Medicube is a company that loves pushing the boundaries of current skincare research. If you are looking for deep innovation that is on the forefront of beauty and cosmetics – that's where Medicube is most comfortable. They’ve mastered skincare device technology, exosome technology for deeper skincare and the power of PDRN in various forms. So, their new line can come as a surprise – as it opts for the natural action of turmeric (a powerhouse of its own), blended with soothing kojic acid and a little exfoliation with glycolic acid. There’s no masterful absorption or experimentation here – so what inspired Medicube’s new line? 

Medicube has a series of lines focusing on anti-aging, on deep hydration and glow, soothing and also acne. This new line is about two main things – radiance and hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is a common occurrence, where skin cells (often due to inflammation or sun injury) produce higher levels of melanin, leading to dark patches of skin. It can be exacerbated by certain conditions, pregnancy and acne – and lead people to feeling self-conscious. This is what Medicube is hoping to help transform – blending herbal extracts together in a formation that helps lift dark spots and bring out your inner glow (via the devastating duo of turmeric and kojic acid). 

Turmeric is a powerful root extract that has been used in a variety of medicines for thousands of years. It is rich in antioxidants to boost your immunity, as well as calms inflammation, reduces bacterial growth and has shown promising effects on cardiac health, respiratory health and more! If you are feeling unwell – it's a great addition to soups or tea to help boost your immune function, but it’s also shown amazing effect for skin. It’s only just started being studied in earnest in skincare – but has shown benefits in relieving acne, skin irritation, fine lines, redness as well as dark spots. Not only does the antioxidants prevent sun damage from darkening hyperpigmentation, but turmeric inhibits melanin production to gently lift dark spots over time. 

Kojic acid (produced by mushrooms) has a similar dual effect of both sun protection as well as inhibiting melanin from forming – but through a different pathway. This means the dual effect of these together is stopping dark spots from re-forming through two different ways, coming together to create a soothing and antioxidant-rich brew that is ideal for dark spots. 

This is the core premise behind Medicube’s new line and it has been thoughtfully created. But how does it actually test? We’ve got some hyperpigmentation (PIH), a bottle of their brand-new toner and a dream – let's get to testing! 

We’ve already gone over this a little – with their two star ingredients (Turmeric and Kojic acid) which both enrich skin healing, calm inflammation as well as prevent dark spots from forming. The toner also includes: 

Glycolic acid (AHA): a favourite of oily-skin type toners, a gentle exfoliant that helps melt away dead skin cells to clear and shrink pores. 

Niacinamide: how else do you get that glow? Niacinamide is perfect for evening skin tone, helps to also lift dark spots and is the secret behind that K-beauty shine. 

Hyaluronic acid complex: multiple weights of hyaluronic acid that helps draw moisture into skin barrier for a lasting ‘plump’ effect and vanishes dry spots. 

Allantoin: deeply soothing humectant that helps moisturize and protect skin barrier, whilst promoting healing. 

Panthenol: vitamin B5 that helps soothe and protect the skin barrier, perfect for irritated or dry skin. 

Gardenia extract: acts as a natural ‘blue light filter’ that prevents UV damage on skin, reducing hyperpigmentation and melanin formation through a protective measure. 

Monascus extract: made from fermented red rice, this extract is rich in antioxidants to enhance natural sun protection, whilst also preventing break-down of collagen and elastin to maintain skin elasticity. 

Lavender oil: a calming extract that helps boost natural skin healing and soothes inflammation and redness. 

Bergamot fruit oil: this extract can be controversial for some – as it can cause skin damage in high concentrations (or when poorly prepared) but is a very common addition in K-Beauty due to its ability to induce a radiant complexion, cleanse pores and reduce inflammation. 

This toner is ideally designed for those struggling with oily/combination skin and to reduce signs of hyperpigmentation or dark spots. Although it’s designed to also be hydrating – it's not likely to benefit dry skin types or more mature skin.  I also would not recommend it during an acne breakout (there’s a few oils here that can cause stinging to open or broken skin) or if you have red, irritated or a damaged skin barrier.  

The toner (and the Kojic Turmeric series) is best to help balance excess oils, cleanse and create an even, glowy skin tone (especially in oily/combination skin). 

I have combination skin type – meaning I’m always on the hunt for a toner that can exfoliate, hydrate and also balance the oils on my face (which isn’t easy). A lot of toners fall into the ‘too hydrating’ portion and make my face feel ‘clogged’ or fall into the exfoliating category and leave my skin feeling tight. This toner is very watery and has a golden consistency, that immediately melts into your skin. It has a strong scent of turmeric – which I honestly loved as it felt deeply calming and refreshing to use. It also has allantoin, panthenol and ceramides to help boost hydration – so I could actually feel my skin softening. And within a minute of massaging, the glycolic acid removed excess skin cells that I could see – showing that it provided a deep cleanse of pores. 

Simply put, this is a very well-balanced toner – especially for oily skin types. It helped cleanse and reduce my pores, whilst also infusing a natural and lightweight hydration that was kind of addictive. I did have two previous acne spots that were healing – and the essential oils caused a ‘stinging’ feeling (meaning I would advise those recovering from an outbreak or damaged skin to stay clear). Overall, it’s a powerful and delightful toner to use – especially if you are struggling to find that cleansing, hydrating balance in a toner. 

Here is my skin barrier a week before and after using – and you can see that niacinamide glow clearly. It helped majorly to bring my routine together – from cleansing to treating skin, as well as helped reduce some PIH that I had left-over from previous outbreaks. I used it in combination with a vitamin C serum and the blend of turmeric, kojic acid and vitamin C meant my skin felt incredibly radiant and glowy. 

This is a quality, soothing toner – that really is just neatly designed for oily/combination skin. I would highly recommend it, especially if you are struggling with dark spots and need something to boost dull skin. Again, not recommended for any broken or irritated skin – but otherwise it holds up well that Medicube’s new line is set to be another favourite for K-Beauty. 

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