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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 distinct skincare brands that offer reliable daily care through thoughtfully formulated products. The Korean brand is known for its targeted serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and masks featuring hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide, while the British brand is beloved for its gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners incorporating niacinamide and glycerin. Both brands suit acne-prone skin best, though the former excels at addressing specific blemishes effectively with ingredients like snail mucin and propolis, whereas the latter offers a nurturing approach through soothing toners and micellar waters.

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 · 99% 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 · 95% fit

Questions and answers

COSRX or Simple: which is better?

COSRX outperforms Simple for acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin with a Superior Lovi fit level, whereas Simple holds an equal fit level for most other skin types. COSRX also does better on texture and glow as well as acne and pore control, while Simple does better on soothing and gentle care and value and convenience.

What is the difference between COSRX and Simple?

COSRX excels in acne and pore control as well as texture and glow, while Simple stands out for soothing, gentle care, value, and convenience. The products on this page from both brands offer equal routine fit for most skin types, though COSRX is superior for acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin.

COSRX or Simple for dry skin?

Both COSRX and Simple offer a High routine fit for dry skin, though COSRX products on this page feature a Superior fit specifically for dry sensitive skin. Hyaluronic acid helps bind moisture to the skin to improve hydration.

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

COSRX or Simple: which cleanser is better?

COSRX is better for acne-prone skin, as the products on this page show superior fit levels for cleansers like the Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser, whereas Simple cleansers like the Refreshing Facial Wash rate only average or low.

Which is more affordable, COSRX or Simple?

Simple does better for value and convenience among the products on this page, offering lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers. Reviewers note that COSRX can sometimes have small bottle sizes or quantities.

Between COSRX and Simple, which brand is better for managing skin with dark spots?

COSRX and Simple offer equal fit levels for skin with dark spots, as Lovi rates both brands as High for this skin concern. Both brands use niacinamide, which helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

How do COSRX and Simple compare when it comes to fragrance-free product options?

Both brands offer extensive fragrance-free product options on this page, as every Simple product lists no fragrance and 37 out of 38 COSRX products also list no fragrance. This means shoppers seeking unscented skincare may find suitable choices across almost the entire range of both brands.

Which brand performs better for texture and glow according to reviewers?

According to reviewers, COSRX performs better for texture and glow.

COSRX or Simple for oily skin?

Both COSRX and Simple have a High routine fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that COSRX provides better texture and glow, while Simple offers better value and convenience.

COSRX or Simple: which moisturizer is better?

COSRX is better for moisturizers on this page, as its moisturizers like the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence fit dry skin at a Superior level, whereas Simple moisturizers like the Hydrating Light Moisturiser fit dry skin at an Average level.

COSRX or Simple for sensitive skin?

Both COSRX and Simple offer an equal routine fit level of High for sensitive skin. The products on this page for both brands are formulated without fragrance.

COSRX or Simple for acne-prone skin?

COSRX is a better fit for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior while Simple achieves a High level.

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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