Brand Comparison

BioNike 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 8.5)

BioNike COSRX

Rating8.5/109/10

Price RangeMid-Range ($$)Budget ($)

Founded19302013

OriginMilan, ItalySeoul, South Korea

Products2031

Best ForSensitive, Dry, normal, ComboOily, Combo, Acne-Prone, Sensitive

PhilosophyItalian pharmaceutical dermocosmetics for the most demanding skin — nickel-tested on every batch, fragrance-free, preservative-conscious, and trusted by Italian dermatologists for six decades.Minimal, effective formulations at accessible prices. Every product built around one or two proven actives with short, transparent ingredient lists.

BioNike

BioNike is the brand behind every Italian pharmacy counter that dermatologists actually write on prescription pads. Founded as a pharmaceutical company in 1930 and pivoting to dermocosmetics in the 1960s, BioNike built its reputation on a single obsession: formulating for skin that reacts to everything. Every product is nickel-tested (not just nickel-free — tested per batch, a higher standard), fragrance-free, and formulated without conventional preservatives like parabens. The Defence Hydractive line is the hydration workhorse — adaptive moisturizers with triple-weight hyaluronic acid and carnosine antioxidant protection. Defence B-Lucent handles pigmentation with a vitamin C concentrate that Italian dermatologists prescribe for melasma. Defence Sun is the post-procedure sunscreen range — SPF 50+ with modern EU filters, mattifying finishes, and the kind of cosmetic elegance that gets patients to actually reapply. The packaging is pharmacy-functional, the marketing is restrained, and the formulations are quietly excellent. BioNike doesn't chase trends — it formulates for the dermatologist's office and lets the results do the talking.

Pros