Cosrx Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence – Review

This post will review the Cosrx Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence.

After being a cult classic for so many years, the Cosrx Snail Mucin Power Essence is trending again and for a good reason. This was literally one of the first products that literally transformed my dry, dehydrated skin. After a little over one week of using it, the difference was astonishing. My typical dull skin plumped up and came to life. It is also safe to say that I achieved ‘glass skin’ because my skin was luminous, literally.

It’s been three years since I started using this product, and it has been a staple in my daily routine, particularly during the winter. Naturally, I had to explore other products in the Cosrx Advanced Snail line. So far, I’ve tried;

• Cosrx Advanced Snail 92 All-In-One Cream is an excellent supplementary moisturizer with the essence.
• COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream; is a great hydrating eye cream packed with peptides.

So far, I’ve only used these two products in the Advanced Snail line. But when I saw that a new Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence was launched, I had to try it immediately. Halfway through the bottle, I had to share my thoughts before I exhausted them.

For those that are unfamiliar, Cosrx is a pioneer Korean Skincare brand who have been around since forever. They’re behind so many of the most popular Korean Skincare products you might have heard of, which is for a good reason. Their formulas are simple and effective and work across most skin types. Plus, they’re super affordable, and you typically get 100ml – 200ml products for a great price.

Honestly, what’s not to love? I’ve used several Cosrx products over the years and always looking for new releases to explore.

Let’s get into business!

First Impressions of the Cosrx Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence

According to Cosrx;

2 in 1 Elasticity & Radiance in One Pump

High-efficacy snail essence mixes with the radiance essence upon pumping to create a refreshing combination of plumping and brightening care.  

BENEFITS

•Plumps
• Brightens
• Hydrates
• Non-sticky, Refreshing Finish

TARGETS

• Dry & rough skin
• Dull & tired skin
• Multiple skin concerns
• Sensitive skin in need of effective skincare

Ingredient List & Fragrance

I’m sure you’re wondering what makes this Dual Radiance Essence different from the Power Essence, especially since they are more or less similar. You’ll be happy to know that the most significant difference between the two essences is the ingredient list and packaging.

We know that the Cosrx Advanced Snail Mucin Power Essence is formulated with the following;

• 96.3% Snail Secretion Filtrate
• 1% Sodium Hyaluronate
• Allantoin
• Panthenol
• Arginine

On the other hand, the Cosrx Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence is formulated with the following;

• 74.3% Triple Snail Complex combines Snail Secretion Filtrate, Gold Snails and Black Snails.
• 5% Niacinamide
• Glutathione
• Panthenol
• Sodium Hyaluronate
• Arginine
• including Sunflower, Meadowfoam and Macadamia Seed Oils

As always, they’re also both alcohol, essential oil and fragrance-free.

I hope this ingredient list has given you a rough idea about the difference between these two essences.

Packaging, Texture & Consistency

One of the unique things about this essence is the packaging. I’ve seen a few brands adopting this technique where two different products are pumped out as one. As long as it is not a messy or unhygienic process, I’m really indifferent about this packaging.

Compared to the Power Essence, this Dual Essence is packaged in an 80ml transparent pump bottle split into two. One-half of the bottle is the 74.3% Triple Snail Complex, while the other half is the 5% Niacinamide. One pump gives you half of each, which is not too shabby.

So instead of getting 100ml worth of Snail Mucin, you’re getting 80ml of Snail Mucin and Niacinamide. Yep, you do the maths.

So far, I haven’t had any problems with the packaging, so it was well thought out. In terms of texture and consistency, there is not much difference between the Dual and Power essences. They both contain a high percentage of Snail Mucin, so you should expect them to be sticky and slimy.

Price & Availability

This product retails for $28 but is currently selling for $16. Honestly, unless you have oily acne-prone skin and your skin loves Niacinamide, you’re better off buying the Power essence for $25; this way, you get 100ml of Snail Mucin instead of 40ml.

Review of the Cosrx Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence

As I mentioned earlier, I’m halfway through this product, as I’ve been using it daily for over a month now. I use it on damp skin after my toner in the morning and evening before layering other hydrating serums and treatments over it. I’m currently using it under the Laneige Cream Skin Refiner and the I’m From Ginseng Serum over it.

Performance

I waited a bit after using my last bottle of the Power Essence before starting the Dual Essence. I wanted to see how well it performed on its own. I’m sure you know that the glass skin effect from consistently using the Power Essence gradually disappears when you stop using it. So, I gave it a few months just to see how well it would perform.

It is safe to say that despite having about 20% less Snail Mucin than the Power Essence, the Dual essence definitely performs well. My skin is dewy and well-hydrated. It looks plump and healthy, and my skin barrier is intact.

My only problem is the 5% Niacinamide which I believe is making me break out. I usually don’t have any problems with Niacinamide, but for some reason, this is different. To prove my point, I tested it out by using the Power Essence for a few days while on a trip and I didn’t break out, which tells me a lot.

So, I’ll be sticking with the Power Essence when I’m done with this bottle.

Cosrx Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence vs Cosrx Advanced Snail Mucin Power Essence

The most significant difference between these two products is that the former is formulated with 74.3% Triple Snail Complex and 5% Niacinamide while the latter is formulated with 96.3% Snail Secretion Filtrate.

So if your skin reacts to Niacinamide, you might want to skip the Dual Essence.

In Summary

If you have oily acne-prone skin and your skin thrives with low percentage Niacinamide products, you should try the Dual essence. You’re literally getting two products: a hydrator and treatment in one.