Cosrx Skincare review

A month ago, Cosrx was nice enough to send me some of their  skincare line since I was very curious about their brand and you can only get it online.  I got to choose two products I wanted to tried and they sent the Honey ceramide cream as an extra.  I haven’t read too many reviews on the brand and there are little to no reviews on Youtube either.  So I decided to be the guinea pig for you guys and tell you my thoughts and opinion on these products.
Let’s go~~ ヾ(＠°▽°＠)ﾉ

This is what was in my package.  You don’t know how excited I was when I opened the parcel and saw all these goodies!

One of the things that catch my attention to this brand was the fabulous Ajusshi featured as their brand mascot.  I mean come on, how can you not fall in love with him!  Just too fabulousssss (●♡∀♡).  Whoever designed him needs to get a raise and a pat on the back.
In the pamphlet showcases their other products and short descriptions of each products.  I might just have to give this to my girl friends so they can check the other products for themselves because this brand… is solid.  🙂

Here is a little bit about the brand itself and their philosophy.


Before we get started, I wanted to state my skin concerns so you can base my review off of what I look for.  Please keep in mind that skincare products are just like fragrances, everyone reacts differently to it so if it works for me, it might not work for you.  Take what I say and my opinions with a grain of salt.

My skin type profile:
-22 year old
-lives in an area with Oceanic climate (West coasts; cool & chilly winters, warm summer)
-very dry during fall and winter; dry during spring, normal in summer

Skin concerns:
-hydration for my dry skin
-flakey dead dry skin
-dark under eye circles from lack of sleep
-slight redness around cheek, nose and chin

The first product I picked out was their Hyaluronic acid hydra powder essence which was a recommended product for my skin type (very dry skin).  As we all know, hyaluronic acid is one of those ingredients that is ideal for those who are seeking moisture since it is a natural structural component of the skin and it has the ability to retain moisture.

[Hyaluronic acid]
Hyaluronic acid is a ubiquitous basic components of all living organisms. It is present in large amount in skin and plays a vital role for maintain the skin. However, its production rate starts decreasing and cause wrinkling at age of 25. Elastic, youthful skin requires healthy, supportive connective tissue and abundant water content in dermis layer. The water content of dermis is maintained by muco-polysaccharide such as hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid can retain up to 100-1000 times its weight in water and has a great moisturizing effect. Unlike water moving freely in body, called free water, the water absorbed in muco-polysaccharide, called bound water, does not evaporate easily nor freeze easily.

In summary, the ample hydration effect of hyaluronic acid is due to its ability to produce bound water.

Full name of product:
Cosrx Hyaluronic Acid hydra powder essence

Limited edition/ Permanent:
Permanent

Description of product:
“Water-filled hyaluronic acid (Sodium Hyaluronate 4,000ppm) charging water that brings the essence moist rehydration and helps the formation of moisture and softness.

– Contains 4,000ppm of high purity Sodium Hyaluronate
– Minimized the total number of ingredients to 7
– Comes in 100ml large bottle to better serve COSRX customers
– No Paraben, artificial coloring, synthetic perfume, triethanolamine, and phthalate“

Price:
18,500 Won

Amount of product:
100 mL

Duration before expiration:
12 months

Where to buy:
Amazon

Ingredients:
I’m so surprised that the ingredients list is actually so short!  I think this is the first time in my life I have seen a ingredients list of a skincare or cosmetic product that has less then 10 ingredients.  I’m amazed!

Product packaging:
The packaging of all the products in Cosrx line has a very clean and simplistic look to them.  This essence comes in a hard plastic tube with a pump which is easily controllable.  There’s not much to it and kind of reminds me of the prescribed creams that I doctor gives me.  Then again, that is their company’s approach to the brand so it all makes sense.  In the back, there is a label which you can peel off to reveal more information which I can’t read since it is all in Hangul but it is just the basic information like how to use, where the product is manufactured and what not.

