COSRX vs Cetaphil
COSRX and Cetaphil are two renowned skincare brands offering thoughtfully formulated cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and more for various complexions. The former utilizes hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide to suit acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin best, while the latter harnesses glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol to ideal effect for combination and acne-prone skin. Both brands provide standout options for targeted concerns, though they differ through their distinct heritage and precise ingredient combinations.
COSRX is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024.
koreajoongangdaily.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.com
Cetaphil is an American skincare brand founded in 1947 and owned by Galderma Group AG.
en.wikipedia.orgcetaphil.co.uk
This page compares some of the most popular COSRX and Cetaphil products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular COSRX vs Cetaphil 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
-
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 Moisture 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”
- “cleared up flaky skin — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
- “healed my dry patches — Cetaphil Moisturising Cream”
Lightweight and Fast Absorbing Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “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 instantly — Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion”
Gentle for Sensitive Skin Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “No breakouts since switching to this. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
- “Lifesaver for my very sensitive skin — Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar”
- “didn't irritate my skin — Cetaphil Vitamin C Serum”
- “no stinging — COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream”
Gentle and Non-Stripping Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “The only thing my reactive skin tolerates. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
- “cleans without stripping — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
- “safe for sensitive skin — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
- “No stinging or irritation — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
Skin Texture and Smoothing Often 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”
- “Skin felt softer after one use — Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser”
Acne and Pore 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”
- “Removes excess oil without drying. — Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser”
Medicinal and Strong Scents Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “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)”
- “Overpowering masking fragrance — Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar”
Unpleasant Texture and Residue 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”
- “too thick for face — Cetaphil Moisturising Cream”
- “leaves a tacky finish — Cetaphil Vitamin C Serum”
Drying or Stripping Effect Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Felt a little stripping on sensitive areas. — Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser”
- “Skin felt dehydrated after 30 minutes — Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion”
- “dried out my cheeks — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
- “left my face tight — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
COSRX vs Cetaphil routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Gentle Skin Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Healthy Radiance Brightness Refresh Toner
Morning
SAR 135.00
-
Moisturizer
Rich Hydrating Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 70.83
-
SPF
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Morning
SAR 125.00
-
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
Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion
Evening · Once a week
SAR 132.33
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
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
-
Nourishing Mask
Advanced Snail Mucin Power Sheet Mask
Once a week
SAR 145.00
Buy Cetaphil routine · SAR 1,005.89 · 84% fit
Buy COSRX routine · SAR 690.19 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
COSRX vs Cetaphil 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
Daily Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 120.08
-
Hydrating Toner
Healthy Radiance Brightness Refresh Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 135.00
-
Moisturizer
Ceramide Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 127.65
-
SPF
Oil Control
Morning
SAR 124.00
-
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
-
Serum or Treatment
Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion
Evening · Once a week
SAR 132.33
-
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 Cetaphil routine · SAR 1,557.81 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
COSRX vs Cetaphil routines for combination skin
-
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
Daily Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 120.08
-
Hydrating Toner
Healthy Radiance Brightness Refresh Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 135.00
-
Moisturizer
Ceramide Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 127.65
-
SPF
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Morning
SAR 125.00
-
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
Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion
Evening · Once a week
SAR 132.33
-
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 Cetaphil routine · SAR 1,277.09 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
COSRX or Cetaphil: which is better?
COSRX is better for oily, acne-prone, and oily acne-prone skin with a Superior Lovi fit level, whereas Cetaphil is best for sensitive skin with gentle and non-stripping cleansers.
What is the difference between COSRX and Cetaphil?
COSRX stands out for its superior acne and pore control as well as skin smoothing, while Cetaphil is recognized for being exceptionally gentle and non-stripping on sensitive skin.
COSRX or Cetaphil for dry skin?
Both COSRX and Cetaphil achieve a High fit level for dry skin on this page. COSRX features a routine fit for dry skin that is supported by ingredients like sodium hyaluronate, which helps with skin hydration.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Drug Delivery, 2017
COSRX or Cetaphil: which cleanser is better?
Both COSRX and Cetaphil offer cleansers that fit various skin types well, with COSRX achieving a Superior Lovi fit level for acne-prone, oily acne-prone, and sensitive skin, while Cetaphil provides a Superior fit for dry and dry sensitive skin.
Which is more affordable, COSRX or Cetaphil?
The products on this page do not provide pricing information to determine whether COSRX or Cetaphil is more affordable.
COSRX or Cetaphil: which brand offers better results for mature skin?
Both COSRX and Cetaphil offer a High routine fit level for mature skin, meaning they perform equally well for this skin type based on the products on this page.
COSRX or Cetaphil: which brand is better for managing skin with dark spots?
Both COSRX and Cetaphil are well-suited for managing skin with dark spots, with the products on this page rated as a High fit for this skin concern. Both brands include niacinamide as a key ingredient across their product ranges, which may help reduce cutaneous pigmentation.
COSRX or Cetaphil: which brand performs better for oily acne-prone skin?
COSRX performs better for oily acne-prone skin, with Lovi rating the brand as Superior for this skin type compared to Cetaphil's High fit level.
COSRX or Cetaphil for oily skin?
COSRX is the better choice for oily skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to Cetaphil's High fit level.
COSRX or Cetaphil: which moisturizer is better?
COSRX and Cetaphil both offer moisturizers with a High routine fit for dry skin, though COSRX is often noted for lightweight absorption and the products on this page help improve skin texture.
COSRX or Cetaphil for sensitive skin?
COSRX has a Superior Lovi fit level for sensitive skin, whereas Cetaphil has a High fit level. Reviewers note that Cetaphil is particularly gentle for sensitive skin, while COSRX offers lightweight absorption and deep hydration.
COSRX or Cetaphil: which sunscreen is better?
Both COSRX and Cetaphil offer sunscreens with High or Superior fit levels for various skin types on this page. Reviewers note that COSRX products are lightweight and fast absorbing, while Cetaphil is known for gentle, non-stripping formulations.
COSRX or Cetaphil for acne-prone skin?
COSRX is the better choice for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior while Cetaphil's routine fit is High. Reviewers note that the products on this page help with effective acne control and clearing.
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
Effects of menthol and cold on histamine-induced itch and skin reactions in man
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Ascorbic Acid Treatments as Effective and Safe Anti-Aging Therapies for Sensitive Skin
Another Reason for Using Caffeine in Dermocosmetics: Sunscreen Adjuvant
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
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
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
Modulating effects of oatmeal extracts in the sodium lauryl sulfate skin irritancy model
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
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.
-

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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