Korean skincare brands are a dime a dozen. From those that claim to give you radically different skin to those that are actually more eh than amazing, we at Daily Vanity have pretty much seen it all.
A brand that has been consistently getting plenty of hype? Medicube. Striving to create skincare products that are safe and effective, they also seek to create and develop products to resolve common skin concerns such as acne, clogged pores, and the like.
Since its inception, the Internet has been claiming that Medicube is the best Korean skincare range out there for treating sensitive, troubled skin (at least, that's what the Facebook and Instagram ads seem to say). But is it, really? We can't help but feel a little doubtful about it all, considering the enormity of the claim.
So what better way to test it out than by reviewing it for ourselves? After some deliberation, we picked out 11 of the best Medicube products shared by beauty junkies to take a shot at writing our very own Medicube review. Psst, the reviews we compiled include the popular Medicube Zero Pore Pad and Red Erasing Cream. Let's get started!
1. Medicube Zero Pore Serum
Reviewer: Emily
Serums have always intimidated me. As someone with a minimal, pared down skincare routine (partly due to laziness, and partly due to how it seems to work best for my complexion) I really didn't know what to think about adding a serum into my routine.
Especially with one that claims to have a multitude of benefits, such as tightening pores and controlling sebum production all whilst hydrating skin. Sounds a little too good to be true, no?
Nevertheless, this serum from Medicube seemed like a perfect fit for me on paper. As someone with combination skin that clogs super easily, anything that ensures tighter, non-existent pores is right up my alley, And it's all for the sake of writing this Medicube review, right? Here goes nothing!
Does it work like it claims to?
I'd say that the Medicube Pore Zero Serum works to a certain extent.
The first thing I noticed about this Medicube product was that it had a nice, lightweight texture that absorbed easily into skin, making it perfect for my oily T-Zone. It didn't weigh heavily on my face either, which I appreciated! My only qualm upon first use was the scent — it was a little overbearing, and smelled a tad too medicinal for me to enjoy slathering it on my face. Thankfully, the smell didn't linger, and my face definitely felt more hydrated and moisturised after.
Image on left: skin prior to trying out Medicube Zero Pore Serum. Image on right: After two weeks of usage.
After a week of sustained use, I did notice that my complexion had smoothed out, with the tiny zits I had speckling my forehead disappearing. I also loved how hydrating the Medicube Pore Serum was, to the point where I found myself tempted to skip out on moisturiser on some days (but I resisted, in an attempt to be consistent with my skincare routine.)
In terms of pore tightening, though, I'd say I didn't see that drastic of a difference. Which I'll admit, is pretty disappointing, considering how that is one of the biggest selling points of the product. However, it might be due to the fact that I've only used it for two weeks or so. I'll probably use it for longer to see if there are any changes, but I'm not holding my breath.
Will you re-purchase it again?
It's a yes from me, but not so much because of how the Medicube Zero Pore Serum actually tightened or reduced the appearance of my pores.
I felt I enjoyed it more as a lightweight moisturiser that was suitable for my combination skin, soothing it effortlessly without causing any flareups or breakouts whatsoever. Also, considering the hefty price tag that comes with most moisturisers, the fact that it costs SGD49 just sealed the deal for me.
Overall rating: 16/20
The Medicube Zero Pore Serum is available at selected Guardian outlets. It retails for SGD49.
2. Medicube Zero Pore Pad
Reviewer: Emily
As someone with comparatively thinner skin that flushes easily, it has always been a challenge to hunt down an exfoliator is both gentle and effective. This is precisely what Medicube's Zero Pore Pad claims to be, though, with it being supposedly clinically approved for it being a non-irritant. Hmm!
This exfoliating pad also claims to tighten pores, remove skin waste and dead skin cells, as well as to assist with sebum control. Let's see about that!
Does it work like it claims to?
This is a big, big yes from me!
I'll admit, I was feeling pretty apprehensive once I took the product out of the packaging. I've never really believed in the effectiveness of exfoliating pads. Plus it also comes with the same medicinal scent as the Medicube Zero Pore Serum, which didn't help things in the slightest. I swiped it against the back of my hand first to test out if I'd experience any sensitivity, and was pleasantly surprised to see how much serum emerged from that alone.
The Zero Pore Pad has a lightweight texture (yay!) that absorbed quickly into skin as well, though I found this one had a slighter stickier finish that took longer to dry down. Nevertheless, it wasn't much of a deterrent, especially when I started using it on my face.
Image on left: skin prior to trying the Medicube Zero Pore Pad. Image on right: After two weeks of usage.
The Medicube Zero Pore Pad got rid of my dead skin and impurities effortlessly, leaving my skin feeling clean but not stripped. It comes with two sides — one that is embossed (with more distinct 'holes'), and one that is made with soft cotton. Use the embossed side first to exfoliate and the soft part after to clean off any remainders! It worked great. My skin appeared a lot brighter the next day, and though there wasn't a huge difference to my pores, they did seem a little reduced in appearance than before.
Will you repurchase it again?
100% yes! It has rightfully earned a spot in my regular skincare routine. I'd say this pore pad is perfect for anyone with combination or oily skin, especially if you're looking for something that helps with sebum control without drying out your skin completely. It's probably suitable for sensitive skin users as well, as I've not experienced any flare ups or breakouts whatsoever since I started using this two weeks ago. Score!
Overall rating: 19/20
The Medicube Zero Pore Pad is available at selected Guardian outlets. It retails for SGD35.
3. Medicube Red Foam Cleanser
Reviewer: Christine
A cleanser that is supposed to be non-stripping and good for acne-prone skin? Sounds like a beauty product I would love already! I was pretty excited to try out the Medicube Red Foam Cleanser, especially considering the rave reviews it has been receiving since its release.
Does it work like it claims to?
To be honest, I didn't like this Medicube cleanser much as it left my skin feeling a little too squeaky clean? My skin felt tight and dry after use, which was further proven when I used the office's moisture-level thermometer.
After a few days of sustained use, I realised that my moisture levels dropped to pretty un-ideal levels (as you can tell by the red blaring lights). Now, the last time I used the moisture-level thermometer was a while ago (like a few months), but I distinctly recall my cheeks at least being at a green (AKA normal) level.
BUT: I do like that a little really goes a long way with this cleanser: all I really need to do is to squeeze out like, half a pea-sized blob of cleanser onto my palm, and it will really be able to apply all over your face without needing to reach out for more.
Will you re-purchase it again?
I will not purchase this again although I can definitely understand the hype among people with oily skin. All in all, I would definitely recommend this product to people who a) have very oily skin or b) are teenagers. Honestly, I feel this would've worked wonders for me when I was a teenager when my skin veered more towards oily than combination!
Overall rating: 12/20
The Medicube Red Foam Cleanser is available at selected Guardian outlets. It retails for SGD27.
4. Medicube Red Cream Plus
Reviewer: Christine
I was pretty hesitant to try the Medicube Red Cream as I normally prefer my moisturiser to be of the gel-type variety, but for the sake of this Medicube review, I decided to give it a shot!
Does it work like it claims to?
This cream from Medicube has a rather strong tea-tree herbal scent and does feel a little cloying on the skin, but I found that it works super effectively on my acne areas! Smaller pimples disappeared faster and recovered more quickly than usual, with bigger pimples and acne spots healing up nicely as well.
However, I do feel that the heavier cream-based texture didn't work all that great on my skin, as the sticky residue translates to oilier skin throughout the day, with my face collecting one whole oil blotter's worth of oil by noon. I normally only garner this amount of oil at the end of the day, so that was rather discouraging.
Will you repurchase it again?
Probably not – but I think it's because this Medicube Red Cream isn't built for my skin type. I do understand the hype as I imagine that this might be good for someone with dehydrated skin, or perhaps someone who is experiencing severe acne caused by dry skin.
Overall rating: 11/20
The Medicube Red Cream Plus is available at selected Guardian outlets. It retails for SGD57.
5. Medicube White Toning Cream
Reviewer: Kristen Juliet
This is the first time I'm trying out a Medicube product, having heard so much about the Korean brand even before it's in Singapore.
The Medicube White Toning Cream is formulated to improve the appearance of pigmentation, pores, bumpy skin, and helps brighten skin tone naturally.
I have always considered dull complexion as one of my top skincare concerns so I was really hoping that this product works.
Does it work like it claims to?
Yes, for instant effect, but I need to wait and see for long-term effect.
As a moisturiser, it has got to be one of the thickest formulas I've ever tried. The texture feels almost like clay. Thankfully, it isn't too difficult to spread out, but it does take a slightly long time to absorb compared to regular moisturisers.
