COSRX Skincare Review: Discover the Best Korean Beauty Products for Your Skin
The Rise of COSRX
COSRX, a Korean skincare brand, has been making waves in the beauty industry since its inception in 2013. Initially gaining traction in the UK around 2015, the brand skyrocketed in popularity in the last few years, largely due to social media platforms like TikTok. Influencers and skincare experts have praised its efficacy, particularly the hero product, the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence.
How I Tested COSRX Products
Over a two-month period, I tested 13 of COSRX's best-selling products. My routine involved a mix of COSRX items and other skincare brands like CeraVe and Kate Somerville. I evaluated the texture, feel, and effectiveness of each product, noting any changes to my skin.
Key Findings
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Best for Angry, Irritated Skin
- Size: 100ml
- Skincare Step: Serum/Treatment
- Key Ingredients: Snail secretion filtrate, hyaluronic acid, butylene glycol
- Suitable for: All skin types
Why We Love It: This essence is a top pick for minimizing dry patches and redness. Despite its slimy texture, it leaves the skin feeling hydrated and slightly creamy. The snail mucin helps repair the skin, boosting luminosity and reducing fine lines. Immediate results include a healthy glow and reduced redness.
COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream
Best for Puffy Undereyes
- Size: 25ml
- Skincare Step: Eye Cream
- Key Ingredients: Snail secretion filtrate, glycerin, sunflower seed oil, niacinamide
- Suitable for: All skin types
Why We Love It: This eye cream is soothing and helps smooth fine lines. The niacinamide provides a tightening effect, making wrinkles less pronounced over time.
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch
Best for Breakouts
- Size: 24 patches
- Type: Blemish Treatment Patches
- Key Ingredients: Polyisobutylene, petroleum resin
- Suitable for: Oily, combination, and acne-prone skin
Why We Love It: These patches are effective in reducing the size of pimples quickly and extracting sebum. They are nearly invisible on bare skin and work well on various types of blemishes.
COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum
Best for Rejuvenating Dull Complexions
- Size: 150ml
- Type: Toner
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid
- Suitable for: All skin types
Why We Love It: This product feels weightless and is great for morning use. The peptides provide a gentle anti-aging effect, making the skin feel refreshed and youthful.
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Cleanser
Best for a Morning Cleanse
- Size: 150ml
- Type: Gel Cleanser
- Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, betaine salicylate
- Suitable for: Combination to oily skin
Why We Love It: This cleanser invigorates the skin and is perfect for morning use. However, it may not be suitable for evening routines as it can be drying.
COSRX Master Patch Intensive
Best for Overnight Blemish Rescue
- Size: 36 patches
- Type: Blemish Treatment Patches
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, tea tree oil
- Suitable for: Chronic acne sufferers
Why We Love It: These patches cover large blemishes effectively, using salicylic acid to prevent further breakouts.
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra Moisturising Lotion with Birch Sap
Best Moisturiser for Oily Skin
- Size: 100ml
- Type: Moisturiser
- Key Ingredients: Birch sap, glycerin, tea tree oil
- Suitable for: Combination to oily skin
Why We Love It: This lightweight lotion provides long-lasting hydration without clogging pores.
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum
Best Vitamin C Serum
- Size: 20ml
- Type: Serum
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, squalane, caffeine
- Suitable for: Normal to combination skin
Why We Love It: This serum brightens and tightens the skin, although it has an unpleasant smell.
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Best for Blackhead-Prone Skin
- Size: 100ml
- Type: Toner
- Key Ingredients: Betaine salicylate, niacinamide
- Suitable for: Oily, combination, and blackhead-prone skin
Why We Love It: This toner brings blackheads to the surface for easy extraction, reducing their recurrence.
COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask
Best for Slugging
- Size: 60ml
- Type: Nighttime Moisturiser
- Key Ingredients: Rice extract, glycerin, niacinamide
- Suitable for: Dry to combination skin
Why We Love It: This lightweight mask provides overnight hydration and a glassy skin effect.
COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Best for Refining Pores
- Size: 20ml
- Type: Serum
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, zinc PCA
- Suitable for: All skin types
Why We Love It: This serum smooths redness, minimizes pores, and helps with hyperpigmentation.
COSRX AHA/BHA Exfoliating Facial Treatment Toner
Best for Congested Skin
- Size: 150ml
- Type: Toner
- Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, willow bark extract
- Suitable for: All skin types except sensitive skin
Why We Love It: This toner effectively clears away dead skin and buildup, promoting a glassy complexion.
COSRX Balancium Ceramide Lip Butter
Best for Chapped Lips
- Size: 20g
- Type: Lip Treatment
- Key Ingredients: Shea butter, coconut oil
- Suitable for: All skin types
Why We Love It: This lip butter provides overnight relief for chapped lips but has an unpleasant taste.
Conclusion
Verdict on COSRX
COSRX offers effective, reasonably priced skincare products that address various skin concerns, from dullness to clogged pores. While some products may be overhyped, the majority live up to their promises. Must-buy items include the Blackhead Power Liquid, the Rice Overnight Mask, and the Snail Peptide Eye Cream.
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