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It’s safe to say that Korean skincare has been flooding the market, almost as heavily as its serums and dew-drenched formulations offer us a near-instantaneous “glass skin” effect.
According to a January 2024 market insights report from Statista, “the revenue generated in the Beauty & Personal Care market in South Korea is projected to reach $14.84 billion in 2024.” What’s more, the largest segment in this market is skincare, with a market volume of $9.06 billion in 2024.
And believe me, I’m not at all surprised as a beauty lover myself. Much like you’ve probably been, my TikTok for-you page has been inundated with “get ready with me’s,” short clips curated by Gen Z influencers who have been raving about COSRX and the to-die-for impact many Korean skincare brands have made to their beauty routines. And, of course, they’re wearing the viral skincare headband.
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I’ll be the first to admit that I’m rather late to hop on the Korean skincare bandwagon. I’ve surely used the acclaimed COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence ($12) back in the day and remember loving its refreshing effect on my skin but, like most people, the urge to run back to Sephora or Ulta Beauty and try something new satisfied my budding beauty high.
To see what the 100,000+ rave reviews were talking about, I ordered a big box of COSRX and opened a vault of glass skin-yielding goodness to try out. Spoiler alert: the brand is absolutely worth it, and my initial impressions and detailed review notes are sure to inspire you to add them to your cart, too.
What is COSRX?
COSRX is a K-beauty brand that kickstarted in 2013 and offers quality yet fairly priced products to help target skin concerns, namely dullness. And so, glass skin commences.
“Glass skin is something you can achieve by having clear skin with a clear complexion, that also appears plump and hydrated,” David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, told the New York Post. “It’s about finding the right products for your skin type, and treating any skin conditions with prescription creams.” Of course, certain skin types will require frequent visits to a dermatologist in addition to using OTC skincare formulas such as COSRX.
You’re likely thinking the same thing I had previously pondered: “is the brand really effective for the price?” Now, there’s truly no getting around my love for more premium brands like Alpyn Beauty and Drunk Elephant, but COSRX works, plain and simple. Its lower price may be indicative of lower packaging costs as well, among other factors.
- COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Gel CleanserAmazonPros:Tacky, nourishing consistency that’s both satisfying and effective when usedBudget-friendly price pointExcellent value for the moneyCons:Has a faint tinge of lemon, though not a dealbreaker because it’s hardly noticeableThe COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser has a tacky, bubble-forming consistency that instantly nourishes my skin whenever I use it. It’s one of those cleansers that feels like it’s instantly working, leaving my skin ultra-clean and hydrated, too. It has the faintest zing of a lemon scent, adding to its freshness. However, I wouldn’t say it’s largely fragranced as that would be a huge no-no to my sensitive skin.How I use it: I use this product twice daily: once in the morning and once in the evening. It’s the ideal base for the rest of your skincare products and, at the very least, it offers enough of a moisturizing feel to apply with my facial SPF and run out the door if I’m in a hurry.BUY NOW $18.00 $11.23
- COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing EssenceAmazonPros:Offers a glass skin effect instantaneouslyImpressive on dry skin typesExcellent value for the moneyCons:May be too goopy and watery for some, though it’s buildableAlas, we’ve arrived at the star of the show — the COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence. If you’ve heard of only one product from the brand, it’s likely this one. This was the first product I ever tried from years ago but, when I picked it up recently, it was just like old times.This product is some kind of miracle in a bottle, and I don’t say that lightly. If there’s anything you pick up from this list, let it be this product. It’s the ideal serum to dab on after your cleanser and the most direct-hitting glass skin product I’ve tried from the brand at large.How I use it: Following my COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser, I apply one to two pumps and blend it throughout my face, as you would a moisturizer. I focus extra on the apples of my cheeks and the tip of my nose — the areas where pores tend to be more noticeable on my skin. I use the product twice daily.BUY NOW $25.00 $11.99
- COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual EssenceAmazonPros:The creamy, moisturizing texture that’s not as cold-refreshing heavy as some others testedDoubles as a dark spot correctorExcellent value for the moneyCons:May not be the best for oilier skin types as the formulation is creamier than others tested, rather than gel-basedThe COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence, in my opinion, is an underrated item from the brand. A hidden gem in the skincare trove, you can say.In essence (pun totally intended here, BTW), it’s akin to the brand’s top-rated COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence. However, this one is more apt for drier skin types as it feels more like a lightweight moisturizer than it does a serum that you’d typically sandwich between your cleanser and cream.What I love most about this product and what I consider its standout feature to be is its affinity toward skin-brightening. I feel not only glass skin-smooth but also glowy. It also doubles as a dark spot corrector and has the finished look of a vitamin C serum in some ways. Plus, it helps smooth out any natural lines so I find it works well for anti-aging purposes, too.How I use it: Following my COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser, I layer this product with the COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence about once or twice a week. In my perspective, it’s more of a treatment and, because it’s so effective, I only use it once daily (typically in the mornings).BUY NOW $28.00 $15.99
- COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye CreamAmazonPros:Lightweight and absorbs wellLeaves the under-eye area impressively smoothLess than $30Cons:Has a faint scent similar to OTC medicines, though not a dealbreakerListen y’all, after testing 50+ eye creams, I didn’t think I wanted to see another one *ever* again. In fact, there’s a big white box filled with all of them underneath my standing desk in my bedroom. Aka, the beauty vault, and the reality of a full-time product-tester.The COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream intrigued me for a few reasons. Because of the brand’s reputation for achieving glass skin in a pinch, I was curious how the product would perform underneath my eyes. I mean, if there’s an area to become smooth and refreshed, I think the eyes are a universal part of the face we can all agree we need to give some extra love and attention to.While it’s not the best for brightening like the COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence, the smoothing properties are definitely there. I love its pocket-sized nature and how quickly and effortlessly it absorbs. I wouldn’t say it’s spectacular for anti-aging — the crux of why people resort to eye creams, majorly — though it’s a good buy that pairs well with other products from the brand.How I use it: Following my COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser and COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, I use this product in the mornings each day. It’s not a product I find necessary to use twice daily, though you can.BUY NOW $26.00 $14.99
- COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Power Sheet Mask (10-Pack)AmazonPros:Great on sensitive skinYour ticket to instantly refreshed skinExcellent value for the price, given that you’re receiving 10 individual treatmentsCons:May be too slimy for some, like the COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, though not a dealbreakerAh, we’ve arrived back at snail mucin. It’s not surprising that COSRX iterated on its success with the 96% Power Repairing Essence and, in a way, converted the formula into a sheet mask form.Like many self-care aficionados, I love a good face mask. To me, they’re the epitome of pure relaxation and ideal for your weekly skin reset. As of late, I’ve been truthfully loving clay-based masks, but this was the sheet mask that reignited my love for these types of masks.This goes without saying, but they’re seriously hydrating and stay put. I can’t tell you how many face masks I’ve used — and expensive ones, at that — that slide right off. It’s infuriating, but you won’t have to worry about that with COSRX.Because it’s heavily infused with snail mucin, I was a bit of a skeptic on the result, given my sensitive skin. Yet, it was effective, sublime and nourishing. It’s a total steal for the price, too.How I use it: Following my COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser and COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, I use this product once a week, preceding my COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream. If using it at night, I’ll omit the eye cream.BUY NOW $25.00 $18.75
- COSRX Snail Mucin 92% All-in-One CreamAmazonPros:Instantly hydrating and helps reverse the impact of dull skinWell-made packagingLightweight and buildableCons:May be too slimy for some, like the COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, though not a dealbreakerThe COSRX Snail Mucin 92% All-in-One Cream is another slept-on product that I find to be luxurious. I can’t believe it’s less than $20 as it makes my skin feel well-balanced and hydrated. Plus, when you use it following the Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence as I do, you’ll be shell-shocked at how incredible it is.Regardless, if I’m using it in 30-degree weather when my skin is chronically dry or when I’m experiencing a hormonal acne flareup, this cream is always a trusty one to reach for. It never lets me down and, while goopy, I still love it. A little goes a long way, too.How I use it: Following all the other COSRX products in my arsenal (yes, I’m pretty much prepared for a skincare war, if that ever existed), I use this product as a final step. Some nights, I’ll use the brand’s Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream if I’m seeking more of a night cream.BUY NOW $15.99 $13.99
- COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive CreamAmazonPros:Firm, deeply moisturizing textureWell-made packagingBuildableCons:May be too slimy for some, like the COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, though not a dealbreakerIf you’re like me, whenever you hear hyaluronic acid, you run to it. This is *exactly* why I had to try the COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream. It’s a bit firmer in texture compared to the COSRX Snail Mucin 92% All-in-One Cream, so I tend to reach for it at night.It’s just as buildable as the other cream though not as lightweight. However, it absorbs fairly quickly, which is remarkable. It’s the perfect overnight cream as well.How I use it: Following all the other COSRX products I use this product as a final step in my nighttime skincare routine.BUY NOW $24.00 $12.99Other COSRX Products We Love:
