#3. Brand research

COSRX

COSRX is a brand built on the philosophy of providing effective skincare solutions through minimal yet powerful formulations. Unlike trend-driven beauty brands, COSRX prioritizes science-backed research and real customer needs, ensuring each product is designed with highly concentrated active ingredients and low-irritation formulas to address common skin concerns.

The name COSRX combines “Cosmetics” and “Rx” (prescription), reflecting its commitment to clinical-grade efficacy. Instead of relying on unnecessary additives, the brand focuses on essential, functional ingredients such as snail mucin, propolis, and ceramides to restore and strengthen the skin barrier. Their no-frills approach eliminates artificial fragrances, dyes, and irritants while maximizing skin benefits.

Brand story

What sets COSRX apart is its data-driven development process, continuously refining formulas based on consumer feedback and dermatological research. This results in simplified yet highly effective skincare that streamlines routines without compromising results.

Beyond efficacy, COSRX is also committed to ethical and sustainable practices. The brand is cruelty-free and increasingly incorporating vegan-friendly formulations and eco-conscious packaging. With a focus on gentle yet potent solutions, COSRX has earned a reputation as a trusted name in skincare for those seeking real, long-term improvements.

Science-Powered Skincare with Proven Ingredients and Real Results.

Brand Approach

How COSRX Connects with Consumers

COSRX has built its reputation not just on effective skincare solutions, but on the way it listens, adapts, and engages with its consumers. Unlike many brands that rely heavily on traditional advertising, COSRX takes a consumer-first, research-driven approach, ensuring that its products, messaging, and community engagement are truly aligned with real skincare needs.

The COSRX Way
– Skincare That Listens, Learns, and Evolves

Science-Backed, Consumer-Driven Innovation: Instead of chasing trends, COSRX listens to consumer feedback, continuously refining its formulations based on real needs.

Digital-First Engagement: The brand actively interacts with skincare communities, monitors reviews, and educates consumers through social media, ensuring transparency and trust.

Simple Yet Effective Skincare: COSRX promotes minimalist routines with high-performance ingredients, making skincare easy and accessible without unnecessary complexity.

Global Accessibility & Inclusivity: With affordable, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested formulations, COSRX ensures high-quality skincare for all skin types.

By listening, learning, and evolving, COSRX creates skincare that is truly designed for consumers, by consumers.

Key technologies

Advanced Snail Mucin Filtration Technology

COSRX’s Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence and Advanced Snail 92 All-in-One Cream are powered by a high-purity snail mucin extract, carefully filtered to retain its intense hydration and skin-repairing properties. This technology ensures:

✔ Deep hydration without clogging pores
✔ Enhanced skin barrier and elasticity
✔ Faster skin recovery from irritation and environmental damage

Stabilized High-Concentration Vitamin C Technology

COSRX developed a patented method to stabilize high-potency Vitamin C, preventing oxidation while maximizing its brightening and anti-aging benefits. This innovation offers:

✔ Long-lasting skin-brightening effects
✔ Reduction in dark spots and uneven skin tone
✔ Powerful antioxidant protection against premature aging

RX Complex M – Deep Moisture Barrier Reinforcement

This unique moisturizing complex deeply penetrates the skin, strengthening its natural barrier and preventing moisture loss. Consumers benefit from:

✔ Intensive hydration for all-day softness
✔ Improved skin resilience against external irritants
✔ Reduced dryness and sensitivity

RX Complex S – Oil Control & Acne Prevention

For those struggling with oily or acne-prone skin, COSRX developed RX Complex S, a patented formula that regulates sebum production and prevents breakouts. This technology delivers:

✔ Balanced oil control without over-drying
✔ Minimized pores and smoother skin texture
✔ Reduced inflammation and acne recurrence

Skincare Lines

Snail Line

Deep Hydration & Skin Repair

Key Ingredient: Snail Mucin Filtrate

Hero Products: Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, Advanced Snail 92 All-in-One Cream

Benefits: This line helps deeply hydrate, repair, and improve skin elasticity, promoting a healthy and resilient complexion.

The RX Line

High-Performance

Key Ingredients: High-Concentration Vitamin C, Retinol, Peptides

Hero Products: The Vitamin C 23 Serum, Retinol 0.1 Cream

Benefits: Formulated with potent active ingredients, this line effectively targets concerns like uneven skin tone, fine lines, and wrinkles for a more refined and youthful appearance.

AC Collection

Acne & Sensitive Skin Care

Key Ingredients: Centella Asiatica Extract, Aloe Vera

Hero Products: AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser, AC Collection Ultimate Spot Cream

Benefits: Developed for acne-prone and sensitive skin, this line soothes irritation, controls excess oil, and promotes clearer, calmer skin with a gentle yet effective formula.

Full Fit Propolis Line

Radiance & Skin Barrier Support

Key Ingredient: Propolis Extract

Hero Products: Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner, Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule

Benefits: Enriched with nourishing propolis, this line revitalizes dull skin, strengthens the skin barrier, and enhances the skin’s natural glow for a healthy, radiant complexion.

