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COSRX vs Galderma

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

COSRX and Galderma are distinct skincare brands originating from South Korea and Switzerland, respectively. The Korean brand is a beloved line of thoughtfully formulated serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and masks featuring hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide, while the Swiss brand focuses on specialized serums. Both choices suit acne-prone skin, yet the first option also elegantly serves sensitive complexions through gentle, targeted formulations. Ultimately, they differ in their heritage and product variety, with the former emphasizing nourishing hydration and the latter offering potent acne treatments.

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

koreajoongangdaily.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.com

Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.org

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

Popular COSRX vs Galderma products

People Say

COSRXGalderma
  • Acne and Oil Control Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “cleared up my skin — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
    • “cystic acne gone — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
    • “stops new pimples — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
    • “helped to improve my acne after only 2 weeks — COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser”
  • Soothing and Gentle Formulas 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”
    • “didn't burn my face — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
  • Texture and Absorption 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)”
    • “skin feels smooth — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “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”
  • Results and Efficacy Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “scars are fading — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
    • “angry redness tones down — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
    • “diminished fine lines under eyes — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
  • Dryness and Peeling Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “left my face tight — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
    • “leaves skin feeling tight — COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser”
    • “not moisturizing enough on its own — COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream”
    • “skin flaking off — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Eye and Sensation Discomfort Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “stings really bad if it accidentally gets in the eyes — COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser”
    • “burns eyes when sweating — COSRX Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen”
    • “stings my eyes bad — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
    • “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Purging and Side Effects Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “The purging is real — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
    • “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Packaging and Size Often MentionedNot noted
    • “only 20mls... significantly less product — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”

COSRX vs Galderma serums and treatments

Questions and answers

COSRX or Galderma: which is better?

COSRX is better for soothing and gentle formulas, texture and absorption, and hydration and moisture, whereas Galderma performs better for acne and oil control and overall results and efficacy. Reviewers report that COSRX provides lightweight absorption and deep hydration, while Galderma offers effective acne-clearing serums.

What is the difference between COSRX and Galderma?

COSRX specializes in soothing, gentle formulations focused on hydration and skin texture, whereas Galderma excels at targeted acne and oil control with potent serums. Reviewers note that COSRX provides lightweight absorption and deep moisture, while Galderma's products can cause severe dryness and peeling.

Which is more affordable, COSRX or Galderma?

This page does not provide pricing information or compare the affordability of COSRX and Galderma.

Which causes fewer breakouts, COSRX or Galderma?

Galderma is recognized for better acne and oil control across its products on this page, while COSRX focuses more on soothing and gentle formulas.

Between COSRX and Galderma, which brand is better for soothing and gentle formulas?

COSRX does better for soothing and gentle formulas, as reviewers often mention that the products on this page are gentle and non-irritating.

How do the founding years and home countries of COSRX and Galderma compare?

COSRX was founded in 2013 in South Korea, whereas Galderma was founded earlier, in 1981, in Switzerland.

Which brand performs better for acne and oil control according to review themes?

Galderma performs better for acne and oil control according to the review themes on this page.

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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