In the vast world of Korean skincare, COSRX is a standout favourite – and with its concentrated active ingredients, minimalist ideology, and credible results, it’s not hard to see why.
Founded in 2015, the South Korea-based company set out to create minimal formulas that offer fast-acting solutions. Ingredients are at the heart of the brand – both when it comes to what’s inside the products and what isn’t (everything is free from talc, mineral oil, sulfates, and parabens, amongst other exclusions). It never tests on animals and all the products are vigorously vetted by dermatologists before launch.
So where to start with COSRX? We suggest any (or all) of the products below.
Acne Pimple Master Patch
No Korean skincare routine would be complete without K-beauty’s most famous spot patches – the Acne Pimple Master Patch. Designed to draw pus and build up out of blemishes while preventing bacteria from getting in, these work best on spots that have already broken through the skin’s surface and come to a head.
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
This is a really effective essence (toner-serum hybrid) if you have dryness or dehydration but also if you just want to give your skin an overall health boost. You literally can’t go wrong with the blend of hyaluronic acid, snail mucin, and panthenol – known for their hydrating and reparative properties. With consistent, daily use, you’ll notice a big difference in your skin.
Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream Mist
Love the idea of a face mist but wish they’d deliver a bit more on the moisturising front? This is basically a creamy serum in mist form – packed with ceramides, which are essential for strengthening the skin barrier and keeping moisture locked in. Spray it on between the layers of your skincare for extra nourishment.
Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Simultaneously gentle and hardworking, this product was formulated with sensitive morning skin in mind. It contains hero ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree, and allantoin, and helps to rid skin of product buildup, oil, impurities, and texture, without stripping moisture levels.
Clear Fit Master Patch
A super-subtle, streamlined version of the above, the Clear Fit Master Patches are slim enough to wear by day without anyone noticing them. They’re ideal for keeping on-hand for midday skincare emergencies and are even thin enough to wear under makeup.
Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream
Oily skin? Acnes scars? Dry patches? Snail mucin could well be the answer to any and all of your biggest skin concerns. The Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream is packed full of hardworking ingredients like elastin, hyaluronic acid, proteins, and peptides, and in this particular product, clocks in at a super high (92%!) concentration. What’s more, the gel-cream formula is instantly refreshing and hydrating.
BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
There’s a reason why the BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is a constant sell-out – it does it all. From clearing and preventing breakouts to unclogging pores, sloughing away dry skin and dead skin cells, and reducing the appearance of pores – resulting in clearer, brighter, smoother skin over time. Use twice a week, for best results.
Ultimate Moisturising Honey Overnight Mask
There are certain face masks that could dry out or irritate your skin if you overused them – the Ultimate Moisturising Honey Overnight Mask is not one of them. In fact, it has the opposite effect so is perfect for treating stressed skin. It’s calming, soothing, and packed with moisture-binding humectants and honey (a natural bacteria-killer).
Blackhead Remover Kit
Some blackhead strips cause more harm than good, but the Blackhead Remover Mr.RX Kit comes with a prep sheet to soften skin prior to extraction and a relaxing sheet to reduce any irritation that could occur afterwards. Win, win – and you’ll notice a difference in your pores immediately.
Ultimate Nourishing Rice Spa Overnight Mask
When you have dry skin, around the clock hydration is the best way forward. Let your skin rehydrate while you snooze with the skin-soothing Ultimate Nourishing Rice Spa Overnight Mask. It’s ideal for sensitive skin and features a potent 68% rice extract, which is rich in minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins.