Are you looking for COSRX skincare product reviews? Here is my detailed review of all the COSRX Korean skincare products I’ve tried and which ones I recommend from the brand!
Continuing the series of me reviewing each product I’ve tried from a brand in a single post (no. 6), I’m happy to share with you another Korean skincare brand, COSRX.
*** This post is not sponsored by COSRX.
COSRX is a unique Korean skincare brand that I love and regularly rotate in my skincare routine. Since discovering their COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask, I could not stop myself from trying more of their products.
In this skincare review, I’ll cover all the COSRX products I’ve tried so far from the brand, sharing my experience with each and with the brand overall. If you are considering trying out their products, you can find my detailed reviews below.
✨ MY 35+ SKIN PROFILE AND SKINCARE ROUTINE ✨ Skin Type: Combination skin prone to dryness, sensitivity, texture and a bit of T-zone oiliness, especially in the summer. Light skin with a cool undertone. Goals: Increasing hydration, minimizing irritations, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and texture + preventing sun damage. Skincare Routine: Love rotating skincare products, favoring retinoids for their anti-aging benefits and adjusting my routine based on the needs of my skin. Typically a maximum of 5-steps skincare routine. ✨In my skincare routine for combination skin, I go over my routine in more depth, including top product recommendations and tips. Challenges: Finding products to meet all my skin goals and needs without feeling greasy or irritating.
About COSRX Skincare
COSRX is a popular Korean skincare brand known for its minimalist approach to skincare and focus on effective ingredients.
Key characteristics of COSRX as a skincare brand include:
- Philosophy: providing solutions for common skin concerns using minimal but powerful ingredients.
- Targeted Skincare: products are targeted towards various skin types and concerns, including acne-prone skin, sensitive skin, dry and combination skin.
- Product Range: they offer a wide range of skincare products, including cleansers, toners, exfoliators, serums, moisturizers, masks, and sunscreens. Some of their most popular products include the Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, and Acne Pimple Master Patch.
- Effective Ingredients: they incorporate scientifically-backed ingredients known for their efficacy, such as centella, niacinamide, rice extract, propolis, and hyaluronic acid, among others.
- Gentle Yet Powerful: despite their potency, most of the products are formulated to be gentle on the skin.
- Minimalist Packaging: products typically come in simple and functional packaging, reflecting the brand’s focus on effectiveness rather than fancy packaging.
- Affordable Pricing: they offer quality skincare products at relatively affordable price points, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers.
- Global Recognition: they have grown in popularity not only in Korea, but also around the world, particularly in countries like United States and Europe, due in part to their effective formulas, affordable pricing, and growing demand for K-beauty products.
COSRX Skincare Review Shortcut
✨ April 2024 Reviews ✨
- COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask Review
- COSRX Advance Snail 92 All In One Cream Review
- COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Review
- COSRX AHA/ BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner Review
Price Guide
- $ = under $20
- $$ = $20 – $50
- $$$ = over $50
DISCLAIMER At El Beauty Finder, I strive to feature products that I personally test and recommend. However, I am not a licensed professional and cannot guarantee specific results nor the prevention or cure of any condition or disease. The information provided on www (dot) elbeautyfinder (dot) com is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. Prices, availability, and product formulations may change over time, so it's advisable to verify product details and conduct your own research before making any purchasing decision or using any highlighted product, as well as look for professional guidance for personalized advice whenever needed.
1. COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask Review
✨ Specifications ✨ Product Name: COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask Key Ingredients: 68% rice extract, glycerin, niacinamide, allantoin Formulation: fragrance-free Helps To: hydrate, brighten and smooth the skin Best For: all skin types Packaging: flip-top cap tube Size: 2.02 fL. oZ/ 60 mL, Price: $
I’m starting my COSRX review with the COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask, which happens to be my very first purchase from the brand. I was genuinely curious about what a Korean rice mask could do, so I couldn’t resist giving it a try.
It’s an overnight mask that may also be used as a moisturizer with a lightweight creamy, silky texture. The key ingredients include 68% rice extract, glycerin, niacinamide, and allantoin to help hydrate, brighten, and smooth the skin. (Source) A little goes long way, and it applies smoothly without feeling greasy or heavy. Completely fragrance-free.
Ever since I first gave it a try, I’ve been absolutely in love! This cream/ mask absorbs nicely, and spreads without leaving any greasiness behind. Not only does it feel hydrating, but it also makes the pores look smaller.
Initially, I liked how hydrating it is, but over time, I discovered it’s also great for improving skin brightness and smoothness. In my opinion, this is exactly what a great mask with rice and niacinamide should do. I would have liked the tube to be bigger for the price.
In my skincare routine for combination skin, I’m able to use it as a simple moisturizer in the morning and evening, or as an overnight mask applying last on top of the retinoid I’m using. It’s worth noting that I consistently use a retinoid, which could contribute to the brightening effect alongside this product. Still, I’ve definitely seen noticeable results.
If you are looking for a great dual-purpose face moisturizer with rice extract and niacinamide to brighten and smooth your skin with hydrating properties, this mask works wonderful. Requires consistency, but with patience, it delivers.
COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Hydrating: effectively hydrates the skin, leaving it feeling moisturized and plump.
- Brightening: contains key ingredients like rice extract and niacinamide to help brightening the skin over time.
- Smoothing: helps to smooth the skin’s texture, making pores appear smaller and the skin feel softer.
- Dual-purpose: can be used both as an overnight mask and as a daily moisturizer, offering versatility in our skincare routines.
- Lightweight, silky texture: with creamy yet lightweight silky texture, applies smoothly without feeling greasy or heavy.
- Fragrance-free: works for sensitive skin types as it’s free from added fragrances.
Cons:
- Requires consistency: like many skincare products, consistent use is necessary to see results.
- Price: while effective, some may find the price point a bit high given the size. For a mask, it could be a little bigger.
2. COSRX Advance Snail 92 All In One Cream Review
✨ Specifications ✨ Product Name: COSRX Advance Snail 92 All In One Cream Key Ingredients: 92% snail mucin, sodium hyaluronate, allantoin, panthenol Formulation: fragrance-free, glycerin-free Helps To: repair the skin, calm irritation and hydrate the skin Best For: all skin types Packaging: jar with an open lid (tube as an alternative option) Size: 3.53 fL. oZ/ 100 g, Price: $$
Next, I’m excited to share my thoughts on COSRX Advance Snail 92 All In One Cream. TikTok made me buy this one.
It’s a slimy gel moisturizer that’s almost watery but sticky, with 92% snail secretion filtrate, known for promoting skin repair and hydration. (Source) It comes in a sleek container, with a lightweight texture that feels slippery on the skin, but absorbs and dries within minutes upon application. Completely fragrance-free.
When I first opened the cream and tried it, I said no! This is not for me! I’m not into slimy things. However, as I started including it in my skincare routine, I began liking it. It goes on slimy yet feels very lightweight and soothing on the skin, helping with irritation and skin regeneration.
My favorite way to use it is to add it last to my skincare routine as a mask overnight in a thin layer and let it dry. I noticed it helps calm down irritation and hydrate the skin, making it look more healthy and somehow glowing with using it over time.
You’ll either love or hate this one. There is no other way around. It’s a great moisturizer, but I don’t think it’s for everyone because of its slippery nature. However, if you can get past the sensation, you may find it useful as a lightweight moisturizer or an overnight mask for calming and repairing your skin. I, the one, am keeping it on my rotation.
COSRX Advance Snail 92 All In One Cream Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Multi-functional benefits: offers benefits beyond just hydration, including skin repair and regeneration.
- High snail secretion filtrate content: contains 92% snail secretion filtrate, known for its hydrating and skin-repairing properties.
- Lightweight texture: it’s a gel moisturizer with a lightweight texture that feels soothing on the skin.
