Cosrx Skincare Review

About Cosrx

Cosrx is a Korean skincare brand recognized for its minimalistic packaging and for putting its key ingredients front and center. Its popularity expanded outside of Korea and garnered a global cult following, especially within the United States and in Australia. 

With this much buzz surrounding this company, it begs the question: are they any good? In this Cosrx skincare review. I’ll answer that question for you as we take a thorough look into the brand. I will go over their products, customer ratings, promotions, and more, to help you decide if their products are worth the buy. 

Cosrx was the result of 15 years of working in the Korean cosmetic industry. Founder Sang Hun Jun was already a distinguished entrepreneur working in the e-commerce business. However, his roots in skincare weren’t solely seen as a business venture. Jun struggled with sensitive skin ever since he was young and didn’t find much luck with many skincare products available on the market. 

Frustrated with the lack of options, Jun launched Cosrx in 2013 to develop skincare products that worked for sensitive complexions. The company’s first batch of items was formulated to target acne spots and breakouts. Soon after, Cosrx began to rapidly expand within Korea as being an affordable option for skincare products.

Cosrx offers a wide range of skincare products that cater to various skin types and concerns. Their product lineup includes cleansers, toners, essences, serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, and specialized treatments such as acne patches.

Cosrx products are known for their minimalistic and straightforward formulations, often featuring key ingredients like snail mucin, centella asiatica and propolis.

Cosrx also utilizes various acids like AHA and BHA to offer exfoliation and brightening benefits. According to a study AHA, such as glycolic acid, can help remove dead skin cells, improve skin texture, and promote a more radiant complexion. BHA, such as salicylic acid, has anti-inflammatory and pore-clearing properties, making it effective for addressing acne and blackhead concerns.

Considered a game-changer by various media outlets, it is one of the few Korean skincare companies that was able to make waves within the Western industry. “Our perspective on beauty has always been in touch with our customers’ lifestyles. We provide the most ideal solutions that care for skin problems,” via a statement from Corsx.  

Studies About Skincare Products

If you are considering Cosrx products to address specific skin concerns (such as dryness, dullness, or signs of aging), it may be helpful to learn about some recent studies on skincare products.

• A 2018 study investigated the efficacy of natural oils, such as jojoba oil and sunflower seed oil. The study found that these oils can improve skin barrier function, hydration, and reduce inflammation.
• A 2019 study explored the benefits of antioxidants, like vitamin E and flavonoids. The results showed that these antioxidants can protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, reducing signs of aging and maintaining skin health.
• A 2022 study evaluated the effectiveness of plant-derived ingredients, like green tea extract. The study discovered that these ingredients can provide anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant benefits, contributing to overall skin health and appearance.
• A 2021 study examined the benefits of hyaluronic acid, a popular ingredient in skincare products. The research demonstrated that hyaluronic acid can significantly improve skin hydration, elasticity, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Cosrx Pros & Cons

Before we get into this Cosrx skincare review, let’s go over some pros and cons of the brand:

Pros

• Variety of products: Cosrx offers a wide range of skincare products formulated to address various skin types and concerns, such as acne and minimizing pores. They produce products that claim to effectively address various skin concerns.
• Affordable prices: Cosrx skincare products are known for their affordability. They offer effective products at reasonable price points, making them accessible to a wider range of consumers.
• Ingredient transparency: The brand is transparent about the ingredients included in their skincare formulas. This transparency allows consumers to make informed decisions and choose products suitable for their specific needs and preferences.
• Effective ingredients: Cosrx incorporates popular and potent ingredients with a long medicinal history. They utilize ingredients known for their effectiveness in addressing specific skincare concerns.

Cons

1. Not universally effective: While many people experience positive results with Cosrx products, they may not work for everyone. Skincare effectiveness can vary depending on individual skin types and concerns, so it’s important to consider personal factors when choosing skincare products.
2. Potential for adverse reactions: Some individuals may experience a bad reaction or sensitivity to certain Cosrx products. It’s essential to perform patch tests and discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur.

Ingredients

A skincare brand is only as good as its active ingredients. With that in mind, we’ll shine the spotlight on the heavy-lifters of the Cosrx lineup:

Snail Mucin

The Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence contains 96 percent snail mucin. Snail mucin is known for its hydrating and soothing properties. It helps to moisturize the skin, improve skin texture, and promote skin healing.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a common ingredient found in several of the brand’s products. It is known for its brightening and skin-evening properties. It helps to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, refine the skin’s texture, and promote a more radiant complexion.

Centella Asiatica

Also known as “tiger grass,” centella asiatica is a popular ingredient used in Cosrx products. It has calming, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties, making it suitable for sensitive and irritated skin. It can help reduce redness, promote skin barrier repair, and enhance overall skin health.

Propolis

Propolis is a resinous substance produced by bees. It is often utilized in Cosrx formulations for its antioxidant, antibacterial, and soothing effects. Propolis can help protect the skin against environmental stressors, support skin regeneration, and improve overall skin condition.

AHA (Alpha-Hydroxy Acid)

Cosrx products may contain alpha-hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid or lactic acid. AHAs are chemical exfoliants that help remove dead skin cells, improve skin texture, promote cell turnover, and enhance skin radiance.

BHA (Beta-Hydroxy Acid)

Beta-hydroxy acids, specifically salicylic acid, are commonly used in Cosrx products. BHAs are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to penetrate into pores, making them effective for addressing acne, blackheads, and congestion.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating ingredient that can hold a significant amount of moisture. It helps to replenish and retain hydration in the skin, promoting a plump and moisturized complexion.

Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic acid is a form of Vitamin C known for its skin brightening and antioxidant properties. It helps to even out the skin tone, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and protect the skin from environmental damage.

Aloe Arboescens Leaf Extract

This ingredient is found in the Aloe Soothing Suncream. Aloe vera has soothing and moisturizing properties, which help to calm and protect the skin from irritations.

Aloe Vera has also photoprotective properties. A study shows that the solid lipid nanoparticles of Aloe vera, when incorporated into a cream, provide a sun protection factor comparable to currently available sunscreens in the market.

Benefits

Cosrx products offer a range of benefits for the skin due to their carefully selected ingredients and formulations. While specific benefits can vary depending on the individual product and its intended purpose, here are some common benefits associated with Cosrx products:

Hydration

Many Cosrx products are designed to provide intense hydration to the skin. They often contain moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, snail mucin, and plant extracts, which help replenish and retain moisture, resulting in a more hydrated and plump complexion.

Soothing and Calming

Cosrx products often incorporate ingredients with soothing and calming properties, such as centella asiatica and aloe vera. These ingredients can help reduce redness, inflammation, and skin irritation, making them suitable for sensitive or irritated skin types.

Skin Barrier Repair

Cosrx products may contain ingredients that support the skin’s natural barrier function, such as ceramides and peptides. These components help strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, improve moisture retention, and enhance overall skin resilience.

Exfoliation and Skin Texture Improvement

Some Cosrx products feature exfoliating ingredients like AHAs (e.g., glycolic acid) and BHAs (e.g., salicylic acid). These chemical exfoliants help remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve skin texture, resulting in a smoother and more refined complexion.

Acne Treatment

Cosrx is known for its effective acne treatment products. Ingredients like tea tree oil, propolis, and salicylic acid can help combat acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, and prevent breakouts, leading to clearer and healthier-looking skin.

Brightening and Even Skin Tone

Certain Cosrx products contain ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C derivatives, which can help brighten the skin, fade dark spots, and even out skin tone, resulting in a more radiant complexion.

Side Effects

Cosrx products are generally well-tolerated and formulated to be gentle on the skin. However, like any skincare product, there is a potential for individual sensitivity or allergic reactions.

While side effects are uncommon, it’s important to be aware of possible reactions and discontinue use if any adverse effects occur.

Here are some potential side effects associated with skincare products in general, including those from Cosrx:

Skin Irritation

Some individuals may experience skin irritation, redness, itching, or a burning sensation when using certain skincare products, including Cosrx. This can be due to individual sensitivities to specific ingredients or the product’s overall formulation.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions are rare but possible. If you have known allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients, it’s important to carefully review the ingredient list of Cosrx products before use. Allergic reactions can manifest as rashes, hives, swelling, or severe itching. Discontinue use if you experience any allergic symptoms.

