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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 two renowned skin care brands, with the former originating in 2013 and the latter established in 1960. The Korean label is known for serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and masks using hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide to suit oily and acne-prone skin best, while the British line offers gentle moisturizers, soothing makeup removers, dependable cleansers, and refreshing toners formulated with niacinamide and glycerin to suit oily and mature skin best. Both brands differ in their specific standout offerings and parent companies, though they utilize shared ingredients like glycerin and niacinamide to boost hydration, strengthen barrier function, and reduce hyperpigmentation.

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 · CA$218.38 · 91% fitBuy Simple routine · CA$156.25 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit

COSRX vs Simple routines for oily skin

Buy COSRX routine · CA$288.29 · 92% fitBuy Simple routine · CA$271.73 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

COSRX vs Simple routines for combination skin

Buy COSRX routine · CA$271.24 · 91% fitBuy Simple routine · CA$214.83 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

COSRX or Simple: which is better?

COSRX is better for texture, glow, and acne control, while Simple does better with soothing and gentle care as well as value and convenience. Both brands offer equal hydration and moisture across the products on this page.

What is the difference between COSRX and Simple?

COSRX fits dry, oily, combination, sensitive, acne-prone, and dry sensitive skin at a Superior level, whereas Simple reaches a High level for those skin types. Reviewers note that COSRX delivers better texture and glow, while Simple provides better value and convenience.

COSRX or Simple for dry skin?

COSRX is a better fit for dry skin than Simple, as Lovi rates the routine fit for COSRX as Superior and for Simple as High. The products on this page for COSRX help deliver deep hydration and moisturization with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.

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

COSRX or Simple: which cleanser is better?

COSRX is better for cleansers, as the products on this page achieve superior fit levels for skin types like acne-prone and sensitive skin compared to Simple. Simple cleansers tend to offer average or low fit levels across most skin types.

Which is more affordable, COSRX or Simple?

Simple is better for value and convenience compared to COSRX. The products on this page for Simple are noted for offering lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers.

Between COSRX and Simple, which brand is better for managing acne and pore control according to review themes?

Between COSRX and Simple, COSRX is better for acne and pore control. The products on this page show that COSRX does better for acne and pore control in the review themes.

How do the founding years and corporate parent companies of COSRX and Simple compare?

COSRX was founded in 2013 in South Korea and is owned by Amorepacific Group, whereas Simple was founded in 1960 in the United Kingdom and is owned by Unilever PLC.

Which brand performs better for texture and glow based on reviewer feedback?

COSRX performs better for texture and glow based on reviewer feedback. Reviewers frequently mention that the products on this page help improve skin texture and provide a glow and skin radiance.

COSRX or Simple for oily skin?

COSRX is a better fit for oily skin, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to High for Simple. The products on this page help control oil and clear acne effectively.

COSRX or Simple: which moisturizer is better?

COSRX is better for moisturizers because the products on this page achieve superior or high fit levels across a wide range of skin types compared to Simple's average ratings. Furthermore, COSRX moisturizers frequently feature key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps maintain skin hydration.

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

COSRX or Simple for sensitive skin?

COSRX is a Superior fit for sensitive skin, whereas Simple achieves a High fit. COSRX offers targeted options like the Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser and Pure Fit Cica Serum, which are rated as a Superior fit for sensitive skin.

COSRX or Simple for acne-prone skin?

COSRX is the better choice for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior while Simple achieves a High fit level. COSRX also excels specifically in acne and pore control across the products on this page.

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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