How to use:
Essence is used after toner and before serums or moisturizers.  Just use enough to sufficiently cover the face and massage it into the skin.

Texture/ Finish:
Texture of this product is very thin, almost like water.  Once applied to the skin, it absorbs very quickly and leaves no residue or greasiness.  This is the ideal texture of an essence since it should be lighter then your serums and moisturizer to kind of prep the skin to drink in the moisture.

Fragrance:
This product does not have any fragrance to it.  This is one thing that I noticed with all three of the products from Cosrx and is actually the reason I have started to sniff around skincare products before purchasing since fragrance equals added chemicals.  I can really appreciate products with no added fragrance since no one needs their face to smell nice, I mean come on.  Maybe other then your pets, who is going to sniff your face.

Pro:
-simple and straightforward product
-no fragrance
-just the right texture; easily absorbed

Con:
None

Repurchase:
Yes
I would like to try other essences in the market, but if I ever needed a product that I know will work for me, I will come back to it.

Stars given out of 5:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overall thoughts:
At first when I was trying to built a solid opinion on this product, I was going to say that I had mix and neutral feelings towards this product since I didn’t see much difference with my skin with or without this product.  However I thought to myself, a lot of times there are products that I feel like does not do much for my skin but then end up repurchasing again, doesn’t that mean I do like the product?  This product did not break me out or give me any irritations and I did feel as though my skin was slightly more moisturized.  I’m not sure if it is because I have curated a better skincare layering system or that this product is that good.  Below when I do the demo, you can see the measurements of before and after with the moisture level and oil level with my little moisture measuring device and you can see for yourself the difference it really made.  With the human eye, I don’t seem to see much difference with this product.  However my measurement tool tells me otherwise, so I’m definitely going to keep using this product and would repurchase in the future if I needed a good solid essence I trust.

Full name of product:
Cosrx honey ceramide full moisture cream

Limited edition/ permanent:
Permanent

Description of product:
“A cream containing ceramides and  honey extracts which help to supplement the skins natural ceramide content.  This product provides lasting suppleness and all-day protection against moisture loss.

-Monofloral honey harvested from Leptosepermum scoparium native to New Zealand and southeast Australia.
-Superior anti-bacterial activity, rated by UMF (Unique Manuka Factor)
-Protect stomach and intestine, remedy for an indigestion disorder
-Anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-infection, anti-oxidant”

Price:
23,000 Won

Amount of product:
50 mL

Duration before expiration:
Unknown as it is not printed on the box or the jar.

Where to buy:
Discontinued as of 2020

Ingredients:
The ingredients list in the picture is by the order if the amount in the cream.

[What is Ceramide?]
The ceramide exists on the upper most layer. It creates natural skin barrier and retain water between skin cells. The epidermis skin cells of dry skin is restored with improved water retention, which increase the softness and suppleness of skin. Natural moisturizing factor (NMF) ceramide is obtained from animal and plant.

Effectiveness of Ceramides
Since the ceramides already exists in the skin, it gives pleasant feeling to skin and prevents the water loss inside the skin. Also it plays a vital role in protecting the skin from outer pollutants.

Risk of a ceramide deficiency
Regardless of the age and the season, the decrease level of ceramides cause various skin problems including drying, irritation, itchiness, and rough skin texture.

Product packaging:
 Again, the packaging is very simplistic and straightforward with a clear label of the product name and the standard label in the back with the manufacturer name and whatnot.  This is a screw-top jar with a lid inside.  Not my most preferred packaging since bacteria easily gets into the cream every time you open it.  To reduce the bacteria growth, it also comes with a mini spatula which I urge everyone to use when using skincare products since you don’t want to be spreading bacteria cream all over your face now do you.How to use:
After you have cleansed your face and used a toner to wipe away the leftover residue, apply the cream all over your face.  Use just enough so that you have covered every inch of your face.  Don’t forget your neck!  That is the first sign of aging!  Your face can be flawless, but if you have a grandma’s neck, you kind of wasted your time.

