Brand Comparison
Episol 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 RangeMid-Range ($$)Budget ($)
Founded19982013
OriginSão Paulo, BrazilSeoul, South Korea
Products232
Best ForSensitive, Combo, OilyOily, Combo, Acne-Prone, Sensitive
PhilosophyPharmacy-tier Brazilian SPF brand — clinical, fragrance-free, dermatologist-recommended.Minimal, effective formulations at accessible prices. Every product built around one or two proven actives with short, transparent ingredient lists.
Episol
Episol is the pharmacy SPF Brazilian dermatologists actually write on prescriptions. Plain, consistent, well-formulated.
Pros
- ✓ Dermatologist-prescribed
- ✓ Fragrance-free options
- ✓ Solid multi-tone coverage
Cons
- ✗ Plain packaging
- ✗ Available mostly in Brazilian pharmacies
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
