Brand Comparison
Lanolips 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 8.1)
Rating8.1/109/10
Price RangeMid-Range ($$)Budget ($)
Founded20092013
OriginAustraliaSeoul, South Korea
Products532
Best Fornormal, Dry, SensitiveOily, Combo, Acne-Prone, Sensitive
PhilosophyAussie lanolin-specialist — the definitive lip-balm brand from Australia, expanded into body and face.Minimal, effective formulations at accessible prices. Every product built around one or two proven actives with short, transparent ingredient lists.
Lanolips
Lanolips is the Aussie lip balm brand. Medical-grade lanolin, tinted and clear variants, cult status in Aussie drugstores. Expanded into hand cream and 3-in-1 multipurpose balms.
Pros
- ✓ Medical-grade lanolin
- ✓ Aussie chemist-shelf icon
- ✓ Cult lip balm
Cons
- ✗ Lanolin can sensitise some
- ✗ Mostly lip-focused
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
