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COSRX vs Elemis

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

COSRX and Elemis are two distinctive skincare houses, with the former originating in Korea in 2013 and the latter established in Britain in 1989. The Korean line is celebrated for targeted serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and masks featuring hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide, which suit acne-prone and sensitive skin best. Conversely, the British brand is known for nourishing serums, rich moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and refreshing toners anchored by hydrating glycerin and softening shea, making them ideal for mature and dry skin. Ultimately, the two differ in their core botanical approaches and heritage, offering distinct formulas tailored to unique complexions.

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

koreajoongangdaily.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.com

Elemis is a British skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.

elemis.comau.elemis.comen.wikipedia.org

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

Popular COSRX vs Elemis products

People Say

COSRXElemis
  • Deep hydration and moisturization 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”
    • “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
    • “Quenches thirsty skin... immediate improvement. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
  • Lightweight and fast absorption Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Absorbs almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
    • “whipped silk feel — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
    • “cloud-light gel formula — Elemis Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask”
    • “absorbs instantly like water — COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum”
  • Soothing and gentle formulation Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “No stinging or irritation — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
    • “extremely gentle — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
    • “perfect for first-time retinol users — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
    • “no stinging or redness — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
  • Texture and glow improvements 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”
    • “baby soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
    • “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
  • 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”
    • “face feels super clean — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
  • Spa-like and pleasant scents Not notedOften Mentioned
    • “smells like a spa — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
    • “smells like a holiday — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
    • “smells like a tropical cocktail — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
  • Value and price concerns Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “expensive for me — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
    • “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
  • Unpleasant scents Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “smells like chemicals — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
    • “smells like onions — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
    • “smells like tea tree/medicinal — COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)”
    • “The smell is very strong... could not handle for long. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
  • Packaging and size issues Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “jar looks half empty — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
    • “tube feels half empty — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
    • “pump broke quickly — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
    • “only 20mls... significantly less product — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”

COSRX vs Elemis routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 97% fit

COSRX vs Elemis routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

COSRX vs Elemis routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

COSRX or Elemis: which is better?

COSRX is better for sensitive and acne-prone skin, where Lovi rates its fit as Superior compared to Elemis at High. Both brands offer equal routine fit levels for dry, oily, combination, mature, and dark spot skin types on the products on this page.

What is the difference between COSRX and Elemis?

COSRX is an affordable brand founded in South Korea that helps with acne-prone and sensitive skin, while Elemis is a higher-priced brand from the United Kingdom that fits mature and dry skin well.

COSRX or Elemis for dry skin?

Both COSRX and Elemis are great options for dry skin, as the products on this page offer a High routine fit for this skin type. COSRX tends to excel with gentle, hydrating formulations featuring key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, while Elemis is well-known for providing luxurious, deeply hydrating moisturizers.

Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Drug Delivery, 2017

COSRX or Elemis: which cleanser is better?

COSRX offers cleansers like the Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser that achieve a Superior Lovi fit for sensitive and acne-prone skin, whereas Elemis cleansers are better suited for mature and dry skin types.

Which is more affordable, COSRX or Elemis?

COSRX is more affordable, whereas Elemis has frequent reviews noting a high price point. Reviewers mention value and price concerns for COSRX and a high price point for Elemis.

Between COSRX and Elemis, which brand offers better results for mature skin?

Both COSRX and Elemis offer a High Lovi routine fit for mature skin. COSRX features key ingredients like retinol, which helps stimulate collagen accumulation and improve naturally aged skin.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007

How do COSRX and Elemis compare in terms of fragrance across their product lines?

COSRX offers a fragrance-free approach across its product line, with 37 of 38 products listing no fragrance. In contrast, Elemis includes fragrance in the majority of its range, with 18 of 22 products containing fragrance.

COSRX or Elemis: which brand is better suited for skin with dark spots?

Both COSRX and Elemis achieve a High Lovi fit level for skin with dark spots across the products on this page. COSRX helps target pigmentation with key ingredients like niacinamide, which may reduce cutaneous pigmentation.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

COSRX or Elemis for oily skin?

Both COSRX and Elemis offer a high routine fit for oily skin, meaning they are well-suited for this skin type. However, COSRX features specific products like the Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion that provide a Superior fit for oily skin.

COSRX or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?

Both COSRX and Elemis offer moisturizers that fit dry, oily, combination, mature, and dark spot-prone skin at a High level, while COSRX is Superior for sensitive and oily acne-prone skin and Elemis fits dry sensitive skin at a High level. Reviewers mention that Elemis moisturizers provide a luxurious texture, whereas COSRX products help with lightweight absorption and deep hydration.

COSRX or Elemis for sensitive skin?

COSRX is a better fit for sensitive skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to Elemis, which has a High fit. COSRX products on this page are largely formulated without fragrance, helping to provide a gentle and non-irritating experience.

COSRX or Elemis for acne-prone skin?

COSRX is the better choice for acne-prone skin because the products on this page achieve a Superior Lovi fit level for this skin type compared to Elemis, which reaches a High fit level. Review themes also indicate that COSRX does better for acne and pore control.

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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