Brand Comparison
Tower 28 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 ($)
Founded20192013
OriginUnited StatesSeoul, South Korea
Products331
Best ForSensitive, Acne-Prone, redness, normalOily, Combo, Acne-Prone, Sensitive
PhilosophySensitive-skin-first beauty — non-irritating, hypochlorous-acid-backed, mission-driven clean.Minimal, effective formulations at accessible prices. Every product built around one or two proven actives with short, transparent ingredient lists.
Tower 28
Amy Liu's eczema-born brand with hypochlorous-acid SOS Spray as the MVP. Skincare-leaning makeup meets genuine sensitive-skin science.
Pros
- ✓ Genuinely sensitive-skin safe
- ✓ Hero SOS Spray
- ✓ Inclusive shade range
Cons
- ✗ Young brand, small range
- ✗ Pricing above mass market
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
