Medicube TXA Niacinamide Capsule Cream - Clearing Treatment

Medicube loves innovative, fun formulas and likes to push the boundaries of what was already in place. The Medicube TXA Niacinamide Capsule Cream came out of the Korean beauty capsule cream era, where separated ingredients were sealed inside capsules to maintain freshness. It helped improve the effect of each individual ingredient, as well as provides a fun way to apply your moisturizer. Firstly, the TXA/Niacinamide combo has been a deep favourite for oily skin types, due to its ability to target dark spots and blemishes alike. Originally popularised by Anua, the combo has become ubiquitous in skincare and has made its way through a variety of famous products. 

The science has not been 100% proven on capsule cream, but the logic is fairly sound. Essentially vulnerable vitamins and active ingredients are enclosed in a fatty, lipid-rich capsule that helps protect and preserve them. Once the capsule is broken, it allows your skin to use the fresh vitamins and get the ‘best’ out of them. Traditionally designed capsules are tiny lipids, which meld well with the skin barrier. Making them the size of peas (such as in this moisturizer) is likely more just for fun effect (giving you the option of manually mixing them). 

So, do the capsules make a difference? Simply - yes! They are helping preserve the inner vitamins and active ingredients (here the niacinamide and tranexamic acid) just a little better. This means, you are getting a fresher and brighter complexion. But what else does this moisturizer really do for you? And does it make a different to oily skin/acne?

Niacinamide (5%): brightening vitamin B3 that helps reduce appearance of dark spots, even skin tone and leaves a natural glow to skin. 

Neem tree flower extract: deeply soothing and healing extract that helps reduce acne spots and scars, cools skin redness and helps reduce acne-causing bacteria (making it a popular spot treatment in Korea). 

Adenosine: popular molecule that helps boost collagen production, refresh skin barrier function and improve appearance of fine lines and wrinkles 

Tranexamic acid: popular addition to inhibit formation of dark spots and help clear stubborn marks, as well as reduce inflammation of skin and redness. 

Okra extract: rich in antioxidants this extract helps improve healing of skin, reduces UV damage and improves natural skin defenses. 

Panthenol: hydrating vitamin B5 that is popular to soothe and heal a damaged skin barrier, reducing flaking, dryness and inflammation. 

Glutathione: very gentle, brightening treatment that helps reduce dark spots over time, refresh the skin biome and is protective against future damage. 

Strawberry extract: antioxidant-rich extract that helps soothe inflammation, reduce skin cell damage and repair damage to elastic cells in skin. 

Chestnut shell extract: naturally rich in tannins, helps soothe skin inflammation as well as inhibiting enzymes that break down skin elasticity. Popular treatment to reduce dark spots. 

Lemongrass extract: soothes irritation and swelling, reducing active acne spots and helping calm skin appearance. 

Alpha-Arbutin: popular Korean dark spot treatment, that suppresses melanin synthesis and helps reduce cell stress. 

Ceramides: deeply moisturizing molecule that helps fill cracks in the skin barrier to prevent water loss and create smoother, stronger skin texture. 

Anise seed oil: powerful extract that helps boost skin cells, increasing natural skin immunity and boosting healing. Not recommended in very sensitive skin types or in pregnancy. 

This cream has a long ingredient list, which means you have to be a little suspect if your skin is sensitive or you have other medical conditions. As noted above, this cream does contain anise seed oil. Although in a very small quantity, it's still not recommended for very sensitive skin or during pregnancy (as it can mimic estrogen and can affect hormones).

For oily skin types with dark spots however, this cream has been specifically designed to improve uneven skin tones, reduce dark spots and help heal acne spots and scars.

As an individual with oily, acne-prone skin, I am a massive fan of the TXA/niacinamide combination in skincare. I find that they balance each other very well and reduce the aftermath scarring from acne outbreaks, making them a strong addition to add after an active attack. I typically used the serums, so was pretty excited to test out the capsule cream format.

I was expecting the capsules to be spongy or solid, but they are actually like suspensions of lipids in small balls that melt into the hydrating gel as you mix it. It's kind of like mixing butter into cream and it comes with a really delicious berry smell that makes it soothing to apply.

I added it to my PM routine. It only contains 5% niacinamide, but I typically do some exfoliation in my PM routine, so there is a light heat to it, which might be because of the capsule formula preserving the niacinamide better. The light gel was cooling, however, helping balance out the formula.

After just two weeks of use, there was an improvement to my acne spots and scars. My skin had a gentle glow to it every morning, which was a huge bonus. It's an easy, hydrating moisturiser and the gel acts as a kind of barrier cream that you'll notice when you wake up.

If you are sensitive to thicker gel formulas, you might not like the sticky feeling in the morning, but it's so worth it to improve your skin moisture and helps create a glassy, poreless finish. Also, the fresher niacinamide can be a little more irritating than a stable formula, so perhaps look for a different product if you are sensitive to niacinamide.

I would really recommend this capsule cream to anyone who is already an avid user of TXA/niacinamide formulas, who are looking for a next level boost to their spots and glow. It's hydrating, soothing and a great non-irritating addition to acne-prone skin.

This hydrating capsule cream is soothing and nourishing for oily skin types. It's a great skincare treatment that can help reduce spots and scars and refresh your whole vibe. It's not as well-suited to very sensitive skin, due to the higher activity of niacinamide and anise seed oil - but has excellent results for more sturdier oily skin.

Want to see the power of well-formulated active ingredients? Check out the range of Medicube available on Arktastic 🧡

Also, check out the Arktastic App 📲 now available on the App Store! It gives you access to 20% off our amazing range and reward points from Pogi 🐱

Or check out some other blogs to expand your K-Beauty repertoire. Sound like an expert about all your favourite ingredients and brands with our guide to Niacinamide or our review of the Anua v Medicube TXA/Niacinamide battle.

How do I use the Medicube EGF NAD Firming Serum with skincare devices?

 Apply a few drops directly to clean skin and gently glide devices like the Medicube AGE-R Booster Pro across your face to maximize absorption.

How long does it take to see results from this serum?

 Initial improvements in skin tone can be visible within 1 week, with full firming and texture benefits appearing after 2 to 3 weeks of consistent daily use.

Is this serum suitable for sensitive or normal skin types?

 Yes, it is ideal for normal skin types, offering smooth absorption without side effects or heavy residue.

Can I pair this serum with sunscreen during the day? 

Yes, this serum layers lightly under daily sunscreen and other skincare products without feeling sticky or heavy.