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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 · 99% fit

COSRX vs SK-II routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

COSRX vs SK-II routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

Questions and answers

COSRX or SK-II: which is better?

Both COSRX and SK-II are great options, but COSRX is often preferred for acne and oil control, whereas SK-II offers superior routine fit ratings across dry, combination, sensitive, and mature skin types on Lovi. COSRX helps deliver deep hydration with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which may improve skin texture and reduce pigmentation.

Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

What is the difference between COSRX and SK-II?

COSRX and SK-II are skincare brands with different company histories, key ingredients, and pricing. COSRX features ingredients like snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide across the products on this page, whereas SK-II relies on Pitera.

COSRX or SK-II for dry skin?

For dry skin, Lovi rates COSRX as High and SK-II as Superior. The products on this page help deliver deep hydration and moisturization.

COSRX or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?

Both COSRX and SK-II offer popular moisturizers, with COSRX known for deep hydration and SK-II providing strong overall routine fit across skin types. COSRX features key moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, while SK-II centers on Pitera. Lovi rates the routine fit for dry skin as High for COSRX and Superior for SK-II.

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

Which is more affordable, COSRX or SK-II?

COSRX is more affordable, as the products on this page are generally associated with a high price point for SK-II while COSRX faces criticism for exorbitant pricing only as a specific review theme compared to its wider range.

COSRX or SK-II for acne and oil control?

COSRX does better than SK-II for acne and oil control, as the products on this page provide effective acne control and clearing.

Which brand has better fragrance-free options?

Both COSRX and SK-II offer multiple fragrance-free choices, as nearly all products on both pages list no fragrance in their ingredients.

COSRX or SK-II for skin radiance and glow?

For skin radiance and glow, SK-II does better than COSRX.

COSRX or SK-II for oily skin?

For oily skin, Lovi rates SK-II as a Superior routine fit and COSRX as a High routine fit. Reviewers note that COSRX does better for effective acne and oil control, while both brands tie for lightweight and fast-absorbing texture.

COSRX or SK-II for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin, both COSRX and SK-II are great choices, as Lovi rates both brands with a High routine fit level. COSRX helps deliver gentle and non-stripping hydration with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.

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

COSRX or SK-II for acne-prone skin?

Both COSRX and SK-II achieve a Superior Lovi routine fit for acne-prone skin. Review themes indicate that COSRX does better for effective acne and oil control among the products on this page.

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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