- COSRX Snail Mucin Travel Essentials KitAmazonPros:Perfect to take on vacation, overnights, or the gymMakes a great giftIncludes the brand’s bestselling Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power EssenceCons:The bottles are small, so expect to run out fast if you’re purchasing this as a samplerThis is a great starter kit for those who’d like to give the Korean beauty skincare brand a try before purchasing full-size bottles. It includes the Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser, Snail Mucin Peptide Eye Cream and face cream, as well as the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. This also makes an awesome gift!AMAZON $30.00 $16.71
- COSRX Pure Vitamin C 23% SerumAmazonPros:Uses a blend of hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and skin-brightening vitamin CGentleGood for addressing dark spots and scarsCons:Sticky dry downVitamin C is a must for those seeking to boost collagen, and hyaluronic acid helps with the body’s absorption of it. More importantly, it’s needed for hydrated, supple skin, which is why this COSRX serum is so great. It’s light, too, though on the stickier side, and gentle enough to be used beneath the eyes. It can also be placed in the fridge to prevent oxidation.BUY BUTTON $25.00 $11.99
- COSRX Propolis AmpouleAmazonPros:HypoallergenicGentleHydratingCons:It’s slightly sticky but absorbs fastFor a radiant glow, check out this serum. It has honey to brighten and moisturize, as well as hyaluronic acid to lock it in. Best of all, it doesn’t have parabens or other nasty stuff.BUY NOW $28.00 $15.99
- COSRX Daily SPF 50 Vitamin E SunscreenAmazonPros:SPF has a semi-matte finish and lays nicely beneath makeupDoesn’t leave a white castHas vitamin E and antioxidant-rich cacaoCons:Can sting eyesNo skincare routine is complete without sunscreen! COSRX Daily SPF 50 has amazing reviews on Amazon and dries on clear. It’s not greasy at all and is also infused with vitamin C and cacao to give it an anti-aging edge.BUY NOW $23.00 $13.22
COSRX skincare review
The stash of COSRX products I tried to see if they were worth it, from the popular Snail Mucin to its sheet masks. Victoria GiardinaAs a whole, I can definitively say that COSRX is an Amazon beauty brand worth the hype. I have extremely sensitive and dry skin and I find that my skin truly feels satisfying smooth after I use the brand’s Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser ($18) and Snail Mucin 92% All-in-One Cream ($16) when I’m on more of a time crunch. However, on a normal day or evening, I’ll layer my skin with even more COSRX, tapping into the seven-step skincare routine that did, in fact, originate from Korean skincare practices.
COSRX is known for its snail mucin ingredient. Seemingly odd in the skincare market at first mention, it’s not at all strange in the K-beauty space. I was more familiar with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and bakuchiol (the retinol alternative for sensitive skin), so I asked Dr. Kim for the 411 on how snail mucin is intended to support the skin.
He told me that “it has hydrating and calming effects on the skin,” which I can definitely see. When using all of the COSRX products in my stockpile, I felt like I took a refreshing facial bath in each product. Think: Jell-O but for your skin.
“I think it’s popular mostly for the texture,” Kim added. “It’s lightweight so people with acne-prone skin can use it.” It has a more “satisfying” texture I’d say, one in which I definitely thought, “Wow, this is probably why it’s all over TikTok.” The brand doesn’t fall suit into carrying run-of-the-mill, creamy products for the most part. In fact, most of them are cooler, gel-based and offer a douse of refreshment.
“Having clear hydrated skin in Korean culture is highly coveted,” Kim further explained. “How you present yourself to the world is very important in Korea, and having great skin is a sign of prestige and wealth. It’s common for Koreans to see a dermatologist every month and get different treatments and facials regularly to maintain that glass skin.”
While you may find it impractical to book a facial appointment each month, COSRX, when used regularly, can be the next best thing.
The bottom line
As a whole, COSRX is a budget-friendly and highly effective formula set. I love its dose of dewiness it leads to my skin and it’s ideal for sensitive and dry skin, especially.
How we tested
I’ve been using COSRX for at least three weeks straight and took detailed notes on how the brand worked on my skin type and what my first impressions were. Eventually, those first impressions morphed into consistent performance among all of the brand’s products.
Here’s the testing criteria I kept in mind for each formula:
- Efficacy: Of course, each product should be noticeably effective, especially something like Korean skincare where a “glass skin” effect should be instantaneous.
- “Glass skin” effect: Because of the brand’s reputation, this was a key factor I looked for with each formula.
- Irritation levels: My skin is sensitive, so if any product broke me out in any way or caused a stinging feeling, I didn’t include it on this list (FYI, no product from COSRX irritated my skin).
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best sheet masks on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos for all hair types and budgets. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
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