Cosrx Acid

Hyaluronic acid is for hydration: if your skin feels tight, dull, or dehydrated regardless of oil level, HA products will help. Salicylic acid is for congestion: if you have clogged pores, blackheads, or recurring breakouts, BHA is the right category. Many people need both - BHA to clear pores and HA to restore the hydration that exfoliation can strip. COSRX offers both across its cleansers, serums, pads, and moisturizers so you can address both concerns in a single-brand routine.

Two to three drops is typically enough to cover the full face for most people. Press a couple of drops onto your palm, warm them between your palms for a second, then press - not rub - onto skin. The formula is concentrated enough that using more doesn't proportionally increase the benefit. At two to three drops per application used twice daily, the 20ml bottle lasts roughly 30 to 45 days depending on how sparingly you apply.

Yes - the Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser is formulated for daily use. The 'gentle' in the name reflects that it's a rinse-off format with limited contact time, which reduces the exfoliating intensity compared to leave-on BHA products. Most people can use it morning and evening without experiencing dryness. If you experience flaking or tightness after daily use, switch to once-daily (morning or evening only) and increase frequency gradually as your skin builds tolerance.

Yes - oily skin is often dehydrated despite surface oil production, and hyaluronic acid addresses water content rather than oil level. A light HA serum or essence won't add to surface oiliness. The HA Intensive Cream, however, is richer in emollients and may feel heavy for oily skin types, especially in humid conditions. For oily skin, the HA Hydra Power Essence or The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum (in gel form) tend to absorb without greasiness better than the cream.

PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a purified DNA fragment derived from salmon sperm cells or other sources, used clinically in wound healing and skin repair applications. In cosmetics, it's believed to stimulate skin cell regeneration and improve hydration. COSRX's 5 PDRN Hydrogel Mask combines PDRN with hyaluronic acid in a 15-to-20-minute treatment aimed at post-irritation recovery. The 5 in the name refers to the PDRN concentration level (5th generation formula).

Essence first, serum second. The Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence has a thinner, watery consistency designed to be applied right after toner to pre-hydrate the skin before more concentrated treatment layers. The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum is thicker and goes on after the essence. In Korean skin-care layering logic, thinner textures go before thicker ones so each layer can absorb properly without the thinner product being blocked by a heavier one already on the surface.

Yes, if you're wearing sunscreen or heavy makeup. Micellar water lifts surface-level makeup and oil but doesn't penetrate pores or fully remove mineral sunscreens. The standard approach is double cleansing: micellar water or an oil cleanser as the first step, then a foam or gel cleanser (like the Salicylic Acid Cleanser) as the second step for a thorough clean. If you're only wearing light skincare with no sunscreen or foundation, a single micellar cleanse may be sufficient.

It depends on the specific product. The HA serums, essence, and cream are gentle enough for most sensitive skin types - hyaluronic acid is well-tolerated across skin types including sensitized and reactive. The Salicylic Acid Cleanser is a mild BHA format that many sensitive skin users tolerate, though patch testing is recommended first. The Hydrogel Mask with PDRN is specifically positioned for post-irritation recovery. If you have barrier-compromised skin, start with the HA products and introduce BHA slowly.

In dry climates with very low ambient humidity, hyaluronic acid alone can pull water from deeper skin layers rather than from the air, potentially increasing dryness. The HA Intensive Cream helps here because its emollient base creates a barrier that slows water leaving the skin after the HA has drawn it in. The recommended approach in low-humidity climates is to use the HA serum or essence on slightly damp skin and then seal it immediately with the HA cream or a separate occlusive to trap the moisture in place.

COSRX positions itself as a science-first, formulation-focused brand rather than a celebrity or trend-driven one. The brand's products are developed with dermatological principles and are tested for safety on human subjects in Korea. COSRX is not a prescription or clinical brand, but its formulas are built around well-studied actives (hyaluronic acid, BHA, centella asiatica, niacinamide) with minimal fragrance and filler ingredients. It's widely recommended in dermatology-adjacent skin-care communities for its simple, active-focused approach.

Keep all COSRX acid products in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Hyaluronic acid serums and essences are most stable at room temperature and below; you can refrigerate them if your home runs warm, and the cool temperature gives a pleasant skin feel on application. Salicylic acid cleansers are stable at room temperature. Avoid storing any product near steam (e.g., directly in the shower) as repeated heat and moisture exposure degrades actives over time.