Dryness or Tightness

Certain products, especially those with exfoliating ingredients or targeted for oily skin types, may cause temporary dryness or tightness. It’s important to follow the usage instructions and consider adjusting the frequency of use or incorporating additional moisturizing products if needed.

Photosensitivity

Some skincare ingredients, such as AHAs or BHAs, can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. If using Cosrx products with these ingredients, it’s crucial to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen and take appropriate sun protection measures during the day.

Eye Irritation

Some products, particularly those formulated for the face, should be kept away from the eye area. If any product accidentally comes into contact with the eyes, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if irritation persists.

It’s worth noting that everyone’s skin is unique, and individual reactions can vary. It’s always advisable to perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying a new product to your face or body.

If you have pre-existing skin conditions, allergies, or concerns, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional before incorporating new products into your routine.

In case of severe or persistent side effects, it’s recommended to discontinue use and seek medical advice.

Features

Here’s a bird’s eye view of the brand and what they have to offer:

1. Wide product range: Cosrx offers a diverse range of skincare products. Their product lineup includes items such as sunscreens, lotions, masks, and essences. This wide range allows individuals to find products suitable for their specific skincare needs.
2. Effective ingredients: Cosrx incorporates effective ingredients in their formulations. For example, some of their products contain salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and willow bark water, which help dissolve dirt, grime, and unclog pores. Another popular ingredient used in their products is snail mucin, known for its hydrating and smoothing properties.
3. Focus on skin health: Cosrx skincare products aim to nourish, improve, and maintain skin health. The brand emphasizes the use of highly concentrated ingredients in their formulas, which may provide targeted benefits to the skin.
4. Cruelty-free brand: Cosrx is a cruelty-free Korean skincare brand. They do not test their products on animals, making them a suitable choice for individuals who prefer ethical and animal-friendly skincare options.
5. Affordability: Cosrx is known for offering affordable skincare options. Their products are priced reasonably, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers who are looking for effective skincare without breaking the bank.
6. Popular and well-reviewed: Cosrx has gained popularity among skincare enthusiasts. They have a dedicated customer base and receive positive reviews for their products. Their Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, in particular, is often praised for its hydrating and soothing effects.

5 Cosrx Skincare Bestsellers

Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA+++

We aren’t kids anymore. We don’t have to subject ourselves to that chalky and greasy commercial sunscreen our parents used to slather on our skin before we jumped into the pool. It’s time to grow up and pick up a bottle of the Aloe Soothing Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA+++.

Formulated with aloe arborescens leaf extract, this lightweight sunblock is a far cry from those heavy sunscreens that often left white residue as you rubbed it in. This Aloe Soothing Sun Cream helps to moisturize your skin while protecting against harmful UVA and UVB rays.

It’s also compact enough to easily fit inside your summer tote when you go to the beach. Make sure to include the Aloe Soothing Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA+++ next time you hit the pool for just $16. 

Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

Say bye-bye to blackheads with the BHA Blackhead Power Liquid. This specialized formula penetrates the inner layers of your skin to clean up clogged pores. It uses a chemical exfoliation technique that clears away dead skin cells, which results in your complexion having a natural glow.

This Cosrx blackhead formula is also effective at controlling excess sebum while moisturizing the skin. Containing only a minimal amount of natural ingredients, this formula has a blend of BHA and willow bark water.

If you’re adding this as an essential step in your skincare routine, this Cosrx skincare review recommends pairing it with their Low PH Good Morning Cleanser to help your face feel fresh and ready for the early day.

Stop picking your blackheads and let the BHA Blackhead Power Liquid do all the work for you for $25. 

Cosrx AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid

If you’re wondering what’s the difference between whiteheads and blackheads, the answer is relatively simple. Whiteheads are usually closed pores while blackheads typically stay open.

Since it’s quite hard to access whiteheads through the simple ‘pinch the popping pimple’ method, the AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid can do the work for you. 

Formulated with 7% glycolic acid, the AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid gently exfoliates your skin to help reveal a radiant and glowing complexion. It enables fast cell turnover by melting dead skin cells on the outer layers of the skin.

This hyaluronic-infused liquid hydrates your skin in the process and its key ingredient, apple fruit water, is added to brighten your overall complexion. For those that want an added boost in terms of refining their uneven skin tones, try pairing this product with the Mela 14 White Ampule.

