If you’re reading this, chances are that you’ve heard of Korean beauty brand, CosRx. Otherwise known as the brand with the crazy snail essence or incredible healing pimple patches, CosRx has been a staple in the Korean beauty community for years. I initially encountered the products in Seoul in 2014 when I first began my K-beauty journey. At that time, despite having a presence in both South Korea and among international K-beauty enthusiasts elsewhere, CosRx certainly wasn’t the global brand it is today. The brand has now conquered international markets everywhere from the United States to South Africa, and the products have won countless beauty awards. So just what makes this beauty brand stand out from the tens of thousands of other Korean beauty companies, and why are CosRx products STILL making waves? Let’s chat.
CosRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner $17
1. The Elegant Simplicity of CosRX
In a K-beauty world of outrageously packaged high street products and insanely luxurious hanbang brands, CosRx is not necessarily the eye-catcher of the Korean skincare market. The products and packaging take skincare back to the basics, and interestingly, that’s part of their strength and longevity.
CosRx creates formulas with only the necessary ingredients. I’m not referring to “clean beauty” that we see plastered everywhere, where intense marketing centers around pseudo-science and “no toxic ingredients”. With CosRx, we’re talking basic but research-backed formulas that truly do contain only the essentials along with necessary additions to maintain product safety standards. Refreshingly, CosRx has never aggressively marketed their basic ingredients lists nor overly used that angle as an overt way to sell a product. The humble, straightforward way that CosRx presents their products as skincare solutions, without the frills and gimmicks, has always stood out and somewhat proves the integrity of the brand.
Additionally, the packaging reflects this ethos. Plain plastic containers with basic black text. Functional pump bottles or tubs, with nothing particularly special nor outlandish. The connotation is that the formulas can speak for, and sell, themselves. And judging by their success, that worked out to be only too true!
CosRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++ $16
2. CosRx Is Ingredients-Focused
Many of the CosRx lines or individual products are based on the quality and function of a main ingredient. Key ingredients in the CosRx line ups over the years have included snail mucin, honey, aloe, and many others. They were one of the first brands I saw with such an incredibly high percentage of snail mucin in a product, and this meant the product had a central focus and function. Having this funnelled approach, from ingredient through to function, makes the product lines and target skin types easy to understand for customers. They have snail products for soothing and moisturizing, betaine salicylate products to help heal blemishes and acne…the ingredient categories are appealing to users of all skincare backgrounds and levels of knowledge.
3. CosRx Is Inclusive
CosRx has skincare for everyone and every skin type. On my personal skincare journey, I’ve been able to utilize the products to suit my skin as it goes through hormonal changes, extreme seasonal changes, increased sensitivity or increased breakouts. Anecdotally, my younger sister and mum, both with vastly different skin concerns to me, have also used their products for years. The versatility of the brand means the brand takes up a large chunk of my main skincare collection, with a product for every occasion and situation. If my nose pores are clogged, I reach for my BHA Blackhead Power Liquid; if I’m dealing with bumps or texture, I make sure to use my AHA Whitehead Power Liquid to exfoliate; the Honey Ceramide Full Moisture Cream is wonderful for intense moisturizing and softening of my skin. I could go on, but you get the idea! They have a solution for all individuals with all skin concerns.
Results
Everything I’ve discussed sounds great, but the real reason CosRx are one of the best skincare brands in the world? Their products work. And they work for a lot of people.
I can’t tell you the number of people I know who swear by their pimple patches or their snail mucin cream. They’ve set trends, such as the One Step Original Clear Pad that just about every Korean company has now replicated, because their products produce such shattering results with affordable prices. Word of mouth and recommendations to friends and family have kept this brand on top and ever-growing because results speak for themselves. You really can’t beat that.
4 of My Favorite CosRx Products
I have several CosRx products in my skincare line up that have been firmly planted there for years. They’re affordable and produce real results for my skin. Here are my top picks:
CosRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser $12
CosRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
CosRx introduced this formula years ago as one of the original low pH gel cleansers on the K-beauty scene, and I always come back to it. At only $12, this cleanser efficiently removes all residue and impurities from the skin without stripping the face of its natural oils and compromising the moisture barrier. The cleanser is an absolute staple in any basic skincare routine.
CosRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence $21
CosRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
How many times have I now mentioned the snail essence in this article? I couldn’t say how many bottles of this essence I’ve been through, but I always have one in my skincare stash. The incredibly simple formula, which really does contain 96% snail mucin, instantly soothes and relieves sensitivity in my skin. I use it when I’m experiencing irritation, redness, or a breakout, and in all cases, it speeds up the healing process while moisturizing the skin. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say it’s one of the best skincare products available today.
CosRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid $22
CosRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
With 4% Betaine Salicylate, this exfoliating liquid is one of the most potent acid products available from any Korean brand. The lightweight watery texture absorbs quickly while working to unclog the pores and help reduce blackheads and pimples. I use this to keep my large-pored nose area looking clean and clear and it’s always a go-to if I’m breaking out.
CosRX Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask $18
CosRX Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask
The overnight mask forms a protective shield over the skin while you sleep, allowing the skin to fully benefit from your skincare routine and promoting further soothing and moisturizing. The product has an enjoyable gel texture that doesn’t weigh down the skin nor leave a greasy residue. With 87% Propolis Extract within the formula, I find the mask moisturizes, soothes and leaves my skin with a soft glow when I wake up. An all-around star product!
As you can see, CosRx have something for everyone and will be a brand that continue to push boundaries in skincare while maintaining affordability and accessibility for all. Do you have any questions about CosRx or any of their products? Let us know in the comment section below and we can answer any queries or skincare concerns you may have!