There is a real buzz around K-beauty brand COSRX thanks to its paired back yet high concentrate ingredients that are designed to address a host of everyday skin care concerns. Yet despite the hype, this skin care range from South Korea avoids a high-end price tag, making it an affordable brand that currently doesn’t go over $32 for any of its products.
Using minimalist packaging, straightforward labelling and quality skin-saving ingredients – including bee pollen and snail mucin, no less – COSRX skincare has recently been making a name for itself Stateside. And COSRX’s ethos of supporting and protecting skin, including sensitive and prone to breakouts, for a ‘better tomorrow’ is resonating with its increasing number of loyal followers.
No fuss formulas, quality ingredients, long-term benefits and an affordable price point – there’s a lot to like about the COSRX brand. In our COSRX review, we take a closer look at their philosophy, the best COSRX products and those all-important customer reviews, so you can decide whether their K-beauty approach to skincare is for you.
About COSRX
Founded in 2013 by Sanghoon Jeon, who had previously spent 15 years in the Korean cosmetics industry, the name ‘COSRX’ is a simple combination of cosmetic’ and RX, which denotes ‘prescription’. Jeon had suffered from acne prone skin and so decided to bring his expertise as well as his own personal experience to a new skincare range. The COSRX brand’s intention was to provide the best solutions for a range of concerns, using proven ingredients and simple, yet effective formulas to create a personalized COSRX skincare routine.
In a market crowded by over-packaged, expensive and seemingly over-complicated skincare products, COSRX’s less is more approach made it stand out, enhanced by its minimalist style and affordable prices. The ethos of the company is three-fold: customer service, the finest natural ingredients and cutting-edge skin care solutions, founded on scientific research.
With short ingredient lists featuring high concentrations of active ingredients such as salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid, the COSRX skincare range offers products for a variety of issues, including oily, acne-prone, dry, sensitive and aging skin. And the simple labelling and ‘does what it says on the tin’ product names make COSRX an easy skincare brand to navigate.
COSRX does not test any of its ingredients or products on animals and includes numerous vegan-friendly products in its range. However, it cannot claim to be 100% vegan as it does use two key animal-derived ingredients, snail mucin and bee propolis. On the issue of using snail mucin (AKA, snail mucus or slime) which has collagen-boosting properties and is hugely popular in many K-beauty brands, COSRX states that it is ethically extracted with minimal impact or stress on the animals.
- Good choice of skincare products that address the main skin concerns, including acne, enlarged pores, dehydration, sensitive skin, loss of elasticity and wrinkles.
- Contains quality active ingredients in concentrate
- Products and ingredients are not tested on animals
- Clear and transparent labels and easy to understand ingredients
- Overall they are affordable products – prices range from $5 to $32
- Easy to use website – browse by range or skin concern
- Free shipping on orders over $30
- The growing popularity of the brand means COSRX’s bestsellers sell out very quickly
- Not a fully vegan brand
- The presence of snail mucin in some of their key products may not appeal to everyone
Products
With seven lines in its skincare range – Full Fit, Pure Fit, Shield Fit, Feal Fit, One Step, Hydrium, Balancium, AC Collection – COSRX offers products that address many of the main skin care concerns, from cleaning and purifying, to healing, hydrating and boosting elasticity. We dig a little deeper into six of its bestsellers.
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch Review
One of COSRX’s consistent bestsellers, the success of the Acne Pimple Patch is in its simplicity. And, according to many happy users, it works! Designed to cover your pimples or breakouts while you sleep, these waterproof patches work to absorb impurities while protecting blemishes from bacteria and helping to hydrate the skin. Each patch is made from hydrocolloid material which draws out impurities while creating a moist environment to benefit the skin.
Healing existing pimples, the patches can also help to prevent new ones forming, leading to healthier, clearer skin. Use on thoroughly cleansed skin, simply select the right size from the patches in each pack and apply. These close yet comfortable fit patches also stop you from touching your spots, so it’s a win/win!
Designed for sensitive, acne-prone skin, each pack of Pimple Master contains 24 patches and retails for $6.
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence Review
Containing 96% snail mucin concentrate, COSRX’s Advanced Power Essence is a nutrient powerhouse that deeply hydrates to bring a healthy glow to your skin. Lightweight and easily absorbed, it can also be used on red or sensitive skin to soothe and replenish moisture, making it particularly good for post-breakout skin. Snail mucin is known for its moisturizing and skin-boosting properties and also contains nutrients that help skin to heal. The mucin used by COSRX is ethically sourced and 100% cruelty free and has been put through a vigorous COSRX dermatologist review.
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is best used as a serum applied after cleansing and toning, to allow the non-sticky formula to absorb into the skin. Finish with a final layer of your favorite COSRX moisturizer and enjoy all day hydration plus a healthy glow.
Available in 20ml, 30ml and 100ml, a little goes a long way and is particularly recommended for dull, dehydrated skin and acne-prone skin. The 30ml bottle retails at $9, while the longer-lasting 100ml will set you back $25.
COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream Review
If you want more of a moisturizer than the serum-like Advanced Power Essence, then the Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream comes highly recommended. This more traditional creamy formula works well with dryer skin and is also good for soothing red or sensitive skin. Containing 92% snail secretion filtrate, it can also boost skin elasticity, leaving you with plumper and healthier looking skin. It is, however, quite a rich formula so you don’t need much, and it has a consistency that won’t block your pores. To get the best out of this product, use on cleansed and toned skin, gently tapping the cream as you apply with your fingertips – avoiding the delicate eye area – to help absorption and prevent any sticky feeling from excess residue.
Available in a good value 100ml pot, COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream sells at $26.
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser Review
Put an end to that tight skin feeling after washing your face with this gentle gel cleanser which features a low PH level to help maintain the natural balance of your skin. The mildly acidic formula of COSRX’s Good Morning Cleanser also helps to protect irritated skin and leaves it feeling refreshed and glowing. We like the fact that this cleanser is gentle enough on the skin and could be an alternative to acne-prone skin which may feel tight after using a water cleanser. And this is in large part due to the quality botanical ingredients, including japonica, evening primrose and tea tree oil.
It won’t strip even dry skin of oils either, but soothes while it cleanses, leaving your skin ready for the rest of its COSRX skincare routine. Used morning and night after removing make-up and being careful to avoid the eyes, Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a great way to start – and finish – the day.
This gentle cleanser is designed for all skin types and is available in 20, 50 and 150ml sizes, retailing at $5, $9 and $14 respectively.
COSRX Full fit Propolis Light Ampoule Review
Naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, black bee propolis is a skincare ingredient that is effective in healing stressed skin and reducing redness. And with COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule, you get 83.25% of this skin-saving ingredient to add a boost to your skincare routine. Hypoallergenic and in a light, non-greasy liquid that sinks well into the skin, Propolis Light Ampoule is ideal for skin that is blemished, sensitive or acne prone. And it also moisturizes and soothes as it helps your skin to heal, leaving it feeling soft, clear and glowing.
One of COSRX’s most popular products, it comes with consistently positive COSRX for acne review ratings. And the good news for devotees and new users is that the bottle has been upgraded to increase the product quality without a price rise. Gently massage a few drops of Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule into the skin or affected areas after cleansing before applying moisturizer.
Available in a 10ml bottle, priced at $10, you can also get a good-value 30ml bottle for $28.
COSRX Two in One Poreless Power Liquid Review
Large pores are a common complaint, especially if you have oily, combination or acne prone skin and can become blocked and irritated or lead to blemishes. But COSRX Daily Pore Tightener may be just the product you need to add to your skincare routine. 100% vegan-friendly, this clever little product reverses the size of your pores, with its two-in-one action. First, the liquid formula cools your skin to stop your pores enlarging, then its tightening action from tannin shrinks them down in size. With BHA from natural willow bark and gentle astringents and exfoliators, the solution also gently clears away excess sebum, dead skin and dirt from pores skin may block and inflame or cause blackheads to appear. It is also super easy to use, simply wipe with a cotton pad across your skin’s pores after cleansing and allow to dry before applying your preferred moisturizer for clean, comfortable and pore-minimized skin. For bigger pores or excessively oily skin you can also use it as a treatment mask – soak cotton pads in the solution and leave on your skin got 5-10 minutes before wiping clean.
