Korean beauty has taken the world by storm — and one brand that’s consistently going viral is Medicube. While the buzzy skincare label first rose to fame in 2023 with celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner giving the brand praise. Medicube has some affordable skincare, from salmon DNA-derived formulas to cult-loved pore pads, and I tested some of the brand's best sellers to see if they live up to the hype. Here's how it went.
How I Tested Medicube’s Skincare
I have dry, sensitive and acne-prone skin, so I'm always on the lookout for products that clear my pores without stripping my skin or causing irritation. According to Influencer Alix Earle’s dermatologist (who I follow on TikTok), Medicube's Zero Pore Pads are great for gently exfoliating while adding hydration.
To help fade my post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, I followed up with the TXA Niacinamide Serum, along with the Rose PDRN toner, serum, and cream to brighten my overall tone and support my skin barrier. On days when my skin felt especially thirsty — or when I wanted to look extra glowy before an event — I prepped with the PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Masks.
Here's a full breakdown of my morning and nighttime skincare routines:
Morning: PDRN Pink Peptide Toner, TXA Niacinamide Serum, PDRN Pink Peptide Serum, PDRN Pink Peptide Cream
Night: Zero Pore Pads (2-3x per week), PDRN Pink Peptide Toner, TXA Niacinamide Serum, PDRN Pink Peptide Serum, and PDRN Pink Peptide Cream
The Results
Medicube Zero Pore Pads
Medicube’s Zero Pore Pads are currently the number one best seller in Amazon's toner category with an average 4.5-star rating — and for good reason. They're formulated with salicylic and lactic acid, two chemical exfoliants that aim to gently dissolve dead skin cells, plus ingredients like glycerin and allantoin to hydrate and calm the skin. Each pad also has a textured side for added (but still gentle) physical exfoliation.
After cleansing, I swipe one all over my face, focusing on breakout-prone areas. I expected a slightly tingly or drying sensation, but these are among the most hydrating toner pads I’ve ever used — they never strip my skin. While they're generally mild enough for daily use, I currently stick to every other day since my complexion is extra sensitive. They worked beautifully on my dry skin, but they're also made to suit oily and combination skin types.
Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Toner
Medicube’s toner is powered by Rose PDRN — a rose-derived alternative to traditional PDRN (a DNA compound originally extracted from salmon), which is known to support skin barrier repair and firmness. While clinical studies on rose-derived PDRN are still limited, the formula also includes five peptides, niacinamide and holy basil leaf extract to help plump, soothe and balance the skin.
I apply several drops after cleansing or using the Zero Pore Pads. The toner has a watery, fast-absorbing texture that delivers instant hydration. After each application, my skin looks luminous but never feels tacky.
Medicube TXA Niacinamide Serum
According to Medicube, the TXA Niacinamide serum features ingredients that block melanin production for dark spots — along with niacinamide to fade dark spots and smooth texture. Formulated for even sensitive skin (per the brand), it also contains nourishing ingredients like panthenol and coral moss extract.
I found this serum to be lightweight and fast-absorbing, with zero sticky residue. I apply a full dropper after toner and gently pat it in. After just a few days of consistent use, my complexion already looked brighter and more even-toned.
Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
The PDRN Pink Peptide Serum has a similar composition to its toner counterpart, with rose PDRN, five types of peptides, niacinamide and holy basil leaf extract. The key difference lies in the texture: The serum is thicker and more nourishing — almost snail mucin-like — while the toner feels more like a splash of water.
My parched skin soaked it up like a sponge. Since skincare absorbs best when applied from lightest to heaviest, I layer this over the TXA Niacinamide Serum. Using both only enhanced my glow — no pilling in sight.
Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Cream
Featuring the same key ingredients as the PDRN Pink serum and toner, the peptide cream leaves my skin dewy and bouncy. More of a lotion than a true cream, it has a lightweight, non-greasy consistency that feels especially suited to summer — though I plan to use it year-round thanks to its versatility.
Designed for all skin types, it strikes the perfect balance between long-lasting hydration and a weightless feel, creating an ideal base for makeup.
Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Masks
Medicube's PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Masks deliver an instant glass-skin effect. They're designed to visibly plump, tighten and boost radiance.
When I need an extra dose of moisture, I use the mask after applying my serums and follow with moisturizer if needed — though I can often skip that step thanks to how nourished and smooth my skin feels. It offers a subtle cooling sensation and keeps my skin hydrated all day, even under foundation.
Once absorbed, the gel mask turns from opaque to transparent — a process the brand says can take anywhere from one to three hours. On average, I found that two hours is the sweet spot. You can also leave the mask on overnight for convenience.
The Verdict
After using my Medicube routine consistently for about four weeks, I noticed a visible improvement in my skin. My dark spots have faded significantly, and my complexion looks smoother and more even-toned. I’m confident these changes will only become more apparent with regular use.
While Medicube’s gentle formulas may take a bit longer to deliver noticeable results, I still found them effective — especially for sensitive skin types. That said, some products in the Rose PDRN line felt a bit redundant; you can likely achieve similar benefits by using just one. If you prefer a lighter texture, opt for the toner or cream. You can always mix and match Medicube's offerings to suit your skin's needs.
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Anvita Reddy (she/her) is a Commerce Editor at Hearst Magazines. She contributes commerce content across Hearst’s portfolio, including Elle, Harper's Baazar, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Cosmopolitan, House Beautiful, and more. She has over four years of experience in the commerce space, including writing detailed first-person product reviews, trend and best-of round-ups, deals and sales coverage, and more. Previously, she was an assistant editor for PS Shopping, covering beauty, home and kitchen, fashion, tech, travel, wellness, and lifestyle. In her free time, you can find her catching up on everything from reality TV to reruns of classic sitcoms, testing out viral beauty products, sharpening her cooking skills, working out, or traveling.
