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COSRX vs Biore

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

COSRX and Biore are renowned Asian beauty innovators, with the former originating in South Korea in 2013 and the latter established in Japan in 1980. The Korean brand is adored for its thoughtfully formulated serums, moisturizers, cleansers, masks, and more, which harness proven ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide to suit acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin best. Conversely, the Japanese brand is beloved for its accessible sunscreens, cleansers, masks, and makeup removers, all driven by thoughtfully crafted formulas that suit sensitive skin and mature skin best. While both lines care for the complexion remarkably through targeted preparations, they ultimately differ in their foundational heritage, specific key ingredients, and ideal skin types.

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

koreajoongangdaily.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.com

Biore is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by Kao Corporation.

biore.comkao.com

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

Popular COSRX vs Biore products

People Say

COSRXBiore
  • Acne and Pore Control Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “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”
    • “Gets the gunk out — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
    • “Keeps shine away — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
  • Lightweight and Fast-Absorbing 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)”
    • “melts into skin — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
  • Deep Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedSometimes 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”
    • “feels like a moisturizer — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
  • Skin Texture and Smoothing Mostly 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”
    • “Leaves skin feeling clean — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
  • Deep Cleansing and Oil Control Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Face feels squeaky clean — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
    • “No greasy film, leaves skin fresh, rinses easily. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
    • “Removes waterproof mascara, eyeliner, foundation. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
    • “removes every trace of oil — COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser”
  • Soothing and Calming Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “No stinging or irritation — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
    • “perfect for first-time retinol users — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
    • “calms down my redness — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
  • Drying and Stripping Effects Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “left my face tight — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
    • “leaves skin feeling tight — COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser”
    • “Made my skin peel — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
    • “Can feel drying, skin feels tight after use. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
  • Medicinal and Strong Scent Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “smells like chemicals — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
    • “smells like onions — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
    • “smells like tea tree/medicinal — COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)”
    • “smells like alcohol — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
  • Unpleasant Texture and Finish Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “texture is gooey and stringy — COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream”
    • “too slimy and sticky — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
    • “too dewy for oily skin — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
    • “Too liquidy, thin consistency, messy application. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”

COSRX vs Biore routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 99% fit

COSRX vs Biore routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

COSRX vs Biore routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

Questions and answers

COSRX or Biore: which is better?

COSRX is better for acne-prone skin and oily acne-prone skin, where Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior compared to Biore's High rating. The products on this page from COSRX also achieve higher scores in review themes like deep hydration, lightweight absorption, and skin texture smoothing.

What is the difference between COSRX and Biore?

COSRX is founded in South Korea and fits best for acne-prone skin, oily acne-prone skin, and dry skin, while Biore is founded in Japan and fits best for sensitive skin, mature skin, and combination skin. Reviewers note that COSRX outperforms Biore in lightweight absorption, deep hydration, and skin soothing, whereas Biore performs better in deep cleansing and oil control.

COSRX or Biore for dry skin?

For dry skin, both COSRX and Biore achieve a High routine fit level on Lovi. COSRX products on this page often help with deep hydration and moisturization.

COSRX or Biore: which cleanser is better?

When comparing cleansers, COSRX offers superior options for sensitive and acne-prone skin types, while Biore products provide deep cleansing and oil control.

Which is more affordable, COSRX or Biore?

This page does not provide pricing or affordability information to compare COSRX and Biore.

Which brand performs better for deep hydration and moisture?

COSRX performs better for deep hydration and moisture compared to Biore. Reviewers note that COSRX products excel in providing deep hydration and moisturization.

COSRX or Biore for oily skin?

Both COSRX and Biore are a High fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that COSRX provides lightweight absorption, deep hydration, and smoothing benefits.

COSRX or Biore: which sunscreen is better?

For sunscreens, COSRX features options like the Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen and Aloe Soothing Sun Cream which achieve a High fit for sensitive skin, while Biore offers the UV Aqua Rich sunscreen which has an Average fit for sensitive skin. Lovi finds that COSRX generally provides higher routine fit levels for sensitive, acne-prone, and oily skin types compared to Biore on this page.

COSRX or Biore for sensitive skin?

Both COSRX and Biore are great choices for sensitive skin, as Lovi rates both brands with a High routine fit level for this skin type. COSRX products on this page are fragrance-free except for one sunscreen, helping to keep irritation low.

COSRX or Biore for acne-prone skin?

For acne-prone skin, COSRX is superior, whereas Biore has a high routine fit. The products on this page for COSRX help with effective acne control and clearing.

COSRX or Biore for oily acne-prone skin?

COSRX is the better choice for oily acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates its overall routine fit as Superior while Biore's fit is High. Reviewers note that the products on this page help with lightweight absorption and effective acne control.

COSRX or Biore for mature skin?

Both COSRX and Biore are a good choice for mature skin, as Lovi rates their routines as High for this skin type. COSRX products on this page often feature hydrating and anti-aging key ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, which help improve skin texture and moisture.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

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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