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Here at NBC Selected, we’ve tested hundreds of skin care brands, so it takes a lot to impress us. Several of our editors are fans of Medicube, a Korean beauty brand that rose to viral fame on social media in recent years for its “glass skin” effect (specifically, people rave over its toner pads and collagen cream). But how does the rest of its collection compare to its most popular products? We tested dozens of Medicube products, including moisturizers, serums, toners and skin care tools, over the past four months to narrow down the ones actually worth buying (and what could use an improvement).
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Our honest review of Medicube
Best toners we tested
All of our editors have one favorite product in common: these TikTok-beloved toner pads. “This is one of those viral beauty products I couldn’t escape on social media and eventually, I decided to see what all of the fuss was about. I have hormonal acne on occasion and I think using these twice a day for a couple of days definitely sped up my skin’s recovery,” says NBC Selected senior editor Nikki Brown. The pads are dual-sided: one side is textured to exfoliate, while the other is soft to hydrate and soothe your skin. Brown says the textured side feels gentle on her skin, so there’s no burning sensation during or after she uses it. “One of the biggest benefits is the amount of pads you get in one container. If you’re not using these daily, one purchase will last you a long while,” she says.
NBC Selected reporter Zoe Malin has used these pads every other night for about six months, and she says they’ve completely changed the texture of her skin for the better. “It’s now so much softer and smoother, and the pads have visibly reduced pore size in my T-zone,” says Malin. Personally, I’m a fan of the mild version of these toner pads for my sensitive, rosacea-prone skin.
These toner pads combine succinic, salicylic and glycolic acids to reduce and prevent breakouts. Despite the scary name, these pads are actually very gentle even on acne-prone, sensitive skin, and they soothe and brighten skin rather than irritate it, according to our editors. “I’ve noticed less redness around my cheeks and chin since I started using these pads. They also don’t leave behind any oily residue despite each pad being soaked in more than enough product,” says NBC Selected intern Lily Stern, who uses them right after cleansing her face at night.
“These pads work really well as a toner; they’re moisturizing because of the niacinamide and brightening enough for my sun spots and hyperpigmentation thanks to the vitamin C. My skin feels soft and plump, so I know it’s doing wonders for my skin barrier,” says NBC Selected editorial operations associate Jem Alabi. There are 70 pads in one container, so they last for months, and they’re dual-sided like the Zero Pore Pads, so you only need one for your whole face. However, remember to close the container completely so they don’t dry out or leak, says Alabi.
We’re big fans of Medicube’s PDRN line because most products are brightening, plumping and gentle, in our experience. (Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) is a molecule derived from salmon DNA that evens skin tone, strengthens your skin barrier and boosts collagen production.). Stern uses these toner pads in between her nighttime skin care routine when her acne-prone skin is acting up.
“The thin gel pads, which come with separately packaged PDRN serum to pour into the container, are generously sized and act as tiny sheet masks,” she says. You remove two pads from the container with the brand’s provided tweezers, apply them to any part of your face you want to treat, and let them sit for a few minutes before swiping the excess serum across your skin. “I like to place them on my cheeks, where I notice the refreshing and plumping effects the most. I also have very sensitive and reactive skin, and these pads calm down some of my inflamed acne at night, leaving a cooling sensation on my skin for several minutes after the serum dries,” says Stern.
Best moisturizer we tested
Lowest price ever
Another viral favorite, this moisturizer has a light, jelly-like texture and it’s the perfect gel moisturizer for those with oily skin. It has a pink tint at first, but dries down to a transparent finish after you apply it. “This is one of the best moisturizers you can use if you have acne-prone skin, especially if it’s also oily,” says NBC Selected senior editor Shalwah Evans. “I sweat so much in the summertime, so I lean into gel creams during those months and this one never fails me. The jelly goes on smooth, gets a little tacky and then quickly dries down to a matte finish. It never leaves skin looking slick or wet, either.” It also barely has a smell, so it’s great if you don’t like heavily fragranced creams.
This is the first Medicube moisturizer NBC Selected associate social media editor Caitlin Cusack used, and she says it feels like she “discovered a whole new genre of moisturizer.” “My skin is acne-prone and oily, and this does an amazing job at controlling oil while hydrating at the same time,” says Cusack, who applies a generous amount and uses it with the Mini Booster Pro to get the “glass skin” look. “Every time I apply it, my skin always looks brighter and glowy immediately,” she says.
Its key ingredient is hydrolyzed collagen, which is a form of collagen that’s been broken down into smaller segments, that absorbs quickly and helps to maintain your skin’s firmness and elasticity. It also has squalane to keep skin hydrated and niacinamide to brighten and address any uneven texture. Our editors applied a quarter-sized amount of the jelly cream to our face, neck and chest in the morning and evening as the last step of our routine. I found it’s also safe for sensitive skin since it doesn’t cause any redness or irritation, even on my rosacea-prone skin.
