Medicube vs Shiseido
Medicube and Shiseido are prominent skincare brands from Korea and Japan, respectively. The Korean brand is known for its moisturizers, serums, toners, and masks featuring niacinamide, collagen, and hyaluronic acid, while the Japanese brand offers sophisticated moisturizers, gentle cleansers, protective sunscreens, and nourishing serums formulated with glycerin. Medicube suits dry skin and oily acne-prone skin best, whereas Shiseido suits sensitive skin and oily skin best. They differ primarily in their cultural origins, founding years, and specific ingredient profiles.
Medicube is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by APR Corp..
medicubereviews.co.ukglossy.co
Shiseido is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1872 and owned by Shiseido Company, Limited.
corp.shiseido.comen.wikipedia.orgmarketscreener.com
This page compares some of the most popular Medicube and Shiseido products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Medicube vs Shiseido products
People Say
Deep hydration and moisturization Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Immediate sensation of comfort — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “skin feels plump, soft and nourished, eliminates dryness, bouncy feel — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
- “Skin feels more hydrated — Shiseido Activating Essence”
- “skin feels bouncier and hydrated — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
Radiant glow and brightening Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “gave me instant glass skin — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
- “woke up with glowing skin — Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask”
- “Skin looks brighter, more radiant, and "glowy." — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
- “faded pimple marks — Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Gel Cream”
Skin texture and smoothness Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “gives my skin a smooth, glass-like finish — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
- “skin feels smoother — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
- “skin feels baby soft — Medicube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask”
- “smoothes rough skin — Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence”
Luxurious texture and feel Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “silky smooth, rich but non-greasy, absorbs quickly, melts into skin — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
- “Velvety, rich cream texture — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “Velvety texture — Shiseido FUTURE SOLUTION LX”
- “Rich but absorbs well — Medicube TRIPLE COLLAGEN CREAM”
Convenient packaging and application Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “tweezers included are hygienic — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
- “perfect slip for my device — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
- “keeps my skincare in place — Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask”
- “Great base for makeup — Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream”
Pore care and cleansing Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Pores drastically reduced — Medicube Zero Foam Cleanser”
- “Mochi-like foam — Medicube Zero Foam Cleanser”
- “Removes every trace of oil — Medicube Red Foam Cleanser”
- “face feels squeaky clean — Shiseido Clarifying Cleansing Foam”
Small quantity and high price Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “tube is tiny for the price — Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask”
- “price is steep — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
- “price is a bit steep — Medicube Red Succinic Acid Peeling Pad”
- “Very expensive for the size — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
Strong fragrance and scent issues Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “slightly fishy smell — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
- “smells like old lady perfume — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
- “Scent is overpowering — Medicube TRIPLE COLLAGEN CREAM”
- “old lady smell — Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence”
Sticky or heavy residue Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Stays tacky and shiny — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “feels a bit oily — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream Enriched”
- “slightly tacky — Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence”
- “hair sticks to my face — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
Medicube vs Shiseido routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Zero Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$27.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning
A$27.29
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$29.00
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$27.35
-
Serum or Treatment
One Day Exosome Shot 2000
Evening · Once a week
A$32.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
Deep Peptide Radiance Mask
Once a week
A$26.00
-
Cleanser
Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$94.24
-
Hydrating Toner
Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
Morning
A$90.01
-
Moisturizer
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$119.50
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$27.35
-
Serum or Treatment
Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
A$95.95
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
Buy Medicube routine · A$229.13 · 91% fit
Buy Shiseido routine · A$515.52 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Medicube vs Shiseido routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
Red Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$24.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$27.29
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$29.00
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$80.43
-
Cleansing Toner
Zero Pore Pad
Evening
A$29.90
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask
Once a week
A$27.22
-
Cleanser
Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$94.24
-
Hydrating Toner
Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
Morning · Once a week
A$90.01
-
Moisturizer
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$119.50
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$80.43
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
A$95.95
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Medicube routine · A$281.83 · 87% fit
Buy Shiseido routine · A$737.92 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Medicube vs Shiseido routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Red Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$24.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$27.29
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$29.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Zero Pore Pad
Evening
A$29.90
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask
Once a week
A$27.22
-
Cleanser
Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$94.24
-
Hydrating Toner
Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
Morning · Once a week
A$90.01
-
Moisturizer
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$119.50
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
A$95.95
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Medicube routine · A$204.40 · 85% fit
Buy Shiseido routine · A$614.44 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Medicube or Shiseido: which is better?
