Works for
1 of 1 advertised claim delivered
Moisturizing21 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Non-irritating and soothing cream. What it is Red Cream contains 19 botanical extracts that soothe and hydrate complexion.”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
glycerin, zinc pca.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, cetyl alcohol.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · 8 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: colloidal sulfur, niacinamide. These ingredients is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: zinc pca
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · 7 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine, niacinamide.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: centella asiatica leaf extract.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · 3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy5 strong irritants: Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Limonene + 3 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Ci 15850~22–33%
Cream~3.5–5.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Water~4.2–6.3%
Glycerin~2.8–4.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinStearyl alcohol~2.2–3.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Stearyl alcoholCetyl alcohol~1.7–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholGlyceryl stearate~1.6–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateNiacinamide~1.2–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideMethylpropanediol~1.1–1.6%
Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)~0.95–1.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)Polyglyceryl-3 distearate~0.55–1.3%
1,2-hexanediol~0.45–1.1%
Dimethicone~0.55–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeDimethyl sulfone~0.45–1%
Cetyl ethylhexanoate~0.45–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture
More about Cetyl ethylhexanoateButyrospermum parkii butter~0.5–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
More about Butyrospermum parkii butterPalmitic acid~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidC12-14 alketh-12~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Stearic acid~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidSodium stearoyl glutamate~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium stearoyl glutamateGlyceryl stearate citrate~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin
More about Glyceryl stearate citrateAllantoin~0.2–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinCarbomer~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerTromethamine~0.2–0.75%
Salicylic acid~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
More about Salicylic acidO-cymen-5-ol~0.05–0.1%
4-terpineol~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.75%
Zinc pca~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing
More about Zinc pcaAdenosine~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
More about AdenosineButylene glycol~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolColloidal sulfur~0.2–0.75%
Disodium edta~0.2–0.75%
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilMyristyl alcohol~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps to stabilize the product formulation while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be irritating
More about Myristyl alcoholGlucose~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function
More about GlucoseCoptis japonica extract~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
Tocopherol~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolLauryl alcohol~0.35–0.8%
Myristic acid~0.3–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic
More about Myristic acidArachidic acid~0.35–0.85%
Oleic acid~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin dryness
More about Oleic acidLimonene~0.15–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneTroxerutin~0.2–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pentylene glycol~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolPropanediol~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolCamellia sinensis leaf extract~0.2–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
More about Camellia sinensis leaf extractCentella asiatica leaf extract~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. It can be irritating to sensitive skin. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It could, however, itself be irritating.
More about Centella asiatica leaf extractCladosiphon okamuranus extract~0.15–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Salix alba bark extract~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect
More about Salix alba bark extractDecyl glucoside~0.2–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating
More about Decyl glucosideLevulinic acid~0.15–0.5%
Coffea arabica seed extract~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin
More about Coffea arabica seed extractGeraniol~0.1–0.45%
Citrus aurantium bergamia leaf extract~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
Pinus densiflora leaf extract~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Lepidium meyenii root extract~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Asparagus cochinchinensis root extract~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Aureobasidium pullulans ferment~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydroxycinnamic acid~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
Rutin~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An antioxidant that might help neutralize free radicals in skin
More about RutinIngredient list view
Ci 15850, Cream, Water, Glycerin, Stearyl alcohol, Cetyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate, Niacinamide, Methylpropanediol, Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin), Polyglyceryl-3 distearate, 1,2-hexanediol, Dimethicone, Dimethyl sulfone, Cetyl ethylhexanoate, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Palmitic acid, C12-14 alketh-12, Stearic acid, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Glyceryl stearate citrate, Allantoin, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Salicylic acid, O-cymen-5-ol, 4-terpineol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Zinc pca, Adenosine, Butylene glycol, Colloidal sulfur, Disodium edta, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Myristyl alcohol, Glucose, Coptis japonica extract, Tocopherol, Lauryl alcohol, Myristic acid, Arachidic acid, Oleic acid, Limonene, Troxerutin, Pentylene glycol, Propanediol, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Centella asiatica leaf extract, Cladosiphon okamuranus extract, Salix alba bark extract, Decyl glucoside, Levulinic acid, Coffea arabica seed extract, Geraniol, Citrus aurantium bergamia leaf extract, Pinus densiflora leaf extract, Lepidium meyenii root extract, Asparagus cochinchinensis root extract, Aureobasidium pullulans ferment, Hydroxycinnamic acid, Rutin
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| MedicubeRed CreamYOUR PRODUCT | SCINICHyaluronic Acid Soothing Stick | CeraVePsoriasis Moisturizing Cream | e.l.f. CosmeticsBlemish Breakthrough Blemish Calming Water Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 77% | 75% | 75% |
| Price | $22.00 | $14.72−$7.28 | — | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 12 | 6 of 12 | 5 of 12 |
| Key difference | — | Madecassoside | Ceramide Ap | Acetyl Glucosamine |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredients included, "Medicube - Red Cream" works well for moisturizing the skin. The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Humectants in this product (glycerin, zinc pca, glucose and butylene glycol) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Dimethicone, cetyl alcohol, hydrogenated poly (c6-14 olefin), cetyl ethylhexanoate and glyceryl stearate in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.
Ingredient callouts
- Adenosine 0.20% - 0.75%. It is a compound that in involved in many biological processes inside the skin cells. According one high-quality clinical trial, topical Adenosine in low concentrations can somewhat help improve "deep wrinkles" - the wrinkles that appear with age in places where our faces are most dynamic (for example, on the forehead or in the corners of the eyes).
Irritation risk
This moisturizer contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 46.90CA$ in Canada, for 54.00A$ in Australia and for 52.50£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 33 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
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