# Medicube Red Foam Cleanser for combination skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for combination skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/medicube/red-foam-cleanser/for/combination-skin

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

Brand: [Medicube](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/medicube)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/best/cleansers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A great choice for combination skin; a few cleansers fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Offers high suitability for your combination skin, as salicylic acid provides effective pore-cleansing and glycerin offers humectant action to balance oiliness and hydration.
- The presence of Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract and Tocopheryl Acetate Vitamin E further supports skin health by soothing and providing antioxidant benefits.
- The formula is safe for your skin, containing no harsh ingredients and including soothing components that minimize irritation risk.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Salicylic Acid, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate Vitamin E, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine

## What the research says

- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- Topical application of an antioxidant serum containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented particulate matter-induced degradation of extracellular matrix components, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the skin of 15 female volunteers compared to untreated controls. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40642809/))
- Dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate showed non-comedogenic potential with less than a 50% increase in microcomedones in 12 healthy male subjects compared to octyl palmitate. ([Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/))
- Topical application of an antioxidant mix containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented PM and UV-induced skin barrier perturbation, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory markers, MMP9 activation, and Type I collagen loss in 15 healthy females compared to untreated exposed skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590207/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))
- The cytotoxic effect of sodium lauryl sulphate on normal human keratinocytes was significantly decreased when combined with cocamidopropyl betaine, Tween 20, and Tween 80 at concentrations well below the critical micelle concentration. ([Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12677096/))

## What reviewers say

Users with oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin highly rate this cleanser for its deep pore cleansing and sebum control. Most users report clearer skin and reduced breakouts, though some find it slightly drying if their skin barrier is compromised or not sufficiently oily.

- Liked: Deep cleansing (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Effective acne control (often mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle on sensitive (often mentioned)
- Liked: Rich lather (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Drying or stripping (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Difficult to rinse (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Medicinal scent (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this cleanser AM and PM as part of your daily routine. Start 3×/week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply this cleanser as the very first step in your morning routine and right after your pre-cleanser in the evening.
- Gently massage a small amount of cleanser onto your skin using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- For the best results , apply the cleanser directly onto slightly damp skin to help lift away excess oil.
- Avoid the immediate eye area and do a patch test before your first use to check for any sensitivity.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes Medicube Red Foam Cleanser a great fit for combination skin?

Medicube Red Foam Cleanser is a great fit for combination skin because salicylic acid cleans pores while glycerin balances oiliness and hydration. Additionally, ingredients like Sophora angustifolia root extract and vitamin E help soothe the skin and provide antioxidant benefits with a low risk of irritation.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for combination skin?

Salicylic acid and glycerin make this cleanser a great fit for your combination skin because they clean pores effectively and balance oiliness while keeping your skin hydrated. Soothing root extract and vitamin E further support your skin health by calming it and providing antioxidants.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

### What does Salicylic Acid do for combination skin?

Salicylic acid helps clear clogged pores and balance oily areas while remaining gentle enough for dry spots on combination skin. It reduces breakouts and oiliness effectively with a low likelihood of irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/)

### What does Sophora Root Extract do for combination skin?

Sophora root extract helps calm redness and balances oil in combination skin by soothing areas prone to shine while keeping the skin comfortable. It may also help manage irritation and support a clearer, more even look.
Sources: [Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26087234/)

### Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This cleanser is a great fit for your combination skin because salicylic acid clears out pores while glycerin keeps your skin hydrated and balances oiliness. You can use it in both your morning and evening routines as the first or second cleansing step.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239984/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

Yes, you can use this cleanser with retinol by using the cleanser first on damp skin, rinsing it thoroughly, and then applying your retinol product once your face is dry. Using a gentle cleanser helps keep your skin calm and balanced while using a strong ingredient like retinol.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser twice a day in your morning and evening routines. It is gentle on your skin while helping to clear pores and balance oil and hydration.

### Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

This cleanser helps keep pores clear and is unlikely to cause breakouts on combination skin because it contains salicylic acid to clear out pores and glycerin to balance oiliness and hydration. Some reviewers do mention moderate drying or stripping, which may happen if your skin leans dry in certain areas.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

### Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?

You can use this cleanser on your body, but it is best to avoid the very thin skin directly around the eyes. Because the eyelid area is among the thinnest on the body, harsh foaming cleansers may easily cause dryness or irritation there.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for combination skin

- [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon
- [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-low-ph-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — CA$24.83 at Amazon
- [Eminence Organic Skin Care Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/eminence-organic-skin-care/clear-skin-probiotic-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — CA$69.99 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — CA$37.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.98 at Amazon
- SPF: [CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/am-facial-moisturizing-lotion-spf-30/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ca: CA$25.50 (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B073ZBXSJD?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Glycol Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Disodium Edta, Lauric Acid, Magnesium Nitrate, Magnesium Chloride, Myristic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Stearic Acid, Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate Vitamin E, Potassium Hydroxide, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Peg-8 Beeswax, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Bht, Methylisothiazolinone, Cocamide Dea
## 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-foam-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/medicube/red-foam-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/medicube/red-foam-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/medicube/red-foam-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/medicube/red-foam-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/medicube/red-foam-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/medicube/red-foam-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/medicube/red-foam-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/medicube/red-foam-cleanser/for/combination-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/medicube/red-foam-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/medicube/red-foam-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/medicube/red-foam-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/medicube/red-foam-cleanser/for/combination-skin