MediCube Zero Pore Pad Mild Review

MediCube Zero Pore Pad Mild
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does MediCube Zero Pore Pad Mild Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what MediCube Zero Pore Pad Mild 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.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of MediCube Zero Pore Pad Mild

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using MediCube Zero Pore Pad Mild:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, MediCube Zero Pore Pad Mild 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 Propanediol (est. ≈6.0%), Methylpropanediol (est. ≈4.0%) and Glycereth-26 (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.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that MediCube Zero Pore Pad Mild is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Madecassoside (est. ≈0.3%), Centella Asiatica Extract (est. ≈0.3%), Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

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.

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 Zero Pore Pad Mild

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding MediCube Zero Pore Pad Mild 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 Zero Pore Pad Mild 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.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing MediCube Zero Pore Pad Mild is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Gluconolactone, Centella Asiatica Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do not generate 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.

Pros & Cons of MediCube Zero Pore Pad Mild

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of MediCube Zero Pore Pad Mild to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage

Cons: 

  • Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - it needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants
  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Methylpropanediol
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glycereth-26
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Saccharide Hydrolysate
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
Gluconolactone
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Pyrus Communis (Pear) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Madecassoside
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Function:
Origin:
Iris Florentina Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hedera Helix (Ivy) Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cynanchum Atratum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Castanea Crenata (Chestnut) Shell Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
19.0
6
4
2
1.5
1.3
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
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 19.0 10
10.0
6
4
2
1.5
1.3
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
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
2
1.5
1.3
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
All humectants 19.0 10
10
All humectants
19.0
6
4
2
1.5
1.3
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
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
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Gluconolactone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
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
All antioxidants 3.9 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.9
Madecassoside
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
0.3
Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract
0.3
Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract
0.3
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
0.3
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
0.3
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.4 5 No
All soothing
2.4
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.
Propanediol
Est. %6
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.
Methylpropanediol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
MethylpropanediolMethylpropanediol is a unique glycol that contains two primary hydroxyl groups. That makes methylpropanediol a powerful humectant and an excellent solvent.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %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.
Glycereth-26
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glycereth-26

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

Butylene Glycol
Est. %1.5
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.

Saccharide Hydrolysate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Saccharide Hydrolysate
Tromethamine
Est. %1
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.
Gluconolactone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GluconolactoneA PHA derived from glucose. It has exfoliating and humectant properties and acts as a penetration enhancer for other ingredients. It has also been shown to assist in the treatment of acne and the prevention of photoaging.
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.
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.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Pyrus Communis (Pear) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pyrus Communis (Pear) Fruit Extract
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.
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Damascena Flower WaterA fragrant water that is leftover after the steam distillation of Damask rose petals. During this process, the essential oil floats to the surface of the water and is collected. The leftover water has a fresh, rosy scent.
Iris Florentina Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iris Florentina Root ExtractA fragrant extract obtained from the roots of the Iris florentina that contain some of the iris essential oil. The roots must be stored for at least 3 years in order to develop their heavy, violet-like scent.
Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %0.3
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.
Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit ExtractObtained from the seeds and peels of the melon fruit, this extract has emollient fatty oil and antioxidant phenolic compounds.
Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salvia Hispanica Seed ExtractAn extract from Chia seeds that contains emollient seed oil and humectant moisturizing amino acids and polysaccharides. The latter forms water-binding mucilage. Organic acids and flavonoids have antioxidant properties.
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Houttuynia Cordata ExtractAn extract from a herbaceous plant fish leaf. It contains various antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. It shows interesting antimicrobial potential due to its unique phytochemical composition.
Hedera Helix (Ivy) Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hedera Helix (Ivy) Leaf/Stem Extract
Cynanchum Atratum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cynanchum Atratum 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.

Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ulmus Davidiana Root ExtractDerived from the root of an elm tree known as David, this soothing and antioxidant extract has been shown to have humectant moisturizing benefits that are similar to hyaluronic acid’s.
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pueraria Lobata Root ExtractAn extract from the roots of Kudzu, a trailing vine native to several Asian countries. It contains a combination of isoflavones and polysaccharides which have been shown to increase the production of collagen and HA in aging skin.
Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit ExtractAn extract obtained from the skin and pulp of grapes. Grape skin and pulp contain antioxidant and astringent flavonoids and tannins, famous resveratrol, and many different organic and phenolic acids.
Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract
Castanea Crenata (Chestnut) Shell Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Castanea Crenata (Chestnut) Shell Extract
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hyaluronic Acid

A potent, skin-identical humectant moisturizing ingredient that is able to bind water 1000 times its own weight. The anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid are due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin.

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerA modified version of regular hyaluronic acid. It attracts large volumes of water, thereby making it an effective humectant moisturizing ingredient.
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Sodium HyaluronateA very small-molecule version of regular sodium hyaluronate. It is a powerful humectant skin-identical ingredient that absorbs into the skin and offers plumping, smoothing, and anti-wrinkle effects.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidA smaller-molecule version of the regular hyaluronic acid. It is a powerful humectant that absorbs into the skin and offers moisturizing, smoothing, and anti-wrinkle effects. It is also slightly anti-inflammatory and displays subtle antioxidant properties.
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Acetylated HyaluronateA chemically modified version of hyaluronic acid. It is more stable and less sticky than regular HA, while still providing the same humectant moisturizing properties (according to the manufacturer). There have been no clinical studies to confirm this.
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate