# Medicube Red Serum for oily acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for oily acne-prone skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/medicube/red-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Australia.

Brand: [Medicube](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/medicube)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A great choice for oily acne-prone skin; a few serums fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Highly suitable for your oily skin, this serum contains salicylic acid and colloidal sulfur to effectively manage acne lesions and blemishes by providing keratolytic action and seboregulation. Centella Asiatica Extract and Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate further soothe your skin, minimizing potential irritation.
- The inclusion of Melaleuca Alternifolia Tree Oil offers mild antimicrobial effects, complementing the salicylic acid for enhanced benefits on your acne and oiliness.
- The product demonstrates a strong safety profile with no risks of irritation for your oily skin, thanks to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing components.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/medicube/red-serum/for/oily-skin): Superior
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/medicube/red-serum/for/dry-skin): Caution
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/medicube/red-serum/for/combination-skin): Superior
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/medicube/red-serum/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/medicube/red-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/medicube/red-serum/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/medicube/red-serum/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/medicube/red-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/medicube/red-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High (this page)

## Key ingredients

Salicylic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Oil Tree Leaf, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Lavender Water

## What the research says

- Twice daily application of a multitargeted dermocosmetic cream provided comparable efficacy to benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in reducing inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesions in 150 Caucasian subjects with mild-to-moderate acne over 56 days, while demonstrating superior skin tolerability. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/))
- Cosmetic formulations containing 5% Centella asiatica extract showed the best efficacy in improving skin moisture and decreasing transepidermal water loss, while also exhibiting antiinflammatory properties in 25 volunteers compared to baseline measurements. ([Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168678/))
- A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase. ([BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/))
- The use of a salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic significantly reduces the needed quantity of benzoyl peroxide without impacting efficacy in mild to moderate acne, and as maintenance post-benzoyl peroxide allows a significant reduction of acne relapse compared to vehicle. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/))
- Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components. ([Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/))
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients. ([CMAJ, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20837684/))
- Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590107/))
- Topical 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid achieved the greatest lesion reduction at early 2 to 4 week time points compared to benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin, while 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin showed similar efficacy at 10 to 12 weeks in acne patients. ([Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20488582/))
- Topical application of 0.05% w/w ECa 233 gel reduced erythema index by 0.03 U and improved early crusting and general wound appearance compared to placebo in thirty individuals undergoing facial laser resurfacing. ([Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32310680/))
- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30945430/))
- Topical herbal treatments including lemon balm, olive leaf extract, propolis, and sage-rhubarb cream reduce pain, swelling, lesion size, and healing time in patients with herpes labialis compared with placebo or acyclovir. ([Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40526027/))
- Topical oleuropein formulations reduced erythema, transepidermal water loss, and blood flow by approximately 22%, 35%, and 30% in healthy volunteers with UVB-induced erythema. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18377620/))
- An oil-in-serum formulation containing olive extract standardized in hydroxytyrosol improved skin barrier function and significantly reduced hyperpigmentation in participants with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after 45 days of application. ([AAPS PharmSciTech, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41507660/))
- Combining azelaic acid and matrine in dissolving microneedles at a 1:1 molar ratio achieved higher skin permeability, synergistic antibacterial rates above 95%, and no skin irritation compared to commercially available azelaic acid gel. ([European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34284096/))
- Co-amorphous salt of ursodeoxycholic acid and matrine incorporated into dissolving microneedles enhanced aqueous solubility, skin permeation, growth-inhibitory effects against Cutibacterium acnes, and anti-inflammatory activity compared to single-component groups and topical gel in a murine acne model. ([International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42025655/))
- Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract enhanced skin cell viability, reduced oxidative stress and melanin content, improved wound healing, and enhanced skin barrier function in human skin cells and clinical tests. ([Free Radical Biology & Medicine, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40345503/))
- Tea tree oil effectively treated acne while lavender and rosemary oils demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties in derma cosmetic applications based on an evaluation of various essential oils. ([Frontiers in Medicine, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40917836/))
- A blend of Lavandula angustifolia flower extract and dipeptide-4 reduced oxidative and glycation markers, enhanced ATP, SOD, autophagy, and melatonin production, and improved tissue morphology in human skin models and fibroblasts. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41235571/))

## What reviewers say

Based on limited data, users with acne-prone and sensitive skin find this serum effective at calming redness and providing deep hydration without greasiness. Many users appreciate its ability to soothe inflammation and control sebum. However, opinions on its effectiveness in reducing active acne are divided, with some experiencing significant clearing and others seeing minimal improvement.

- Liked: Hydrating, lightweight (often mentioned)
- Liked: Soothes redness (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Small quantity (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Strong medicinal scent (often mentioned)
- Liked: Controls acne (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Non-sticky finish (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Faulty dispenser (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Mixed acne results (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your PM routine. Start 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply your serum after cleansing and toning, but before putting on your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2 to 3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the serum on clean, dry skin to help manage your blemishes safely.
- Do a patch test before your first use and avoid the delicate eye area.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes Medicube Red Serum a great fit for oily acne-prone skin?

Medicube Red Serum is a great fit because it contains salicylic acid and colloidal sulfur to help clear blemishes and manage oil, while centella asiatica extract and tea tree oil calm redness and soothe irritation. It is very safe for this skin type with little risk of irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168678/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?

Salicylic acid and colloidal sulfur make this serum a good fit by clearing blemishes and managing oil, while Centella Asiatica extract and tree oil help calm your skin.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168678/)

### What does Salicylic Acid do for oily acne-prone skin?

Salicylic acid helps clear breakouts and keeps oily skin balanced by reducing oil levels and calming inflammation. It is well suited for oily, acne-prone skin because it targets pimples while helping keep the skin hydrated and protected.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40682377/), [Experimental Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30972839/)

### What does Centella Asiatica Extract do for oily acne-prone skin?

Centella Asiatica Extract helps calm red spots and supports skin healing in oily, acne-prone skin. It may also help balance moisture and reduce breakouts by soothing irritated areas.
Sources: [Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168678/), [Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/)

### Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This treatment serum goes in your evening routine, applied after cleansing and before moisturizing. It may also be used in the morning or twice a day once your skin adjusts safely.

### Can I use it with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this treatment with retinol by applying the treatment first in your evening routine, but be sure to introduce them slowly to keep your oily skin calm and smooth. The product is unlikely to cause irritation when used correctly, but combining strong ingredients can sometimes make skin dry.

### How often should I use this serum?

Start by using this treatment once a week in your evening routine, and if your skin tolerates it well and you see good results, you can carefully use it more often. It is a great fit for your oily acne-prone skin, helping to manage breakouts and oiliness while keeping irritation low.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168678/)

### Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for your oily, acne-prone skin, as it contains salicylic acid and colloidal sulfur to help keep pores clear and calm. It also includes soothing centella asiatica extract to help minimize irritation.
Sources: [BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

### Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$16.95 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$50.60 at Amazon
- [NEOGEN DERMALOGY REAL VITA C SERUM](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vita-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — A$50.60 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/clear-pore-normalizing-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$32.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$42.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$22.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com.au: A$35.20 (https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CVRLFMGY?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

C12-14 Pareth-12, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Dimethicone Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disodium Edta, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Dipropylene Glycol, Lavandula Angustifolia Lavender Water, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Betaine, Centella Asiatica Extract, Borago Officinalis Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Sorbitol, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Rhus Semialata Gall Extract, Polygala Tenuifolia Root Extract, Melia Azadirachta Extract, Xylitol, Water, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Leaf Extract Flower Matricaria Leaf Extract Flower, Carbomer, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Salvia Sclarea Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Tree Oil Leaf, Salicylic Acid, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Willow Bark Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Magnolia Obovata Bark Extract, Hyacinthus Orientalis Extract, Tocopherol Vitamin E, Rice Extract, Ci 42090, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Laureth-7, Tocopheryl Acetate Vitamin E, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Peg Ppg-17 6 Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylamide, Triethanolamine, Ethanolamine, Platycodon Grandiflorum Root Extract, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Dandelion Root Extract Rhizome, Usnea Barbata Extract, Ovalicin, Grapefruit Leaf Extract, Colloidal Sulfur
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/medicube/red-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/medicube/red-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/medicube/red-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/medicube/red-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/medicube/red-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/medicube/red-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/medicube/red-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/medicube/red-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/medicube/red-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/medicube/red-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/medicube/red-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/medicube/red-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/medicube/red-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin