Brand Comparison

IDUN Minerals 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 7.9)

IDUN Minerals COSRX

Rating7.9/109/10

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

Founded20112013

OriginStockholm, SwedenSeoul, South Korea

Products332

Best ForSensitive, normal, DryOily, Combo, Acne-Prone, Sensitive

PhilosophyClean mineral beauty developed with Swedish dermatologists — named after Idun, Norse goddess of youth. 100% vegan, sensitive-skin-tested, with packaging from renewable resources.Minimal, effective formulations at accessible prices. Every product built around one or two proven actives with short, transparent ingredient lists.

IDUN Minerals

IDUN Minerals is the Swedish entry point for clean mineral beauty — developed in collaboration with dermatologists and researchers, vegan and cruelty-free across the board, and priced accessibly for the Nordic market. The Mineral Intense Moisture Serum (niacinamide + hyaluronic acid) and the mineral makeup line are the heroes. The brand's commitment to renewable packaging (Green PE tubes from sugarcane) is genuine, not greenwash. For sensitive skin that reacts to everything else, IDUN is the calm, Swedish-engineered answer.

Pros

✓ developed with Swedish dermatologists
✓ 100% vegan and cruelty-free
✓ Green PE renewable packaging — real sustainability
✓ affordable for Nordic market pricing

Cons

✗ skincare line is small — strength is in mineral makeup
✗ limited distribution outside Scandinavia
✗ brand awareness lower than Lumene or MĀDARA
✗ packaging is functional, not aspirational

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