What COSRX does

COSRX is a South Korean dermocosmetics brand founded in 2013 that develops and sells skincare and haircare products centered on clinically studied bioactive ingredients — most notably snail secretion filtrate (96% concentration in its flagship essence), peptide complexes, and PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) derived from salmon DNA. The product portfolio spans hero SKUs such as the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch, and Acne Pimple Master Patch, plus structured ingredient lines including The RX (Alpha-Arbutin, Vitamin C, Retinol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid), 5 PDRN, Ceramide, FullFit (propolis), Hydrium, One Step exfoliating pads, Red Rice Inositol, and the Peptide-132 haircare line, the latter developed using Amorepacific's AI-designed Tripeptide-132 technology. Manufacturing relies on proprietary formulations backed by multiple patents, with R&D support now provided by Amorepacific following the October 2023 acquisition of a 93.2% stake for approximately 930 billion KRW (~$700M USD).

COSRX operates a hybrid direct-to-consumer and wholesale model. It sells through its owned e-commerce platform (cosrx.com), Amazon, and TikTok Shop, while distributing wholesale through major retail partners including Ulta Beauty, Sephora (North America), and Boots (UK/EMEA). Pricing is positioned in the accessible derma-skincare segment — well below medical-spa or luxury peers — with products typically retailing in the ~$15–25 range on Amazon and Korean marketplace prices in the 20,000–25,000 KRW band for hero items like the 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum and Niacinamide 15 Serum. Marketing is anchored on TikTok virality, influencer/community engagement, and high-profile fashion collaborations (Paris Fashion Week with Courrèges and MISS SOHEE). Target consumers include K-beauty enthusiasts, acne-prone, anti-aging-focused, and sensitive-skin segments across KOR, USA, and GBR.

Q2 2025 (standalone, not consolidated prior to May 2024) showed sales of 96.7 billion KRW and operating profit of 24.2 billion KRW, down 0.3% and 17% year-over-year respectively, implying an annualized revenue base in the high-hundreds-of-millions USD range. Historical growth signals — 182% US market growth and 42% EMEA revenue growth — were driven materially by Amorepacific's distribution infrastructure post-acquisition.

Name

COSRX

Legal name

(주)코스알엑스를

Website

https://cosrx.co.kr

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

COSRX is a Korean dermocosmetics brand selling ingredient-focused skincare (snail mucin, peptides, PDRN) and haircare directly via cosrx.com, Amazon, and TikTok Shop, and through retailers Ulta, Sephora, and Boots. Acquired by Amorepacific in October 2023, it targets K-beauty, acne-prone, anti-aging, and sensitive-skin consumers globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

K-Beauty Dermocosmetics

NAICS

Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, and Perfume Retailers (456120)

SIC

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)

akta.pro primary industry

Dermocosmetics & Medical-Grade Skincare (CRABAAAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Sensitive Skin & Barrier Repair (CRABAAAG)

Keywords

• Derma skincare products
• Korean beauty cosmetics
• Skincare ecommerce brand
• Cosmetic manufacturing
• Haircare product line

Headquarters

HQ city

Yeoksamdong

HQ country

South Korea

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Direct E-commerce Sales: Revenue generated from direct sales through COSRX's owned e-commerce platform (cosrx.com) and major online marketplaces including Amazon and TikTok Shop. This direct-to-consumer channel allows for higher margins and direct customer relationships.
2. Wholesale/Retail Distribution: Revenue from supplying products to major retail partners including Ulta Beauty, Sephora, and Boots. Products are sold in bulk to retailers who resell to end consumers, representing a significant distribution channel for international expansion.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

COSRX manufactures and sells derma skincare and haircare products built around bioactive ingredients such as snail secretion filtrate (96% concentration), multi-peptide complexes, PDRN (salmon DNA-derived), and AI-designed Tripeptide-132. The portfolio spans serums, essences, hydrogel masks, toner pads, acne patches, sunscreens, and haircare, organized into lines including The RX, 5 PDRN, Snail, Ceramide, FullFit, One Step, Hydrium, and Peptide-132, sold via cosrx.com, Amazon, TikTok Shop, and major retailers.