Best cleanser we tested
NBC Selected senior social media and newsletter editor Julie Huang, who has acne-prone skin, used this cleanser for about a month and loved the creamy texture. “It has little exfoliating beads and comes out almost like a cake frosting because of the star-shaped squeeze tip. It has kept my acne-prone, sensitive skin clear,” she says. “The one downside is the smell; it’s not unpleasant but a bit overpowering for an artificial scent.”
Alabi loved this cleanser so much while testing, that it has officially replaced her very expensive Augustinus Bader face wash. “It’s ideal if you have normal or combination skin. The little beads help to exfoliate but they aren’t rough at all. I’ve also noticed that my face isn’t as red in the mornings or taut,” she says.
Best face masks we tested
If you’re on the collagen skin care side of social media, you’ve probably seen these gel sheet masks on your “For You” page. This mask has PDRN to brighten skin, strengthen your skin barrier and boost collagen production. Like the jelly cream, the mask is pink at first and turns clear after a few hours once the ingredients absorb into your skin.
“Whenever I feel like my skin is acting up, I wear one of these masks to sleep and wake up with it looking glowy, smooth and bright,” says Cusack, who has been using these masks once a week for over a month. “The mask perfectly molds onto my face and doesn’t slip off or bother me while lying down, even as a side sleeper. It doesn’t cause any irritation or breakouts, so I think it would be perfect for anyone with drier and sensitive skin.” Since the formula can help boost collagen, Cusack says her skin looks noticeably plumper and more hydrated in the mornings. “They’ve officially earned a permanent spot in my skin care rotation,” she says.
Of all the Medicube products I tested, this nighttime mask is my favorite. I first saw it on my TikTok “For You” page, where people slowly peeled the mask off their faces after waking up. I hadn’t tried very many peel-off masks, so this was one of my first experiences with one, and I have to say: I’m pleasantly surprised. It’s a thick gel that you apply all over your face before bed, and it dries after about 15 minutes (since it’s naturally sticky, I avoid going to bed directly after applying it).
Initially, it wasn’t the most comfortable since I’m not used to wearing overnight masks, but over time, that discomfort goes away. When I wake up, I peel the mask off to reveal skin that’s much softer, brighter and more hydrated than the night before. I have some texture and dry patches around my cheeks and chin, and I noticed there was significantly less after using this mask consistently for two weeks. Now, it’s part of my weekly nighttime routine. Plus, something about peeling it off is extremely satisfying, like peeling glue off your fingers in fifth grade.
Best serums we tested
This serum is a non-invasive alternative to microneedling that you can do at home. It’s a spicule serum, which means it has microscopic, needle-like structures that are coated in exosomes. You can’t see the tiny liquid microneedles, but you’ll probably feel some sharpness and tingling when you apply it. I’ve used this serum twice a week after cleanser for about three months, and it has made a huge difference in texture from past acne scars. It penetrates pores more deeply than your standard topical serum and has chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids, niacinamide and amino acids to help improve texture. The tingling feeling is a bit intense at first, but goes away quickly, especially after the first few uses.
This Medicube serum comes recommended by double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Purvisha Patel in our guide to PDRN and salmon sperm facials because it’s affordable and effective. Plus, it’s lightweight, hydrating and absorbs quickly. It combines salmon PDRN and a five-peptide complex to repair skin and enhance elasticity, according to the brand. It’s also safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin, according to Medicube.
Best skin care tools we tested
Medicube recently launched the latest version of its Booster Pro, which is more powerful than the original version and has a larger head. It has seven modes (compared to the original Booster Pro’s six) with six intensity levels per mode, so your creams and serums absorb even better and faster than applying them with your hands alone. The different settings help target multiple skin concerns, including dry skin, enlarged pores, puffiness and sagging.
“I was already obsessed with the OG Booster wand, but I didn’t realize how much more I could do with the upgraded 2X version. It’s a lot bigger than the original, so I’m covering a lot more surface area and don’t have to move the wand around my face as much,” says Cusack, who has been testing the new version for a few weeks. “I love that there is a dual option, so that I can use two different settings at once without having to constantly switch between each one. My skin is always glowing immediately after using it, and I noticed that my face looks a little more lifted and sculpted after about a week.”
If you want your skin to feel extra clean, especially after removing makeup or sunscreen, consider this set that comes with the Booster Pro (which delivers red and blue light) that you insert into the cleansing head. You can adjust between three modes of light.
