Brand Comparison
EltaMD vs COSRX
A head-to-head comparison of two popular K-beauty brands. Which one is right for your skin?
Our Pick
EltaMD
Higher editor rating (9.1 vs 9)
EltaMD
EltaMD is the sunscreen brand dermatologists actually hand out in their offices. UV Clear — a niacinamide + 9% zinc formula built for acne-prone and rosacea-prone skin — is the category benchmark. Not cute. Not glossy. Just one of the most effective sunscreen lines in the world.
Pros
- ✓ derm-office ubiquity
- ✓ UV Clear is a sensitive-skin benchmark
- ✓ zinc-forward formulas
- ✓ transparent UVA/UVB data
Cons
- ✗ medical packaging aesthetics
- ✗ premium pricing
- ✗ limited retail outside US pharmacy/derm channels
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
