If there’s one thing Reddit has proven, it’s that skincare conversations are best when they’re brutally honest. Across communities like r/SkincareAddiction, r/AsianBeauty, and r/koreanskincare, COSRX has become a household name—praised as an affordable, no-frills entry point into Korean skincare. But with every cult favourite comes debate, and COSRX’s reputation is no exception.

In 2025, a handful of COSRX products will continue to dominate Reddit discussions. They’re celebrated as “holy grails” for hydration, exfoliation, and calming irritation—yet just as often, they’re scrutinised for ingredient sensitivities, reformulations, and even scandals. Let’s take a closer look at which COSRX products have earned legendary status, and where community sentiment splits.

The Digital Heart of Skincare: Why Reddit Matters

Unlike glossy influencer campaigns, Reddit thrives on unfiltered peer-to-peer advice. It’s where skincare routines get dissected, ingredient reactions get compared, and acronyms like HG (Holy Grail), YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary), and “purging” are part of everyday conversation.

For COSRX, this is both a blessing and a curse. The brand’s affordability and functionality make it a top recommendation for beginners, but any misstep—whether a reformulation or mislabeled SPF—echoes loudly across the platform.

COSRX’s Most-Loved Products on Reddit

1. Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 

• Why Reddit Loves It: Deep hydration, skin repair, and synergy with strong actives like tretinoin. Many describe it as a “game changer” that smooths texture and fades scars.

• But Here’s the Catch: A vocal group reports severe allergic reactions, often linked to dust mite allergies. Some users describe delayed reactions—passing patch tests but reacting weeks later with swelling or even respiratory issues.

2. BHA Blackhead Power Liquid 

• Why Reddit Loves It: Effective for clearing blackheads, sebaceous filaments, and closed comedones. Gentler than many Salicylic Acid formulas, making it popular among sensitive-skin users.

• But Here’s the Catch: Confusion over purging vs. breakout. Some users experience deep, cystic acne in new areas, leading to barrier damage and discouragement.

3. Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner 

• Why Reddit Loves It: Calms redness, hydrates, and gives a dewy finish without stickiness. Trusted for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

• But Here’s the Catch: Alleged reformulation sparked outrage—users noticed a thinner texture, off-smell, and weaker effects. Lack of brand transparency eroded trust.

4. Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser 

• Why Reddit Loves It: Affordable, gentle (for many), and effective as a basic daily cleanser.

• But Here’s the Catch: Some find it too stripping, especially for dry or sensitive skin, leading to flakiness or rebound oiliness.

The Contested Favourites

• Vitamin C 23 Serum: Brightens and fades pigmentation, but packaging flaws (oxidation in dropper bottles) frustrate users who expect potency and stability.

• Pimple Patches: Once a cult-favorite, but newer competitors offer thinner, more discreet versions. 

• Sunscreens: The SPF scandal—where the Aloe Soothing Sun Cream tested at SPF 38 instead of 50+—remains a shadow over the brand. Even newer sunscreens get mixed reviews for pilling and sticky textures.

What about you?

Have you found your “holy grail” in COSRX, or did one of their products miss the mark? Share your thoughts—we’d love to hear your take.