On the other hand, if you’re just looking to address one problem at a time, go for the AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid first for only $22. 

Cosrx Real Fit Vitamin C Serum 

While it’s common to take vitamin C supplements to boost your health, you can also do the same for your skin by using the Real Fit Vitamin C Serum. Containing 23% of this essential vitamin, it works as a powerful antioxidant to help brighten and even your skin tone. It also gradually erases blemishes and dark spots you may have accumulated over time. 

This Cosrx vitamin c formula uses patented technology, which utilizes aronia melanocarpa fruit extract and hippophae rhamnoides extract to increase the effects of its included vitamin C. To combat dryness, 60% of propolis extract is added, as the Real Fit Vitamin C Serum protects your complexion from dehydration and stimulation. 

For something so potent, you may want to calm down your skin afterward with a product that’s designed to relax your pores. You might want to try out the Cosrx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Mask to help end your rigorous nighttime skincare routine.

The Real Fit Vitamin C Serum retails at $29.

Cosrx Centella Blemish Cream

Karma has its kiss for those who’ve chosen to pop their pimples instead of leaving them be. Designed for those who deeply regret using the ‘pinching’ method in ridding their zits, the Centella Blemish Cream is specifically created for you in mind.

This one-of-a-kind formula helps to erase those red and dull spots left behind by acne. 

It uses centella asiatica as its star ingredient to help relax irritated and inflamed skin. To elevate the effectiveness of the Centella Blemish Cream from a 10 to a 15, you can add the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence and the Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol to keep the good-skin train going.

Leave your teenage breakout years by using this simple blemish cream for only $21. 

Who Is Cosrx For?

Cosrx skincare is designed for individuals who are seeking effective solutions for their skin concerns and conditions.

The brand aims to provide skincare products that cater to various skin types and address specific issues. Cosrx products are known for being well-formulated and focusing on key ingredients.

In terms of accessibility, Cosrx strives to offer high-quality skincare products at affordable prices, making them accessible to the average consumer. The brand is also cruelty-free.

Alternatives

If you’re looking for alternatives to Cosrx, here are some popular brands that offer natural skincare options:

• Elemis: Elemis is a renowned skincare brand that focuses on luxury and results-driven products. They combine the power of nature with innovative science to create effective and indulgent skincare solutions.
• Herbivore Botanicals: Herbivore Botanicals is known for its minimalist and natural approach to skincare. They offer a range of plant-based products that are free from synthetic ingredients, aiming to bring out the best in your skin using gentle and nourishing formulations.
• Farmacy Beauty: Farmacy Beauty is a brand that combines science and nature to create clean and sustainable skincare products. They are known for their use of potent botanical extracts and innovative technologies to deliver effective skincare solutions.
• Facetheory: Facetheory is a brand that focuses on personalized skincare with clean formulations. They offer a range of products tailored to different skin concerns, using high-quality active ingredients and avoiding common irritants, making them suitable for sensitive skin.
• The Beauty Chef: The Beauty Chef takes a holistic approach to skincare by combining inner and outer beauty. They offer a range of skincare products and supplements that focus on promoting healthy skin from within, using natural and bio-fermented ingredients.

Each of these brands provides alternatives to Cosrx, with a focus on natural ingredients, clean formulations, and effective skincare solutions.

It’s important to note that individual product effectiveness may vary, and it’s recommended to read reviews and consider your specific skin concerns before choosing a brand or product.

Cosrx Skincare Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

For this section of our Cosrx skincare review, we found that there are overwhelming positive customer testimonies posted online as of May 2023. On the company website, there are over 1k reviews with an average of 5/5 stars.

Customers have noted that their products were generally effective in improving their skin. This is mostly in regards to their Acne Pimple Master Patch, as it helped to result in clear skin. Several users commented that these patches were very convenient to use as well. 

“Super easy to use comes in different sizes and gets rids of those tedious breakouts almost overnight!! This stuff is AMAZING and 100% recommended to everyone! They are also super thin and go unnoticed!! I absolutely love it,” one reviewer wrote for the Acne Pimple Master Patch on the company website. 

There are also continued positive reviews on Ulta and Influenster. On Ulta, most of their products- like the BHA Blackhead Power Liquid and the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence– usually contain hundreds of reviews with a general rating of 4.5/5 stars.

On Influenster, there are over 14k reviews posted for all of their products with an average rating of 4.5/5 stars. Customers from both of these sources have commented that their skincare items are hydrating and are generally affordable. 

“The aloe helped my skin after using a chemical exfoliator the night before as my skin gets a bit sensitive the next day. I recommend this to anyone and everyone thats looking for a powerful spf that’s non-greasy, great consistency, no whitecast, and no fragrance. It’s also very affordable,” one Influenster reviewer wrote for the Aloe Soothing Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA+++. 

Unfortunately, we did find a few customer complaints online. On their website, a few customers noted issues in delays in deliveries. Besides that, there were a few customers saying that the products were ineffective, but a handful of comments like that are to be expected with any skincare brand.

Is Cosrx Skincare Worth It?

Based on everything we found for this Cosrx skincare review, we encourage you to check out the brand for high-quality skincare products that are quite reasonably priced. Compared to other competing skincare brands, most of their items are inaccessible due to the high price range.

Most of the Cosrx inventory is generally affordable to the average consumer. The company is also very transparent when it comes to what ingredients they use for their formulas. It’s nice to see a company that doesn’t put its focus on aesthetics, which makes the outlook of this brand more trustworthy and reliable. 

There are also thousands of positive customer testimonies that state that their products are effective in improving their skin.

For this Cosrx skincare review, we also found out that most of their ingredients are cruelty-free and vegan, which is always an advantage when it comes to shopping for skincare products.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to get into the K-Beauty, it’s not a bad idea to give Cosrx skincare a try. 

Cosrx Skincare Promotions & Discounts 

If you’ve made it this far into our Cosrx skincare review, then it’s only fair that we share a handful of promotions to cash in on:

• Customers who spend more than $100 are entitled to receive a free AC Collection Intensive Sachet
• Buyers who checkout with $15 can get the Hydrium Moisture Set Sachet for free
• Customers who spend $30 or more can choose from two gift sets provided on their website.
• Get the latest news on available promotions and discounts by following Cosrx on their social media platforms. 

Where To Buy Cosrx Skincare

Customers can buy products such as Cosrx patches and the Cosrx moisturizer by visiting Cosrx.com. You can also find the brand’s products at select third-party retailers such as:

• Ulta Cosrx 
• Cosrx Amazon 
• Sukoshi Mart 
• Walmart 
• YesStyle
• Soko Glam
• Revolve 
• Nordstrom 

FAQ

Is Cosrx cruelty-free? 

This Cosrx skincare review found out through multiple online sources, such as K-Beauty.co, that Cosrx is a cruelty-free brand. 

Is Cosrx a Korean brand? 

Cosrx originates from South Korea and sells Korean skincare products. 

Can I use Cosrx BHA every day? 

In terms of the BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, Cosrx recommends using it only 2 to 3 times a week. 

How can you tell if Cosrx products are fake? 

This Cosrx skincare review found two basic ways to tell if a Cosrx product is genuine or not.

Firstly, buyers can check on the legitimacy of the label and packaging, Fake products usually hold inconsistencies in grammar and on logos. Secondly, shop only on reputable sellers like Ulta and Nordstrom. 

How do you use Cosrx in order? 

Since Cosrx is a Korean skincare brand, it’s safe to assume that it follows the standard Korean skincare routine. We recommend looking up the step-by-step guide on the traditional K-Beauty routine online. 

What is Cosrx’s Shipping Policy?

All of the brand’s shipments are sourced directly from their warehouse in South Korea. The estimated delivery time listed on their company website is 10 to 35 days. They are currently offering free shipping for a limited time to Cosrx USA and Canadian orders. 

What is Cosrx’s Return Policy?

Customers can return their orders within 30 days of the delivery date for a full refund. All returns will be charged with a restocking fee of 10% of the original amount.

Return refunds are processed approximately within 7 to 10 business days upon arrival at their distribution center. Cosrx only allows returns that were purchased directly at their website. 

How to contact Cosrx

For inquiries that go beyond this Cosrx skincare review, you can reach out to the company through the following methods of contact:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone number: 070-5055-1134 

---

Explore your options for natural skincare with these popular brands:

Elemis

Herbivore Botanicals

Farmacy Beauty

Facetheory

The Beauty Chef