COSRX vs Allies of Skin
COSRX and Allies of Skin are notable skincare brands offering thoughtfully formulated serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and masks designed to address various concerns. The Korean brand founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024 suits oily and oily acne-prone skin best with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide that balance moisture, increase hydration, and reduce hyperpigmentation. Conversely, the latter label is loved for its luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, and targeted eye products formulated with powerhouse ingredients like niacinamide to suit dry and acne-prone skin with deeply nourishing and clarifying formulations. While both incorporate niacinamide to decrease hyperpigmentation and reduce skin aging, they differ in their primary textural approaches and specific ingredient combinations for targeted skin types.
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 Allies of Skin products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular COSRX vs Allies of Skin products
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Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
$15.88
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Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
$11.90
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The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum
$17.50
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BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
$18.94
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The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum
$20.99
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Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream
$16.50
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AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
$14.97
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The Retinol 0.1 Cream
$22.00
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Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum
$199.00
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Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum
$101.00
- Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream
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Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
$85.00
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Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
$125.00
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Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist
$68.00
People Say
Deep hydration and plumping 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”
- “nourished and hydrated — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
- “more like a spray serum — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
Improves skin texture and smoothness Often MentionedOften 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 like glass — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
- “Woke up looking well-rested — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
Lightweight and fast-absorbing Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “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 easily into damp skin — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
Gentle and non-stripping Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “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”
- “Best retinol for sensitive skin — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
Soothing and calming Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Redness is less noticeable — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
- “feels super soothing, doesn't trigger redness — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
- “reduces appearance of redness — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
- “calms down my redness — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
Effective acne and pore control Often MentionedSometimes 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”
- “Dramatic impact on acne — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
Small size and high price Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “only 20mls... significantly less product — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
- “tube is tiny — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
- “expensive for me — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
- “Pricey — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
No visible results or ineffective Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “no change in circles — COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream”
- “didn't do anything — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
- “still not impressed with the results — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
- “Have not noticed improved skin quality yet — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
Packaging and pump issues Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “tube cracked on the side — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
- “hate dipping fingers in — COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream”
- “pump head is fixed — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
- “bad spritz mechanism — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
COSRX vs Allies of Skin routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$19.99
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Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
$16.99
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Moisturizer
Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$68.00
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
$15.99
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
$21.70
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Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
$85.00
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
$22.00
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Cleanser
Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$15.30
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
$17.00
-
Moisturizer
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$15.88
-
SPF
Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
$35.80
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Pre-Cleanser
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Evening · Once a week
$19.98
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Nourishing Mask
Advanced Snail Mucin Power Sheet Mask
Once a week
$25.00
Buy Allies of Skin routine · $249.67 · 98% fit
Buy COSRX routine · $128.96 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
COSRX vs Allies of Skin routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$15.97
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
$15.60
-
Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$125.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
$14.97
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$50.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
$28.42
-
Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
$85.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
$79.00
-
Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$18.39
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning · Once a week
$17.00
-
Moisturizer
Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$18.99
-
SPF
Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
$35.80
-
Pre-Cleanser
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Evening · Once a week
$19.98
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Evening
$14.97
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Serum or Treatment
Two In One Poreless Power Liquid
Evening · Once a week
$18.99
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
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Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
$79.00
Buy Allies of Skin routine · $482.96 · 94% fit
Buy COSRX routine · $292.12 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 98% fit
COSRX vs Allies of Skin routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$28.08
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
$25.60
-
Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$125.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
$14.97
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$50.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
$18.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
$85.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
$58.00
-
Cleanser
Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$15.30
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning · Once a week
$17.00
-
Moisturizer
Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$18.99
-
SPF
Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
$35.80
-
Pre-Cleanser
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Evening · Once a week
$19.98
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Evening
$14.97
-
Serum or Treatment
Two In One Poreless Power Liquid
Evening · Once a week
$18.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
$58.00
Buy Allies of Skin routine · $474.55 · 94% fit
Buy COSRX routine · $268.03 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
COSRX or Allies of Skin: which is better?
Both brands are great, but they serve different needs: COSRX stands out for lightweight hydration, acne control, and a lower price point, while Allies of Skin earns a superior Lovi fit level for most skin types due to its intensive anti-aging and brightening formulas. Reviewers note that COSRX is especially gentle and fast-absorbing, whereas Allies of Skin focuses heavily on calming serums and barrier repair.
What is the difference between COSRX and Allies of Skin?
COSRX is an Amorepacific-owned Korean brand offering affordable, lightweight products that excel at acne control and skin texture, whereas Allies of Skin focuses on advanced anti-aging treatments with a higher price point. Lovi finds Allies of Skin to have a superior routine fit for dry, sensitive, and mature skin types, while both brands offer a superior fit for oily acne-prone skin.
COSRX or Allies of Skin for dry skin?
For dry skin, Allies of Skin fits better with a Superior routine, while COSRX offers a High fit on the products on this page.
COSRX or Allies of Skin: which moisturizer is better?
Both brands offer moisturizers for different skin needs, with COSRX focusing on lightweight hydration through snail mucin and Allies of Skin emphasizing advanced anti-aging and barrier repair with peptides.
Which is more affordable, COSRX or Allies of Skin?
COSRX is more affordable, whereas Allies of Skin faces reviewer feedback noting a high price point.
Between COSRX and Allies of Skin, which brand is better for soothing and calming the skin?
Allies of Skin is better for soothing and calming the skin, as it outperforms COSRX in this specific review theme.
How do the founding years and corporate ownership of COSRX and Allies of Skin compare?
COSRX was founded in South Korea in 2013 and has been owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024, whereas Allies of Skin was founded in 2016 and is owned by Allies Group Pte. Ltd.
Which brand performs better for improving skin texture and smoothness according to reviewers?
COSRX performs better for improving skin texture and smoothness according to reviewers, while offering lightweight absorption and effective acne control across the products on this page.
COSRX or Allies of Skin for oily skin?
Both COSRX and Allies of Skin are great, as Lovi rates the routine fit for oily skin as Superior for each brand. COSRX helps with lightweight absorption and effective acne control, while Allies of Skin provides gentle, effective moisturizers.
COSRX or Allies of Skin for sensitive skin?
Allies of Skin fits sensitive skin better, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior while COSRX is High. COSRX products on this page often help with gentle and non-stripping care, though Allies of Skin reviewers mostly mention gentle, effective moisturizers and calming serums.
COSRX or Allies of Skin for acne-prone skin?
Both COSRX and Allies of Skin are good options, as Lovi rates both brands as having a High routine fit for acne-prone skin. COSRX also features several specific products with a Superior fit for this skin type, such as the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence and BHA Blackhead Power Liquid.
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
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
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
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Clinical efficacy of facial masks containing yoghurt and Opuntia humifusa Raf. (F-YOP)
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
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Effects of a Greek Yoghurt-based Complex on the Human Facial Skin Microbiome
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
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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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
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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