COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum Review

COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum
5.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.8 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%), Propanediol (est. ≈4.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈3.1%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Sodium Hyaluronate (est. ≈3.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s an Exfoliator, It May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Lactic Acid

This product contains lactic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. It works by removing dead skin cells, revealing new, more delicate skin that is more vulnerable to sun damage.

In smaller quantities, lactic acid is often used as a pH adjuster and may not significantly contribute to exfoliation. However, at higher concentrations, it functions as an effective exfoliant with benefits and risks similar to other AHAs. Products with AHAs, including lactic acid, may increase skin sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

If this product is designed for exfoliation, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily is essential to protect your skin. Always check the label or the manufacturer’s website for specific usage instructions.

Pros & Cons of COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution

Cons: 

  • We couldn't find any

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
4
3.1
3
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Diethoxyethyl Succinate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lactate
Function:
Origin:
PCA
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Serine
Function:
Origin:
Alanine
Function:
Origin:
Glycine
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
PVM/MA Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Glutamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Lysine HCl
Function:
Origin:
Threonine
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Proline
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Cholesterol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Phytosphingosine
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Oleic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
22.1
6
4
3.1
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 22.1 10
10.0
6
4
3.1
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.5 20
0.8
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
3.1
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 22.1 10
10
All humectants
22.1
6
4
3.1
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 1.5 20
0.8
All occlusives
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Propanediol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Glycerin
Est. %3.1
Function