Over the years I’ve tested hundreds of the most popular launches, including snail mucin creams, cleansing oils, lip tints, and cushion foundations. I even spent three months in Seoul last year researching the latest emerging trends and viral Korean skin care launches.

During that time, I visited CosRx’s headquarters in Seoul, where I tested every single product from the brand. When reviewing each CosRx formula, I make note of its ingredient list to determine which skin types it’s best for, whether it’s fragrance free, and what its key benefits are. I also consult with K-beauty experts and dermatologists specializing in Korean skin care to curate each list and help GLAMOUR readers make the most informed decision.

Meet the experts:

Best Cleanser: CosRx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

All skin types can benefit from this gel cleanser, which I personally love for its gentle, non-stripping formula. Dr. Hwang credits its versatility to the ingredients, which include tea tree leaf oil to “soothe inflammation and help manage acne-causing bacteria,” beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) to “gently exfoliate and prevent clogged pores,” and allantoin to “calm skin and aid in barrier repair.” Together they create a formula that deep-cleans without feeling harsh on your complexion. “This is one of the few cleansers I recommend consistently to patients starting prescription actives or post-laser treatments,” says Dr. Hwang. “It cleanses thoroughly without disrupting the skin’s natural pH, which is critical in maintaining a healthy barrier. Personally, I’ve used it after procedures like microneedling, and it never causes tightness or irritation. It’s a solid, gentle cleanser that works especially well for oily or acne-prone skin types.”

Cho also swears by this pick, which she says has been a staple in her skin care routine for years. “It’s gentle, has the perfect low pH to support my skin barrier, and never leaves my skin feeling tight—just fresh and balanced,” she says. Shop more Korean cleansers this way.

Best Essence: CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Snail mucin is one of K-beauty’s most popular ingredients. Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York, previously told US Glamour that snail mucin (or snail secretion filtrate) is “rich in amino acids and hyaluronic acid,” giving it hydrating, repairing, and brightening benefits. “I love this essence, especially as an extra step in the winter when skin may become dry, chapped, and in need of repair,” she says. Cho is also a loyal fan of this well-known formula. “This essence was one of the first snail products I ever used, and it truly converted me. The texture is hydrating and bouncy, and over time it helped smooth and calm my skin like nothing else,” she says.

I’ve also used up several bottles of this essence over the years and love how it balances intense hydration with a bouncy yet lightweight formula. It’s perfect for imparting instant bounce to the dry zones of my combination skin without breaking me out or making my T-zone feel greasy.

Best Serum for Dry Skin: CosRx The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum

Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating powerhouse popularised for its ability to intensely moisturise skin without heaviness. This face serum is part of the brand’s Rx line, which boasts especially potent ingredients. If you’re looking for a no-frills hyaluronic acid serum that pairs the hero ingredient with other popular hydrators such as glycerin, ceramide NP, and vitamin E, this is an excellent option. It absorbs quickly, layers easily with my other skin care and makeup, and keeps my face feeling hydrated all day. “When my skin is parched—especially during winter or post-retinoid use—I reach for this,” says Cho. “It sinks in quickly and delivers deep hydration without any heaviness.”

Best Serum for Oily Skin: CosRx The Niacinamide 15 Serum

Another standout from the Rx line is The Niacinamide Serum, which is formulated to help keep oily and acne-prone skin types balanced, clear, and smooth. Niacinamide is one of the most versatile skin care ingredients—treating concerns from dark spots and hyperpigmentation to dryness and redness—so technically any skin type can benefit from its effects. But this serum is especially great for balancing sebum levels and keeping blemishes in check thanks to its high concentration of niacinamide (15%) paired with acne-fighting zinc PCA and soothing allantoin.

Compared to The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum, this serum features an even more lightweight, watery texture. While both serums sink in fast on my skin, this one feels practically undetectable, making it a great pick for oily skin. On weeks when my combination skin leans greasy, this is an essential step in my morning routine. Cho also praises the balanced formula. “This serum is a go-to for keeping oil in check while also refining pores,” she says. “It’s powerful but surprisingly gentle, which is rare at such a high percentage of niacinamide.”

Best Serum for Glow: CosRx The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum

One of the brand’s more recent launches, this product impressed me so much, it secured a spot on my list of the best Korean serums. This glow-boosting formula is packed with derm-approved brighteners including 2% alpha-arbutin, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, ferulic acid, and glutathione. “It’s great for those with uneven skin tone, dull complexion, hyperpigmentation, or post-acne marks,” Dr. Chang previously told US Glamour. “The star ingredient in this serum is alpha-arbutin, a gentler alternative to hydroquinone that helps to brighten dark spots by inhibiting melanin production.”

This serum first impressed me with its lightweight, nonsticky texture, but what kept me going back was the noticeable brightening effect, which I found comparable to my favourite vitamin C serums. The combination of ingredients helps fade my post-breakout dark spots much faster than usual and makes my face look overall more radiant. Cho agrees. “Alpha-arbutin is one of my favourite ingredients for brightening, and this serum gives my skin that even-toned, lit-from-within glow without irritation,” she says.

Best Moisturiser for Sensitive Skin: CosRx Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream

CosRx doesn’t just make snail mucin in essence form; this best-selling moisturiser is another way to try the benefits of snail secretion filtrate. It’s formulated with additional hydrating, soothing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and allantoin to create a cream that’s intensely moisturising. The texture is one of my favourite things about this moisturiser: it’s slightly bouncy yet lightweight and nonsticky. It has an immediate subtle plumping effect and feels beautifully refreshing. I usually layer it over the brand’s Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence for a double dose of snail mucin (and skin that’s visibly dewy and plump).

“The lush, cushiony texture comforts my skin instantly,” says Cho of the barrier-friendly formula. “This moisturiser is great when my barrier feels compromised or I’m dealing with redness—super soothing and restorative.”

Best Moisturiser for Dry Skin: CosRx Propolis Light Cream

I’ve been obsessed with the entire CosRx Propolis line since the brand launched it, and this cream remains a favourite in my routine. Its hero ingredients include honey, as well as propolis (a natural bee-made resin) and royal jelly extracts (a nutrient-rich honeybee secretion). All three have known anti-inflammatory properties that help nourish while hydrating.

It packs the amount of moisture I’d usually expect from a much heavier, richer formula in a non-sticky gel base. “I love this moisturiser because it hydrates deeply while still feeling breathable on the skin,” says Cho. “The propolis adds a natural glow and helps calm any irritation — great for tackling dull or dry complexions.” One note: This cream leaves me extremely glowy, so those with already oily skin types should apply sparingly or consider another moisturiser instead.

Best Retinol: CosRx The Retinol 0.5 Oil

This oil made Glamour’s list of the best Korean retinols thanks to its noticeable effects and unique formula. One of the rare retinols I’ve tried that works well on dry skin, it packs the punch of a serum in face-oil form. At 0.5%, the formula contains a higher concentration of the ingredient than what you’ll usually find in Korean skin care but suspends it in an oil base for a built-in moisturising, buffering effect. “It has a nourishing base of squalane, which is one of my favourite deep hydrators that helps lock in moisture and cushion the intensity of the pure retinol,” says Cho. “Because of the facial-oil consistency, I think this is perfect for dry skin types and retinol beginners.” Even if you don’t have dry skin, try it for the results. “I love how smooth it makes my skin look, and it gives a soft glow without flaking or redness,” she says.