Medicube fits dry skin better than Shiseido, with a Superior Lovi routine fit compared to Shiseido's Average fit. Medicube relies on ingredients like niacinamide, which may help reduce cutaneous pigmentation, and hyaluronic acid, which helps improve skin quality.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
What is the difference between Medicube and Shiseido?
Medicube offers superior routine fit for dry skin compared to Shiseido and features more fragrance-free options across the products on this page. Shiseido provides deeper hydration and luxurious textures, though reviewers frequently mention high price points and strong fragrance.
Medicube or Shiseido for dry skin?
Medicube is a better fit for dry skin, achieving a Superior routine fit compared to Shiseido's Average fit. Medicube's products on this page feature key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps improve skin hydration and signs of aging.
Medicube or Shiseido: which cleanser is better?
Medicube offers better pore care and cleansing than Shiseido across the products on this page. Medicube features cleansers like the Zero Foam Cleanser with a Lovi fit level of Superior for dry skin and High for oily skin.
Which is more affordable, Medicube or Shiseido?
Shiseido is more expensive, while Medicube has reviewer feedback noting small quantity and high price issues.
Medicube or Shiseido: which brand has products with less fragrance?
Medicube has products with less fragrance, since 23 of the 25 products on its page list no fragrance compared to only 5 of the 20 products on the Shiseido page.
Medicube or Shiseido: which brand is better for pore care and cleansing?
Medicube is better for pore care and cleansing, as it outperforms Shiseido in this category.
Medicube or Shiseido: which brand offers superior hydration for dry skin?
Medicube offers superior hydration for dry skin, whereas Shiseido has an average routine fit for dry skin. Topical hyaluronic acid, featured in Medicube products, helps improve skin hydration and signs of aging.
Medicube or Shiseido for oily skin?
Both Medicube and Shiseido offer a High routine fit for oily skin. Medicube features a high proportion of fragrance-free products on this page, while Shiseido frequently includes fragrance.
Medicube or Shiseido: which moisturizer is better?
Both Medicube and Shiseido offer highly rated moisturizers on this page, but Medicube is a better fit for dry skin with a Superior routine level compared to Shiseido's Average fit. Medicube moisturizers help provide deep hydration and a radiant glow, while Shiseido moisturizers are often noted for their luxurious textures and firming benefits.
Medicube or Shiseido for sensitive skin?
Both Medicube and Shiseido achieve a High routine fit for sensitive skin on this page. Medicube lists no fragrance in 23 of 25 products, whereas Shiseido includes fragrance in 15 of 20 products.
Medicube or Shiseido for acne-prone skin?
Both Medicube and Shiseido offer a High routine fit for acne-prone skin. Medicube provides better pore care and cleansing, while Shiseido features deep hydration and moisturization.
Research behind their key ingredients
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Psychophysical study of the effects of topical application of menthol in healthy volunteers
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Panax ginseng induces human Type I collagen synthesis through activation of Smad signaling
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function
Protective effects of Camellia japonica flower extract against urban air pollutants
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Another Reason for Using Caffeine in Dermocosmetics: Sunscreen Adjuvant
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Anatomical site differences of sodium lauryl sulfate-induced irritation: randomized controlled trial
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Composition characterization and clinical efficacy study of a salmon egg extract
Transdermal Delivery of Baicalin Based on Bio-Vesicles and Its Efficacy in Antiaging of the Skin
Liposomal formulation of a vitamin C derivative: a promising strategy to increase skin permeability
Anti-Aging Efficacy of Low-Molecular-Weight Polydeoxyribonucleotide Derived from Paeonia lactiflora
New Chalcone-Derived Molecule for the Topical Regulation of Hyperpigmentation and Skin Aging
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Behind this comparison
Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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