COSRX vs SkinCeuticals
COSRX and SkinCeuticals are two distinct skincare brands offering thoughtful arrays of serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and more. COSRX incorporates hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide to suit oily and oily acne-prone skin best, while SkinCeuticals blends glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone to suit dry and dry sensitive skin best. Both brands differ through their unique formulations and origins, with the former being a Korean brand founded in 2013 and the latter an American brand founded in 1994.
COSRX is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024.
koreajoongangdaily.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.com
SkinCeuticals is an American skincare brand founded in 1994 and owned by L'Oréal since 2005.
loreal.comskinceuticals-za.compitchbook.com
This page compares some of the most popular COSRX and SkinCeuticals products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular COSRX vs SkinCeuticals 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
People Say
Improves Skin Texture and Radiance Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “definitely gave me a glass skin texture — SkinCeuticals P-TOX”
- “pores appeared less noticeable — SkinCeuticals P-Tiox”
- “glass skin radiance — SkinCeuticals P-Tiox”
- “gives me that glass skin look — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
Deep Hydration and Plumping Mostly MentionedOften 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”
- “Hydrated my skin beautifully. — SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2”
- “Pure hydration in a bottle — SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel”
Lightweight and Fast-Absorbing 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)”
- “absorbs quickly — SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense 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”
- “Perfect starting strength — SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3”
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”
- “cystic acne shrinking — SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense”
Anti-Aging and Fine Line Reduction Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “reduction in some of the finer lines — SkinCeuticals P-TOX”
- “softens crow's feet — SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye”
- “really help maintain my Botox — SkinCeuticals P-TOX”
- “diminished fine lines under eyes — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
Small Size and High Price Point 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”
- “Too pricey for the hype — SkinCeuticals P-TOX”
Slow or No Visible Results Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “no change in circles — COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream”
- “Takes a month to work — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
- “haven't noticed much change on the deeper lines — SkinCeuticals P-TOX”
- “did nothing — SkinCeuticals P-Tiox”
Allergic Reactions and Breakouts Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “burned my skin — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
- “gave me fungal acne — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
- “skin went through a slight purge — SkinCeuticals P-TOX”
- “caused redness — SkinCeuticals P-Tiox”
Packaging and Quality 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”
- “Bottle only lasts 6 weeks — SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel”
- “Tube breaks easily — SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3”
COSRX vs SkinCeuticals 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
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$22.00
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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
C E Ferulic
Evening · Once a week
$39.99
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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
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Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
$17.00
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Moisturizer
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$15.88
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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 SkinCeuticals routine · $158.66 · 97% fit
Buy COSRX routine · $128.96 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
COSRX vs SkinCeuticals routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$15.97
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Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
$15.60
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Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$18.99
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SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
$14.97
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Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$50.00
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Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
$28.42
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Serum or Treatment
C E Ferulic
Evening · Once a week
$39.99
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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
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Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$18.39
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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
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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 SkinCeuticals routine · $331.94 · 96% fit
Buy COSRX routine · $292.12 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 98% fit
COSRX vs SkinCeuticals routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$28.08
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Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
$25.60
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$18.99
-
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
C E Ferulic
Evening · Once a week
$39.99
-
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
-
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 SkinCeuticals routine · $323.53 · 96% fit
Buy COSRX routine · $268.03 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
COSRX or SkinCeuticals: which is better?
Both COSRX and SkinCeuticals are strong options, with COSRX offering a better fit for oily and acne-prone skin, while SkinCeuticals provides a superior routine fit for dry, sensitive, mature, and combination skin.
What is the difference between COSRX and SkinCeuticals?
COSRX tends to be more affordable and focuses on gentle, lightweight hydration and acne control, while SkinCeuticals emphasizes advanced anti-aging and texture-improving treatments at a higher price point. COSRX has a routine fit level of High for dry skin, whereas SkinCeuticals has a Superior fit level for dry skin.
COSRX or SkinCeuticals for dry skin?
SkinCeuticals is a Superior fit for dry skin, whereas COSRX is a High fit for dry skin on this page. SkinCeuticals helps provide deep hydration and plumping for dry skin types.
COSRX or SkinCeuticals: which cleanser is better?
COSRX is better for a gentle and non-stripping cleanse, as Lovi rates its cleansers well for being gentle and non-irritating while fitting various skin types like sensitive skin at a Superior level. SkinCeuticals also offers effective options, but reviewers often mention a high price point for its products compared to COSRX.
Which is more affordable, COSRX or SkinCeuticals?
COSRX is more affordable, as SkinCeuticals reviewers mostly mention a high price point.
COSRX or SkinCeuticals: which brand has better anti-aging results?
SkinCeuticals does better for anti-aging and fine line reduction, while COSRX is often noted for gentle care and lightweight absorption. Topical retinol helps stimulate collagen accumulation and improve signs of aging in skin.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
COSRX or SkinCeuticals for oily skin?
Both COSRX and SkinCeuticals offer a Superior routine fit for oily skin. The products on this page help deliver lightweight absorption and effective oil control.
COSRX or SkinCeuticals: which moisturizer is better?
SkinCeuticals is better suited for dry and mature skin types with its superior targeted routines, while COSRX is often preferred for lightweight hydration and effective acne control across combination and oily skin.
COSRX or SkinCeuticals for sensitive skin?
COSRX is well-liked for its gentle and non-stripping formulas, whereas SkinCeuticals is noted for potential skin irritation and reactions. Lovi rates COSRX as having a High routine fit for sensitive skin, while SkinCeuticals has a Superior routine fit.
COSRX or SkinCeuticals: which sunscreen is better?
Both COSRX and SkinCeuticals offer sunscreens on the products on this page with High fit levels across multiple skin types, including sunscreen options like COSRX Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen and SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50.
COSRX or SkinCeuticals for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, both brands offer strong options, but Lovi rates SkinCeuticals as Superior and COSRX as High. Reviewers note that COSRX is often effective for acne and pore control, while SkinCeuticals is also well-suited for this skin type.
COSRX or SkinCeuticals for mature skin?
SkinCeuticals fits mature skin at a Superior level, whereas COSRX achieves a High level of fit for this skin type. SkinCeuticals offers specialized anti-aging and fine line-reduction serums, while COSRX focuses on lightweight hydration.
COSRX or SkinCeuticals for skin with dark spots?
SkinCeuticals is superior for skin with dark spots, whereas COSRX achieves a high routine fit for this concern.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Bifidobacterium longum lysate, a new ingredient for reactive skin
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Effects of menthol and cold on histamine-induced itch and skin reactions in man
Anti-Wrinkle Benefits of Peptides Complex Stimulating Skin Basement Membrane Proteins Expression
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Evaluation of anti-acne properties of phloretin in vitro and in vivo
Phyllanthus emblica L. (amla) branch: A safe and effective ingredient against skin aging
Efficacy of olive leaf extract-containing cream for facial rejuvenation: A pilot study
Taurine bromamine (TauBr)--its role in immunity and new perspectives for clinical use
Allergy to oxidized limonene and linalool is frequent in the U.K
The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediols
Oxidized citrus oil (R-limonene): a frequent skin sensitizer in Europe
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Semi-solid functionalized nanostructured lipid carriers loading thymol for skin disorders
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
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
Peptide-pro complex serum: Investigating effects on aged skin
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.
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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
How does it fit your skin?
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