If you’re dealing with acne scars, Korean skincare brand COSRX has a variety of products that can help minimize their appearance. Below, we’ve listed out some of the best COSRX products for acne scars.
Understanding Acne Scars
It is important to understand the different types of acne scars before looking into products or treatments to get rid of them.
The COSRX products mentioned below – as well as other topical, over-the-counter products intended for minimizing acne scars – work best on post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). PIH refers to acne marks that are flat and untextured, but discolored as the result of melanin being overproduced in that spot.
In the case of raised or indented acne scars, more professional treatments are typically needed in order to minimize their appearance.
If you’d like to learn more about the best treatments for your specific acne scars, you can check out this comprehensive article.
The Best COSRX Products for Acne Scars
Best Essence
Best COSRX Essence for Acne Scars
COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence
The star ingredient in this essence is galactomyces ferment filtrate, which has brightening properties that can help lighten the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Galactomyces ferment filtrate is a brightening ingredient that is popular in Japanese and Korean skincare products. It has been shown to help lighten the appearance of hyperpigmentation in the skin[1]. Galactomyces ferment filtrate is the key ingredient of this essence – which is a product concentrated with actives that prime your skin for the rest of the skincare products in your routine. This lightweight essence has an impressive 95% concentration of this ingredient, making it an excellent choice for lightening post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and brightening the overall skin tone.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Not suitable for those prone to fungal acne
In addition to the galactomyces ferment filtrate, this essence contains niacinamide, which has been shown to lighten the appearance of hyperpigmentation[2]. It also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and panthenol.
Best Exfoliator
Best COSRX Exfoliator for Acne Scars
COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
This chemical exfoliator is one of the best COSRX products for acne scars, because it uses the power of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) to brighten the skin and lighten the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
This product contains glycolic acid, an AHA that is able to help minimize the appearance of acne scars by promoting the production of collagen and speeding up skin cell renewal[3]. Glycolic acid also helps brighten and reduce the signs of aging. Additionally, this exfoliator contains pyrus malus (apple) fruit water, a natural AHA that further helps exfoliate and brighten.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
In addition to the AHAs, this product contains soothing and hydrating ingredients that counteract the potentially irritating effects of the exfoliators, including panthenol and sodium hyaluronate.
Best Cream
Best COSRX Cream for Acne Scars
COSRX Centella Blemish Cream
This unique blemish cream soothes irritated skin, reduces redness, minimizes active breakouts, and helps lighten post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
This product is excellent for those dealing with redness, irritation, acne, and/or acne scars. It contains centella asiatica, which has been shown to effectively treat wounds and soothe inflammation in the skin[4]. This cream can be applied to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation to help lighten those spots. Additionally, it can be used on active breakouts to help treat the blemishes while also preventing acne scars from forming in the first place.
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Some reviewers note that it leaves a white cast
This cream contains tea tree oil, which is antimicrobial and may further help treat breakouts[5]. It also contains sunflower seed oil, which improves hydration and strengthens the skin’s barrier[6].
Best Sunscreen
Best COSRX Sunscreen for Acne Scars
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
This soothing and lightweight sunscreen is one of the best COSRX products for acne scars, because it prevents post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from getting even darker, allowing it to heal faster.
Sunscreen is a crucial part of any skincare routine, but it’s particularly important for those with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It prevents these dark spots from getting darker, and increases their likelihood to fade[7]. This sunscreen is a favorite among COSRX fans, as it contains aloe, which is soothing, and is lightweight and absorbs quickly.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- No white cast
Cons
- Contains chemical sunscreen, which may irritate sensitive skin
This sunscreen feels like a lightweight moisturizer, and provides light hydration to the skin. It also does not leave behind a white cast.
FAQs
Is COSRX good for acne-prone skin?
Yes, COSRX has a variety of products that are great for acne-prone skin. If you are dealing with active breakouts, some of the best products to try include the Acne Pimple Master Patch, the Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser, and the Blackhead Power Liquid.
What fades acne scars?
In the case of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (discoloration from acne), there are a few key ingredients that help lighten these spots. AHAs and vitamin C are well-researched and shown to lighten post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, while centella asiatica and galactomyces ferment filtrate have also shown promising results in studies. SPF is also crucial for preventing these spots from getting darker.
How do you get rid of acne scars fast?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a miracle product or treatment that will help get rid of acne scars overnight. For mild to moderate post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, consistent use of products that are known to help lighten these spots is necessary to see results over time. In the case of more severe post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, as well as raised or indented scars, it is best to speak with a dermatologist to develop a treatment plan for your specific needs.
The Bottom Line
Acne scars can be difficult to fade, but with the right products (and professional treatments, in certain cases), it is possible to minimize their appearance.
If you’re dealing with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, include some of the best COSRX products for acne scars in your routine to help lighten their appearance and achieve an even complexion.
