Medicube vs Elemis
Medicube and Elemis are two distinguished skincare brands with distinct regional heritages and targeted formulations. The former is celebrated for its thoughtfully formulated moisturizers, serums, toners, masks, and more leveraging niacinamide, collagen, and hyaluronic acid to suit dry and oily acne-prone skin best. Conversely, the latter is known for its nourishing serums, rich moisturizers, gentle cleansers, refreshing toners, and more anchored by glycerin and shea to suit mature and dry skin best. While both brands deliver profound results through their respective ingredients, they differ significantly in their founding eras and targeted botanical or clinical approaches.
Medicube is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by APR Corp..
medicubereviews.co.ukglossy.co
Elemis is a British skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.
elemis.comau.elemis.comen.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular Medicube and Elemis products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Medicube vs Elemis products
People Say
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “skin feels bouncier and hydrated — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
- “glass skin — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
- “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
- “Quenches thirsty skin... immediate improvement. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Luxurious Texture and Application Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Absorbs almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “whipped silk feel — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
- “cloud-light gel formula — Elemis Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask”
- “feels amazing and cooling — Medicube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask”
Soothing and Gentle Formulas Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “refreshing sensation — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
- “calming the skin — Medicube Red Succinic Acid Peeling Pad”
- “no stinging or redness — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “non-stripping formula — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
Glow and Radiance Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “gave me instant glass skin — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
- “woke up with glowing skin — Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask”
- “healthy glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “instantly fresh glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
Skin Texture and Smoothing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “gives my skin a smooth, glass-like finish — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
- “skin feels smoother — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
- “baby soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Pores 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 super clean — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
High Price and Value Concerns 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”
- “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Strong Scent and Fragrance Issues Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “slightly fishy smell — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
- “smells like old lady perfume — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
- “The smell is very strong... could not handle for long. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “smell is too strong — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
Packaging and Quality Issues Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “messy — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
- “lifted around the nose/eyes — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
- “jar looks half empty — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
- “tends to flake off — Elemis Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask”
Medicube vs Elemis routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Zero Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$22.31
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Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning
CA$23.45
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$25.23
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SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$17.99
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Serum or Treatment
One Day Exosome Shot 2000
Evening · Once a week
CA$28.49
-
Nourishing Mask
Deep Peptide Radiance Mask
Once a week
CA$18.35
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$66.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$131.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
CA$154.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$26.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
CA$34.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy Medicube routine · CA$173.82 · 91% fit
Buy Elemis routine · CA$278.47 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Medicube vs Elemis routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Red Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$25.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$23.45
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$25.23
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Zero Pore Pad
Evening
CA$33.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask
Once a week
CA$26.29
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$66.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$131.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
CA$154.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$26.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
CA$34.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
Buy Medicube routine · CA$223.90 · 88% fit
Buy Elemis routine · CA$411.49 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Medicube vs Elemis routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Red Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$25.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$23.45
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$25.23
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Zero Pore Pad
Evening
CA$33.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask
Once a week
CA$26.29
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$66.49
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$131.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
CA$154.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$26.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
CA$34.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
Buy Medicube routine · CA$208.91 · 88% fit
Buy Elemis routine · CA$369.58 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Medicube or Elemis: which is better?
Medicube is better for dry skin and pores, while Elemis is better for mature skin and offers more luxurious textures. Topical niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and melanosome transfer, which is found in Medicube products.
What is the difference between Medicube and Elemis?
Medicube excels at targeting pores and cleansing, whereas Elemis stands out for luxurious texture and application. Medicube features mostly fragrance-free products with active ingredients like niacinamide and collagen, while Elemis uses more scented formulas with ingredients like glycerin and shea butter.
Medicube or Elemis for dry skin?
Medicube offers a superior fit for dry skin compared to Elemis, which has a high fit. Medicube features deep hydration moisturizers that help improve skin texture.
Medicube or Elemis: which cleanser is better?
Medicube offers better cleanser choices for pores, as seen in the products on this page where items like the Zero Foam Cleanser achieve a Superior Lovi fit for dry skin and High fits across almost all skin types. Elemis also features well-regarded cleansers like the Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash, though reviewers note that Elemis products frequently come with a high price point.
Which is more affordable, Medicube or Elemis?
Medicube is more affordable than Elemis, as reviewers frequently note high price points for Elemis while mentioning pricing issues for Medicube.
How do Medicube and Elemis compare regarding fragrance and the number of fragrance-free products?
Medicube offers significantly more fragrance-free options, with 23 out of 25 products listing no fragrance, whereas Elemis features fragrance in the majority of its range, with only 4 out of 22 products being fragrance-free.
Which brand has more products suited for mature skin, Medicube or Elemis?
Elemis has a Superior fit for mature skin with products like its Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, whereas Medicube has a High fit for mature skin overall.
What are the primary differences in key ingredients used across Medicube and Elemis products?
Medicube highlights key ingredients like niacinamide, collagen, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and centella asiatica, whereas Elemis focuses on glycerin and shea butter across its products. Medicube's formulations help target pore care and blemishes, while Elemis leans into rich hydration and smoothing textures.
Medicube or Elemis for oily skin?
Medicube is a better fit for oily skin, offering a High routine fit compared to Elemis, which achieves an Average fit. Reviewers also note that Medicube does better with pores and cleansing.
Medicube or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?
Medicube offers moisturizers like the Collagen Jelly Cream that achieve a superior fit for dry sensitive and mature skin, while Elemis stands out with products like the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream which is rated superior for mature skin. Medicube provides deep hydration and a radiant glow, whereas Elemis is praised for its luxurious textures and lightweight formulas.
Medicube or Elemis for sensitive skin?
Both Medicube and Elemis achieve a high Lovi fit level for sensitive skin, making them equally suitable options. Medicube relies heavily on fragrance-free formulations, as 23 of its 25 products on this page list no fragrance, whereas Elemis includes fragrance in the majority of its range.
Medicube or Elemis for acne-prone skin?
Medicube is a better fit for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates its routine as High while Elemis is also High. The products on this page help target breakouts and smooth texture, with key ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide.
Research behind their key ingredients
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
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
Topical beta-carotene protects against infra-red-light-induced free radicals
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Comparative measurement of hydration effects of herbal moisturizers
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Formulation and evaluation of exotic fat based cosmeceuticals for skin repair
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Composition characterization and clinical efficacy study of a salmon egg extract
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Anti-Aging Efficacy of Low-Molecular-Weight Polydeoxyribonucleotide Derived from Paeonia lactiflora
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
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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