COSRX vs Avène
COSRX and Avène are beloved skincare lines that offer targeted serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and masks. Both brands suit acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin best, yet they differ in their heritage and specific formulations. While the Korean brand relies on hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide to address blemishes and dark spots, the French brand focuses on nourishing glycerin to deliver profound relief without heaviness.
COSRX is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024.
koreajoongangdaily.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.com
Avène is a French skincare brand founded in 1990 and owned by Fondation Pierre Fabre.
pierre-fabre.comavene.co.ukaveneusa.com
This page compares some of the most popular COSRX and Avène products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular COSRX vs Avène 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
-
The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum
SAR 48.02
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Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream
SAR 79.00
-
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
SAR 40.17
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The Retinol 0.1 Cream
SAR 34.05
People Say
Gentle and Non-Stripping Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “No stinging or irritation — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
- “extremely gentle — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
- “leaves face clean but not dry — Avène Cleanance”
- “Perfect cleanser for sensitive skin. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
Hydration and Moisture 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”
- “Restores moisture barrier — Avène Cold Cream”
Lightweight and Fast 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)”
- “absorbs very quickly — Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum”
Skin Texture and Smoothing Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “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”
- “I've noticed a definite improvement in the fine lines around my eyes — Avène RetrinAL EYES”
Soothing and Calming Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Calmed my angry red skin overnight — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “Nothing has ever worked to soothe or heal my skin like these before. — Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm”
- “Calms angry, red skin — Avène Soothing Radiance Mask”
- “calms down my redness — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
Acne and Pores 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”
- “Cleared my cystic acne — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
Unpleasant Texture and Finish Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “texture is gooey and stringy — COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream”
- “too slimy and sticky — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
- “Tube squirted water everywhere — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “Leaves a greasy film — Avène Cold Cream”
Strong Scent or Fragrance Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “smells like chemicals — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
- “smells like onions — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
- “smells like tea tree/medicinal — COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)”
- “The fragrance is very present. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
Packaging Issues and Size Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Tube cracked on the side — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “Cap leaks in bag — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
- “Good product bad packaging. — Avène RetrinAL EYES”
- “only 20mls... significantly less product — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
COSRX vs Avène routines for dry skin
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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
-
Nourishing Mask
Advanced Snail Mucin Power Sheet Mask
Once a week
SAR 145.00
-
Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 93.00
-
Moisturizer
Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 235.36
-
SPF
Ultra Fluid
Morning
SAR 144.89
-
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
Antirougeurs Fort Relief Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
SAR 159.90
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
Buy COSRX routine · SAR 690.19 · 83% fit
Buy Avène routine · SAR 1,135.93 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
COSRX vs Avène routines for oily skin
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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
-
Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 93.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 83.90
-
SPF
Cleanance
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 93.00
-
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
-
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 COSRX routine · SAR 843.29 · 90% fit
Buy Avène routine · SAR 1,148.69 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
COSRX vs Avène routines for combination skin
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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
-
Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 93.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 83.90
-
SPF
Cleanance
Morning
SAR 93.00
-
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
Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 228.00
-
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 COSRX routine · SAR 735.92 · 89% fit
Buy Avène routine · SAR 1,208.83 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
COSRX or Avène: which is better?
COSRX is better for hydration and acne control, while Avène is better for soothing sensitive skin. Both brands offer products with a High routine fit for dry skin.
What is the difference between COSRX and Avène?
COSRX generally provides superior fit levels for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin types compared to Avène. COSRX also excels in hydration, lightweight absorption, and skin texture, whereas Avène is noted for soothing and calming irritation. Furthermore, the products on this page for COSRX mostly feature fragrance-free formulations.
COSRX or Avène for dry skin?
Both COSRX and Avène offer a High routine fit for dry skin. The products on this page help provide deep hydration and moisturization, with COSRX having fewer fragranced options.
COSRX or Avène: which cleanser is better?
COSRX cleansers generally offer better fit levels across more skin types on the products on this page, whereas Avène cleansers tend to be more limited for sensitive or dry skin. For instance, the Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser achieves a Superior fit for sensitive, acne-prone, dry, and dry sensitive skin.
Which is more affordable, COSRX or Avène?
The products on this page do not have pricing information, so affordability cannot be compared here.
Between COSRX and Avène, which brand is better for dry sensitive skin?
Between COSRX and Avène, COSRX is better for dry sensitive skin because Lovi rates its routine fit as High compared to Avène's Average fit. Furthermore, the products on this page help provide deep hydration and soothing care with minimal fragrance.
Which brand has more fragrance-free products, COSRX or Avène?
COSRX has more fragrance-free products, as 37 of its 38 products on this page list no fragrance compared to only 7 of 15 products for Avène.
COSRX or Avène: which brand does better for soothing and calming?
Avène does better for soothing and calming. Lovi rates Avène with a High fit for sensitive skin, and reviewers frequently mention that its products soothe irritation.
COSRX or Avène for oily skin?
For oily skin, COSRX has a Superior fit level while Avène has a High fit level. Reviewers note that COSRX delivers better results for lightweight absorption, hydration, skin texture, and acne control, and its products on this page feature significantly fewer added fragrances.
COSRX or Avène: which moisturizer is better?
COSRX offers moisturizers that deliver superior hydration and lightweight absorption, while Avène excels at soothing irritation with formulas tailored to sensitive skin. COSRX has a higher proportion of fragrance-free options across its moisturizer range, whereas Avène features thermal water-infused choices.
COSRX or Avène for sensitive skin?
COSRX is a Superior fit for sensitive skin, whereas Avène has a High fit for it. COSRX features 37 out of 38 products on the page with no added fragrance, helping reduce the likelihood of irritation.
COSRX or Avène: which sunscreen is better?
For sunscreens, COSRX features options like the Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen, which has a High Lovi fit level for sensitive, mature, and dry skin, whereas Avène includes sunscreens such as Cleanance with a High Lovi fit level for oily skin and dark spots. COSRX tends to offer more fragrance-free choices, as 37 of its 38 products on this page list no fragrance compared to Avène where nearly half of the listed sunscreens and products contain fragrance.
COSRX or Avène for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, COSRX has a Superior routine fit, while Avène has a High routine fit. COSRX features more products rated Superior for this skin type, such as the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence.
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
An oil-soluble extract of Rubus idaeus cells enhances hydration and water homeostasis in skin cells
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
Comparative benefit of two thermal spring waters after photodynamic therapy procedure
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
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
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
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
-

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
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

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