Brand Comparison
Addiction 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)
Rating8/109/10
Price RangePremium ($$$)Budget ($)
Founded20092013
OriginJapanSeoul, South Korea
Products132
Best Fornormal, Combo, MatureOily, Combo, Acne-Prone, Sensitive
PhilosophyKose-group artistic Japanese beauty — makeup-first but with skincare crossovers (primers, lip treatments, skin tints).Minimal, effective formulations at accessible prices. Every product built around one or two proven actives with short, transparent ingredient lists.
Addiction
Addiction is art-school Japanese beauty. Skincare isn't the main story, but their hybrid primer-moisturizers and lip treatments are underrated — Japanese cosmetic elegance without SK-II pricing.
Pros
- ✓ Cosmetic textures nobody else makes
- ✓ Kose-group R&D
- ✓ Cult lip-skincare
Cons
- ✗ Not a primary skincare brand
- ✗ Limited international retail
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
