COSRX vs Estée Lauder
COSRX and Estée Lauder are skincare brands offering serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and masks formulated with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide. The Korean brand, founded in 2013, is best suited for oily acne-prone skin with standout products like the Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser, the Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner, and the Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner. In contrast, the American brand, founded in 1946, serves mature skin and oily acne-prone skin through solutions such as the Micro Essence Treatment Lotion, the DayWear Moisturizer, and the Futurist Peptide-Power Serum Primer. While both brands utilize hyaluronic acid and glycerin to increase skin hydration, barrier function, and toxin duration, COSRX also incorporates niacinamide to decrease hyperpigmentation and reduce skin aging.
COSRX is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024.
koreajoongangdaily.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.com
Estée Lauder is an American skincare brand founded in 1946 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..
en.wikipedia.orgelcompanies.com
This page compares some of the most popular COSRX and Estée Lauder products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular COSRX vs Estée Lauder products
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Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
S$19.05
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Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
S$14.38
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The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum
S$23.31
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BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
S$17.75
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The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum
S$21.00
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Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream
S$19.75
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AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
S$16.86
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The Retinol 0.1 Cream
S$17.13
People Say
Deep hydration and moisturization Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “skin drinks it up immediately — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
- “The formula is incredibly hydrating and leaves my skin feeling smooth. — Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv”
- “texture is dreamy — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme”
- “skin drinks it up — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
Improves skin texture and smoothness Mostly 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 a baby's bottom — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
- “silky smooth — Estée Lauder Micro Essence Treatment Lotion”
Lightweight and fast-absorbing formula Often 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 quickly into the skin — Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+”
Gentle and non-stripping cleansing/use Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “doesn't strip the skin — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée”
- “Lathers well — Estée Lauder Soft Clean Moisture Rich Foaming Cleanser”
- “removes all my makeup effortlessly — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée”
- “No stinging or irritation — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
Soothing, calming and barrier care Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “perfect for first-time retinol users — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
- “calms down my redness — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
- “calms inflammation — COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream”
- “soothes redness — Estée Lauder Micro Essence Treatment Lotion”
Acne and pore control Often MentionedNot noted
- “extremely gentle — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
- “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”
High price and value concerns 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”
- “way too expensive for the size — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
Packaging and container 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”
- “lid is hard to open — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée”
- “Please make a jar or refill that is not as big and heavy. — Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv”
Drying or insufficient for dry skin Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “left my skin very dry — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée”
- “Not moisturizing enough for winter — Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+”
- “left my face tight — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
Slow or no visible results Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Takes a month to work — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
- “didn't do anything — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
- “did absolutely nothing — COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum”
- “didn't notice any difference — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
COSRX vs Estée Lauder routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$18.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
S$41.07
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Moisturizer
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$19.05
-
SPF
Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
Morning
S$12.91
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Pre-Cleanser
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$20.28
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Serum or Treatment
Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence
Evening · Once a week
S$19.46
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Nourishing Mask
Advanced Snail Mucin Power Sheet Mask
Once a week
S$30.82
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$25.06
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Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
S$41.07
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Moisturizer
Revitalizing Supreme+
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$158.73
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SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
S$21.09
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
S$39.68
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Serum or Treatment
Advanced Night Repair
Evening · Once a week
S$13.55
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Collagen Essential Mask
Once a week
S$62.94
Buy COSRX routine · S$41.07 · 89% fit
Buy Estée Lauder routine · S$189.84 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
COSRX vs Estée Lauder routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$14.17
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$41.07
-
Moisturizer
Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$20.88
-
SPF
Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen
Morning
S$12.84
-
Pre-Cleanser
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$20.28
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Evening · Once a week
S$16.86
-
Serum or Treatment
Two In One Poreless Power Liquid
Evening · Once a week
S$19.75
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Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$30.40
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Hydrating Toner
TROIAREUKE H+Cocktail Purifying Ampoule Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$168.51
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Moisturizer
Revitalizing Supreme+
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$158.73
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Serum or Treatment
Advanced Night Repair
Evening · Once a week
S$13.55
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
Buy COSRX routine · S$130.21 · 90% fit
Buy Estée Lauder routine · S$423.46 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
COSRX vs Estée Lauder routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$18.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$41.07
-
Moisturizer
Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$20.88
-
SPF
Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
Morning
S$12.91
-
Pre-Cleanser
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$20.28
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Evening · Once a week
S$16.86
-
Serum or Treatment
Two In One Poreless Power Liquid
Evening · Once a week
S$19.75
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$30.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Whamisa Organic Flowers Toner Deep Rich
Morning · Once a week
S$64.81
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Moisturizer
Revitalizing Supreme+
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$158.73
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Serum or Treatment
Advanced Night Repair
Evening · Once a week
S$13.55
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
Buy COSRX routine · S$130.21 · 88% fit
Buy Estée Lauder routine · S$319.36 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
COSRX or Estée Lauder: which is better?
