COSRX vs Good Molecules
COSRX and Good Molecules are popular skincare brands that offer thoughtful arrays of serums, moisturizers, and more, formulated with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. The Korean skincare brand suits oily acne-prone skin best with targeted components, while the American skincare brand suits combination skin and oily acne-prone skin best with balanced formulations that address excess oil without heaviness. Both utilize glycerin to significantly increase skin hydration and barrier function, and hyaluronic acid to lengthen toxin duration and reduce cell damage. Ultimately, they differ in their national origins, founding years, parent companies, and specific product assortments.
COSRX is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024.
koreajoongangdaily.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.com
Good Molecules is an American skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by Beautylish, Inc..
beautymatter.comgoodmolecules.compitchbook.compreqin.com
This page compares some of the most popular COSRX and Good Molecules products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular COSRX vs Good Molecules 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
Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “sinks in immediately — COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream”
- “absorbs practically immediately — COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)”
- “absorbs quickly... zero irritation or tacky feeling — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
- “absorbs instantly into skin — Good Molecules Lightweight Daily Moisturizer”
Soothing and Gentle Formulas Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “No stinging or irritation — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
- “extremely gentle — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
- “perfect for first-time retinol users — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
- “no skin purging — Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream”
Affordability and Value Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “best value for money — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “great value — Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum”
- “huge bottle — COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream”
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “skin drinks it up — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
- “absorbs instantly like water — COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum”
- “woke up with soft, supple skin — COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream”
- “skin appears smooth and supple — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
Acne and Pore Control Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “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”
- “pores are much smaller — Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum”
- “pores are visibly smaller — Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner”
Brightening and Glow Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “scar on your chin doesn't look nearly as noticeable — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
- “skin looks more radiant — Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner”
- “Assassinates fine lines — Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum”
- “diminished fine lines under eyes — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
Packaging and Sizing Issues Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “only 20mls... significantly less product — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
- “tube is tiny — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
- “Metal tube cracks — Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel”
- “Hole is too big — Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder”
Drying or Insufficient Moisture Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “left my face tight — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
- “leaves skin feeling tight — COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser”
- “dried my skin out — Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “didn't do anything — Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream”
Slow or Ineffective Results Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “no change in circles — COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream”
- “Takes a month to work — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
- “didn't really see a difference — Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum”
- “completely clear so red shows — Good Molecules PIMPLE PATCHES”
COSRX vs Good Molecules routines for dry skin
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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
d'Alba First Spray Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$25.94
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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
Discoloration Correcting Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$56.22
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Collagen Essential Mask
Once a week
S$62.94
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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
-
Moisturizer
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$19.05
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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
Buy Good Molecules routine · S$272.00 · 96% fit
Buy COSRX routine · S$41.07 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
COSRX vs Good Molecules routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$30.40
-
Hydrating Toner
TROIAREUKE H+Cocktail Purifying Ampoule Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$168.51
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Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Centella Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$33.87
-
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
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Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Serum or Treatment
Overnight Exfoliating Treatment
Evening · Once a week
S$43.99
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
-
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
Buy Good Molecules routine · S$501.32 · 96% fit
Buy COSRX routine · S$130.21 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
COSRX vs Good Molecules routines for combination skin
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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
-
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
Overnight Exfoliating Treatment
Evening · Once a week
S$43.99
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
-
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
Buy Good Molecules routine · S$363.35 · 97% fit
Buy COSRX routine · S$130.21 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
COSRX or Good Molecules: which is better?
Good Molecules may be the better choice for shoppers seeking affordable serums and brightened skin, while COSRX helps target acne and sensitive skin with gentle formulas.
What is the difference between COSRX and Good Molecules?
COSRX is a South Korean brand known for snail mucin and gentle soothing formulas, while Good Molecules is a US brand recognized for affordable and targeted serums. Both brands offer fragrance-free options and products designed to help with hydration, acne, and skin brightening across the products on this page.
COSRX or Good Molecules for dry skin?
Good Molecules offers a Superior routine fit for dry skin on this page, while COSRX offers a High routine fit. Good Molecules features hydrating moisturizers and targeted serums, and reviewers frequently mention that its products provide affordable hydration.
COSRX or Good Molecules: which cleanser is better?
Both COSRX and Good Molecules offer effective cleansers, with COSRX particularly noted for providing soothing and gentle formulas across its products on this page. Good Molecules also features hydrating cleansers like the Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel, which is rated High for dry skin.
Which is more affordable, COSRX or Good Molecules?
Good Molecules is more affordable, as reviewers often mention its affordable and great value serums and moisturizers. COSRX reviewers sometimes mention small bottle size or quantity as an issue.
Between COSRX and Good Molecules, which brand is better for fading dark spots and brightening?
Good Molecules does better for brightening and glow according to reviewer themes, while both brands feature products with high Lovi fit levels for skin with dark spots. Topical niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppress melanosome transfer.
How do the founding years and corporate ownerships of COSRX and Good Molecules compare?
COSRX was founded in 2013 in South Korea and has been owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024, whereas Good Molecules was founded in 2019 in the United States and is owned by Beautylish, Inc.
Which brand performs better for soothing and gentle formulas according to review themes?
According to review themes, COSRX performs better for soothing and gentle formulas.
COSRX or Good Molecules for oily skin?
Both COSRX and Good Molecules offer a Superior Lovi routine fit for oily skin. The products on this page help provide lightweight hydration and effective oil control.
COSRX or Good Molecules: which moisturizer is better?
Good Molecules offers a superior routine fit for dry skin compared to COSRX, which has a High fit level for moisturizers on this page. Hyaluronic acid helps bind moisture to the skin to improve hydration.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
COSRX or Good Molecules for sensitive skin?
Good Molecules offers a Superior fit for sensitive skin on this page, whereas COSRX provides a High fit. Reviewers often mention Good Molecules for very gentle serums, while COSRX is noted for gentle and non-irritating products.
COSRX or Good Molecules: which sunscreen is better?
Good Molecules offers a Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 with a Lovi fit level of Superior for dry, dry sensitive, sensitive, skin with dark spots, and mature skin, while COSRX features options like the Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen and Aloe Soothing Sun Cream with High fits across those same skin types.
COSRX or Good Molecules for acne-prone skin?
Both COSRX and Good Molecules offer products that are well-suited for acne-prone skin, as both brands achieve a Superior routine fit level for this skin type. COSRX features specific options like the BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, which helps control acne and clear pores.
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
Preparation and evaluation of anti-wrinkle cream containing saffron extract and avocado oil
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
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Hippophae rhamnoides oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion improves barrier function in healthy human subjects
Development and efficacy assessments of tea seed oil makeup remover
Skin moisturization by hydrogenated polyisobutene--quantitative and visual evaluation
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
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
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