MediCube Red Toner

MediCube Red Toner
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
4.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers

Review

Does MediCube Red Toner work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using MediCube Red Toner:

  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Considerable anti-wrinkle efficacy: MediCube Red Toner has an anti-wrinkle rating of 4.5 out of 10, indicating a moderate ability to reduce wrinkles.
  • Soothing: MediCube Red Toner contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Lightweight moisturizer ideal for oily skin and a humectant boost for any skincare routine

According to CreamScan analysis, MediCube Red Toner is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Methyl Gluceth-20 (est. ≈6.0%), Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Considerable anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, MediCube Red Toner has a moderate anti-wrinkle rating of 4.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%), 
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 
Among others, MediCube Red Toner also contains contains Beta-Glucan and Adenosine, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that MediCube Red Toner is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin soothing and calming potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, MediCube Red Toner is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Gluceth-20
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Glucan
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Triethanolamine
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Colloidal Sulfur
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pulsatilla Koreana Extract
Function:
Origin:
Usnea Barbata (Lichen) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hyacinthus Orientalis (Hyacinth) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Water
Function:
Origin:
Borago Officinalis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ovalicin
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
16.0
6
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 16.0 10
10.0
6
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 16.0 10
10
All humectants
16.0
6
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 3 4.5
n/a
- 1.5 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
4.5
Niacinamide
4.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
3
Beta-Glucan
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
4.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 6.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
6.6
Niacinamide
3
Beta-Glucan
1.5
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
0.3
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
0.3
Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract
0.3
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract
0.3
Borago Officinalis Extract
0.3
Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
0.3
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 7.5 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
7.5
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Methyl Gluceth-20
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Methyl Gluceth-20A humectant synthetically derived from glucose. It takes on the form of a clear, syrupy liquid.
Alcohol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
AlcoholAn effective antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. It is also an excellent solvent and astringent. Alcohol helps to create lighter and less viscous products. It can, however, be dehydrating and skin-sensitizing.
Niacinamide
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Butylene Glycol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Beta-Glucan
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Beta-GlucanA special polysaccharide obtained from cereals, mushrooms, yeast, bacteria, and some species of seaweed. It is a promising anti-wrinkle, wound healing, antioxidant, and moisturizing ingredient.
Glycerin
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Betaine
Est. %1
Function
Origin
BetaineAn ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
Triethanolamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethanolamineA clear, colorless, and highly viscous liquid, this ingredient is an excellent pH adjuster. When it is necessary to neutralize an acidic solution or to generally increase the pH of a product, triethanolamine is a common choice.
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Colloidal Sulfur
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Colloidal Sulfur
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit ExtractA pepper extract that is claimed to have antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Pulsatilla Koreana Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pulsatilla Koreana ExtractAn extract derived from the Korean pasque flower. It contains various saponins with antimicrobial properties and has been successfully tested against bacteria involved with acne.
Usnea Barbata (Lichen) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Usnea Barbata (Lichen) ExtractA lichen-derivative with proven antibacterial activity.
Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salvia Sclarea (Clary) ExtractA soothing extract from the clary sage plant that contains fragrant terpenoids used to relieve the symptoms of seborrhea. It is also rich in astringent tannins.
Hyacinthus Orientalis (Hyacinth) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hyacinthus Orientalis (Hyacinth) Extract
Propanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EDTAA synthetically produced ingredient that binds certain metal ions. It can help prevent product discoloration or poor performance in rinse-off products used in 'hard' water.
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root ExtractA fragrant and anti-inflammatory extract derived from ginger roots. It is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine. In can increase blood circulation, which helps with skin healing and skin metabolism.
Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract
Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phellodendron Amurense Bark ExtractA soothing and antimicrobial extract derived from the Amur cork tree (which is used in traditional Chinese remedies). It contains various beneficial compounds such as alkaloids, limonoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Seed Extract
Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnolia Officinalis Bark ExtractAn antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory extract from Magnolia tree bark, which is popular in Chinese traditional medicine. It is also a prospective anti-pigment ingredient.
Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sophora Angustifolia Root ExtractDerived from the root of the shrubby sophora, this soothing extract contains anti-inflammatory flavonoids. It also has the ability to reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract

A fragrant extract derived from grapefruit peels. It mainly contains essential oil and various antioxidant organic acids and flavonoids. Limonene is responsible for its citrusy scent.

1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark ExtractA potent, soothing extract from the bark of the white willow. It has potent anti-inflammatory effects due to its salicin content. Tannins from the willow bark extract have astringent effects and can aid in the skin’s healing process.
Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Alcohol

A multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.

Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Water
Borago Officinalis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Borago Officinalis Extract
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf Extract
Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Centaurea Cyanus Flower ExtractObtained from the cornflower, this extract contains antioxidant and astringent protocyanin, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and organic acids.
Ovalicin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ovalicin
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf OilA fragrant and antioxidant essential tea tree oil praised for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Tea tree oil helps to treat acne, inflamed skin, and small wounds. It might, however, cause allergies and skin irritations.