COSRX vs Dermalogica
COSRX and Dermalogica are esteemed skincare brands originating from South Korea in 2013 and America in 1986, respectively. The Korean brand is adored for its targeted serums, nourishing moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and purifying masks featuring hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide, making it best suited for acne-prone skin and oily acne-prone skin. Meanwhile, the American brand is loved for similar product types formulated with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and salicylic acid, fitting oily skin and combination skin best. While both utilize proven humectants to improve hydration and barrier function, they differ in their primary active ingredients and the specific skin types they address most effectively.
COSRX is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024.
koreajoongangdaily.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.com
Dermalogica is an American skincare brand founded in 1986 and owned by Unilever since 2015.
en.wikipedia.orgcosmeticsbusiness.com
This page compares some of the most popular COSRX and Dermalogica products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular COSRX vs Dermalogica 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
-
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 moisturization 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”
- “Saved my dry skin — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
- “super hydrating — Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque”
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)”
- “blends seamlessly — Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50”
Improves skin texture and smoothness 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 feels smooth as silk — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Gentle and non-stripping formula 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”
- “doesn't strip skin — Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel”
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”
- “Brings out all the gunk — Dermalogica Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask”
Soothing and calming effects Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “calms down my redness — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
- “calms inflammation — COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream”
- “Calms redness — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
- “calms my redness — Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel”
Price and value for money Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “expensive for me — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
- “hefty price tag — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Strong scent or medicinal smell Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “smells like chemicals — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
- “smells like onions — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
- “smells like puke — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “smells like medicine — Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50”
Packaging and size issues Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Leaky pump — Dermalogica Precleanse”
- “pump dispenses too much — Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel”
- “spout is too big — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “only 20mls... significantly less product — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
COSRX vs Dermalogica routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Special Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 258.32
-
Moisturizer
Stabilizing Repair Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 757.93
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
SAR 281.55
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
SAR 268.00
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
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Serum or Treatment
BioLumin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 562.00
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Enzyme Powder
Daily Milkfoliant
Once a week
SAR 151.42
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Nourishing Mask
Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque
Once a week
SAR 374.47
-
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 Dermalogica routine · SAR 2,726.33 · 85% fit
Buy COSRX routine · SAR 690.19 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
COSRX vs Dermalogica routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Daily Glycolic Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 257.87
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 316.97
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
SAR 281.55
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
SAR 268.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinol Clearing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 946.00
-
Enzyme Powder
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 Dermalogica routine · SAR 2,796.23 · 91% fit
Buy COSRX routine · SAR 843.29 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
COSRX vs Dermalogica routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Daily Glycolic Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 257.87
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 316.97
-
SPF
Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50
Morning
SAR 203.71
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
SAR 268.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinol Clearing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 946.00
-
Enzyme Powder
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 Dermalogica routine · SAR 2,550.53 · 91% fit
Buy COSRX routine · SAR 735.92 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
COSRX or Dermalogica: which is better?
COSRX outperforms Dermalogica on this page for sensitive and acne-prone skin, offering a superior routine fit compared to Dermalogica's high fit. Both brands achieve equal superior routine fits for oily acne-prone skin, and equal high fits for dry skin.
What is the difference between COSRX and Dermalogica?
COSRX tends to be better for sensitive and acne-prone skin with a lower price point, whereas Dermalogica is a stronger match for combination skin, though both brands offer similar hydration and anti-aging benefits supported by ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
COSRX or Dermalogica for dry skin?
Both COSRX and Dermalogica are great options for dry skin, offering a High routine fit on the products on this page. COSRX helps with lightweight hydration and soothing care using key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
COSRX or Dermalogica: which cleanser is better?
COSRX is better for gentle cleansing, as reviewers frequently highlight its cleansers for being gentle and non-stripping. Dermalogica also offers a range of cleansers, but reviewers note a high price point compared to COSRX.
Which is more affordable, COSRX or Dermalogica?
COSRX is more affordable than Dermalogica, as Dermalogica reviewers often note a high price point while COSRX performs better for value for money.
COSRX or Dermalogica: which brand has better fragrance-free options?
Both COSRX and Dermalogica offer products with no fragrance, as every product on the Dermalogica page and 37 of 38 products on the COSRX page list no fragrance.
COSRX or Dermalogica: which performs better for combination skin?
Dermalogica performs better for combination skin because Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior, compared to High for COSRX.
COSRX or Dermalogica: which brand is better for addressing skin texture and smoothness?
COSRX does better than Dermalogica for improving skin texture and smoothness. Reviewers often mention the lightweight absorption, gentle formulas, and effective texture improvement across the products on this page.
COSRX or Dermalogica for oily skin?
Both COSRX and Dermalogica are great options, as Lovi rates them both as Superior for oily skin. The products on this page from both brands help control oil while keeping skin balanced.
COSRX or Dermalogica: which moisturizer is better?
Both COSRX and Dermalogica offer high-performing moisturizers, with COSRX leaning toward lightweight hydration and Dermalogica focusing on intensive barrier repair. The products on this page help improve skin moisture and texture, while topical hyaluronic acid helps support skin quality and wound healing.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
COSRX or Dermalogica for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, COSRX offers a superior routine fit on Lovi while Dermalogica provides a high fit level. Both brands include key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin that help hydrate and soothe the skin.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
COSRX or Dermalogica: which sunscreen is better?
Both COSRX and Dermalogica offer sunscreens with High Lovi fit levels across nearly all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. COSRX features options like the Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen, while Dermalogica provides choices such as the Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50.
COSRX or Dermalogica for acne-prone skin?
COSRX is the better choice for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to Dermalogica's High. Both brands feature effective ingredients like salicylic acid, but COSRX focuses specifically on acne and pore control.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Bifidobacterium longum lysate, a new ingredient for reactive skin
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical anti-inflammatory effects of isorhamnetin glycosides isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Antioxidant properties evaluation of topical astaxanthin formulations as anti-aging products
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Topical beta-carotene protects against infra-red-light-induced free radicals
Efficacy of Oxybrasion in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Preliminary Report
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
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity
Well-aging: A new strategy for skin homeostasis under multi-stressed conditions
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
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
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Algae extract protection effect on oxidized protein level in human stratum corneum
Starch- and carboxymethyl cellulose-based films as active beauty masks with papain incorporation
Semi-solid functionalized nanostructured lipid carriers loading thymol for skin disorders
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
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
The effect of Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim extract on crow's feet: A double-blind, split-face trial
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
Skin barrier repair efficacy and safety evaluation of an extract from Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis
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
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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
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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