“I truly did not know that I needed these devices until I started using them. The cleansing wand perfectly applies my cleanser and feels like it’s deep-cleaning my pores, which I need since I have large ones that get clogged easily with oil and sweat,” says Cusack. “I follow with the Collagen Jelly Cream and Mini Booster Pro. I like to use a combination of red light and blue light for five minutes in the morning and at night, and after about three weeks, my skin has never looked better. My complexion is brighter and more even, and I haven’t broken out at all, which is usually pretty common for me in the summer.”
Best sunscreen we tested
Alabi is a fan of this sunscreen for her dark skin tone because it blends seamlessly and doesn’t leave a white cast. Plus, it’s hydrating enough to act almost like a typical moisturizer, and leaves a glowy finish that makes skin look healthy and plump, she says. It also sits well underneath makeup and can double as a primer.
Best facial spray we tested
This is one of our favorite facial sprays because it soothes redness, irritation and breakouts, and it works great on all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. The spray combines our editors’ favorite hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide, hypochlorous acid and panthenol. “My face feels extra clean after using this spray. A couple spritzes is all I need to get rid of the grime that builds up throughout the day,” says Malin. “My skin absorbs it quickly and it leaves behind a pretty matte finish, so I can layer products directly over it without worrying about looking shiny.”
Best body care we tested
One of our favorite body care products for acne-prone skin, this body wash has salicylic acid (to reduce acne and unclog pores), niacinamide (to brighten skin tone and texture) and hyaluronic acid (to hydrate). Since the start of summer, I’ve struggled with body acne due to long days in the heat and sun, and this body wash has helped completely clear those breakouts. It’s also incredibly gentle and hydrating on my skin, which is surprising since my skin is easily irritated by acne-fighting ingredients (especially salicylic acid). It has a light, natural scent that isn’t as overpowering as some of Medicube’s other products. However, at $29, it is slightly more expensive than a body wash I would typically buy.
What can improve
While we generally like Medicube’s skin care, there are a few downsides that we came across during our testing period:
- Can cause skin sensitivity: Several products, namely the toner pads and serums, have strong active ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and other exfoliants, which can cause redness and irritation. Several editors with sensitive skin experienced redness and reactions from popular products, including the Zero Pore Pads and Capsule Cream with Deep Vitamin C (which is heavily scented).
- Products are heavily fragranced: If you’re sensitive to scents, you’ll probably have to stay away from most Medicube products. Many of our editors reported heavy fragrances that, though they were mostly pleasant, were too overpowering. It’s also not good news for those with sensitive skin since fragrances can cause breakouts and redness.
- Price can be steep: One of the best parts about Medicube’s skin care is that they’re budget-friendly alternatives for higher-priced toners, moisturizers and serums (while providing similar functions and ingredients). But when it comes to skin care tools like the Booster Pro, which the brand recommends using with several of its products, the prices can be too high. For example, bundles like Age-R Spotless Radiance Set and Skin Renewal Ensemble Set cost upwards of $200-$300.
How we tested Medicube skin care
Nine editors tested dozens of Medicube’s skin care products for four months. The products were across categories, including toners, serums, moisturizers, body washes and more, with each editor keeping their individual skin care concerns in mind (including acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation and texture). When testing, we used each product based on the brand’s instructions and kept the following factors in mind:
- Texture and application: How does the product feel on skin? Is it easy to spread or apply? Does it feel gentle or harsh while applying it?
- Effectiveness: What is the product’s intended purpose and did it deliver on its promise? Did it have any negative side effects?
- Skin concerns: Did it help improve skin concerns like breakouts, redness and irritation? Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
- Scent: Does it have a noticeable fragrance? If so, did it irritate?
- Packaging: Does it come in a pump, tube, or jar? Is it easy to use/dispense? Is the packaging travel-friendly?
- Value: Is the product size and feel worth the money? Would you repurchase it?
Who is Medicube for?
If you’re a Korean beauty lover and looking for a glowy, “glass skin” look, Medicube is one of your best options. Plus, the brand covers several skin concerns, including vitamin C to address dark spots, chemical exfoliants for texture and fine lines, hyaluronic acid to heal dry skin and PDRN (a popular K-beauty ingredient) to boost collagen and tighten sagging skin.
If you’re not inclined to use products with as much fragrance and want something slightly more budget-friendly, Cosrx has comparable (and some of our favorite) skin care. We recommend the Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Face Cleanser ($14) and the Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Repairing Serum ($25). If you’re looking for alternatives to Medicube’s viral toner pads, consider picking up Hanyul Yuja Brightening Toner Pads ($26) and Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner Pads ($22), which we like more for sensitive skin.
Why trust NBC Selected?
I’m an editor at NBC Selected who has covered beauty, skin care, hair care and wellness for more than six years. I’ve also tested hundreds of skin care products to find the best ones worth buying. For this article, eight editors and I tested Medicube’s popular skin care products and rounded up the best ones worth the price.
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