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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 thoughtfully formulated serums, moisturizers, cleansers, masks, and toners. The Korean line relies on proven ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide, while the Japanese line is anchored by its signature ingredient, pitera. Both suit acne-prone skin best, though the former also targets oily types and the latter nourishes dry complexions. They differ primarily in their heritage and core compounds, addressing specific blemishes and delicate skin with distinct time-tested efficacies.

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 · 98% 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 · 94% fit

Questions and answers

COSRX or SK-II: which is better?

Both COSRX and SK-II are great brands, with COSRX offering better deep hydration and acne control while SK-II does better with radiance and glow enhancement. For dry skin, Lovi rates SK-II as Superior and COSRX as High, whereas for oily acne-prone skin, Lovi rates COSRX as Superior and SK-II as High.

What is the difference between COSRX and SK-II?

COSRX offers a broader range of deep-hydrating and acne-controlling products with frequent use of snail mucin and niacinamide, whereas SK-II focuses heavily on its signature Pitera ingredient to enhance skin radiance. Lovi rates the routine fit for dry skin as High for COSRX and Superior for SK-II, while both brands achieve equal fit levels for acne-prone, oily, and sensitive skin types.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

COSRX or SK-II for dry skin?

For dry skin, Lovi rates COSRX as High and SK-II as Superior. Reviewers note that COSRX does better for deep hydration and moisturization, while SK-II can sometimes be drying or insufficient for dry skin.

COSRX or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?

When it comes to moisturizers, COSRX does better for deep hydration and moisturization compared to SK-II. Lovi rates the routine fit for dry skin as High for COSRX and Superior for SK-II.

Which is more affordable, COSRX or SK-II?

COSRX is more affordable, though high price points are noted for COSRX.

COSRX or SK-II: which brand is better for reducing dark spots?

Both COSRX and SK-II are good for skin with dark spots, with Lovi rating both brands as having High routine fit for this skin type. Niacinamide, an ingredient found across the products on this page for COSRX, helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

COSRX or SK-II: which provides better radiance and glow enhancement?

SK-II does better for radiance and glow enhancement. Lovi rates the routine fit for skin with dark spots as High for COSRX and High for SK-II.

COSRX or SK-II: which brand's products have fewer fragrance ingredients?

COSRX has 37 out of 38 products on this page with no fragrance, while SK-II has every product on this page listing no fragrance.

COSRX or SK-II for oily skin?

For oily skin, both COSRX and SK-II offer a High routine fit on Lovi. COSRX provides effective acne and oil control across the products on this page.

COSRX or SK-II for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin, both COSRX and SK-II have products on this page that rate as High on Lovi. COSRX features key ingredients like centella asiatica and snail mucin, which help soothe irritation, while SK-II utilizes its signature Pitera to support overall skin health.

COSRX or SK-II for acne-prone skin?

Both COSRX and SK-II achieve a Superior Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. COSRX particularly excels at effective acne and oil control according to reviewers.

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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