Both COSRX and Estée Lauder are great skincare brands, with COSRX offering a Superior fit for oily acne-prone, oily, and acne-prone skin types on this page. Estée Lauder is known for deep hydration, while COSRX helps with lightweight formulas, soothing care, and acne control.
What is the difference between COSRX and Estée Lauder?
COSRX is a South Korean brand founded in 2013 that helps with acne control, soothing barrier care, and lightweight hydration, while Estée Lauder is an older American brand founded in 1946 that focuses on deep hydration and gentle cleansing. Lovi shows that COSRX has a Superior fit for oily and acne-prone skin, whereas Estée Lauder achieves a High fit for those skin types.
COSRX or Estée Lauder for dry skin?
Both COSRX and Estée Lauder offer products on this page that are a High fit for dry skin. COSRX features targeted items like the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence which is a Superior fit for dry skin, while Estée Lauder provides nourishing options such as the DayWear Moisturizer which is also a Superior fit for dry skin.
COSRX or Estée Lauder: which cleanser is better?
Both COSRX and Estée Lauder offer cleansers that fit skin types well, though COSRX is noted for better acne and pore control while Estée Lauder excels in gentle and non-stripping cleansing.
Which is more affordable, COSRX or Estée Lauder?
COSRX is more affordable, whereas high price and value concerns are noted for Estée Lauder.
COSRX or Estée Lauder: which brand is better for mature skin?
Both COSRX and Estée Lauder are a High fit for mature skin. Reviewers note that the products on this page for both brands help with deep hydration and smoother texture.
Which brand performs better for acne and pore control, COSRX or Estée Lauder?
COSRX performs better for acne and pore control, as the products on this page excel in acne and pore control compared to Estée Lauder.
COSRX or Estée Lauder: which brand offers better deep hydration and moisturization?
Estée Lauder offers better deep hydration and moisturization for the products on this page. Hyaluronic acid helps bind moisture within the skin layers to support hydration.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
COSRX or Estée Lauder for oily skin?
For oily skin, COSRX is the better choice because Lovi rates its overall routine fit as Superior, while Estée Lauder reaches a High level. COSRX also excels specifically in lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas and acne and pore control.
COSRX or Estée Lauder: which moisturizer is better?
COSRX and Estée Lauder both offer moisturizers with a high Lovi fit for dry skin, but COSRX is often noted for lighter, faster-absorbing formulas while Estée Lauder tends to focus on deeper hydration. Topical hyaluronic acid, found in the moisturizers of both brands, helps support skin quality and signs of aging.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
COSRX or Estée Lauder for sensitive skin?
Both COSRX and Estée Lauder are well-suited for sensitive skin, as Lovi rates the routine fit for both brands as High. COSRX helps with lightweight absorption and soothing barrier care, while the products on this page for Estée Lauder often mention deep hydration and gentle cleansing.
COSRX or Estée Lauder: which sunscreen is better?
COSRX is better for sunscreen because the products on this page achieve a Superior fit for acne-prone skin.
COSRX or Estée Lauder for acne-prone skin?
COSRX is better for acne-prone skin because Lovi rates the brand's routine fit as Superior, compared to High for Estée Lauder. The products on this page help provide 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
Chrysin protects epidermal keratinocytes from UVA- and UVB-induced damage
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Another Reason for Using Caffeine in Dermocosmetics: Sunscreen Adjuvant
Phyllanthus emblica L. (amla) branch: A safe and effective ingredient against skin aging
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
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
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
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
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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
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
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