Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast or not, let’s talk about this popular K-beauty brand COSRX that has garnered a cult-like following on social media.
Unlike other major K-beauty brands that have a greater presence with standalone boutiques and beauty counters in departmental stores, COSRX made its way from Seoul to the discerning consumers via Health & Beauty stores in the United States and Southeast Asia.
If you’ve been to Seoul, you would have seen their products in Olive Young. COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch is incredibly popular with most locals and tourists. In fact, it has been voted as the #1 pimple patch in Olive Young.
COSRX has set itself apart from the rest of the K-beauty brands with its no-frills philosophy by giving users the best technology and ingredients at wallet-friendly prices. And I like that because I’ve fallen prey to fancy-schmancy skincare products that didn’t really work out for my combination skin.
According to COSRX’s website, Mr. RX, the founder, studied skin types and their various needs for over a decade. Based on his experience in the beauty industry, he created COSRX in the early 2010s with a goal to “[treat] skin problems and [to bring] out the truest form of beauty in our customers.”
To put it simply, COSRX takes a medical approach to your skin issues, it is ingredient-focused and each product is technically a prescription to treat your skin concerns, you’ll find ingredients like vitamin C, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid.
First impression, COSRX’s clean, medicinal-looking bottle stood out from the rest of the K-beauty brands. COSRX is relatively popular among users with sensitive skin (eczema, acne-prone) as they offer gentle, non-irritating formulas.
So… What about waking up to glowing skin?
I’ve drawn up a list of my favourite products from COSRX that are worth adding to your everyday skincare routine to get your glow on!
1. COSRX Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask
This is the first COSRX item I own and it works. Like what it says on the product, this is an overnight mask but because of its lightweight, non-greasy texture, I occasionally use it as a daytime moisturizer too. What impressed me the most about COSRX Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask is that it contains 87.26% propolis extract, which is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient that expedites the healing of acne and skin. This overnight mask doesn’t cause breakout on my skin. If you find yourself suffering from occasional pimples due to stress, this overnight mask with its gel-like texture will not aggravate your skin issues, in fact, the healing properties of propolis help them to heal. The product gets absorbed into my skin quickly, I usually wash it off with warm water the next morning and my skin felt hydrated.
Suitable for daily use: Yes
2. COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask
Enriched with more than 68% of rice extract, this mask provides intensive nourishment and deep moisturization. This product also contains niacinamide, a highly favoured ingredient by skincare enthusiasts as it helps to brighten skin and tighten pores. The COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask is suitable for all skin types. It works effectively as a night-time mask and you will wake up with soft and dewy skin the next morning.
Suitable for daily use: No (It is recommended to use once or twice per week).
3. COSRX Two in One Poreless Power Liquid
Living in hot and humid Singapore, it’s not that easy to achieve poreless complexion without proper care – the Koreans call it as Glass Skin. COSRX Two in One Poreless Power Liquid is an essence which means you apply it after cleansing and toning your face. This product also complements the COSRX BHA Blackhead liquid created for blackhead extraction.
Suitable for daily use: Yes
4. COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid will help you banish blackheads and over time you’ll achieve brighter, dewy skin. Formulated with White Willow Bark and Beta hydroxy acid, both works to reduce dead skin and inflammatory issues (think mild acne and skin redness). It is highly recommended to use it at night right after you cleanse your face. Let the liquid rest on the targeted areas of your face for about 15 minutes before applying moisturizer. If you’re using it in the day, please remember to apply a layer of sunscreen on your face too because BHA can cause photosensitivity which leads to hyperpigmentation.
Suitable for daily use: No. (It is recommended to use once or twice per week).
5. COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule
Bee Propolis contains powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, making it naturally antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral. So if you’re prone to blemishes and mild acne, try adding COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule into your skincare routine. It works to reduce the appearance of acne and blemishes, enhance skin’s immunity against future breakout and it also works to keep your skin supple. This is an absolute staple of mine. I recommend using it (one to two drops) before you put on your moisturizer or even use it as a makeup primer before you apply your foundation.
Suitable for daily use: Yes (I use it on alternate days)
6. COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence
If you’re struggling with acne, texture, dull, or dry skin, COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence should be a part of your daily skincare routine. Galactomyces is a nutrient-dense yeast and a byproduct of fermented sake. It’s the hero ingredient in SKII products, also known as Pitera, which is scientifically proven to improve the elasticity of the skin and improve skin complexion. What’s incredible about this product is that the formula includes niacinamide which helps to heal blemishes and brighten dark spots too. With consistent use, your skin will appear more radiant and clear.
Suitable for daily use: Yes (After cleansing and toning, apply a small amount on your entire face. Gently pat using fingertips to aid absorption, and then go forth with your moisturizers.)
