Brand Comparison
Ada Tina vs COSRX
A head-to-head comparison of two popular K-beauty brands. Which one is right for your skin?
Our Pick
COSRX
Higher editor rating (9 vs 8.4)
Rating8.4/109/10
Price RangeMid-Range ($$)Budget ($)
Founded20072013
OriginBrazilSeoul, South Korea
Products631
Best ForOily, Acne-Prone, Combo, normalOily, Combo, Acne-Prone, Sensitive
PhilosophyDermocosmetic sun protection — Brazilian sunscreen innovation, high-SPF tinted formulas, derma-pharmacy staple.Minimal, effective formulations at accessible prices. Every product built around one or two proven actives with short, transparent ingredient lists.
Ada Tina
Brazil knows sunscreen. Ada Tina's Fotoprot range is the default derma-pharmacy recommendation. Tinted SPFs are a revelation.
Pros
- ✓ Exceptional sunscreens
- ✓ Dermatologist-favored
- ✓ Tinted SPF range
Cons
- ✗ Limited global availability
- ✗ Utilitarian packaging
- ✗ Not much non-SPF range
COSRX
The gateway brand for most people entering K-beauty, and for good reason. COSRX consistently delivers effective, no-frills products at prices that make most Western alternatives look overpriced. Their snail mucin line and BHA products are genuine category leaders. They rarely innovate, but they execute the basics exceptionally well.
Pros
- ✓ Outstanding value across the entire range
- ✓ Short, transparent ingredient lists
- ✓ Consistently effective formulations
- ✓ Widely available globally
Cons
- ✗ Packaging is utilitarian, not luxurious
- ✗ Rarely pushes boundaries with new ingredients
- ✗ Some products have a faint tea tree scent
