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COSRX vs Dr. Barbara Sturm

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

COSRX and Dr. Barbara Sturm are distinct skincare lines founded in 2013 and 2014, respectively, offering targeted formulations for daily routines. COSRX is celebrated for its serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and masks featuring hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide, which suit acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin best by addressing blemishes effectively. Conversely, the German brand is deeply loved for its gentle moisturizers, clarifying exfoliants, and nourishing serums built on scientifically advanced formulas that suit sensitive, dry, and balanced skin best through deep hydration and barrier support. While both brands harness proven components to improve the complexion, they differ fundamentally in their ideal skin types and core approach.

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

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Dr. Barbara Sturm is a German skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by Puig since 2024.

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

Popular COSRX vs Dr. Barbara Sturm products

People Say

COSRXDr. Barbara Sturm
  • Texture improvement and glow Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “skin texture is immediately more even — Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser”
    • “skin looks brighter — Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum”
    • “sinks in quickly — Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum”
    • “gives me that glass skin look — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
  • Deep hydration and plumping 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”
    • “skin drank it up — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”
    • “lines less visible — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”
  • Soothing and calming effects Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “doesn't irritate my sensitive skin — Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum”
    • “reduced redness — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”
    • “calms down my redness — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
  • Lightweight and fast absorption 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 immediately — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”
  • Acne and pore control Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “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”
    • “deep yet gentle cleanse — Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser”
  • Gentle and non-stripping Often MentionedNot noted
    • “No stinging or irritation — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
    • “perfect for first-time retinol users — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
    • “doesn't strip my skin — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
  • Small size, quantity, and high price Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “only 20mls... significantly less product — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
    • “tube is tiny — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
    • “expensive for me — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
    • “way too expensive — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”
  • No visible or slow results Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Takes a month to work — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
    • “didn't do anything — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
    • “did absolutely nothing — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
    • “did nothing — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”
  • Drying or insufficient for dry skin Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “face feels a bit tight — Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser”
    • “left my face tight — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
  • Sticky or tacky 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”
    • “tacky finish — Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum”

Questions and answers

COSRX or Dr. Barbara Sturm: which is better?

COSRX is better for lightweight absorption, acne and pore control, and a gentle, non-stripping feel, whereas Dr. Barbara Sturm does better for texture improvement, glow, and soothing or calming effects. Both brands deliver equal deep hydration and plumping.

What is the difference between COSRX and Dr. Barbara Sturm?

COSRX excels at acne and pore control, offering lightweight absorption and gentle formulas, whereas Dr. Barbara Sturm tends to do better with texture improvement, glow, and soothing effects. Hyaluronic acid helps provide deep hydration and plumping for both brands.

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

COSRX or Dr. Barbara Sturm: which moisturizer is better?

When comparing moisturizers, COSRX offers superior fit levels across a wide range of skin types with products like the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, whereas Dr. Barbara Sturm features options like the Hyaluronic Serum that generally show average fit levels. Sodium hyaluronate in these moisturizers helps with wound healing and skin hydration.

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

Which is more affordable, COSRX or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

COSRX is more affordable, whereas the products on this page for Dr. Barbara Sturm are noted for a high price. COSRX helps shoppers find budget-friendly options, while Dr. Barbara Sturm positions itself in the luxury tier.

Which causes fewer breakouts, COSRX or Dr. Barbara Sturm?

COSRX is better for acne and pore control, whereas the products on this page for Dr. Barbara Sturm lack specific skin type focuses for acne. COSRX helps with acne control and clearing, and the brand fits acne-prone skin best.

When were COSRX and Dr. Barbara Sturm founded and who currently owns them?

COSRX was founded in South Korea in 2013 and is owned by Amorepacific Group, while Dr. Barbara Sturm was founded in Germany in 2014 and is owned by Puig.

How does the fragrance content compare between COSRX and Dr. Barbara Sturm products on this page?

COSRX has almost entirely fragrance-free products on this page, with just one sunscreen containing fragrance, while every Dr. Barbara Sturm product on this page lists no fragrance.

Which brand performs better for texture improvement and glow according to the review themes?

Dr. Barbara Sturm performs better for texture improvement and glow according to the review themes.

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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