Anua vs COSRX
Anua and COSRX are two popular Korean skincare brands offering moisturizers, toners, serums, and cleansers built around effective ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Founded in 2019, the first brand features heartleaf formulations that suit dry skin and oily acne-prone skin best, while the second brand, founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024, employs glycerin and other proven components that gently address acne-prone skin and sensitive skin. Although both manufacturers utilize similar active compounds to target concerns like dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and aging, they differ in their foundational extractions and specialized complexes. Skincare enthusiasts choose between them by weighing the soothing botanical focus of the first against the gentle, reactive-skin efficacy of the second.
Anua is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by The Founders Inc..
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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 Anua and COSRX products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Anua vs COSRX products
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Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
€23.90
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Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
€9.03
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The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum
€23.29
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BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
€23.90
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The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum
€16.25
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Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream
€24.90
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AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
€14.11
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The Retinol 0.1 Cream
€17.90
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Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
€15.89
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Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
€19.59
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Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
€18.70
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PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
€22.00
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Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
€13.02
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Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
€18.33
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PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM
€17.45
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Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad
€20.15
People Say
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “complexion feels so plump — Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum”
- “leaves skin plump — Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner”
- “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”
Lightweight and Fast-Absorbing Texture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “melts into skin — Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream”
- “Feels like water, not heavy oil — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
- “absorbs instantly like water — COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum”
- “sinks in immediately — COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream”
Skin Texture Improvement Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Skin feels super smooth — Anua PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM”
- “skin feels so smooth — Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner”
- “skin feels softer immediately — COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum”
- “Skin feels like glass — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
Pore Cleansing and Acne Control Sometimes NotedOften 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”
- “Melted blackheads right off — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
- “Dissolved my sebaceous filaments immediately — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
Gentle and Non-Irritating Formula Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “No stinging or irritation — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
- “doesn't strip my skin — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
- “no stinging — COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream”
- “didn't sensitize my skin — Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner”
Brightening and Glow Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Significant reduction in hyperpigmentation from acne scarring. — Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum”
- “glass-like glow — Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner”
- “Gives a nice healthy glow — Anua PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM”
- “gives me that glass skin look — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
Breakouts and Acne Clogging Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “gave me fungal acne — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
- “gave me tiny bumps — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
- “gave me closed comedones — COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum”
- “Wrecked my skin barrier — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
Sticky, Tacky or Greasy Finish Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Left such a gross tacky finish that refused to dry. — Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum”
- “leaves a tacky finish — Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner”
- “texture is gooey and stringy — COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream”
- “Leaves a sticky film — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
Slow or No Visible Results Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Did absolutely nothing — Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner”
- “not instant fix — Anua NANO RETINOL™ 0.3% + NIACIN RENEWING SERUM”
- “no change in circles — COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream”
- “Takes a month to work — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
Anua vs COSRX routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€17.50
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Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
€14.00
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Moisturizer
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€23.90
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SPF
Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
Morning
€11.15
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Pre-Cleanser
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Evening · Once a week
€18.21
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Serum or Treatment
Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence
Evening · Once a week
€23.50
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Nourishing Mask
Advanced Snail Mucin Power Sheet Mask
Once a week
€2.20
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Cleanser
Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€14.00
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Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning
€18.33
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Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€35.90
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SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
€15.99
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Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€15.89
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Serum or Treatment
Green Lemon Vita C Blemish Serum
Evening · Once a week
€41.50
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Nourishing Mask
Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask
Once a week
€3.00
Anua vs COSRX routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€9.40
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Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning · Once a week
€14.00
-
Moisturizer
Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€23.90
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SPF
Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen
Morning
€17.19
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Pre-Cleanser
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Evening · Once a week
€18.21
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Cleansing Toner
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Evening
€14.11
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Serum or Treatment
Two In One Poreless Power Liquid
Evening · Once a week
€35.64
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
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Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€16.79
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Cleanser
Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€13.02
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Hydrating Toner
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Once a week
€16.85
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Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€35.90
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
€15.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€15.89
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
€20.49
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
€18.70
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Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€16.79
Anua vs COSRX routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€17.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning · Once a week
€14.00
-
Moisturizer
Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€23.90
-
SPF
Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
Morning
€11.15
-
Pre-Cleanser
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Evening · Once a week
€18.21
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Evening
€14.11
-
Serum or Treatment
Two In One Poreless Power Liquid
Evening · Once a week
€35.64
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
€28.50
-
Cleanser
Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€13.02
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning · Once a week
€18.33
-
Moisturizer
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€16.85
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
€15.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€15.89
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
€20.49
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
€18.70
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
€28.50
Questions and answers
Anua or COSRX: which is better?
