Medicube Rosemary PDRN Cooling Shampoo Review – Fresh Herbal Remedy

Medicube has dominated Korean beauty trends in the last 10 years, since their inception in 2016. They have created a variety of exciting, trending products (from PDRN to Zero Pore to enriched vitamin formulas). Their latest release involves rehashing an absolute favourite from South Korea, rosemary 🌿. 

So, what’s so exciting about rosemary? Simply put, it’s a natural and soothing way to improve hair thickness and growth, by stimulating the scalp’s circulation and preventing circulating testosterone from weakening hair follicles. It has the same efficacy as clinical hair loss treatments, which has made it a long-term beloved ingredient in K-beauty hair products. The new Medicube hairline is designed to soothe an oily scalp, refresh the skin and improve hair thickness and growth. But is it worth adding to cart? We put their PDRN Cooling Shampoo to the test to see if it can tackle scalp irritation, heal dandruff and improve hair shine. 

Panthenol: deeply soothing and moisturizing vitamin B5 that helps strengthen the scalp and reduce inflammation. 

Salicylic Acid: refreshing willow bark extract that helps cool skin, deeply exfoliate away oils and clear pores to help improve hair recovery and balance an oily scalp. 

Niacinamide: brightening vitamin B3 that helps improve scalp healing, improve circulation and  lock in moisture for a deep shine. 

Carthamus Tinctorius extract: safflower extract that helps soothe redness and boost hydration of the scalp. 

Caffeine: stimulates hair growth and helps increase hair length and strength for softer, smoother strands of hair. 

Glycolic Acid: provides targeted and refreshing treatment to the scalp, breaking down build-up and dead skin cells on the scalp for a deeper cleanse and improvement of cuticle health, reducing hair frizz. 

Hydrolyzed Pea Protein: rich regenerative peptides that help protect and smooth out heat-damaged or split hair, forming a protective moisture barrier.

Hydrolyzed Collagen: moisturizing extract that reduces hair fall and improves hair thickness and strength over time. 

Tea Tree Leaf extract: refreshing antibacterial extract that helps reduce dandruff formation, cools scalp irritation and itching. 

PDRN: DNA fragment that acts on the scalp to boost hair follicle activity, reducing inflammation and improving circulation for a deeper restoration of thickness and density. 

Rosemary Leaf extract: powerful hair treatment that helps improve thickness and hair strength, reducing hair fall and treating dandruff on the scalp. 

Hyaluronic Acid: deeply moisturizing extract that helps strengthen dry and damaged hair to improve natural elasticity and tensile. 

Peppermint extract: physically cooling extract that helps reduce the active irritation and itch of the scalp, whilst also boosting follicle depth and strength.

This refreshing hair treatment is especially designed for oily hair, build-up and dandruff-prone scalps. It is not well designed for dry or especially frizzy hair, as it is designed to clear and exfoliate the scalp and may over-dry your hair.

If you're wondering how to improve dry hair, check out our guide here.

As a chronic oily scalp and dandruff sufferer, any products that come out with a little dandruff relief are an exciting (and must try). I typically have to wash with a dandruff-soothing shampoo every two days, otherwise I end up with an intensely itchy scalp and require deep relief. My long-time favourite has been the Cosrx 132-Peptide Shampoo (which is intensly hydrating and soothing to the scalp).

In just one use, this shampoo brings a deep relief to itching and dandruff. It helps cool the scalp with ease (with that minty, cold effect from the peppermint extract) and exfoliates away excess oils to leave your hair soft and shiny.

You can see after one week of use the improvement to hair shine, vanishing of dandruff and it helped intensely soothe my skin. I would really recommend it for oily scalps who are looking for an improvement of hair follicle health and thickness as well as dandruff treatment.

I would not recommend it, however, for dry and curly hair. It is designed to reduce oils from your scalp and thus can increase frizziness and dry out already fairly dry hair.

This refreshing shampoo is a great duo for oily scalp care, dandruff care and to improve hair thickness and growth. It is infused with dried leaves, has a soothing herbal scent and actively cools your scalp as you use it. It's a great addition to your haircare goals, especially if you're struggling with oily residue and need a refresh button🌿

Want to upgrade your haircare routine? Get the satiny locks of your dreams with the science of Korean hair products. Check out our amazing range, available on Arktastic 😸.

Want to learn more about hair? Check out our guide to caring for oily hair, to get your perfect balance. Or check out our guide to dry, curly hair to get perfect ringlets every time!

Is Medicube Rosemary PDRN Cooling Shampoo good for oily scalp? 

Yes. The salicylic acid and niacinamide combination targets excess oil and flaking while soothing irritation, making it well suited to oily, dandruff-prone scalps.

Does this shampoo help with hair loss?

 It contains caffeine, biotin and hydrolyzed pea protein, ingredients associated with reduced shedding and stronger-looking hair over consistent use, though results vary by individual.

Who should avoid this shampoo?

 People with very dry hair or scalp should be cautious, as the clarifying and cooling actives can be drying with frequent use. A hydrating shampoo may suit dry hair types better.

How often should I use it?

 It’s designed for daily use, but those with drier hair or scalp may prefer 2–3 times a week to avoid over-stripping natural oils.

Does it have a cooling or tingling sensation? 

Yes, peppermint and menthol-type actives create a cooling effect on the scalp, which many find refreshing, though those with sensitive skin may notice tingling.

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