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COSRX vs Galderma

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

COSRX and Galderma are distinct skincare brands, with the former being a Korean line founded in 2013 and the latter a Swiss company established in 1981. Skincare enthusiasts adore COSRX for its thoughtfully formulated serums, moisturizers, cleansers, masks, and more, which harness proven ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide, while the Swiss brand is recognized here specifically for its serums. Both brands suit acne-prone skin best because their targeted formulations address specific blemishes effectively. They differ in their origins and product ranges, as the Korean brand offers a diverse array of items featuring snail mucin, propolis, and centella, whereas the Swiss brand provides specialized gel treatments like Epiduo and Benzac.

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

koreajoongangdaily.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.com

Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.org

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

Popular COSRX vs Galderma products

People Say

COSRXGalderma
  • Acne and Oil Control Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “cleared up my skin — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
    • “cystic acne gone — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
    • “stops new pimples — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
    • “helped to improve my acne after only 2 weeks — COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser”
  • Soothing and Gentle Formulas Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “No stinging or irritation — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
    • “extremely gentle — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
    • “perfect for first-time retinol users — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
    • “didn't burn my face — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
  • Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “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)”
    • “skin feels smooth — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedNot 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”
  • Results and Efficacy Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “scars are fading — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
    • “angry redness tones down — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
    • “diminished fine lines under eyes — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
  • Dryness and Peeling Often MentionedMostly 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 on its own — COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream”
    • “skin flaking off — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Eye and Sensation Discomfort Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “stings really bad if it accidentally gets in the eyes — COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser”
    • “burns eyes when sweating — COSRX Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen”
    • “stings my eyes bad — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
    • “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Purging and Side Effects Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “The purging is real — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
    • “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Packaging and Size Often MentionedNot noted
    • “only 20mls... significantly less product — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”

COSRX vs Galderma serums and treatments

Questions and answers

COSRX or Galderma: which is better?

COSRX is better for soothing, gentle formulas, deep hydration, and texture, while Galderma does better for acne and oil control as well as results and efficacy. For dry skin, the products on this page show Lovi fit levels ranging from Superior to Warning, while Galderma products fit acne-prone and oily skin with High levels.

What is the difference between COSRX and Galderma?

COSRX tends to offer more soothing and gentle formulas with high hydration and moisture, while Galderma focuses on effective acne-clearing serums that may cause severe dryness and peeling. The products on this page from COSRX are best suited for acne-prone skin, oily acne-prone skin, and oily skin.

Which is more affordable, COSRX or Galderma?

This page does not provide pricing information or comparisons of affordability for COSRX or Galderma products.

Which causes fewer breakouts, COSRX or Galderma?

Galderma does better for acne and oil control, while COSRX is noted for soothing and gentle formulas. Galderma features effective acne-clearing serums.

Between COSRX and Galderma, which brand is better for soothing and gentle formulas?

COSRX does better for soothing and gentle formulas, as the products on this page help provide gentle and non-irritating care compared to Galderma.

How do the founding years and countries of origin compare between COSRX and Galderma?

COSRX was founded in 2013 in South Korea, whereas Galderma was founded in 1981 in Switzerland.

Which brand has more fragrance-free products listed on the page?

Both COSRX and Galderma offer extensive fragrance-free options, with almost every product on this page listing no fragrance. Specifically, 37 of the 38 COSRX products and all Galderma products are formulated without added fragrance.

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?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.

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