Medicube

Medicube Red Cream 2.0

Name: Medicube - Red Cream 2.0
Brand: Medicube

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Niacinamide, Glycerin + 19 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Extracts, soothe and hydrates complexion.”

Source: Lila Beauty

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

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs 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~1.8–2.2%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4.4–5.3%

Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~2.5–3%

Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)Key active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~1.4–1.7%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~0.75–1.1%

Zinc pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA 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~0.25–0.45%

AdenosineKey activeEffect: MediumMight 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)~0.25–0.45%

GlucoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.25–0.45%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~2.2–2.7%

Cetyl ethylhexanoate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture~0.55–0.85%

Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~0.5–0.75%

Glyceryl stearate citrate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin~0.4–0.6%

Oleic acid· EmollientEffect: LowHelps 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~0.3–0.55%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.3–0.55%

Myristyl alcohol· EmollientEffect: LowHelps to stabilize the product formulation while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be irritating~0.3–0.5%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed 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~0.25–0.45%

Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan 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~0.25–0.5%

Stearic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.55–0.85%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.25–0.5%

Butyrospermum parkii butterUnder-dosedA 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~0.5–0.75%

AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.3–0.5%

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Adenosine + 5 more

Works well

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.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs 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~1.8–2.2%

AdenosineKey activeEffect: HighMight 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)~0.25–0.45%

Centella asiatica leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumA 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.~0.25–0.45%

Zinc pcaEffect: LowA 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~0.25–0.45%

Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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~0.5–0.75%

Evens skin tone

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Camellia sinensis leaf extract + 1 more

Works well

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.

Salicylic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed 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)~0.25–0.45%

Anti-blemish

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Zinc pca + 6 more

Works well

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient 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

Zinc pcaKey activeEffect: MediumA 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~0.25–0.45%

Centella asiatica leaf extractEffect: LowA 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.~0.25–0.45%

Salix alba bark extractEffect: LowA 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~0.2–0.4%

AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.3–0.5%

Colloidal sulfurUnder-dosed~0.25–0.5%

Salicylic acidUnder-dosedUsed 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)~0.25–0.45%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Adenosine + 6 more

May help

This product contains antioxidants (camellia sinensis leaf extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Camellia sinensis leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan 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~0.25–0.5%

AdenosineEffect: LowMight 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)~0.25–0.45%

Coffea arabica seed extractEffect: LowMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin~0.2–0.35%

RutinEffect: LowAn antioxidant that might help neutralize free radicals in skin~0.1–0.15%

TocopherolUnder-dosedPure 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~0.25–0.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

5 strong irritants: Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Limonene + 3 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 23 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Salicylic acidUsed 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)High~0.25–0.45%est.

Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilAn essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

Myristyl alcoholHelps to stabilize the product formulation while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.5%est.

Coptis japonica extract—High~0.25–0.45%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

Salix alba bark extractA 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 effectHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

Decyl glucosideHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.

GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

Citrus aurantium bergamia leaf extract—High~0.2–0.35%est.

Hydroxycinnamic acid—High~0.1–0.15%est.

MethylpropanediolHelps dissolve other ingredients in a formulationMedium~1.5–1.9%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.7–1.05%est.

Cetyl ethylhexanoateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product textureMedium~0.55–0.85%est.

Sodium stearoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.45–0.65%est.

O-cymen-5-olA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.1%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Colloidal sulfur—Medium~0.25–0.5%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenicMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Oleic acidHelps 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 drynessMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Centella asiatica leaf extractA 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.Medium~0.25–0.45%est.

Levulinic acidHelps stabilize a product formulationMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Comedogenic

2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

2 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Butyrospermum parkii butterA 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 radicals3/5~0.5–0.75%est.

Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.3–0.55%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

SCINIC Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Stick

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e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Blemish Calming Water Cream

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycerin~4.4–5.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 Glycerin

Stearyl alcohol~3.5–4.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Stearyl alcohol

Cetyl alcohol~2.5–3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol

Glyceryl stearate~2.2–2.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Niacinamide~1.8–2.2%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialReduces redness

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 Niacinamide

Methylpropanediol~1.5–1.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps dissolve other ingredients in a formulation

More about Methylpropanediol

Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)~1.4–1.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)

Polyglyceryl-3 distearate~1.2–1.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Polyglyceryl-3 distearate

1,2-hexanediol~0.7–1.05%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Dimethicone~0.75–1.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

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 Dimethicone

Dimethyl sulfone~0.55–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps dissolve other ingredients

More about Dimethyl sulfone

Cetyl ethylhexanoate~0.55–0.85%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture

More about Cetyl ethylhexanoate

Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.5–0.75%

Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

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 butter

Palmitic acid~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it

More about Palmitic acid

C12-14 alketh-12~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about C12-14 alketh-12

Stearic acid~0.55–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid

Sodium stearoyl glutamate~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl glutamate

Glyceryl stearate citrate~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin

More about Glyceryl stearate citrate

Allantoin~0.3–0.5%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin

Carbomer~0.3–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Tromethamine~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Salicylic acid~0.25–0.45%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishExfoliationAntibacterialEvens skin tone

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 acid

O-cymen-5-ol~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about O-cymen-5-ol

4-terpineol~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about 4-terpineol

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Zinc pca~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

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 pca

Adenosine~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

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 Adenosine

Butylene glycol~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 glycol

Colloidal sulfur~0.25–0.5%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-blemish

More about Colloidal sulfur

Disodium edta~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil

Myristyl alcohol~0.3–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to stabilize the product formulation while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be irritating

More about Myristyl alcohol

Glucose~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose

Coptis japonica extract~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Coptis japonica extract

Tocopherol~0.25–0.5%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

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 Tocopherol

Lauryl alcohol~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Lauryl alcohol

Myristic acid~0.3–0.55%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic

More about Myristic acid

Arachidic acid~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Arachidic acid

Oleic acid~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

CleansingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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 acid

Limonene~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene

Troxerutin~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Troxerutin

Pentylene glycol~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Propanediol~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.25–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

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 extract

Centella asiatica leaf extract~0.25–0.45%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-agingAnti-blemish

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 extract

Cladosiphon okamuranus extract~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Cladosiphon okamuranus extract

Salix alba bark extract~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishExfoliation

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 extract

Decyl glucoside~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating

More about Decyl glucoside

Levulinic acid~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps stabilize a product formulation

More about Levulinic acid

Coffea arabica seed extract~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidation

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin

More about Coffea arabica seed extract

Geraniol~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol

Citrus aurantium bergamia leaf extract~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Citrus aurantium bergamia leaf extract

Pinus densiflora leaf extract~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Pinus densiflora leaf extract

Lepidium meyenii root extract~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Lepidium meyenii root extract

Asparagus cochinchinensis root extract~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Asparagus cochinchinensis root extract

Aureobasidium pullulans ferment~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Aureobasidium pullulans ferment

Hydroxycinnamic acid~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Hydroxycinnamic acid

Rutin~0.1–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidation

An antioxidant that might help neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Rutin

Ingredient list view

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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🇦🇺 Lila Beauty (AU)50 ml

≈ $22.86

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🇦🇺 Amazon Australia (AU)

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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	MedicubeRed Cream 2.0YOUR PRODUCT	SCINICHyaluronic Acid Soothing Stick	Kiehl'sExpertly Clear Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin with Salicylic Acid	TulaOil-Free Acne Moisturizer
Match	—	77%	77%	75%
Price	—	$14.72	$39.00	—
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 11	5 of 11	4 of 11
Key difference	—	Madecassoside	Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate	Azelaic Acid
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

Based on the ingredients included, "Medicube - Buy Red Cream 2.0 in Australia - Korean Skincare Online" 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. Glycerin, zinc pca, glucose and butylene glycol in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). 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

We particularly like that there is a good concentration of Niacinamide (1.80% - 2.20%) in this moisturizer. Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is a great ingredient to have in a moisturizer. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and help improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
Adenosine 0.25% - 0.45%. It is a chemical present inside our skin cells. A clinical trial confirmed that topical application of Adenosine in a low concentration can reduce dynamic wrinkles (these are the wrinkles that appear with age in a places where our mimic is the most active, for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead).

This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: vitamin e, salicylic acid, allantoin, stearic acid and butyrospermum parkii butter

Irritation risk

There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. 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.