- Soothing and hydrating: helps to calm irritation and hydrate the skin, leaving it looking healthy and glowing.
- Versatile usage: can be used as a lightweight moisturizer or as an overnight mask for added soothing and skin-repairing benefits.
- Fragrance-free: works on sensitive skin or those sensitive to fragrances.
Cons:
- Slimy texture: some may find the slimy, watery, and sticky texture unpleasant or off-putting initially.
- Slippery nature: the slippery feel may not appeal to everyone, especially if you prefer products with a different consistency.
3. COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Review
✨ Specifications ✨ Product Name: COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Key Ingredients: willow bark water, betaine salicylate, niacinamide, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate Formulation: fragrance-free, glycerin-free Helps To: minimize the look of pores and slightly hydrate Best For: beginners to chemical exfoliation Packaging: bottle with press pump Size: 3.38 fL. oZ/ 100 mL, Price: $
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is another COSRX product that I tried. With this one, betaine salicylate, the gentler alternative to the usual salicylic acid for exfoliation, and the promise of making my pores appear smaller convinced me to buy it.
It’s a liquid, almost like a serum type of product, that applies well either directly to the face or on a cotton pad, with a lightweight texture, and no scent. It contains willow bark water, betaine salicylate, niacinamide, panthenol, and sodium hyaluronate to help clear clogged pores and improve texture.
Betaine salicylate is sometimes used as a gentle alternative for sensitive skin to the exfoliating ingredient salicylic acid in countries where the usage of salicylic acid is prohibited or the amount permitted is severely restricted. It works by gently removing the dead skin cells, making the skin look smoother and more radiant. (Source)
When I first started using this BHA liquid from COSRX, I have to admit I was a bit confused. In the initial weeks, I didn’t really see any noticeable improvements. But as time went on and I made it a part of my morning routine consistently for a few months, I began to observe something interesting – the pores around my nose seemed to be shrinking. It took me about 3 or 4 months to go through the entire bottle, and what’s funny is that just as I was nearing the bottle end, I suddenly noticed my pores looking smaller. 😊
I’ve actually stopped using it in my skincare routine since I finished it, and moved on to trying out some other products I own. I do however, consider repurchasing it to give it another go for a longer period of time, just to see if it might have some long-term benefits in reducing the size of my pores.
If you are just starting out on your skincare journey and have sensitive skin that needs extra care, you might appreciate this mild exfoliating/ pore-minimizing liquid serum. While it does take a bit of time to show results, it’s gentle and lightly hydrating, without any added fragrances.
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight Texture: the liquid formula applies smoothly and is quickly absorbed into the skin, great for application directly to the face or with a cotton pad.
- Key Ingredients: formulated with willow bark water, betaine salicylate, niacinamide, panthenol, and sodium hyaluronate, which work together to clear clogged pores and improve skin texture.
- Pore Minimizing: over time, you may notice a reduction in the size of pores, particularly around the nose area.
- Gentle and Fragrance-Free: the product is gentle and does not contain added fragrances, making it suitable for those with delicate skin types.
- Hydrating: despite being glycerin-free, it feels lightly hydrating on the skin.
Cons:
- Slow Results: some may find that it takes time for noticeable improvements to occur, requiring consistent use over several months before seeing significant changes.
4. COSRX AHA/ BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner Review
✨ Specifications ✨ Product Name: COSRX AHA/ BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner Key Ingredients: willow bark water, glycolic acid, betaine salicylate, allantoin, panthenol Formulation: fragrance-free, glycerin-free, alcohol-free Helps To: gentle exfoliate and even skin tone Best For: beginners to chemical exfoliation Packaging: spray bottle to use on a cotton pad Size: 5.07 fL. oZ/ 150 mL, Price: $
Up next in my COSRX skincare review is the COSRX AHA/ BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner. It contains glycolic acid, which is one of my favorite exfoliating acids, so I thought I’d try it.
