cosrx

CosRx is a Korean skincare brand founded in Seoul in 2013 by Jun Sang Hun, whose own sensitive skin struggled with most products on the market at the time. The name comes from "Cosmetics + RX", reflecting the brand's mission to create treatment-focused formulas with the efficacy of a prescription, minus the marketing fluff. Built around a minimalist philosophy, CosRx keeps ingredient lists short and effective, avoiding fragrance and unnecessary additives while staying accessible on price.

The Advanced Snail96 Mucin Power Firming Essence is the brand's most iconic product, using Snail Secretion Filtrate to hydrate, repair and brighten skin while supporting a stronger barrier. The Acne Pimple Master Patch is another cult favourite, using hydrocolloid technology to draw out impurities from spots overnight while protecting them from bacteria and picking. For the eye area, the Pink Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patches combine 4 Peptides, Collagen and Caffeine to de-puff and brighten tired-looking eyes. The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum rounds things out, using 6 different Peptides to boost elasticity, calm skin and improve the look of fine lines.

Yes, CosRx's haircare range is built around their patented Peptide-132 technology. The Peptide 132 Ultra Perfect Hair Bonding Shampoo gently cleanses while helping to repair damaged hair bonds, and pairs well with the Peptide 132 Ultra Perfect Hair Bonding Treatment, a rich, salon-grade formula that restores softness, shine and elasticity to hair stressed by heat styling, colouring or bleaching.

For dullness, the Advanced Vitamin C 23 Serum combines a high concentration of Vitamin C with Super Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid to brighten and revive a tired-looking complexion. For acne and blemishes, the AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid uses Glycolic Acid to gently exfoliate and clear whiteheads, while the BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, CosRx's very first product, uses Salicylic Acid to unclog pores and calm irritation for a more even skin tone. For visible pores, the Two in One Poreless Power BHA Liquid uses Willow Bark Water and a gentle dose of BHA to tighten and refine pores. For anti-ageing, the Retinol 0.3 Moisturiser Cream delivers a higher concentration of Retinol to target deep wrinkles and fine lines, while for redness, the Ceramide Skin Barrier Moisturiser uses 5 types of Ceramide alongside Panthenol and Allantoin to soothe stressed, reactive skin.

Start with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities without stripping the skin, then follow with a toner to refine texture and prep skin for the next steps. A serum targeting your main concern, whether that's brightening, hydration or anti-ageing, comes next, before sealing everything in with a moisturiser to lock in hydration. During the day, finish with an SPF to protect skin from UV damage.

Snail Mucin, or Snail Secretion Filtrate, is a naturally derived ingredient known for its hydrating and repairing properties, forming the basis of CosRx's whole Snail Mucin range. It contains Hyaluronic Acid and glycoproteins that draw moisture deep into the skin, helping strengthen the barrier and improve elasticity over time. The Advanced Snail96 Mucin Power Firming Essence is the range's hero product, while the Advanced Snail Mucin Power Gel Cleanser gently removes impurities to prep skin for the rest of the routine. For an extra boost, the Advanced Snail Mucin Glass Glow Hydrogel Sheet Mask delivers a concentrated dose of Snail Mucin alongside Ceramides for instant glow and soothing relief.

CosRx is cruelty-free and doesn't test their products on animals, they also offer a range of vegan-friendly products.