Medicube vs The INKEY List
Medicube and The INKEY List are well-regarded skincare brands offering targeted moisturizers, serums, toners, and more. Medicube relies on niacinamide, collagen, and hyaluronic acid to best suit dry and oily acne-prone skin, while the British brand uses glycerin to best fit combination and sensitive skin. These distinct formulation approaches allow both to address specific concerns like dark spots, acne, and aging effectively.
Medicube is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by APR Corp..
medicubereviews.co.ukglossy.co
The INKEY List is a British skincare brand founded in 2018 and owned by Brand Evangelists for Beauty Limited.
cosmeticsbusiness.comprnewswire.comtheinkeylist.comtracxn.com
This page compares some of the most popular Medicube and The INKEY List products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Medicube vs The INKEY List products
People Say
Affordable price point Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “Good for the price — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
- “One of the best balms for quality and also price — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
- “unbeatable value — The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
Smoother and improved skin texture 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”
- “Skin feels softer — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
Lightweight and fast-absorbing Not notedOften Mentioned
- “Gel consistency — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
- “feels like applying straight up water to the skin — The INKEY List Omega Water Cream”
- “absorbs instantly — The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
Soothing and gentle Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “calming the skin — Medicube Red Succinic Acid Peeling Pad”
- “Did not cause any irritation — Medicube Red Foam Cleanser”
- “Safe and gentle especially for my dry, sensitive skin — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
- “Non-irritating formula — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
Hydration and plumping Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “woke up with baby soft skin — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
- “skin feels plump and bouncy — Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask”
- “fine lines vanished — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
- “skin feels soft and bouncy — The INKEY List ECTOIN HYDRO-BARRIER SERUM”
Clears acne Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Free of active acne — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
- “cleared hormonal acne — The INKEY List 10% Azelaic Acid Serum”
- “Cleared up mask acne — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
- “active breakouts look less inflamed — Medicube Red Succinic Acid Peeling Pad”
Drying and stripping Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Skin feels very tight — Medicube Zero Foam Cleanser”
- “skin felt very tight — Medicube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask”
- “have dry skin but this doesn't feel hydrating at all — The INKEY List Omega Water Cream”
- “Leaves my skin a bit dry — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
Sticky residue and finish Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “Feels tacky on skin — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
- “feeling sticky — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
- “sets to a tacky finish — The INKEY List Collagen Peptide Serum”
- “feels way too sticky and tacky — Medicube DEEP VITA-C CAPSULE CREAM”
Packaging issues Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “Package is super leaky — Medicube Deep Vita C Pad”
- “Residue would harden around the pump — Medicube Red Foam Cleanser”
- “Pump breaks easily — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
Medicube vs The INKEY List routines for dry skin
-
Cleanser
Zero Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$22.31
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning
CA$23.45
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$25.23
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$17.99
-
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
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
- Moisturizer Collagen Peptide Serum Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$22.85
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$27.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy Medicube routine · CA$173.82 · 91% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · CA$118.83 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Medicube vs The INKEY List routines for oily skin
-
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
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$38.08
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$22.85
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid Toner
Evening
CA$24.50
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$27.00
-
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 The INKEY List routine · CA$258.98 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Medicube vs The INKEY List routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Polyglutamic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$45.39
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$22.85
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid Toner
Evening
CA$24.50
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$27.00
-
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
-
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
Buy The INKEY List routine · CA$206.30 · 90% fit
Buy Medicube routine · CA$208.91 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Medicube or The INKEY List: which is better?
Medicube is better for a smoother skin texture and hydration and plumping, whereas The INKEY List is better for an affordable price point, lightweight and fast-absorbing products, and clearing acne. For routine fit, Medicube is Superior for dry skin, while The INKEY List is Superior for combination and sensitive skin.
What is the difference between Medicube and The INKEY List?
Medicube fits dry skin better and helps improve skin texture and hydration, while The INKEY List offers a more affordable price point and lightweight, fast-absorbing moisturizers.
Medicube or The INKEY List for dry skin?
Medicube offers a Superior routine fit for dry skin, whereas The INKEY List provides a High routine fit. Reviewers on the page mention that Medicube products help deliver deep hydration.
Medicube or The INKEY List: which cleanser is better?
Medicube is better for smoother and improved skin texture among the products on this page, while The INKEY List is better for clearing acne. Reviewers mention that Medicube offers a Lovi fit level of High for cleansers like the Zero Foam Cleanser across multiple skin types.
Which is more affordable, Medicube or The INKEY List?
The INKEY List is more affordable, offering lower price points across its products on this page compared to Medicube.
Between Medicube and The INKEY List, which brand is better for improving skin texture?
Medicube does better for smoother and improved skin texture. Review themes on the products on this page show that Medicube is preferred for smoother skin texture.
Which brand performs better for hydration and plumping, Medicube or The INKEY List?
Medicube performs better for hydration and plumping, offering deep hydration moisturizers and effective hydration and plumping benefits compared to The INKEY List.
Medicube or The INKEY List: which brand has fewer packaging issues?
The INKEY List does better with packaging issues compared to Medicube.
Medicube or The INKEY List for oily skin?
Both Medicube and The INKEY List achieve a High routine fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that Medicube helps deliver a smoother and improved skin texture, while The INKEY List helps provide a lightweight, fast-absorbing, and affordable price point.
Medicube or The INKEY List: which moisturizer is better?
Medicube offers better hydration and plumping for moisturizers among the products on this page, while The INKEY List provides more affordable and lightweight, fast-absorbing options.
Medicube or The INKEY List for sensitive skin?
The INKEY List has a Superior routine fit for sensitive skin, whereas Medicube has a High fit level. The INKEY List is particularly noted for its affordability and lightweight, fast-absorbing moisturizers, while Medicube offers deep hydration and smoother skin texture.
Medicube or The INKEY List for acne-prone skin?
Both Medicube and The INKEY List achieve a High routine fit for acne-prone skin, with Medicube doing better for smoother skin texture and The INKEY List doing better at clearing acne.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
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
The moisturizing effects of glycolipid biosurfactants, mannosylerythritol lipids, on human skin
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
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Composition characterization and clinical efficacy study of a salmon egg extract
Anti-Aging Efficacy of Low-Molecular-Weight Polydeoxyribonucleotide Derived from Paeonia lactiflora
Darutoside promotes skin wound healing via regulating macrophage polarization
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
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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