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COSRX vs Dr. Althea

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

COSRX and Dr. Althea are renowned Korean skincare brands that offer thoughtfully formulated serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and masks designed for healthy complexions. COSRX harnesses proven components like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide to suit acne-prone and sensitive skin best, whereas Dr. Althea features gentle, nourishing formulas that suit dry skin and mature skin best. While both provide targeted solutions for specific concerns such as dark spots, the former focuses on reactive complexions, and the latter offers soothing hydration and care.

COSRX is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024.

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Dr. Althea is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by The Pure Lab Co., Ltd..

doctoraltheaglobal.comdoctoralthea.co.kr

This page compares some of the most popular COSRX and Dr. Althea products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular COSRX vs Dr. Althea products

People Say

COSRXDr. Althea
  • Soothing and calming sensitive skin Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “doesn't dry out my face — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
    • “skin doesn't feel stripped — Dr. Althea Amino Gel Cleanser”
    • “great for sensitive skin — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
    • “No stinging or irritation — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
  • Texture and skin smoothing Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs instantly like water — COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum”
    • “sinks in immediately — COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream”
    • “absorbs beautifully — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
    • “rich but non-greasy — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
  • Value, barrier, and additional benefits Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “dark skin friendly — COSRX Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen”
    • “doesn't strip my skin — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
    • “strengthened my skin barrier — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
    • “Innovative dial mechanism — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
  • Deep hydration and moisturization 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”
    • “gives a healthy glow — COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum”
    • “consistently hydrated mornings — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
  • Acne and pore control Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “extremely gentle — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
    • “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”
    • “hydrating but light — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
  • Cleansing and lather Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
    • “foam is rich and creamy — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
    • “Removes sunscreen well — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
    • “great for morning routine — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
    • “removes all the oil — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
  • Packaging and size limitations Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “Runs out fast — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
    • “Hard to see remaining amount — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
    • “bottle goes fast — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
    • “only 20mls... significantly less product — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
  • Sticky or heavy finish Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “texture is gooey and stringy — COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream”
    • “Leaves a sticky film — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
    • “too nourishing for combo skin — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
    • “left a moisturizing film — Dr. Althea Amino Gel Cleanser”
  • Caused breakouts and skin irritation Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “too slimy and sticky — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
    • “burned my skin — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
    • “broke me out — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
    • “gave me cystic acne — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”

COSRX vs Dr. Althea routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 97% fit

COSRX vs Dr. Althea routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

COSRX vs Dr. Althea routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

COSRX or Dr. Althea: which is better?

COSRX is better for deep hydration and acne control, while Dr. Althea is better for soothing sensitive skin. Both brands offer great routines for dry and oily skin types.

What is the difference between COSRX and Dr. Althea?

COSRX and Dr. Althea are both South Korean skincare brands founded in the 2010s, but COSRX is better for deep hydration and acne control, whereas Dr. Althea is better for soothing sensitive skin and cleansing. COSRX fits sensitive and acne-prone skin at a Superior level on the products on this page, while Dr. Althea fits those skin types at a High level.

COSRX or Dr. Althea for dry skin?

Both COSRX and Dr. Althea are a High fit for dry skin on the products on this page. COSRX helps deliver deep hydration and moisturization, while Dr. Althea offers soothing moisturizers.

COSRX or Dr. Althea: which cleanser is better?

Dr. Althea does better in cleansing and lather on the products on this page. Reviewers mostly mention Dr. Althea cleansers as gentle, soothing, and providing a good lather.

Which is more affordable, COSRX or Dr. Althea?

The provided page facts do not contain pricing information for either COSRX or Dr. Althea.

COSRX or Dr. Althea: which brand offers better soothing and calming benefits for sensitive skin?

Dr. Althea does better at soothing and calming sensitive skin compared to COSRX. Lovi rates the routine fit for sensitive skin as Superior for COSRX and High for Dr. Althea.

COSRX or Dr. Althea: which brand provides superior deep hydration and moisturization?

COSRX does better than Dr. Althea for deep hydration and moisturization among the products on this page. COSRX helps deliver deep hydration and moisturization through key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which aids in skin quality and signs of aging.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

COSRX or Dr. Althea: which brand is better for acne and pore control?

COSRX does better for acne and pore control, as the products on this page are rated Superior for acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin.

COSRX or Dr. Althea for oily skin?

Both COSRX and Dr. Althea are a High fit for oily skin. Reviewers often note that COSRX provides deep hydration and effective acne control, while Dr. Althea offers gentle cleansers and soothing moisturizers.

COSRX or Dr. Althea: which moisturizer is better?

Both COSRX and Dr. Althea offer highly rated moisturizers on the products on this page, with COSRX excelling in deep hydration and Dr. Althea providing very soothing formulas. COSRX features popular options like the Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream, while Dr. Althea offers the 345 Relief Cream.

COSRX or Dr. Althea for sensitive skin?

COSRX is the better choice for sensitive skin, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to Dr. Althea's High level. The products on this page help provide gentle care and are largely formulated without fragrance.

COSRX or Dr. Althea for acne-prone skin?

COSRX is the better choice for acne-prone skin, as the products on this page achieve a Superior Lovi fit level for this skin type compared to Dr. Althea's High fit.

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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