Both brands are great choices, but COSRX does better for acne control and gentle formulas, while Anua leads in brightening and glow. For sensitive skin and acne-prone skin, COSRX has a Superior routine fit compared to Anua's High fit level.
What is the difference between Anua and COSRX?
COSRX does better for pore cleansing, acne control, and gentle formulas, while Anua leads in brightening and glow. Both brands match in routine fit for dry, oily, combination, mature skin, dark spots, and dry sensitive skin, but COSRX offers a superior fit for sensitive, acne-prone, and oily acne-prone skin.
Anua or COSRX for dry skin?
Both Anua and COSRX are a High fit for dry skin on the products on this page. COSRX features snail mucin and propolis in items like the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, while Anua relies on heartleaf and gentle hydration in items like the Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner.
Anua or COSRX: which cleanser is better?
Both Anua and COSRX offer effective cleansers, but COSRX does better for pore cleansing and acne control as well as gentle and non-irritating formulas. Reviewers often mention COSRX for effective acne control and clearing, and its products on this page feature key ingredients like salicylic acid and snail mucin.
Which is more affordable, Anua or COSRX?
This page does not provide information comparing the prices or affordability of Anua and COSRX.
Anua or COSRX for dark spots?
Both Anua and COSRX are a High fit for skin with dark spots. Anua does better for brightening and glow among the products on this page, while niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.
Anua or COSRX for acne control?
COSRX is better for acne control than Anua, as COSRX does better for pore cleansing and acne control among the products on this page. COSRX also has a Superior routine fit for acne-prone skin, whereas Anua has a High fit.
Anua or COSRX for oily skin?
Both Anua and COSRX are a High fit for oily skin. The products on this page for both brands offer lightweight, fast-absorbing options that help maintain moisture without feeling heavy.
Anua or COSRX: which moisturizer is better?
Both Anua and COSRX offer top-tier moisturizers on this page, but COSRX is better suited for acne-prone and sensitive skin with a Superior routine fit. Anua focuses strongly on barrier support and calming ingredients, while COSRX is widely noted for deep hydration and effective pore and acne management.
Anua or COSRX for sensitive skin?
COSRX is a better fit for sensitive skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to Anua's High fit level for this skin type. COSRX also excels in providing gentle and non-irritating formulas across the products on this page.
Anua or COSRX: which sunscreen is better?
Both Anua and COSRX offer excellent sunscreen options on this page, with Anua achieving a High fit level for sensitive skin and COSRX offering a Superior fit for acne-prone skin with its Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen. These sunscreens help protect the skin against UV-induced damage, while topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin hydration and quality.
Anua or COSRX for acne-prone skin?
COSRX is a better fit for acne-prone skin, achieving a Superior routine fit compared to Anua's High fit on the products on this page. COSRX also excels in pore cleansing and acne control according to reviewers.
Anua or COSRX for mature skin?
Anua and COSRX both offer a High routine fit for mature skin. Anua is noted for brightening and glow, while COSRX is often recognized for deep hydration and moisturization.
Research behind their key ingredients
Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence
Bifidobacterium longum lysate, a new ingredient for reactive skin
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
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
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
Emulgels powered by coco-glucoside: A stable and effective synbiotics delivery system for skin care
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.
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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
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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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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