These products are not substitutes. Anua is a watery toner used immediately after cleansing; COSRX is a snail-mucin essence used after toner. You can use either one alone or layer Anua first and COSRX second when your routine needs more hydration.
| Product | Step | Size | Checked price | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AnuaHeartleaf 77 Soothing Toner | After cleansing, before essence or serum | 250ml; a 500ml option was also listed | $23 on the Anua US site when checked | Someone who wants a watery first step and prefers a fragrance-free formula. |
| COSRXAdvanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence | After toner, before moisturizer | 100ml; 50ml and 30ml options were also shown | $25 on the COSRX US site when checked | Someone who wants a hydrating essence and is comfortable using a snail-mucin formula. |
After cleansing, before essence or serum
Anua
Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner
$23 on the Anua US site when checked · 250ml; a 500ml option was also listed
- What it does
- Adds a light hydrating layer. The current formula lists 77% heartleaf water, glycerin, betaine, panthenol, centella and several forms of hyaluronic acid.
- Best for
- Someone who wants a watery first step and prefers a fragrance-free formula.
- Before you buy
- It is a toner, not an acne treatment. Brand testing and bestseller labels are not a guarantee that reactive skin will tolerate it.
After toner, before moisturizer
COSRX
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
$25 on the COSRX US site when checked · 100ml; 50ml and 30ml options were also shown
- What it does
- Provides a more substantial hydrating essence step. COSRX lists 96.3% snail secretion filtrate with betaine, sodium hyaluronate, allantoin and panthenol.
- Best for
- Someone who wants a hydrating essence and is comfortable using a snail-mucin formula.
- Before you buy
- This is not a vegan product. COSRX's clinical percentages are brand-reported results from a small study, not our independent testing.
What each product adds
Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner is a watery first layer used immediately after cleansing. The current formula begins with heartleaf flower, leaf and stem water and also lists glycerin, betaine, panthenol, centella extract and several forms of hyaluronic acid.
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is a more substantial essence used after toner and before moisturizer. COSRX lists 96.3% snail secretion filtrate with betaine, sodium hyaluronate, allantoin and panthenol.
Which one should you choose?
Choose Anua when you want a light, fragrance-free toner step or prefer applying a very fluid product with your hands or a cotton pad. A toner is optional; it does not replace moisturizer.
Choose COSRX when you specifically want an essence with a more viscous texture and are comfortable with a snail-derived ingredient. It is not vegan, and the brand's suitability language should not be treated as a guarantee for allergy-prone skin.
How to use both
For a longer hydrating routine, use cleanser, Anua toner, COSRX essence and moisturizer in that order. Apply sunscreen as the final morning step. Start with a small amount of each product rather than adding several heavy layers at once.
Using both is optional. If your moisturizer already feels sufficient, choose the texture you prefer and use only one. Introduce unfamiliar leave-on products one at a time so it is easier to identify irritation.
Price and market notes
Anua listed the 250ml toner at $23 on its US site when checked on August 29, 2026; a 500ml option was also shown. COSRX listed the 100ml essence at $25, with 50ml and 30ml options on the same page.
Prices, discounts and bundle sizes vary by market. Compare the exact volume and official ingredient list rather than assuming a Korean and overseas listing contains the same set or promotion.
FAQ
- Do I need a toner before the COSRX essence?
- No. COSRX directs users to apply the essence after cleansing and toning, but toner is an optional routine step.
- Can either product replace moisturizer?
- Not reliably. Both add a hydrating layer; follow with moisturizer when your skin needs it.
- Is COSRX Snail 96 vegan?
- No. Its key ingredient is snail secretion filtrate.
What we checked
Dates, prices, product labels and locations are tied to the sources listed below. Retailer claims are identified as claims rather than independent test results.