Brand Comparison
Ultra Violette vs COSRX
A head-to-head comparison of two popular K-beauty brands. Which one is right for your skin?
Our Pick
Ultra Violette
Higher editor rating (9.1 vs 9)
Rating9.1/109/10
Price RangePremium ($$$)Budget ($)
Founded20192013
OriginAustraliaSeoul, South Korea
Products732
Best Fornormal, Combo, Oily, Acne-Prone, SensitiveOily, Combo, Acne-Prone, Sensitive
PhilosophySunscreen-as-skincare — "SKINSCREEN" formulas that treat SPF as the anti-aging cornerstone.Minimal, effective formulations at accessible prices. Every product built around one or two proven actives with short, transparent ingredient lists.
Ultra Violette
Ava Chandler-Matthews and Bec Jefferd built the sunscreen brand the industry was missing. Every product is actually good. Queen Screen is the crossover hit.
Pros
- ✓ Best-in-class SPF formulas
- ✓ Chic packaging
- ✓ Skincare-grade ingredients
Cons
- ✗ UK/EU availability
- ✗ Premium for SPF category
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
