MediCube Super Cica Ampoule Review

MediCube Super Cica Ampoule
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
3.4Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does MediCube Super Cica Ampoule Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what MediCube Super Cica Ampoule has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: MediCube Super Cica Ampoule has an anti-wrinkle rating of 3.4 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Soothing: MediCube Super Cica Ampoule contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of MediCube Super Cica Ampoule

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using MediCube Super Cica Ampoule:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, MediCube Super Cica Ampoule 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 Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%), Butylene Glycol (est. ≈3.0%) and Methylpropanediol (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.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

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.

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, MediCube Super Cica Ampoule has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 3.4 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • Asiaticoside (est. ≈0.3%),
     derived from the plant Centella asiatica, an ingredient with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 27 participants (Lee et al.). This study demonstrated that a cream containing 0.1% asiaticoside reduced the average wrinkle depth by 8% after 12 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without asiaticoside).
  • Ectoin (est. ≈0.3%),
     an amino acid-derived ingredient with moderate but proven anti-wrinkle efficacy.  A single clinical study involving 104 participants (Heinrich et al.) confirmed that a cream containing 2% ectoin reduced the average wrinkle width by 7% after 4 weeks of use, compared to the same formulation without ectoin (vehicle).
Among others, MediCube Super Cica Ampoule also contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Centella Asiatica Extract, Adenosine, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Asiatic Acid, and Madecassic Acid. 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 Super Cica Ampoule is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Centella Asiatica Extract (est. ≈75.0%).

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 Super Cica Ampoule is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Centella Asiatica Extract (est. ≈75.0%).

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.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: MediCube Super Cica Ampoule

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding MediCube Super Cica Ampoule to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using MediCube Super Cica Ampoule as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Pros & Cons of MediCube Super Cica Ampoule

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of MediCube Super Cica Ampoule to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help reduce irritation and soothe the skin

Cons: 

  • Needs occlusives to seal in humectants if used as a standalone moisturizer

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
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
Est. %
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Methylpropanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glycereth-26
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Coptis Japonica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water
Function:
Origin:
Madecassoside
Function:
Origin:
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Function:
Origin:
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Asiatic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Madecassic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Asiaticoside
Function:
Origin:
Ectoin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
13.9
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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 13.9 10
10.0
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 13.9 10
10
All humectants
13.9
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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
3 /10 0.1 0.3 3
2.5 /10 2 0.3 0.4
n/a
- 75 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
3.4
Asiaticoside
3
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
3 /10
when present at, %
0.1
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ectoin
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
2
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
75
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Asiatic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Madecassic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
3.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
75
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 75.9 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
75.9
Centella Asiatica Extract
75
Asiaticoside
0.3
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
0.3
Madecassoside
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
75
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 77.1 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
77.1
75
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %75
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica ExtractAn extract from the leaves of the Gotu kola. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin.
Water
Est. %6
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.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Butylene Glycol
Est. %3
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.

Methylpropanediol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
MethylpropanediolMethylpropanediol is a unique glycol that contains two primary hydroxyl groups. That makes methylpropanediol a powerful humectant and an excellent solvent.
Glycereth-26
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glycereth-26

A glycerin-based ingredient with humectant moisturizing properties. It is an excellent emulsifier and thickener.

1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %1.3
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.
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.
Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Extract
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Tromethamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TromethamineAn ingredient based on amino acids that is commonly used as a pH adjuster. It has a high pH, which means that it is basic (alkaline), so adding tromethamine to a skincare product will increase its overall pH level.
Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate
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.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
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.
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid CopolymerA synthetic humectant moisturizer often paired with glycerin. It also functions as a viscosity-controlling agent that creates gel-like formulas with thicker textures.
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Gardenia Florida Fruit ExtractDerived from the dark orange fruits of a Chinese flowering shrub called Gardenia florida, this extract acts as a yellow pigment.
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.

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.
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Centella Asiatica Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica Root Extract
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica Leaf ExtractA well-researched soothing, wound-healing, and promising anti-aging extract that is obtained from the leaves of the Gotu Kola.
Coptis Japonica Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coptis Japonica Extract
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water
Madecassoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MadecassosideAn isolated Gotu Kola compound. It helps to increase collagen and hyaluronic acid production in the skin and assists in wound healing.
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Biosaccharide Gum-1A polysaccharide with humectant moisturizing and soothing properties.
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf ExtractA fragrant tea tree leaf extract with antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antioxidant flavonoids and terpenoids.
Asiatic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Asiatic AcidA compound isolated from Gotu Kola, a promising anti-wrinkle medicinal plant from Southeast Asia. It is claimed to increase the production of collagen and help with the wound healing process.
Madecassic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Madecassic AcidAn isolated bioactive compound from Gotu Kola. It increases collagen and hyaluronic acid production in the skin and helps to treat wounds, scars, and burns.
Asiaticoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Asiaticoside

A Gotu Kola or Centella Asiatica derivative with confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Ectoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ectoin

An amino acid-derived ingredient with average, yet proven by one study, anti-wrinkle efficacy.