COSRX vs Augustinus Bader
COSRX and Augustinus Bader are distinguished skincare brands offering targeted solutions for diverse complexions. The Korean pioneer features thoughtfully formulated serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and masks harnessing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide to suit acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin best. Meanwhile, the German label is loved for nourishing moisturizers, targeted serums, and soothing eye products powered by sophisticated formulas that suit dry and dry sensitive skin best. While both support the complexion with measured, graceful efficacy, they differ fundamentally in their ingredient philosophies and ideal skin types.
COSRX is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024.
koreajoongangdaily.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.com
Augustinus Bader is a German skincare brand founded in 2018.
augustinusbader.combeautymatter.compitchbook.com
This page compares some of the most popular COSRX and Augustinus Bader products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular COSRX vs Augustinus Bader products
People Say
Lightweight and fast-absorbing texture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “light but nourishing — Augustinus Bader The Cream”
- “sinks in instantly — Augustinus Bader The Serum”
- “light gel texture — Augustinus Bader The Eye Cream”
- “absorbs instantly like water — COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum”
Deep hydration and moisturization Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Instantly hydrated — Augustinus Bader The Face Oil”
- “Extremely dry skin saved — Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream”
- “healthy glow — Augustinus Bader The Serum”
- “skin drinks it up — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
Skin texture improvement and smoothness Often MentionedMostly 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”
- “Softens fine lines — Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream”
- “skin is smoother — Augustinus Bader The Cream”
Gentle and non-stripping formulation Often MentionedNot 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”
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”
Convenient packaging Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “Luxurious heavy bottle — Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream”
- “epitome of luxury — Augustinus Bader The Serum”
- “fine mist spray — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
High price per value Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “expensive for me — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
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”
- “didn't see dramatic results — Augustinus Bader The Cream”
Packaging and dispensing issues Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “tube cracked on the side — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
- “hate dipping fingers in — COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream”
- “pump clogs easily — Augustinus Bader The Eye Cream”
- “Pump stopped working — Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream”
Medicinal and unpleasant scent Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “smells like chemicals — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
- “smells like onions — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
- “Smells like old crayons — Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream”
- “Smells like vegetable oil — Augustinus Bader The Face Oil”
COSRX vs Augustinus Bader routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€21.95
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Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
€16.89
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Moisturizer
The Rich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€290.55
-
SPF
Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen
Morning
€20.01
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€11.83
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
€13.99
-
Serum or Treatment
The Serum
Evening · Once a week
€474.90
-
Nourishing Mask
LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask_EX
Once a week
€33.90
-
Cleanser
Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€17.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
€19.90
-
Moisturizer
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€23.90
-
SPF
Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
Morning
€14.01
- Pre-Cleanser The Niacinamide 15 Serum Evening · Once a week
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Evening · Once a week
€20.23
-
Serum or Treatment
Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence
Evening · Once a week
€22.90
-
Nourishing Mask
Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask
Once a week
€24.90
COSRX vs Augustinus Bader routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€21.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.90
-
Moisturizer
The Eye Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€269.99
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€33.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€11.83
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€18.05
-
Serum or Treatment
The Serum
Evening · Once a week
€474.90
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€72.82
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€15.72
-
Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€13.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.90
-
Moisturizer
Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€23.90
-
SPF
Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen
Morning
€18.00
- Pre-Cleanser The Niacinamide 15 Serum Evening · Once a week
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Evening
€20.23
-
Serum or Treatment
Two In One Poreless Power Liquid
Evening · Once a week
€29.50
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€72.82
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€15.72
COSRX vs Augustinus Bader routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€16.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
The Eye Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€269.99
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€33.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€11.83
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
€16.99
-
Serum or Treatment
The Serum
Evening · Once a week
€474.90
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€15.72
-
Cleanser
Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€17.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.90
-
Moisturizer
Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€23.90
-
SPF
Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
Morning
€14.01
- Pre-Cleanser The Niacinamide 15 Serum Evening · Once a week
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Evening · Once a week
€20.23
-
Serum or Treatment
Two In One Poreless Power Liquid
Evening · Once a week
€29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€15.72
Questions and answers
COSRX or Augustinus Bader: which is better?
COSRX is better for acne control and gentle, affordable formulations, while Augustinus Bader excels in deep hydration, radiance, and lightweight moisturizers. Lovi rates Augustinus Bader as Superior for dry, dry sensitive, and mature skin, and COSRX as Superior for acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin.
What is the difference between COSRX and Augustinus Bader?
COSRX is an affordable South Korean brand focused on gentle formulas for acne-prone, oily, and sensitive skin, whereas Augustinus Bader is a luxury German brand centered on anti-aging and deep hydration for dry and mature skin. Reviewers note that COSRX provides better acne and pore control, while Augustinus Bader excels in lightweight texture and deep moisturization.
COSRX or Augustinus Bader for dry skin?
For dry skin, Augustinus Bader is the better choice because Lovi rates its routine as Superior, compared to High for COSRX.
COSRX or Augustinus Bader: which moisturizer is better?
Augustinus Bader has a Superior routine fit for dry skin with its moisturizers like The Rich Cream, whereas COSRX achieves a High fit for dry skin. Augustinus Bader is also noted for its lightweight moisturizers and deep hydration, while COSRX products on this page offer deep hydration and moisturization with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Dermatologic Therapy, 2022Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015
Which is more affordable, COSRX or Augustinus Bader?
COSRX is more affordable, whereas reviewers frequently mention extreme prices for Augustinus Bader.
Between COSRX and Augustinus Bader, which brand is better suited for mature skin?
Augustinus Bader is better suited for mature skin, achieving a Superior routine fit compared to COSRX which has a High fit. The products on this page for Augustinus Bader also excel in deep hydration and lightweight moisturizers.
How do the founding years and corporate ownership of COSRX and Augustinus Bader compare?
COSRX was founded in South Korea in 2013 and has been owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024, whereas Augustinus Bader was founded in Germany in 2018 and remains independently owned.
Which brand performs better for acne and pore control according to review themes?
According to the review themes, COSRX performs better for acne and pore control than Augustinus Bader.
COSRX or Augustinus Bader for oily skin?
For oily skin, Lovi rates COSRX as High and Augustinus Bader as Superior. Reviewers mention that COSRX provides gentle and non-stripping formulation as well as acne and pore control, while Augustinus Bader offers lightweight and fast-absorbing texture and deep hydration and moisturization.
COSRX or Augustinus Bader for sensitive skin?
Augustinus Bader has a Superior routine fit for sensitive skin, while COSRX has a High fit. Reviewers say Augustinus Bader provides deep hydration and lightweight moisturizers, while COSRX is often noted for being gentle and non-stripping.
COSRX or Augustinus Bader for acne-prone skin?
Both COSRX and Augustinus Bader achieve a Superior routine fit for acne-prone skin on Lovi. COSRX features targeted acne-clearing formulas, while Augustinus Bader helps deliver lightweight moisturization with TFC8.
Research behind their key ingredients
Bifidobacterium longum lysate, a new ingredient for reactive skin
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Resveratrol as a Multifunctional Topical Hypopigmenting Agent
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Fermented pomegranate extracts protect against oxidative stress and aging of skin
Phyllanthus emblica L. (amla) branch: A safe and effective ingredient against skin aging
The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediols
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Skin moisturization by hydrogenated polyisobutene--quantitative and visual evaluation
Effects of an ultraviolet B radiation absorber on photocarcinogenesis in hairless albino mice
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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