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COSRX vs Simple

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

COSRX and Simple are beloved skincare brands offering gentle, targeted formulations designed to support reactive complexions. The Korean line relies on hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide within serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and masks to suit acne-prone and sensitive skin best, while the British brand incorporates niacinamide and glycerin into moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners to suit oily and acne-prone skin best. Ultimately, both brands differ through their distinct founding heritages, specific product lineups, and customized ingredient pairings.

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

koreajoongangdaily.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.com

Simple is a British skincare brand founded in 1960 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2011.

en.wikipedia.orgsec.govprnewswire.comsimple.co.uk

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

Popular COSRX vs Simple products

People Say

COSRXSimple
  • Soothing and Gentle Care Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Does not cause any form of irritation on the skin which I love. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “The only cleanser that doesn't turn my face red. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “no artificial perfume — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “No stinging or irritation — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
  • Texture and Glow 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)”
    • “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
  • Hydration and Moisture 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”
    • “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “Instantly boosts skin's hydration... face doesn't feel dry and tight. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Value and Convenience Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “great value for money — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
    • “super affordable — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “No need to rinse... perfect for traveling or lazy nights. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “fine mist spray — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
  • 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”
    • “Takes off any makeup residue and makes my face feel refreshed. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Drying or Insufficient Moisture Often MentionedOften 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 — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “need to apply multiple layers — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
  • Unpleasant Texture Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “Feels slimy on skin — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
    • “Still feeling a little bit of a film on my skin. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “feels like a film — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “texture is gooey and stringy — COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream”
  • Formulation and Performance Issues Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “weird smell — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
    • “pH is 9 — COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser”
    • “runs with sweat — COSRX Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen”
    • “Did not remove my mascara very well at all. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Packaging and Size Issues Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Worried about the snap top bottle leaking when travelling. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “The cap broke off immediately. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “hard to get last bit out — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “only 20mls... significantly less product — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”

COSRX vs Simple routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 97% fit

COSRX vs Simple routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

COSRX vs Simple routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

COSRX or Simple: which is better?

COSRX is better for acne-prone, oily, and sensitive skin types, where Lovi rates its fit as Superior compared to Simple's High. Reviewers also note that COSRX does better with texture, glow, and acne and pore control.

What is the difference between COSRX and Simple?

COSRX is better suited for acne-prone, sensitive, and oily acne-prone skin, whereas Simple is more value-friendly and offers gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly makeup removers. COSRX also does better for texture and glow as well as acne and pore control, while Simple does better for soothing and gentle care.

COSRX or Simple for dry skin?

Both COSRX and Simple offer a High routine fit for dry skin. COSRX features targeted hydrating options like its snail mucin and propolis products on this page, while Simple provides budget-friendly, fragrance-free basics.

Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

COSRX or Simple: which cleanser is better?

COSRX is better for cleansers on this page, as its cleansers like the Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser achieve Superior fit levels for sensitive, acne-prone, dry, and dry sensitive skin. In contrast, Simple features cleansers like the Refreshing Facial Wash that reach only Average or Low fit levels for those skin types.

Which is more affordable, COSRX or Simple?

Simple is more affordable for value and convenience compared to COSRX.

Between COSRX and Simple, which brand is better for soothing and gentle care?

Simple does better for soothing and gentle care. Lovi rates COSRX as having a superior fit for sensitive skin, while Simple products are often mentioned by reviewers as gentle and sensitive-skin-friendly.

How do the founding years and countries of origin compare between COSRX and Simple?

COSRX was founded in 2013 in South Korea, whereas Simple was founded much earlier, in 1960 in the United Kingdom.

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

COSRX performs better for acne and pore control than Simple.

COSRX or Simple for oily skin?

Both COSRX and Simple offer a High routine fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that COSRX excels in acne and pore control, whereas Simple provides lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers.

COSRX or Simple: which moisturizer is better?

COSRX offers moisturizers with a Superior Lovi fit level for dry skin, whereas Simple moisturizers have an Average Lovi fit level. COSRX products on this page are noted for deep hydration and moisturization.

COSRX or Simple for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin, COSRX has a Superior Lovi fit level while Simple has a High fit level. The products on this page from COSRX help provide gentle and soothing care with key ingredients like centella asiatica and snail mucin.

COSRX or Simple for acne-prone skin?

COSRX has a Superior fit for acne-prone skin, while Simple has a High fit. Reviewers note that the products on this page for COSRX offer effective acne control and clearing.

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

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