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COSRX vs Simple

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

COSRX and Simple are a Korean skincare brand founded in 2013 and a British skincare brand founded in 1960, respectively. COSRX is beloved for its serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and masks featuring hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide, while Simple is deeply loved for its gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners formulated with nourishing niacinamide and glycerin. Both brands suit oily acne-prone skin best, though the first also suits oily skin and the second also suits sensitive skin. They differ because the first brand uses a thoughtful array of targeted components, whereas the second brand offers a comforting routine that respects delicate barriers.

COSRX is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024.

koreajoongangdaily.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.com

Simple is a British skincare brand founded in 1960 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2011.

en.wikipedia.orgsec.govprnewswire.comsimple.co.uk

This page compares some of the most popular COSRX and Simple products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular COSRX vs Simple products

People Say

COSRXSimple
  • Soothing and Gentle Care Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Does not cause any form of irritation on the skin which I love. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “The only cleanser that doesn't turn my face red. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “no artificial perfume — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “No stinging or irritation — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
  • Texture and Glow 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)”
    • “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
  • 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”
    • “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “Instantly boosts skin's hydration... face doesn't feel dry and tight. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Value and Convenience Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “great value for money — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
    • “super affordable — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “No need to rinse... perfect for traveling or lazy nights. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “fine mist spray — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
  • 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”
    • “Takes off any makeup residue and makes my face feel refreshed. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Drying or Insufficient Moisture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “left my face tight — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
    • “leaves skin feeling tight — COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser”
    • “not moisturizing enough — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “need to apply multiple layers — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
  • Unpleasant Texture Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “Feels slimy on skin — Simple Refreshing Facial Wash”
    • “Still feeling a little bit of a film on my skin. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “feels like a film — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
    • “texture is gooey and stringy — COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream”
  • Formulation and Performance Issues Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “weird smell — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
    • “pH is 9 — COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser”
    • “runs with sweat — COSRX Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen”
    • “Did not remove my mascara very well at all. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
  • Packaging and Size Issues Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “Worried about the snap top bottle leaking when travelling. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
    • “The cap broke off immediately. — Simple Micellar Water”
    • “hard to get last bit out — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
    • “only 20mls... significantly less product — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”

COSRX vs Simple routines for dry skin

Buy COSRX routine · S$41.07 · 89% fitBuy Simple routine · S$261.94 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit

COSRX vs Simple routines for oily skin

Buy COSRX routine · S$130.21 · 90% fitBuy Simple routine · S$459.69 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

COSRX vs Simple routines for combination skin

Buy COSRX routine · S$130.21 · 88% fitBuy Simple routine · S$355.99 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit

Questions and answers

COSRX or Simple: which is better?

COSRX outperforms Simple for oily and acne-prone skin, where Lovi rates COSRX as Superior and Simple as High. Both brands provide equal fit levels across other skin types.

What is the difference between COSRX and Simple?

COSRX offers superior or high Lovi fit levels for oily and acne-prone skin types and features a wider variety of specialized essences and serums, while Simple focuses heavily on gentle, value-friendly cleansers and makeup removers.

COSRX or Simple for dry skin?

Both COSRX and Simple offer a High routine fit for dry skin. The products on this page provide reliable moisture, and ingredients like sodium hyaluronate found in both brands help support skin hydration.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015

COSRX or Simple: which cleanser is better?

COSRX offers a wider range of cleansers with varying Lovi fit levels, such as the Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser which is rated as Superior for dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. In contrast, Simple features options like the Refreshing Facial Wash, which has an Average fit for most skin types.

Which is more affordable, COSRX or Simple?

Simple offers better value and convenience, as its products are generally more affordable and lightweight.

Between COSRX and Simple, which brand offers better soothing and gentle care?

Simple does better for soothing and gentle care compared to COSRX. Both brands offer fragrance-free products on this page.

How do COSRX and Simple compare in fragrance options across their products?

COSRX offers 37 fragrance-free products on the products on this page along with one sunscreen that lists fragrance, whereas every product from Simple on this page lists no fragrance.

Which brand is better for acne and pore control between COSRX and Simple?

COSRX is better for acne and pore control, doing better in that area than Simple. Lovi rates COSRX as having Superior routine fit for acne-prone skin.

COSRX or Simple for oily skin?

COSRX is a better fit for oily skin, with Lovi rating its routine fit as Superior compared to High for Simple. The products on this page help provide effective acne control and clearing while maintaining lightweight absorption.

COSRX or Simple: which moisturizer is better?

COSRX offers moisturizers that reach Superior Lovi fit levels for specific skin types, whereas Simple products on this page generally achieve an Average fit level. COSRX moisturizers such as the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence help provide deep hydration and skin texture improvement.

Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Drug Delivery, 2017

COSRX or Simple for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin, both brands offer good options, with Lovi giving COSRX a High fit level and Simple a High fit level. The products on this page for both brands are completely fragrance-free, except for one COSRX sunscreen, helping ensure they are gentle.

COSRX or Simple for acne-prone skin?

COSRX is better for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior while Simple achieves a High level.

Research behind their key ingredients

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

How does it fit your skin?

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