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COSRX vs SK-II

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

COSRX and SK-II are beloved Asian skincare brands offering targeted serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and masks designed to address various complexions. The Korean brand relies on proven ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide to suit acne-prone and oily skin, whereas the Japanese brand anchors its luxurious formulations in signature pitera to nurture dry and acne-prone skin. While both labels effectively treat blemishes and dark spots, they differ through distinct active compounds and cultural origins that cater to contrasting textural needs.

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

koreajoongangdaily.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.com

SK-II is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by The Procter & Gamble Company since 1991.

en.wikipedia.orgdiscoversk-ii.wixsite.comglossy.co

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

Popular COSRX vs SK-II products

People Say

COSRXSK-II
  • Lightweight and fast-absorbing texture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “absorbs instantly like water — COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum”
    • “sinks in immediately — COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream”
    • “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “Absorbs into the skin quickly. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
  • 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”
    • “flooded my skin with moisture — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Improves skin texture and smoothness 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”
    • “skin feels soft as butter — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “pores became miraculously invisible — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Gentle and non-stripping formula Mostly MentionedSometimes 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”
    • “Leaves skin soft, feels moisturized, does not dry out skin. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
  • Radiance and glow enhancement Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “gives a glass skin look — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “leaves me with a red carpet glow — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “Skin looks brighter — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
  • Effective acne and oil 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”
    • “Controls T-zone oil — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
  • Exorbitant and high price point Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • 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 absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Unpleasant scent or fragrance Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “smells like chemicals — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
    • “smells like onions — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
    • “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “smells slightly like saliva — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
  • Drying or insufficient for dry skin Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “quite thick consistency — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
    • “Need extra moisturizer — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
    • “left my face tight — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”

COSRX vs SK-II routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 98% fit

COSRX vs SK-II routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 97% fit

COSRX vs SK-II routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

COSRX or SK-II: which is better?

COSRX is better for deep hydration, acne control, and sensitive skin, while SK-II does better for radiance and glow enhancement. Lovi rates COSRX as having a Superior routine fit for sensitive skin and oily acne-prone skin, and SK-II as having a Superior routine fit for dry skin.

What is the difference between COSRX and SK-II?

COSRX is a South Korean brand known for targeted ingredients like snail mucin and effective acne control, whereas SK-II is a Japanese brand famous for its signature Pitera ingredient. Lovi rates COSRX as having a Superior routine fit for sensitive and oily acne-prone skin, while SK-II offers a Superior routine fit for dry skin.

COSRX or SK-II for dry skin?

For dry skin, COSRX offers a High routine fit and SK-II offers a Superior routine fit. COSRX helps with deep hydration and moisturization, whereas SK-II has reviewer feedback noting it can sometimes be drying or insufficient for dry skin.

COSRX or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?

COSRX offers moisturizers that are well known for deep hydration and effective acne control, while SK-II features popular options like the Facial Treatment Essence. Lovi rates the routine fit for dry skin as High for COSRX and Superior for SK-II. Reviewers mention that COSRX products help provide deep hydration and moisturization.

Which is more affordable, COSRX or SK-II?

When it comes to price, COSRX does better while SK-II faces a high price point.

COSRX or SK-II for acne and oil control?

COSRX is better for acne and oil control because the products on this page help provide effective acne control and clearing, and Lovi rates COSRX as having a Superior routine fit for oily acne-prone skin.

Which brand offers better deep hydration and moisturization, COSRX or SK-II?

COSRX does better than SK-II for deep hydration and moisturization according to the reviewer themes on this page.

COSRX or SK-II for oily skin?

For oily skin, COSRX offers superior routine fit according to Lovi, while SK-II provides high routine fit. The products on this page help with oil control and hydration without feeling heavy.

COSRX or SK-II for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin, COSRX is the better choice because Lovi rates its fit as Superior while SK-II achieves a High fit level. The products on this page help provide gentle and non-stripping hydration with key ingredients like centella asiatica and snail mucin.

COSRX or SK-II for acne-prone skin?

Both COSRX and SK-II are great options for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates their routine fit as Superior for both brands. COSRX products on this page help with effective acne control and clearing.

COSRX or SK-II for mature skin?

For mature skin, Lovi rates both COSRX and SK-II as High. Reviewers note that the products on this page help provide deep hydration and improve skin texture.

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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