Texture/ finish:
The texture of this cream is surprisingly very lightweight.  I have tried another ceramide cream from Holika Holika and I remembered it being slightly greasy which I actually don’t mind since it did its job.  This ceramide cream was actually very lightweight and absorbed easily into the skin.  It took about 5 minutes to fully absorb into the skin and left no residue or greasiness but my skin still felt like it was protected in a layer of moisture.

Fragrance:
No fragrance detected.

Pro:
-lightweight formula
-leaves skin feeling supple and protected
-no greasiness

Con:
-not fully enough moisture for me during winter time; better for spring/ summer time

Repurchase:
Yes

Stars given out of 5:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overall thoughts:
The first day I used this cream, I knew I would like it instantly.  I was a little bit skeptical since I like really thick creams like the L’occitane ultra rich face cream which I would consider that texture to be an actual cream.  When I opened this jar, I was surprised to find that this “cream” was not thick at all, and would be something that I would consider calling “cream gel”.  It is not quite like a really light weight gel but not yet a cream.  I was telling myself “aww naw, this isn’t going to work.”  But I still kicked myself in the butt to try it since it was given to me already, might as well right?  Day one was a success and my skin felt hydrated throughout the day.  I kept using it and kept using it until it turned really cold the past month.  Then it wasn’t fully enough protection and I started to layer some oils over.  This product would work better for me during the spring and summer time, however it would still work for me during the wintertime if I were to layer it with a heavy-duty facial oil.  Overall I really like this product and would repurchase in the future if I was in the market again for something I have used and trust.  

(By the way, I am not getting paid to say this LOL…  It starting to sound like I am but I was told to write the most honest review possible, which is no problem for me.)Full name of product:
Cosrx advanced snail 92 all in one cream

Limited edition/ permanent:
Permanent

Description of product:
“This advanced snail all in one cream supports natural regeneration of damaged skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Maximized Effectiveness, Minimized Harmfulness
– Contains 92% Snail Secretion filtrate
– Comes in a 100ml bottle to better serve COSRX customers
– Reduce the appearance of lines & wrinkles
– No Paraben, artificial coloring, synthetic perfume, triethanolamine, and phthalate

The formula prevents breakouts, collagen maintains the skin elasticity, help skin resist dehydration and retains moisture.“

Price:
19,000 Won

Amount of product:
100 mL

Duration before expiration:
12 months

Where to buy:
Amazon

Ingredients:
Product packaging:
I’m repeating myself again.  This product packaging, like the other two above, is very simplistic plastic jar with a screw top lid.  This jar is actually a bit bigger then the honey ceramide cream and contains double the amount of product.  This cream also comes with a mini spatula for you to use.
How to use:
Again, after you have cleansed and toned your face, use sufficient amount of moisturizer to massage into your skin.  If your skin still feels tight, which it shouldn’t to begin with or else your cleanser is too drying and stripping,  that means you have not used enough moisturizer.  Don’t be a cheap ass, your skin needs moisture!

Texture/ finish:
Unlike the ceramide cream, this moisturizer has a slightly gooey texture to it.   This snail cream is slightly more translucent and when you dip your spatula in it, it kind of strings like a cheese dip.  Apparently the cheesey texture is due to Mucin which is mainly composed of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. On the skin, this cream is easily absorbed, leaves no residue or greasiness and skin instantly feels more hydrated and moisturized.

Fragrance:
No scent detected.

