COSRX vs Olay
COSRX and Olay are two popular skincare labels offering reliable collections of serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and eye products. The first brand is a Korean skincare company founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024, beloved for formulations featuring hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide that suit oily skin and acne-prone skin best. Meanwhile, the second brand features gentle yet effective foundational components like niacinamide and glycerin that suit sensitive skin and oily skin best. While both brands utilize overlapping key ingredients to deliver proven benefits, they differ in their specific product lineups and targeted solutions for dark spots, mature skin, and acne-prone skin.
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 Olay products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular COSRX vs Olay products
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Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
CA$24.99
- Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
-
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
Lightweight and fast absorption Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “sinks in quickly — Olay Super Serum”
- “absorbs quickly — Olay Vitamin C Serum”
- “absorbs instantly — Olay Super Serum Night Repair”
- “absorbs instantly like water — COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum”
Skin texture and smoothness improvement Mostly MentionedMostly 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 baby soft — Olay Retinol24”
- “Skin feels like silk — Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer”
Deep hydration and moisturization Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Instantly smoother, softer, and more hydrated — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
- “light and smooth — Olay Ultimate Eye Cream”
- “hydrates the skin — Olay Advanced Eye Cream”
- “skin drinks it up — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
Gentle, non-stripping, and non-irritating formula Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “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”
- “doesn't strip my skin — Olay Regenerating Cream Cleanser”
Acne, blackhead, and oil control Often MentionedNot 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”
Radiance and brightening effects Not notedOften Mentioned
- “iridescent glow — Olay Super Serum”
- “hides dark shadows — Olay Ultimate Eye Cream”
- “skin looks brighter — Olay Vitamin C Serum”
Packaging issues and sizing concerns Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “only 20mls... significantly less product — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
- “tube is tiny — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
- “hard to dispense — Olay Super Serum”
- “dropper is frustrating — Olay Super Serum Night Repair”
Slow, no, 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”
- “no visible difference — Olay Ultimate Eye Cream”
- “no difference — Olay Vitamin C Serum”
Unpleasant texture and heavy residue Sometimes NotedSometimes 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”
- “Wake up feeling a bit greasy — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
- “cakes up all over — Olay Advanced Eye Cream”
COSRX vs Olay routines for dry skin
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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
-
Cleanser
Regenerating Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$44.92
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$35.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$17.99
- Serum or Treatment Vitamin C Serum Evening · Once a week
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy COSRX routine · CA$218.38 · 91% fit
Buy Olay routine · CA$156.85 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
COSRX vs Olay routines for oily skin
-
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
Regenerating Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$44.92
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Super Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$18.98
-
SPF
Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer SPF 25
Morning
CA$38.94
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Oil Minimizing Clean Toner
Evening
CA$9.48
- Serum or Treatment Vitamin C Serum Evening · Once a week
-
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 Olay routine · CA$298.41 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
COSRX vs Olay 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
Regenerating Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$44.92
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Super Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$18.98
-
SPF
Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Morning
CA$35.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Oil Minimizing Clean Toner
Evening
CA$9.48
- Serum or Treatment Vitamin C Serum Evening · Once a week
-
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 Olay routine · CA$250.43 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
COSRX or Olay: which is better?
COSRX is better for acne, oil control, and gentle care, as Lovi rates its routines as Superior for oily, acne-prone, sensitive, dry, and dry sensitive skin. Olay is well-known for intense hydration and smoothing, with niacinamide supporting anti-aging and pigmentation care.
What is the difference between COSRX and Olay?
COSRX is owned by Amorepacific Group and fits best for oily, acne-prone, and dry skin, while Olay is owned by The Procter & Gamble Company and fits best for sensitive, oily, and mature skin. The products on this page for COSRX achieve a Superior Lovi fit level for dry, oily, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin, whereas Olay products achieve a High fit level for those skin types.
COSRX or Olay for dry skin?
For dry skin, COSRX achieves a Superior Lovi fit level while Olay achieves a High fit level. The products on this page for both brands help deliver deep hydration, though COSRX is often noted for being especially gentle and non-irritating.
COSRX or Olay: which cleanser is better?
COSRX offers cleansers like the Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser that achieve a Superior fit for sensitive, acne-prone, dry, and combination skin types. Shoppers often note that COSRX formulas are gentle and non-irritating, while also providing effective acne control and clearing.
Which is more affordable, COSRX or Olay?
The products on this page do not have pricing information available, so it is not possible to determine which brand is more affordable.
COSRX or Olay: which brand is better for acne, blackhead, and oil control?
COSRX is better for acne, blackhead, and oil control, as the products on this page help provide effective acne control and clearing.
COSRX or Olay: which brand offers a more gentle and non-irritating formula?
COSRX offers a more gentle, non-stripping, and non-irritating formula compared to Olay. Lovi rates the routine fit for sensitive skin as Superior for COSRX and High for Olay.
COSRX or Olay: which brand performs better for deep hydration and moisturization?
Olay performs better for deep hydration and moisturization compared to COSRX. Lovi rates the routine fit for dry skin as Superior for COSRX and High for Olay.
COSRX or Olay for oily skin?
For oily skin, COSRX has a Superior routine fit while Olay has a High fit on the products on this page. COSRX helps with acne, blackhead, and oil control, while Olay offers lightweight feel and deep hydration.
COSRX or Olay: which moisturizer is better?
COSRX is better for moisturizer routines, as Lovi rates its fit for dry skin as Superior while Olay is rated High. Both brands provide deep hydration with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
COSRX or Olay for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, COSRX achieves a Superior Lovi fit level while Olay achieves a High fit level. The products on this page for COSRX are often noted by reviewers to be gentle and non-irritating.
COSRX or Olay: which sunscreen is better?
COSRX is better for sunscreen because the products on this page have a Superior fit for acne-prone skin, whereas Olay sunscreens have lower fit levels for acne-prone and oily skin.
COSRX or Olay for acne-prone skin?
COSRX is better suited for acne-prone skin because the products on this page achieve a Superior fit level, compared to Olay's High fit level. Reviewers note that COSRX provides effective acne control and clearing along with a gentle and non-irritating formula.
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
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
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
Neuroimmunomodulatory compound for sensitive skin care: in vitro and clinical assessment
Comedogenicity in rabbit: some cosmetic ingredients/vehicles
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
Dually functionalized dendrimer for stimuli-responsive release of active ingredients into the skin
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
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.


























































