Works for
Anti-blemishNiacinamide, Phytosphingosine + 4 moreWorks well
“DESCRIPTION Medicube Red Succinic Acid Serum is an acne-clearing peeling serum formulated with Niacinamide and Succinic Acid to relieve acne, pimples, breakouts and post-acne pigmentations.”
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.
Evens skin toneNiacinamide, Salicylic acidWorks well
“DESCRIPTION Medicube Red Succinic Acid Serum is an acne-clearing peeling serum formulated with Niacinamide and Succinic Acid to relieve acne, pimples, breakouts and post-acne pigmentations.”
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.
ExfoliationSalicylic acid ~0.2–0.35%, below the ~0.5% it needsUnder-dosed
“Targets gunk stuck in pores and exfoliates blackhead, whitehead and sebum.”
This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.
Anti-agingSide benefit · Niacinamide, Adenosine + 2 moreWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine, niacinamide.
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.
MoisturizingSide benefit · Niacinamide, Panthenol + 19 moreWorks well
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:
arginine, betaine.
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: arginine, caprylic/capric triglyceride.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np, niacinamide, panthenol, phytosphingosine
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Ocimum sanctum leaf extract, Geranium maculatum oilMedium 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.
Water~45–55%
Glycereth-26~5.3–6.5%
Niacinamide~4.1–5%
- 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 NiacinamideGlycerin~3–3.7%
- 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 GlycerinButylene glycol~2.3–2.8%
- 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 glycolPanthenol~1.8–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolCaprylic/capric triglyceride~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideDicaprylyl ether~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients
More about Dicaprylyl etherArginine~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin
More about ArgininePolyglyceryl-4 laurate~0.9–1.1%
Polyglyceryl-10 stearate~0.6–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together and softens the upper layer of the skin
More about Polyglyceryl-10 stearatePolyglyceryl-6 laurate~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-6 laurateSuccinic acid~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer1,2-hexanediol~0.3–0.55%
Diethoxyethyl succinate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps dissolve other ingredients in the formulation
More about Diethoxyethyl succinateBetaine~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetainePropanediol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolHydroxyacetophenone~0.25–0.45%
Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerSalicylic acid~0.2–0.35%
- 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 acidPolyisobutene~0.25–0.4%
Melia azadirachta leaf extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritating
More about Melia azadirachta leaf extractAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMelia azadirachta flower extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skin
More about Melia azadirachta flower extractSqualane~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualaneAllantoin~0.15–0.25%
- 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 AllantoinCurcuma longa root extract~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritant
More about Curcuma longa root extractTromethamine~0.15–0.3%
Adenosine~0.15–0.3%
- 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 AdenosineHydroxyethylcellulose~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures
More about HydroxyethylcelluloseXanthan gum~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumDisodium edta~0.15–0.3%
Sorbitan oleate~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan oleateCaprylyl/capryl glucoside~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent
More about Caprylyl/capryl glucosideGlyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency
More about Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerOcimum sanctum leaf extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that is rich in a fragrance compound eugenol that is a frequent allergen and can be irritating. It might also contain anti-oxidants to help neutralize free radicals
More about Ocimum sanctum leaf extractMonascus extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A yeast extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Monascus extractMacadamia ternifolia seed oil~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Plant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredients
More about Macadamia ternifolia seed oilDextrin~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about DextrinCorallina officinalis extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants
More about Corallina officinalis extractGeranium maculatum oil~0.15–0.3%
Ceramide np~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide npTocopherol~0.2–0.35%
- 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 TocopherolPhytosphingosine~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect
More about PhytosphingosineMorinda citrifolia fruit extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Beta-glucan~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Beta-glucanMomordica charantia fruit extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydrogenated lecithin~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinHibiscus esculentus fruit extract~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might help to neutralize free radicals. It can be irritating
More about Hibiscus esculentus fruit extractLithospermum erythrorhizon root extract~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used for its fragrance
More about Lithospermum erythrorhizon root extractIngredient list view
Water, Glycereth-26, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Panthenol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Dicaprylyl ether, Arginine, Polyglyceryl-4 laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 stearate, Polyglyceryl-6 laurate, Succinic acid, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, 1,2-hexanediol, Diethoxyethyl succinate, Betaine, Propanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Salicylic acid, Polyisobutene, Melia azadirachta leaf extract, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Melia azadirachta flower extract, Squalane, Allantoin, Curcuma longa root extract, Tromethamine, Adenosine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan gum, Disodium edta, Sorbitan oleate, Caprylyl/capryl glucoside, Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, Ocimum sanctum leaf extract, Monascus extract, Macadamia ternifolia seed oil, Dextrin, Corallina officinalis extract, Geranium maculatum oil, Ceramide np, Tocopherol, Phytosphingosine, Morinda citrifolia fruit extract, Beta-glucan, Momordica charantia fruit extract, Hydrogenated lecithin, Hibiscus esculentus fruit extract, Lithospermum erythrorhizon root extract
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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 Succinic Acid SerumYOUR PRODUCT | innisfreeGentle Retinol Salicylic Acne Serum | skinmadeAzelaic Acid + Salicylic Acid serum | Some By MiAHA 10% Amino Peeling Ampoule | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 87% | 81% | 80% |
| Price | — | $34.00 | — | $16.79 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 11 of 17 | 7 of 17 | 8 of 17 |
| Key difference | — | Retinol | Azelaic Acid | Madecassoside |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Versed Skin Just Breathe Clarifying Serum2 fl oz Gentle Acne Serum
Product summary
"Medicube - Buy Red Succinic Acid Serum in Australia - Korean Skincare Online" is effective for: Anti-blemish, Evens skin tone, Anti-aging and Moisturizing
Ingredient callouts
- A good concentration of Niacinamide (4.10% - 5.00%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. 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 improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- Ceramides (phytosphingosine 0.20% - 0.40% and ceramide np 0.20% - 0.40%). Ceramides are a type of lipids that our skin produces itself. They are a building block of the skin's barrier. Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or extracted from plants. They work well for softening the skin surface and "patch holes" in the skin's barrier.
- Adenosine 0.15% - 0.30%. 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).
- An effective concentration of Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) - about 1.80% - 2.20%. Panthenol helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and reduce inflammation in skin.
- Humectants (glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer 0.15% - 0.30%, betaine 0.30% - 0.50%, arginine 1.20% - 1.40%, panthenol 1.80% - 2.20% and glycerin 3.00% - 3.70%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails for 33.51A$ in Australia.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 34 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
- 6
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