Brand Research

Brand Research

Company Profile

COSRX, founded in 2013, is a global skincare brand dedicated to providing optimal solutions for various skin concerns. With a commitment to high-performance formulations and consumer-driven innovation, COSRX has established itself as a leader in the skincare industry. Currently, the brand is available in over 52 countries worldwide, with more than 85% of its revenue generated from international markets, solidifying its position as a trusted global beauty brand.

Company Name: COSRX Inc.

Founder & CEO: Sanghoon Jeon

Founded: December 16, 2013

Headquarters: 5th Floor, Centerfield WEST, 231 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Key Achievements

December 2013: COSRX founded

2017: Entered the U.S. market with retail placement in major ULTA stores across cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington

July 2023: Reported ₩193 billion ($150M) in revenue for the first half of 2023, marking a 138% year-over-year growth

Research & Development (R&D)

Dedicated R&D Team: Established a specialized skincare research division (2017–2019) to develop advanced formulations, leading to multiple patents, including the RX Complex.

Ingredient Optimization: Continuously studies new active ingredients, efficacy mechanisms, and stability to create dermatologist-tested formulas.

Consumer-Centric Approach: Develops products based on real customer feedback, ensuring practical and effective solutions for various skin concerns.

Strategic Partnerships: Collaborates with industry leaders like Amorepacific to enhance research capabilities and expand global reach.

Original Design Manufacturing (ODM)

COSRX previously operated through Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) partnerships but has strengthened its production capabilities through a strategic acquisition by Amorepacific. In 2021, Amorepacific acquired 38.4% of COSRX’s shares, and by 2023, it became a full subsidiary. This integration allows COSRX to leverage Amorepacific’s advanced R&D and manufacturing infrastructure, enhancing product development and global competitiveness.

Beyond Trends, Powered by Science—Skincare That Works.

COSRX is a consumer-centric, science-backed skincare brand that prioritizes efficacy over fleeting beauty trends. While many brands focus on marketing-driven narratives, COSRX remains dedicated to understanding real skincare concerns, improving formulations through data, and integrating dermatologist-tested ingredients into every product.

The brand’s success lies in its high-potency active ingredients, gentle formulations, and targeted skincare solutions, offering a minimalist yet powerful approach to skincare. With continuous R&D advancements and patented skincare innovations, COSRX has rapidly gained global recognition. In 2023, it became a subsidiary of Amorepacific, South Korea’s leading beauty conglomerate, further solidifying its position in the international skincare market.

Leveraging its strong research and manufacturing infrastructure, COSRX now stands at a pivotal stage. As it continues to expand, the brand must maintain its core philosophy—delivering effective, simple, and scientifically validated skincare—while also evolving to meet the needs of a more diverse global audience.

At Postdawn, we recognize COSRX as more than just a skincare brand; it is a company that listens, adapts, and consistently delivers results-driven solutions for consumers worldwide.

Jono Cho
by Postdawn crew

COSRX
Signature Products


COSRX has developed a range of highly effective skincare products that have gained global recognition.

    • Key Ingredient: 92% Snail Mucin Filtrate

    • Benefits: A lightweight yet intensely moisturizing cream that helps strengthen the skin barrier, reduce fine lines, and promote a plump, healthy complexion. Ideal for soothing and repairing damaged skin.

    • Key Ingredient: Propolis Extract

    • Benefits: Delivers deep hydration, antioxidant protection, and a natural glow while helping to soothe and revitalize tired skin. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly, making it ideal for daily use.

    • Key Ingredient: 96% Snail Mucin Filtrate

    • Benefits: Provides deep hydration, boosts skin elasticity, and aids in skin repair and regeneration. This essence is a global favorite for its ability to heal and revitalize the skin.

    • Key Ingredients: AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) & BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid)

    • Benefits: Gently exfoliates, unclogs pores, and refines skin texture by removing dead skin cells and excess sebum. Helps improve skin clarity and enhances the absorption of subsequent skincare products.

Key Questions

  • COSRX’s Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence contains snail mucin filtrate, which helps with hydration, skin barrier repair, and soothing irritated skin. This ingredient is known for its ability to promote skin regeneration and elasticity..

  • Products like AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner use Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) to exfoliate the skin, remove dead skin cells, and clear out clogged pores. This helps refine skin texture and reduce acne and blackheads.

  • The Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule is enriched with propolis extract, which provides deep hydration, antioxidant protection, and soothing effects. It helps strengthen the skin barrier, enhances skin radiance, and improves skin elasticity.

  • COSRX’s Centella Blemish Cream contains Centella Asiatica extract, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It helps calm sensitive skin, reduce redness, and promote skin recovery, making it ideal for acne-prone and irritated skin.

  • The Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence is formulated with Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, which improves skin brightness, hydration, and elasticity. It enhances the skin’s moisture retention, smooths skin texture, and supports overall skin health.

COSRX

COSRX