ANUA vs COSRX:
which Korean brand should you choose?
ANUA or COSRX? That’s THE question every K-beauty fan is asking right now. Two of the most popular Korean brands in the world, two different philosophies, two complementary ranges. Here’s a complete, honest comparison to help you choose — or combine them wisely.
The two brands
ANUA and COSRX — who are they really?
If you’ve been into K-beauty for a few months, you’ve definitely come across these two names. COSRX is the Korean brand that conquered the world around ten years ago. ANUA is the new generation — younger, trendier and adored by Gen Z. But which one truly deserves your trust and your budget?
- Founded in 2019 in Seoul
- A TikTok star since 2022
- Heartleaf & niacinamide specialist
- Gentle, versatile formulas
- Minimalist, elegant packaging
- Founded in 2013 in Seoul
- Over 10 years of experience
- AHA/BHA & acne specialist
- Active, targeted formulas
- Functional, recognisable packaging
Explore our collections by brand:
Brand DNA
Philosophy: the fundamental differences
COSRX — the name comes from “Cosmetics” and “Rx” (prescription). Almost clinical, pared-back formulas with proven actives at effective concentrations. COSRX doesn’t do frills — every product has a precise purpose and measurable results. It’s the brand for skincare nerds, amateur dermatologists and anyone who wants tangible results.
ANUA was born from a different philosophy: gentleness and multi-functionality. Its formulas draw on Korean natural ingredients — heartleaf, peach, rice — and focus on soothing formulas that suit as many skin types as possible. ANUA is the brand for anyone who wants a simple, effective routine that’s a pleasure to use.
“COSRX treats. ANUA soothes. Both transform.”
ANUA selection
The best ANUA products available at Haru & Bom
THE ANUA product everyone is talking about on TikTok. This serum combines 10% niacinamide (pores, sebum, complexion) with 4% tranexamic acid (hyperpigmentation, post-acne marks). Dual action, for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Ideal for: dark spots, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, dull complexion.
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Formulated with 70% peach extract and enriched with niacinamide. A light, melting texture that’s lovely to apply. Particularly suited to dull skin lacking radiance and to combination to oily skin.
Ideal for: dull complexion, combination skin, everyday radiance.
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Heartleaf (soothing, anti-inflammatory) + quercetinol (antioxidant). Cleanses deeply without stripping or drying. One of the gentlest cleansers in all of K-beauty.
Ideal for: all skin types, especially sensitive and reactive skin.
View productCOSRX selection
The best COSRX products available at Haru & Bom
The product that made COSRX famous worldwide. Salicylic acid (BHA) that gets into pores to deep-clean them, dissolve blackheads and reduce acne. Use 2–3 times a week in the evening.
Ideal for: enlarged pores, blackheads, acne, oily skin.
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Glycolic acid to dislodge whiteheads, smooth skin texture and revive radiance. Unlike BHA, which works deep inside the pores, AHA works on the surface to renew dead cells.
Ideal for: uneven texture, whiteheads, dull complexion, mature skin.
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The benchmark cleanser of all K-beauty. Its slightly acidic pH respects the skin microbiome and preps the skin to absorb the following products effectively. Formulated with green tea extract.
Ideal for: all skin types, especially acne-prone and sensitive skin.
View productBy skin type
ANUA vs COSRX — comparison by skin type
COSRX wins hands down. The BHA Blackhead Power Liquid and the AHA 7 are global benchmarks for treating acne and pores. The ANUA Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum is an excellent complement for treating post-acne marks.
ANUA takes the lead. The Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum is specifically formulated for hyperpigmentation. The Peach 70 Niacin Serum adds everyday radiance. COSRX completes the picture with the Vitamin C 23 Serum for maximum glow.
ANUA is the best fit. Its heartleaf formulas are known for their soothing properties. The Heartleaf Cleansing Foam is perfect for reactive skin.
COSRX wins on intensive hydration with the Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule. The ANUA Peach 70 Niacin Serum complements it with its nourishing texture.
The winning combination
Can you combine ANUA and COSRX in the same routine?
Absolutely — and it’s actually what most advanced K-beauty fans do. The two brands are perfectly compatible and complementary.
- ANUA Heartleaf Cleansing Foam — gentle cleanser
- ANUA Peach 77% Niacin Essence Toner — light hydration
- ANUA Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum — dark spot treatment
- COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ — essential sun protection
- COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser — cleanser
- COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid — exfoliant 2–3x/week
- ANUA Peach 70 Niacin Serum — radiance and nourishment
- COSRX Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule — intensive hydration
ANUA and COSRX available on Reunion Island
Both brands are available at Haru & Bom, delivered straight to your door on the island.
Conclusion
The final verdict
Choose ANUA if: you want a gentle, soothing, multi-functional routine. You have sensitive skin, want to treat hyperpigmentation or want a trendy, effective brand to start K-beauty with.
Choose COSRX if: you want targeted actives and measurable results. You have acne-prone skin or enlarged pores, or you want a brand with over 10 years of scientific evidence behind it.
Choose both if: you want a complete, optimised K-beauty routine. ANUA for radiance and gentleness, COSRX for active treatment and sun protection. It’s the skincare experts’ favourite combination.
- COSRX is the global benchmark for treating acne and pores — its BHA/AHA actives are proven and effective.
- ANUA is the new generation of K-beauty — gentler, ideal for hyperpigmentation and sensitive skin.
- The two brands are perfectly compatible — ANUA in the morning, COSRX in the evening is the winning combination.
- ANUA and COSRX are both available at Haru & Bom, delivered to Reunion Island.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ — ANUA vs COSRX
Ready to explore ANUA and COSRX? Discover our full selection available on Reunion Island. Explore the ANUA collection → Explore the COSRX collection →
