COSRX vs Good Molecules
COSRX and Good Molecules are popular skincare brands offering thoughtful ranges of serums, moisturizers, and more, formulated with trusted ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. The former suits oily and acne-prone skin best, while the latter is ideal for dry and dry sensitive skin. Ultimately, the two differ in their core active components, with the Korean line focusing on blemish-soothing solutions like niacinamide and the American line emphasizing moisture-binding hydration.
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
CA$24.99
- Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
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The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum
CA$31.50
- BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
-
The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum
CA$33.50
-
Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream
CA$26.18
-
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
CA$20.40
-
The Retinol 0.1 Cream
CA$28.91
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
Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$34.85
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Lightweight Daily Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$31.45
-
SPF
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Morning
CA$27.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$17.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Daily Brightening Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$21.44
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
-
Cleanser
Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$36.96
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
CA$31.98
-
Moisturizer
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$24.99
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$26.97
-
Serum or Treatment
Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence
Evening · Once a week
CA$24.49
-
Nourishing Mask
Full Fit Propolis Honey Overnight Mask
Once a week
CA$34.99
Buy Good Molecules routine · CA$190.71 · 92% fit
Buy COSRX routine · CA$218.38 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
COSRX vs Good Molecules routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$18.51
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$31.98
-
Moisturizer
Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$29.98
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$26.97
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Evening
CA$20.40
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
-
Cleanser
Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$34.85
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$17.78
-
SPF
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Morning
CA$27.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$16.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
Buy COSRX routine · CA$288.29 · 92% fit
Buy Good Molecules routine · CA$311.61 · 87% 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
CA$36.96
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$31.98
-
Moisturizer
Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$29.98
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$26.97
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Evening
CA$20.40
-
Serum or Treatment
Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence
Evening · Once a week
CA$24.49
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
-
Cleanser
Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$34.85
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$17.78
-
SPF
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Morning
CA$27.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Gentle Retinol Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$14.49
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
Buy COSRX routine · CA$271.24 · 91% fit
Buy Good Molecules routine · CA$252.71 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
COSRX or Good Molecules: which is better?
COSRX is better for oily and acne-prone skin types, while Good Molecules is a top choice for mature skin. Both brands offer a Superior routine fit for dry, sensitive, and dry sensitive skin.
What is the difference between COSRX and Good Molecules?
COSRX is founded in South Korea and owned by Amorepacific Group, while Good Molecules is founded in the United States and owned by Beautylish, Inc. COSRX fits oily, acne-prone, and dry skin best, whereas Good Molecules fits dry, dry sensitive, and sensitive skin best.
COSRX or Good Molecules for dry skin?
Both COSRX and Good Molecules are a Superior fit for dry skin based on the products on this page. COSRX features hydrating key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, while Good Molecules offers affordable and hydrating moisturizers.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
COSRX or Good Molecules: which cleanser is better?
Both COSRX and Good Molecules offer effective cleansers, with COSRX particularly fitting oily and acne-prone skin while Good Molecules is suited for dry skin. The products on this page provide gentle options for daily cleansing.
Which is more affordable, COSRX or Good Molecules?
Good Molecules is more affordable, offering popular value serums and budget-friendly moisturizers on the products on this page.
Between COSRX and Good Molecules, which brand is better for mature skin?
Good Molecules provides a Superior routine fit for mature skin, while COSRX offers a High fit. Good Molecules also tends to do better for brightening and glow, which helps target signs of aging.
How do COSRX and Good Molecules compare in terms of fragrance across their products?
COSRX includes fragrance in only one product on the products on this page, whereas Good Molecules lists no fragrance in any of its items. Both brands largely focus on fragrance-free formulations.
Which brand performs better for brightening and glowing skin, COSRX or Good Molecules?
Good Molecules performs better for brightening and glowing skin. Reviewers note that Good Molecules focuses strongly on brightening and offers effective, affordable serums for dark spots, while COSRX leans more toward soothing and acne control.
COSRX or Good Molecules for oily skin?
For oily skin, COSRX is a better fit with a Superior routine rating compared to Good Molecules at High. Reviewers often mention COSRX for effective acne control and clearing, alongside lightweight absorption.
COSRX or Good Molecules: which moisturizer is better?
Both COSRX and Good Molecules offer highly rated moisturizers, with COSRX particularly fitting oily and acne-prone skin while Good Molecules excels in affordability and hydration. Hyaluronic acid helps provide deep hydration across both brand selections.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
COSRX or Good Molecules for sensitive skin?
Both COSRX and Good Molecules offer a Superior Lovi routine fit for sensitive skin, but COSRX is noted for doing better on soothing and gentle formulas. Reviewers often mention that COSRX products are gentle and non-irritating, while Good Molecules products are also described as very gentle.
COSRX or Good Molecules: which sunscreen is better?
Both COSRX and Good Molecules offer great options, with the products on this page featuring sunscreens that provide high or superior Lovi fit levels for various skin types. Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 achieves a Superior fit level for dry sensitive, dry, sensitive, dark spots, and mature skin, while COSRX sunscreens are widely praised for lightweight absorption and gentle hydration.
COSRX or Good Molecules for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, COSRX has a Superior routine fit, whereas Good Molecules has a High fit level according to the products on this page.
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.
-

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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