Pro:
-lightweight texture
-skin is left moisturized
-no greasiness

Con:
-still need a facial oil to top off during winter time; better for spring and summer but would work year round

Repurchase:
Maybe

Stars given out of 5:
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overall thoughts:
This snail cream did not blow me away and I’m on the fence about this one. I know the benefits of snail secretion and it has been all the rage for years now in Asian countries. Some benefits is the ability to stimulate formation of collagen/ elastin, repair signs of photoaging and minimize damages from free radicals that is responsible for skin aging, all while having the ability to moisturize the skin immensely.  Sounds like a miracle product doesn’t it?  I actually have witnessed the improvements of snail secretion products personally but not on my skin since I don’t have many problems with my skin other the hydration.  I gave my boyfriend a snail secretion moisturizer and told him to just slap it on since he is super lazy with skincare, I thought it could maybe help him out a bit.  One month later, his pimple prone dry skin had less redness, less pimples, his skin looked a lot healthier and glowed a bit too.  I was like WHAT???  Gimme that cream back LOL.  No I didn’t take it back but from then on, I was at awe when I saw any snail products.  This cream didn’t do much for me so my opinion are on the fence, but I might have to get my boyfriend to be a guinea pig for me and use this one as well.

Demo time~Here is my care skin.  As you can see, I have severe dark circles since I stay up late nights hehe.  No I’m not partying, I’m blogging and it is the only time I can do it.  I also have a bit of redness around my cheeks, nose and chin.  My main concern is just hydration and the flaky dead skin that reproduces faster then the speed of light.

Your going to have to excuse my attire.  I’m just keeping it real as this is sweater I always wear when I’m lounging at home.  I call this sweater my Sasquatch sweater since it is all fuzzy looking and keeps me super warm. 

Let’s measure my skin without any moisturizers.  I cleansed my face and toned it as well. 

My bare skin’s moisture level is 36.5% for my cheeks which is average.  Not good, but bad.  I’ve been forcing myself to drink more water, but I’m also considering if I should eat salmon oil pills to bring up the oil levels in my skin.  If anyone has experience with salmon oil or any fish oil pills, is it a good idea in my case if I wanted to get my dry skin not so dry.

Oil level is 16.2% for my cheeks.

Forehead measurements:
Moisture- 33.3%
Oil- 14.9%

Apply some essence…

Apply it evenly all over your face.  Two pumps does the trick and is enough to do my face and neck.

Do not forget your neck!

In a gently patting motion, pat the essence in.  This will stimulate blood flow and the friction will also help the essence to absorb.  Then with the warmth of your hands, place your hand over your cheeks and then your forehead.

Moisture level measurements:
Cheeks: moisture 53.8%, oil 24.2%
Forehead: moisture 46.6%, oil 20.9%

Now for the moisturizer…

I use about this much on a daily….

I like to portion the cream like this before I massage it into the skin.

Massage, massage….

Again, use the warmth of your hand to let the moisturizer fully soak into the skin.  And plus let’s face it, it’s relaxing.

Honey ceramide cream measurements:
Cheeks: moisture 56.8%, oil 25.5%
Forehead: moisture 48%, oil 21.6%

Advanced snail 92 cream measurements:
Cheeks: moisture 53.7%, oil 26.4%
Forehead: moisture 48.8%, oil 21.9%

At this point, I would seal it off with some type of facial oil.  But for this review, I decided to show you what my skin looks like after laying the two products.  my skin is left slightly dewy but not greasy looking and I feel very comfortable.

Overall with all the products they have sent me, I’m very happy to report that all of them work with my skin and nothing broke me out.  All the products did their job and I can really appreciate the simplistic approach to their brand, whether it is the packaging or the ingredients list.  I just want something that will work for my skin with no added bull sheep.  If you are looking for some skincare products that are simple, straightforward, tackle your concerns all at an affordable price, you must check this brand out.  I highly recommend them and am very pleased to say this brand has become one of my go-to brands and I will definitely keep an eye out for their new products.

What did you guys think about these products?  Would you get any of these for yourself? Have you tried anything from this brand and what were your experiences with them?  Let me know in the comments down below.  I hope you enjoyed this super long review and hope you guys learned something new.
Cheers~。（＞ω＜。）