Brand Comparison

COSRX vs Dr. Althea

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 8.8)

COSRX Dr. Althea

Rating9/108.8/10

Price RangeBudget ($)Mid-Range ($$)

Founded20132003

OriginSeoul, South KoreaSeoul, South Korea

Products315

Best ForOily, Combo, Acne-Prone, SensitiveSensitive, compromised-barrier, Mature, Dry

PhilosophyMinimal, effective formulations at accessible prices. Every product built around one or two proven actives with short, transparent ingredient lists.Dermatologist-led K-beauty — clinical formulations, no wasted space, 147 as in the number of ingredients in the cream that made them famous.

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

Dr. Althea

Dr. Althea is the dermatologist-led K-beauty brand quietly outperforming its more-hyped peers on every actives-forward product. The 147 Enriched Cream (147 active and adjunct ingredients in one barrier cream) is the reason Reddit's AsianBeauty community keeps pointing new people here. No sparkly packaging, no K-pop collab — just well-built formulas with peptide, ceramide, and panthenol stacks that hold up under scrutiny.

Pros