Product overview

COSRX is a Korean dermocosmetics brand that operates as a multi-line skincare platform offering targeted solutions across multiple concern categories. The portfolio includes core hero products (Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch, Acne Pimple Master Patch) alongside specialized product lines organized by ingredient technology: The RX dermocosmetics line (Alpha-Arbutin, Vitamin C, Retinol, Niacinamide, Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid); 5 PDRN regenerative line; Peptide-132 haircare; and supportive lines including Ceramide (barrier care), FullFit (propolis-based nutrition), One Step (exfoliating pads), Hydrium (moisturizing), Snail, and Red Rice Inositol. Products are available through the official cosrx.co.kr e-commerce platform, Amazon, and TikTok Shop.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• The RX Dermocosmetics Line Professional-grade dermocosmetics sub-brand featuring high-potency actives (Alpha-Arbutin, Peptides, Vitamin C, Retinol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid) for targeted skin concerns such as brightening, wrinkle care, and oil control. For consumers seeking clinical-strength routines.
• 5 PDRN Regenerative Line Regenerative skincare line featuring polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) derived from salmon DNA, with a multi-source PDRN complex across toner, serum, hydrogel mask, and eye patches designed for skin resilience, hydration, elasticity, and anti-aging benefits. For consumers seeking advanced regenerative skincare.
• Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence Bestselling essence containing 96% snail secretion filtrate for hydration, skin repair, and improving skin texture. Ranked No.1 in Amazon UK Serum category during Black Friday & Cyber Monday sales. For consumers seeking intensive hydration and barrier repair.
• Peptide-132 Hair Line AI-designed bio-engineered peptide haircare line developed with Amorepacific using Tripeptide-132 for keratin binding, improving tensile strength, reducing breakage, and enhancing softness and shine. For consumers seeking damaged-hair repair.
• One Step Original Pad Line Exfoliating pad line featuring BHA for pore care and blackhead removal, including the upgraded NEW One Step Original Pad with stronger formula for customized skincare solutions by skin concern. For consumers with pore, sebum, and blackhead concerns.
• Ceramide Barrier Care Line Barrier-supporting skincare collection including face mist, body cream, and moisturizers designed for sensitive and dry skin, with ceramide face mist and body cream launched September 2025. For consumers with sensitive, dry, or compromised skin barriers.
• FullFit (Propolis) Nutritive Line Nutritive skincare line featuring propolis extracts for nourishing, moisturizing, and radiant skin, including toner, ampoule, and cream products for dry and compromised skin. For consumers needing intensive nourishment.
• Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch Multi-peptide and low-molecular collagen hydrogel eye patch for under-eye brightening and skin elasticity. Achieved No.1 position in Amazon's Eye Mask category and best-seller status during Black Friday Cyber Monday 2025. For consumers targeting under-eye concerns.
• Acne Pimple Master Patch Hydrocolloid acne patches for spot treatment, preventing secondary infection of troubled skin and absorbing sebum from blemishes. For acne-prone consumers needing targeted spot treatment.
• Vitamin C 23 Serum Pure vitamin C serum (23% Ascorbic Acid) for brightening skin and reducing signs of aging, with an upgraded version launched November 2025. For consumers seeking brightening and anti-aging benefits.
• Red Rice Inositol Line
• Hydrium Moisturizing Line

Quantifiable outcome

• 182% growth in US market
• +3 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• CourrègescoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2024COSRX partnered with Courrèges as a backstage sponsor during Paris Fashion Week, providing skincare products to models and backstage crew. This collaboration positioned COSRX within the high-fashion ecosystem and exposed the brand to fashion-forward consumers and media coverage from the prestigious fashion event.
• MISS SOHEEcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2024COSRX provided backstage hair sponsorship at Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture for MISS SOHEE's show. The partnership included providing skincare and haircare products backstage, reinforcing COSRX's positioning as a premium K-beauty brand in the high-fashion space.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• The Ordinary (DECIEM): DECIEM's The Ordinary is a direct peer — an ingredient-focused, clinically-positioned skincare brand selling at accessible price points through DTC and major retailers. Both brands built cult followings on transparency around active ingredients and viral social media momentum.
• Glow Recipe: Glow Recipe is a direct peer — a K-beauty inspired, digitally-native skincare brand selling through Sephora and DTC. Both brands leverage viral social marketing, ingredient-forward positioning, and Gen Z / millennial consumer targeting.
• Drunk Elephant: Drunk Elephant is a direct peer — a clinically-formulated, ingredient-led skincare brand distributed through Sephora and DTC. Both compete in the 'derma-cosmetic' sweet spot between mass and prestige, with similar retail placement and consumer demographic.
• Beauty of Joseon: Beauty of Joseon is a direct peer — a Korean derma-skincare brand that scaled rapidly through TikTok virality and Amazon, targeting similar K-beauty enthusiast and ingredient-conscious consumers. Both brands compete head-to-head in serum and essence categories on Amazon.
• Paula's Choice: Paula's Choice is a direct peer — an evidence-based, ingredient-focused skincare brand sold through DTC and major retailers. Both brands differentiate on clinical efficacy, transparent formulations, and online community-driven engagement.
• Dr. Jart+: Dr. Jart+ is a direct peer — a Korean derma-cosmetic brand with patented ingredient technologies and global retail presence (Sephora). Both compete in the dermocosmetics category with clinically-backed formulations and prestige retail distribution.

Emerging players

• Glossier: Glossier is a peer in the digital-native, community-driven beauty category — though primarily color cosmetics-adjacent skincare. Both brands built scale through social media virality and direct-to-consumer channels before expanding into physical retail.

Broad incumbents

• Innisfree: Innisfree is a sibling brand under Amorepacific with broader skincare and personal care portfolio. Comparable as a Korean skincare brand leveraging natural/ingredient positioning and global retail distribution, though at a different price tier.
• Sulwhasoo: Sulwhasoo is a premium Amorepacific brand offering Korean herbal skincare globally. Comparable as an Amorepacific portfolio brand pursuing premium positioning, though at a much higher price point and more traditional luxury distribution.
• Laneige: Laneige is an Amorepacific sibling brand with strong global presence (notably in hydrating skincare and lip care). Comparable as a Korean skincare brand scaling internationally via similar GTM motion, though focused on hydration rather than derma-cosmetic actives.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC8_qETGWRNIH01-QEjWYBKw
• Facebookfacebook.com/COSRXcosmetics
• Instagraminstagram.com/cosrx_korea
• Xx.com/cosrx

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about COSRX