However, what's great about it is that the pink-toned formula instantly perks up my complexion, acting as a great makeup base. In fact, I would be happy to simply apply the Medicube White Toning Cream and head out without any makeup on. It hides pores, brightens and evens out skin tone, and leaves skin feeling smooth.
Image on left: Bare-faced. Image on right: After application of Medicube White Toning Cream.
However, after using the Medicube Toning Cream for more than a week, I haven't seen any significant improvement to my overall complexion nor the pigmentation I have on my cheeks. Perhaps I'm being too impatient and we'll need more time to see if it works. But I really can't say that I'm seeing much improvement in this one-week review.
Will you repurchase it again?
I'm on the fence for this. I would use this toning cream from Medicube as a makeup base because it really brightens and evens out my skin tone, making my skin look like it's naturally healthy and radiant. However, I'm not too sure about it as a treatment moisturiser to improve my skin over time. I'm also not a big fan of the thick consistency of the cream.
Overall rating: 12/20
The Medicube White Toning Cream is available at selected Guardian outlets. It retails for SGD47.
Other Medicube products worth considering:
6. Medicube Red Erasing Cream
Clinically-tested and approved for lightening pigmentation and discolouration issues, you will definitely want to try out this cream from Medicube. It has received its share of good reviews for really working to lighten dark spots and acne scars, while brightening overall complexion.
However, there are users who find that the Red Erasing Cream too sticky – some also find that it whitens their skin as much as a sunscreen. Another surprising use of this cream is that you can treat it as a pimple spot cream: one user claims that this has actually helped to make pimple spots smaller and less swollen! Read full reviews here.
A customer on Amazon has also said this product was a life-changer. She had been struggling with clogged pores and bumpy skin texture for a long time until she tried Medicube's Red Erasing Cream. The result was smoother, more moisturised skin. It also helped her heal her acne scars over time. Read more product reviews here.
7. Medicube Red Serum
Image source
Claiming to control sebum production, prevent the formation of acne, and hydrate your complexion, the Medicube Red Serum is reportedly great for those with dry, irritable and acne-prone skin. And according to reviews, it does work like it claims to. Apparently, the Medicube Red Serum is markedly effective in clearing up persistent acne, with it providing fast and visible results.
It also feels soothing on skin all while hydrating dry it effortlessly. It should be noted, however, that it has a bit of a strong scent, so those sensitive towards fragrances should keep them in mind!
Read the full review here.
8. Medicube Red Centellaca Mask
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This three-step mask is known to be great for those with troubled skin, particularly those facing severe acne issues. The first step, naturally, involves cleansing. Rip the Medicube Red Foam Cleanser square for application, before moving on to the Medicube Pimple Care Toner Patch. The last step, of course, is the Medicube Mask Pack.
The mask is packed with ingredients that are great for acne skin. Think green tea extract, rosemary leaf extract, and licorice extract, to be exact! The reviews claim that this Medicube mask really works in calming skin down, though it does leave skin feeling a little sticky and tacky after. Sounds like a pretty good trade off to us!
Read the full review here.
9. Medicube Red Body Bar
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We all know that back acne is relentlessly difficult to get rid of, which is what makes the Medicube Red Body Bar quite so sought after. Clinically tested to be non-irritating on skin, this bad boy gently removes all skin waste gently and effectively, leaving behind a smooth and clear canvas after.
So far, this body bar from Medicube has been receiving glowing reviews on sites such as Amazon, though there are a few stray reviews claiming that the product doesn't work for them in the slightest. Hmm, interesting!
Read the full reviews here.
10. Medicube Red Spot Solution Needle Patch
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Sure, you've heard of acne patches, but what about a needle patch? Equipped with crystallized micro-needles that effectively absorbs and soothes sensitive skin areas, we're told that the Medicube Red Spot Solution Needle Patch is the answer to those pesky zits that seemingly pop out of nowhere.
So far, we've been hearing purely good things about the product, with a reviewer even claiming that it has helped her immensely with her cystic and hormonal acne.
Read the full review here.
11. Medicube Red Cushion
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Is it really a Korean beauty brand if it doesn't have a cushion? The Medicube Red Cushion is no exception, though it stands out with how it is non-comedogenic tested. This means that it is supposedly super safe for those with sensitive and acne-prone skin, with it supposedly providing great coverage all whilst being super hydrating.
For the most part, it seems to deliver on what it promises, though there has been some talk about it not regulating sebum production as some users might like.
Read the full review here.
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