Brand Comparison
Alverde 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 7.5)
Rating7.5/109/10
Price RangeBudget ($)Budget ($)
Founded19892013
OriginGermanySeoul, South Korea
Products332
Best Fornormal, Dry, SensitiveOily, Combo, Acne-Prone, Sensitive
PhilosophyCertified-natural drugstore skincare — plant-based, vegan, dm's in-house green line.Minimal, effective formulations at accessible prices. Every product built around one or two proven actives with short, transparent ingredient lists.
Alverde
The dm-drogerie house brand that made organic beauty genuinely affordable. Entry-level but not embarrassing.
Pros
- ✓ Very cheap
- ✓ NaTrue-certified
- ✓ Ubiquitous in dm stores
Cons
- ✗ House-brand limitations
- ✗ No hero product
- ✗ Bare-bones packaging
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
