sensitive, oily acne-prone, and acne-prone skin, whereas Simple reaches a High fit level for those skin types.

COSRX or Simple for dry skin?

COSRX is rated Superior for dry skin, while Simple has a High fit level for dry skin on the products on this page. COSRX helps deliver deep hydration and moisturization with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which may support skin quality.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015

COSRX or Simple: which cleanser is better?

COSRX is better for acne-prone skin, as its cleansers such as the Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser fit that skin type at a Superior level compared to Simple's average fit, while both brands generally offer gentle, fragrance-free formulations.

Which is more affordable, COSRX or Simple?

Simple offers better value and convenience across the products on this page compared to COSRX.

Between COSRX and Simple, which brand offers better soothing and gentle care?

Simple does better for soothing and gentle care on the products on this page. Lovi rates COSRX as Superior for sensitive skin and dry sensitive skin, while Simple is rated High for those skin types.

How do COSRX and Simple compare in terms of texture and glow?

In terms of texture and glow, COSRX does better than Simple according to the reviewers on this page. COSRX products frequently help improve skin texture and add radiance.

Which brand performs better for acne and pore control between COSRX and Simple?

COSRX performs better for acne and pore control than Simple. The products on this page offer superior or high Lovi fit levels for acne-prone skin, while COSRX also excels in acne and pore control according to review themes.

COSRX or Simple for oily skin?

For oily skin, Lovi rates COSRX as Superior and Simple as High. The products on this page help provide lightweight absorption and effective acne control.

COSRX or Simple: which moisturizer is better?

COSRX is the better choice for moisturizers on this page, as Lovi rates its formulas as Superior or High across most skin types. Simple provides average moisturizer fits overall, though its products on this page are fragrance-free and budget-friendly.

COSRX or Simple for sensitive skin?

COSRX is the better choice for sensitive skin because Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior, compared to High for Simple. The products on this page help provide gentle and soothing care.

COSRX or Simple for acne-prone skin?

COSRX is superior to Simple for acne-prone skin. Lovi rates the routine fit for COSRX as Superior and for Simple as High.

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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