COSRX vs Allies of Skin
COSRX and Allies of Skin are two renowned skincare lines favored for their targeted approach to clear complexions, though they differ in their origins and formulation styles. The first is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024, beloved for thoughtfully formulated serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and masks that harness hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide. Meanwhile, the second label is known for luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, and targeted eye products featuring powerhouse ingredients like niacinamide. Both brands suit acne-prone skin and oily acne-prone skin best, yet they diverge in their specific product lineups and texture experiences.
COSRX is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024.
koreajoongangdaily.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.com
This page compares some of the most popular COSRX and Allies of Skin products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular COSRX vs Allies of Skin products
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Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
SAR 14.95
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Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
SAR 37.00
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The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum
SAR 45.00
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BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
SAR 328.00
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The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum
SAR 48.02
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Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream
SAR 79.00
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AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
SAR 40.17
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The Retinol 0.1 Cream
SAR 34.05
People Say
Deep hydration and plumping 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”
- “nourished and hydrated — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
- “more like a spray serum — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
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 like glass — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
- “Woke up looking well-rested — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
Lightweight and fast-absorbing 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)”
- “sinks easily into damp skin — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
Gentle and non-stripping Often 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”
- “Best retinol for sensitive skin — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
Soothing and calming Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Redness is less noticeable — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
- “feels super soothing, doesn't trigger redness — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
- “reduces appearance of redness — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
- “calms down my redness — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
Effective acne and pore control Often MentionedSometimes 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”
- “Dramatic impact on acne — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
Small size and high price Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “only 20mls... significantly less product — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
- “tube is tiny — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
- “expensive for me — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
- “Pricey — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
No visible results or ineffective Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “no change in circles — COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream”
- “didn't do anything — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
- “still not impressed with the results — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
- “Have not noticed improved skin quality yet — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
Packaging and pump 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 head is fixed — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
- “bad spritz mechanism — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
COSRX vs Allies of Skin routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 297.00
-
Moisturizer
Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 417.78
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
-
Serum or Treatment
Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 448.77
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
-
Cleanser
Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 53.21
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
SAR 30.00
-
Moisturizer
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 14.95
-
SPF
Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
Morning
SAR 99.50
-
Pre-Cleanser
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 117.06
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Evening
SAR 40.17
-
Serum or Treatment
Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence
Evening · Once a week
SAR 60.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
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Nourishing Mask
Advanced Snail Mucin Power Sheet Mask
Once a week
SAR 145.00
Buy Allies of Skin routine · SAR 1,741.33 · 94% fit
Buy COSRX routine · SAR 690.19 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
COSRX vs Allies of Skin routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 36.33
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 285.48
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 448.77
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
-
Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 57.56
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 30.00
-
Moisturizer
Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.70
-
SPF
Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 43.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 117.06
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Evening
SAR 40.17
-
Serum or Treatment
Two In One Poreless Power Liquid
Evening · Once a week
SAR 30.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
Buy Allies of Skin routine · SAR 1,789.32 · 94% fit
Buy COSRX routine · SAR 843.29 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
COSRX vs Allies of Skin routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 191.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 285.48
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 448.77
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
-
Cleanser
Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 53.21
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 30.00
-
Moisturizer
Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.70
-
SPF
Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
Morning
SAR 99.50
-
Pre-Cleanser
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 117.06
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Evening
SAR 40.17
-
Serum or Treatment
Two In One Poreless Power Liquid
Evening · Once a week
SAR 30.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
Buy Allies of Skin routine · SAR 1,776.13 · 94% fit
Buy COSRX routine · SAR 735.92 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
COSRX or Allies of Skin: which is better?
Both COSRX and Allies of Skin are great choices, with COSRX being a better fit for lightweight texture, gentle non-stripping feel, and acne control, while Allies of Skin excels at soothing and calming. Lovi rates Allies of Skin as having a Superior routine fit for mature skin, whereas COSRX achieves a High routine fit for mature skin.
What is the difference between COSRX and Allies of Skin?
COSRX and Allies of Skin differ primarily in their formulation focus and pricing, with COSRX offering budget-friendly, lightweight products that excel in texture and acne control, while Allies of Skin provides premium anti-aging and calming treatments. Lovi rates Allies of Skin as having a Superior routine fit for mature skin, whereas COSRX achieves a High fit level for that skin type.
COSRX or Allies of Skin for dry skin?
Allies of Skin is a better fit for dry skin, where Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to High for COSRX. Allies of Skin relies heavily on hydrating and plumping serums along with gentle, effective moisturizers.
COSRX or Allies of Skin: which moisturizer is better?
Both COSRX and Allies of Skin offer excellent moisturizers, with Lovi rating the routine fit for dry skin as High for COSRX and Superior for Allies of Skin. Reviewers note that COSRX provides lightweight, fast-absorbing hydration, while Allies of Skin is praised for gentle, effective moisturizers that soothe and calm the skin.
Which is more affordable, COSRX or Allies of Skin?
COSRX is more affordable, whereas Allies of Skin faces reviewer feedback noting a high price point.
Which brand uses fragrance in its skincare products?
COSRX includes fragrance in one of the products on this page, which is the Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+, while Allies of Skin lists no fragrance in any of its products.
COSRX or Allies of Skin for oily skin?
Both brands fit oily skin well, as Lovi rates COSRX Superior and Allies of Skin Superior for this skin type. COSRX features a routine specifically focused on oily skin, whereas Allies of Skin excels in providing gentle, effective moisturizers and calming serums.
COSRX or Allies of Skin for sensitive skin?
Both COSRX and Allies of Skin are great options, as Lovi rates sensitive skin as Superior for the products on this page for both brands. COSRX is often noted for being gentle and non-stripping, while Allies of Skin provides calming serums.
COSRX or Allies of Skin for acne-prone skin?
Both COSRX and Allies of Skin achieve a Superior fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. Reviewers note that COSRX is especially helpful for effective acne and pore control, while Allies of Skin provides gentle, effective moisturizers and calming serums.
COSRX or Allies of Skin for mature skin?
Allies of Skin is a superior fit for mature skin, while the products on this page from COSRX have a high fit level. Allies of Skin offers effective anti-aging and brightening serums that help address aging concerns, though COSRX is also noted for improving skin texture.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Antioxidants, 2021
COSRX or Allies of Skin for skin with dark spots?
For skin with dark spots, Allies of Skin is a superior choice, whereas the products on this page for COSRX achieve a high fit level. Allies of Skin features specialized treatments like its Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum, which helps target pigmentation.
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
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Phyllanthus emblica L. (amla) branch: A safe and effective ingredient against skin aging
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
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
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
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
Clinical efficacy of facial masks containing yoghurt and Opuntia humifusa Raf. (F-YOP)
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
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Effects of a Greek Yoghurt-based Complex on the Human Facial Skin Microbiome
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
-

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
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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