It’s a water-based toner that can be sprayed on a cotton pad and used on the face, avoiding the eye area. Willow bark water, glycolic acid, betaine salicylate, allantoin, and panthenol all work to gently exfoliate and soothe the skin. The product is fragrance-free, does not feel sticky on the skin, dries quickly, and feels non-drying.
I’ve tried it a few times now. Usually, I don’t need much exfoliation in my face skincare routine, except for when I notice too much flaking skin from using my retinoid. Other than that, my skin is pretty balanced.
Now, with this new product I’ve been trying from COSRX, I’ve come to realize that I don’t really need to keep buying face AHA/ BHA/ exfoliating products. They don’t really seem to add that much value to my skincare routine, especially since I’m already using tretinoin, which does a great job of exfoliating on its own.
The product itself is actually quite gentle and does exactly what it’s supposed to do. It’s mild and effectively exfoliates the skin without causing irritation, which I find really nice. I can definitely see how it could work great for someone who isn’t using any other active skincare products and wants to add one to improve their skin texture.
I for one will be using it on my body as it does a great job of refreshing and softening the skin. Plus, it’s so easy to apply with the spray, perfect for quick use on the body.
COSRX AHA/ BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Contains Glycolic Acid: glycolic acid is a favorite exfoliating acid known for its ability to gently exfoliate the skin, promoting a smoother complexion.
- Water-Based Toner: super lightweight and easy to apply.
- Soothing Properties: ingredients like allantoin and panthenol help soothe the skin, minimizing any potential irritation caused by exfoliation.
- Fragrance-Free: suitable for sensitive skin, without any added fragrance.
- Quick-Drying and Non-Sticky: the toner dries quickly on the skin and does not leave a sticky residue.
- Non-Drying: despite its exfoliating properties, the toner does not strip the skin of its natural moisture (if paired correctly).
Cons:
- Redundant for Some: for anyone already using exfoliating products such as retinoids, adding an additional exfoliating toner may not be necessary and can potentially be too harsh for the skin.
- May Be Better Suited for Body Use: while the toner is gentle and effective, it may be more appropriate for use on the body due to the spray bottle’s ease of use.
COSRX Skincare Products I Recommend
All of the products in this COSRX skincare review work well and are great options to consider, depending on your skincare goals.
However, if I had to choose, my top picks would definitely be the COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask, closely followed by the COSRX Advance Snail 92 All In One Cream. I’m absolutely in love with moisturizers, and they’re my go-to whenever I’m shopping for skincare products. Both of these are fantastic options: the rice mask works great for brightening and smoothing, while the snail cream is incredibly soothing and repairing. They are exactly what my skincare routine needs!
Also, the COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid works to reduce the appearance of pores, as claimed. It’s slow, but it works. With this one, if you have sensitive skin, nothing can beat it in gentleness.
Where To Buy COSRX Skincare
COSRX skincare products are available for sale via various retailers, both online and in-store. Here are some common places where you can buy COSRX products:
- Amazon
- Ulta
- Target
- LookFantastic
- YesStyle
- Soko Glam
- Skin Cupid
You can also buy COSRX skincare directly from their official website: https://www.cosrx.com.
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Brand Review and Coming Next
With COSRX, I’m excited to try more, and I’m even considering trying some of their exfoliants on my body. Their products include interesting formulas that seem both simple and effective. Plus, the pricing look fair for the quantity offered.
The ingredients are simple and clearly listed on the labels, and their website provides all the details you need, from prices to ingredients, making it super easy to find what you are looking for. I really appreciate the effectiveness and the range of products they offer. What’s even better is that they incorporate multiple skin-beneficial ingredients into their formulas instead of just adding a bunch of unnecessary fragrances.
I’m looking forward to my next shopping trip, where I plan to pick up more products from their line. I’m with my eyes on their Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner, Centella Blemish Cream, and Pure Fit Cica Smoothing Cleansing Balm. With anything new, I will update here.
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Have you tried any COSRX skincare products? If so, which ones and what was your experience with them? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!