A 100ml bottle of Daily Pore Tightener will cost you $25.
COSRX Customers Reviews
Overall, COSRX is a customer favorite, with a clear following who are all more than satisfied with both the product range and the affordable price point. On COSRX’s own website, they get over 4.5 stars based on over 3,200 reviews, with 82% of reviewers giving the brand full five stars. Here are just a couple of the positive comments:
“My reactive, oily, light rosacea skin is becoming well balanced and better behaved by using the Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence.”
“I started using this ampoule a few weeks ago and it has made a noticeable difference in a short time.”
‘[Pimple Master] is AMAZING and 100% recommended to everyone! I absolutely love it.”
This 4.5+ review score is also reflected on the COSRX products sold via Amazon.
However, COSRX is not without its more critical feedback. Some products could offer more hydration for the price, compared to cheaper products. And the snail mucin doesn’t hit the mark in all cases, with some users finding it on the sticky side or a little difficult for the skin to absorb.
“My issue is the texture – it’s honestly kind of slimy feeling which is really off putting. It’s not greasy which is great and dries down nicely as well as layers perfectly fine.”
“It works as an ordinary moisturizer, didn’t notice anything different with my skin.”
But overall, the COSRX Korean skin care review consensus is that this is a well-performing brand that has got its price point for the product quality and effectiveness just about right.
Sign Up for COSRX
It’s easy to sign up for more COSRX information via their website. Entering your email address will add you to their regular e-newsletter, which gives you access to exclusive offers, product updates, event details and much more.
Where to Buy COSRX
COSRX is available direct from their own website, and it is shipped internationally. Alternatively, you can shop COSRX via Amazon or Walmart. Plus, there are numerous third-party retailers such as Ultra, YesStyle, Soko Glam, Nordstrom and Revolve.
You can also search for a retailer using the store locator on the COSRX website.
COSRX Shipping and Return Policy
COSRX now ships to the US and offers free shipping on all orders over $30 ($40 to Canada). Shipping costs below $30 will be calculated on weight and delivery distance so do check via the order page before you buy. Shipping can take between five and 13 working days, depending on the US destination.
COSRX’s returns policy only applies to items purchased via the COSRX website and offers a 30-day return window from the delivery date, as long as the items are returned in their original packaging, unopened and unused. It is important to also note that all returns come with a restocking fee, which will be 10% of the purchase amount, deducted from the refund.
COSRX Promotions & Discounts
There are several promotions and discounts COSRX skincare fans can take advantage of. As a new customer, you get 10% off your first order. And, as we’ve already highlighted, you can get free shipping on all orders over $30. Then if you sign up for their newsletter, you can take advantage of a host of regular offers, including their monthly promotions, which have recently included 20% off the COSRX Snail range – simply enter the latest monthly promotion code on checkout. Depending on how much you spend, COSRX also offer free product samples as well as gift sets, on selected promotions.
Contact COSRX
If you need to get in touch with COSRX regarding your order or any of the COSRX cosmetics or skincare products, you can email their customer service team at global@cosrx.co.kr or via their online chat on the website. They aim to respond to all inquiries within 48 hours.
Alternatively, you call them direct on 070-5055-1134. COSRX office hours are Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 17:00.
COSRX: Editors Verdict
So, is COSRX worth switching to? Well, we think it bridges the gap between affordability and quality, adding a healthy touch of innovation into the mix. We really like the simplicity of its product range, in terms of targeted ingredients, fuss free applications and minimalist packaging – it makes you feel that COSRX has put all its energy into its skincare formulas and it all the better for it. And, for a brand that prides itself on the quality and concentration of its active ingredients, the cost per product is surprisingly affordable.
Add in the fact that it knows its target skincare concerns and offers solutions which can be mixed and matched for a tailored and personalized skincare routine, and this is a versatile skincare brand that will resonate with many. COSRX also has the reviewer testimonies to show that it can work. But as we’ve already said, not all the ingredients are going to resonate with everyone and some of their skincare star products are on the top end of affordable. But as an effective way to check out the hype around K-beauty without blowing your budget, we think COSRX is definitely worth a try.
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