Brand Comparison
Pink Cheeks 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 ($)
Founded20122013
OriginSão Paulo, BrazilSeoul, South Korea
Products231
Best ForCombo, Oily, SensitiveOily, Combo, Acne-Prone, Sensitive
PhilosophySports-performance sunscreen and body — Brazilian marathoners' secret for years.Minimal, effective formulations at accessible prices. Every product built around one or two proven actives with short, transparent ingredient lists.
Pink Cheeks
Pink Cheeks built its reputation on real sport-use-case sunscreens. The Supreme SPF50 is the athlete's pick.
Pros
- ✓ Sport-grade water-resistance
- ✓ Fragrance-free sweat-tested
- ✓ Athletic community credibility
Cons
- ✗ Sports-specific
- ✗ Premium for Brazilian SPF
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
