Brand Comparison
ETVOS 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 8.3)
Rating8.3/109/10
Price RangeMid-Range ($$)Budget ($)
Founded20072013
OriginJapanSeoul, South Korea
Products532
Best ForSensitive, Acne-Prone, DryOily, Combo, Acne-Prone, Sensitive
PhilosophySensitive-skin Japanese mineral brand — fragrance-free, ceramide-heavy, pharmacy-recommended for reactive skin.Minimal, effective formulations at accessible prices. Every product built around one or two proven actives with short, transparent ingredient lists.
ETVOS
ETVOS is Japanese dermatologist-recommended skincare for sensitive, eczema-prone skin. Mineral makeup + ceramide-heavy skincare line. The quiet specialist brand Japanese women with reactive skin swear by.
Pros
- ✓ Ceramide-forward
- ✓ Fragrance-free
- ✓ Mineral makeup that doubles as SPF
Cons
- ✗ Not glamorous
- ✗ Small product line
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
