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COSRX vs ISDIN

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

COSRX and ISDIN are established skincare brands offering distinct approaches to daily care. The Korean brand, founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024, is beloved for its thoughtful array of serums, moisturizers, cleansers, masks, and more, which harness key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide to suit oily skin and sensitive skin best. Meanwhile, the Spanish brand, founded in 1975 and owned by Puig, features elegant moisturizers, advanced sunscreens, restorative serums, and targeted eye products that suit dry skin and sensitive skin best by providing gentle daily comfort and dependable protection. While both cater to sensitive complexions through carefully crafted remedies, the brands differ primarily in their regional heritage, foundational ingredient philosophies, and target formulations.

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

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ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig.

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

Popular COSRX vs ISDIN products

People Say

COSRXISDIN
  • Lightweight and fast-absorbing texture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply — ISDIN Fusion Water”
    • “Lightweight formula absorbs fast — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
    • “absorbs instantly like water — COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum”
  • 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”
    • “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
    • “My skin felt sooo hydrated and looks so plump and dewey. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
  • Gentle and non-stripping formulation Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “No stinging or irritation — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
    • “perfect for first-time retinol users — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
    • “Sensitive/reactive skin tolerates — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
    • “no excessive exfoliation — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
  • Skin texture and smoothing improvement Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “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 like glass — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
    • “skin looks smooth and healthy — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
  • Invisible and non-greasy sunscreen finish Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “doesn't leave you white as a ghost — ISDIN Fusion Water”
    • “dries down matte — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “Non-greasy — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
    • “dark skin friendly — COSRX Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen”
  • Effective acne and pore control Often MentionedNot noted
    • “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”
  • Strong scent or medicinal fragrance Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “smells like chemicals — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
    • “smells like onions — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
    • “smell is overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “lingering headache inducing effect — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
  • Packaging and size issues Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “My only wish is that ISDIN would make this product in a bigger size bottle. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
    • “Pump stopped working — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
    • “I like the actual product, but the packaging is awful, I've already lost three bottles the applicator pops off. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
    • “only 20mls... significantly less product — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
  • Price and value considerations Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “expensive for me — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
    • “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”

COSRX vs ISDIN routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 98% fit

COSRX vs ISDIN routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

COSRX vs ISDIN routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

Questions and answers

COSRX or ISDIN: which is better?

Both brands offer strong options depending on your specific skin goals, as ISDIN achieves a Superior routine fit for mature skin while COSRX delivers High fit. ISDIN stands out for its ultralight sunscreens and fast-absorbing textures, whereas COSRX is favored for effective acne control and better price value.

What is the difference between COSRX and ISDIN?

COSRX is founded in South Korea and fits best for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin, whereas ISDIN is founded in Spain and fits best for dry, sensitive, and mature skin. The products on this page show that COSRX often relies on snail mucin and gentle exfoliants, while ISDIN is recognized for its ultralight sunscreens.

COSRX or ISDIN for dry skin?

For dry skin, ISDIN offers a Superior routine fit, whereas COSRX achieves a High fit on the products on this page.

COSRX or ISDIN: which moisturizer is better?

ISDIN achieves a Superior fit for dry skin moisturization with options like its Hyaluronic Concentrate, whereas COSRX achieves a High fit for dry skin with products like its Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and combat signs of aging.

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

Which is more affordable, COSRX or ISDIN?

COSRX is more affordable, as price and value considerations are listed as an advantage for COSRX while high price point is a frequent review drawback for ISDIN.

Between COSRX and ISDIN, which brand is better for mature skin?

Between COSRX and ISDIN, Lovi rates ISDIN as Superior for mature skin, while COSRX has a High fit level. ISDIN features retinol in products like Retinal Intense Serum, which helps improve mature skin.

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

How do COSRX and ISDIN differ in their country of origin and founding year?

COSRX was founded in South Korea in 2013, whereas ISDIN was founded in Spain in 1975.

Which brand performs better for skin texture and smoothing improvement?

COSRX performs better for skin texture and smoothing improvement. The products on this page help improve skin texture.

COSRX or ISDIN for oily skin?

Both COSRX and ISDIN offer a Superior routine fit for oily skin. The products on this page help provide lightweight hydration and effective oil control.

COSRX or ISDIN: which sunscreen is better?

Both COSRX and ISDIN offer sunscreens with high or superior Lovi fit levels across skin types, with ISDIN particularly noted by reviewers for its ultralight and makeup-friendly finish. COSRX also provides fragrance-free options like its Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen, while the products on this page for ISDIN include sunscreens with fragrance.

COSRX or ISDIN for sensitive skin?

Both COSRX and ISDIN offer a Superior routine fit for sensitive skin. COSRX features gentle formulations with minimal fragrance, while ISDIN provides lightweight sunscreens and moisturizers that help soothe reactive skin.

COSRX or ISDIN for acne-prone skin?

For acne-prone skin, Lovi rates both COSRX and ISDIN as having a Superior routine fit. COSRX products on this page are known for 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

How does it fit your skin?

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