MediCube Zero Pore Serum

MediCube Zero Pore Serum
4.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.5 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity

Review

Does MediCube Zero Pore Serum work?

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

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.4 out of 10.

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

According to CreamScan analysis, MediCube Zero Pore Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a very high humectancy of 8.5 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients. It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

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.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, MediCube Zero Pore Serum has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Pueraria Lobata Root Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does 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.

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
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Function:
Origin:
Cyclohexasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Polyacrylate-13
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Isoceteth-10
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Isoceteth-25
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Polyisobutene
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Japonica Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Fomes Officinalis (Mushroom) Extract
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Uncaria Gambir Extract
Function:
Origin:
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pelargonium Graveolens Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
8.5
6
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.5 10
8.5
6
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 8.5 10
8.5
All humectants
8.5
6
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Pueraria Lobata Root 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
All antioxidants 2.4 3 No
All antioxidants
2.4
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Extract
0.3
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract
0.3
Camellia Japonica Flower Extract
0.3
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract
0.3
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
0.3
BHT
0.3
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
0.3
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %6
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.

Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerThis ingredient can refer to several kinds of dimethicone crosspolymers. Like other silicones, it makes products feel slippery and non-greasy but can also increase the thickness or improve the water-resistance of a formula.
Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %3
Function
Origin
CyclopentasiloxaneA lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that leaves a very soft and silky after-feel on the skin. Supplied as a clear and colorless liquid, cyclopentasiloxane is often used as a solvent to dissolve other silicones in.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Cetyl EthylhexanoateA clear, pale yellow liquid, that functions as an emollient and a solvent, meaning that it is useful for dissolving oil-soluble ingredients.
Cyclohexasiloxane
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
CyclohexasiloxaneA clear silicone fluid with very low viscosity that is commonly used as a solvent and emollient. It has excellent spreadability, rubs in quickly, and leaves a silky smooth after-feel on the skin.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl SilaneA silicone with the unusual trait of being able to disperse in water. It moisturizes the skin as a humectant and leaves a soft and smooth after-feel. This ingredient also has foam-boosting properties.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
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.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
Polyacrylate-13
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyacrylate-13A synthetic, film-forming ingredient that creates a network around other ingredients in the formula and protects them from being easily washed away.
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.
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.
Isoceteth-10
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isoceteth-10
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Isoceteth-25
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isoceteth-25
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
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.
Polyisobutene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PolyisobuteneA highly viscous liquid that is used in lip gloss formulations to prolong wear time and add shimmer. Polyisobutene dramatically increases the thickness of skincare products it is added to.
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.
Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Extract

An extract that mainly contains lime essential oil with its antioxidant terpenoids and flavonoids, as well as fragrant limonene and linalyl acetate.

Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus ExtractDerived from camel grass (also known as West Indian lemongrass), this soothing extract contains fragrant lemon-scented essential oil, antioxidant flavonoids, resorcinol, and phenolic acids.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
Camellia Japonica Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Japonica Flower ExtractAn extract obtained from the flowers of the Japanese camellia. It is rich in antioxidant flavonoids and anthocyanins.
Fomes Officinalis (Mushroom) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Fomes Officinalis (Mushroom) Extract
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.
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract
Uncaria Gambir Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Uncaria Gambir Extract
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower ExtractAn extract with antioxidant flavonoids that is obtained from the flowers of the water lily.
Pelargonium Graveolens Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pelargonium Graveolens Extract
Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sanguisorba Officinalis Root ExtractAn extract from the root of the great burnet plant that is rich in astringent tannins and cleansing saponins. Its anti-wrinkle activity has yet to be confirmed.
BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BHTAn antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.
Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract
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.
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.
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract