# Medicube Zero Pore One Day Serum for acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for acne-prone skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: Superior · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/medicube/zero-pore-one-day-serum/for/acne-prone-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: [Exfoliants](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/best/exfoliators)

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

Works for acne-prone skin; other products fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation for your combination skin, with gluconolactone and salicylic acid working to refine texture and decongest pores, while Centella Asiatica Extract provides soothing support for your acne and blemishes.
- Sodium Hyaluronate and other hydrating ingredients offer general skincare benefits that complement your skin's needs.
- The product is safe for your combination skin, as it lacks harsh ingredients and includes soothing components.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Aha, Bha, Pha, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid

## What the research says

- Gluconolactone 14% solution significantly improved mild to moderate acne by reducing inflamed and non-inflamed lesions similarly to 5% benzoyl peroxide, but with fewer side-effects in 150 patients. ([The Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1992](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1303072/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- Optimized transfersomes loaded with epigallocatechin-3-gallate and hyaluronic acid increased cell viability while reducing lipid peroxidation, intracellular ROS, and MMP expression in HaCaT cells, and exhibited higher skin permeation and deposition compared to plain EGCG. ([Drug Delivery, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28155509/))
- 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/))
- 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 post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/))
- Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women. ([The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17882270/))
- Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users with oily and combination skin frequently praise this serum for refining rough texture and minimizing enlarged pores, often describing a blurring effect that serves as a good makeup base. While the 'one day' claim is often viewed as marketing hyperbole, consistent use reportedly yields smoother skin and reduced sebum production, though the product's sticky finish is a polarizing feature.

- Liked: Smoothes texture (mostly mentioned)
- Disliked: Sticky finish (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Tightens pores (often mentioned)
- Liked: Controls oil (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Hydrating formula (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Causes irritation (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Price vs quantity (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant scent (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this exfoliant PM once a week to start, and gradually increase if your combination skin tolerates it well. Always apply SPF the next morning to protect your clear skin.
- Apply the exfoliant after cleansing and toning, but right before your moisturizer step. This ensures the treatment targets blemishes effectively.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin without rubbing. Let it absorb for a minute before moving to the next step.
- Apply the exfoliant on clean, dry skin to help control breakouts safely. Since your skin is not sensitive, this dry application method ensures good product absorption.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area and do a patch test before your first use. Do not mix this exfoliant with other strong acids in the same routine.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/028e5e793422a3b665c02ff502cf5a68.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Medicube Zero Pore One Day Serum work for acne-prone skin?

Medicube Zero Pore One Day Serum works moderately well for acne-prone skin, using salicylic acid and gluconolactone to clear pores while Centella Asiatica calms blemishes. Because other products fit this skin better, an exfoliant treatment for acne-prone skin needs effective ingredients like niacinamide and soothing plant extracts to control breakouts and maintain balance without irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [The Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1992](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1303072/)

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

This serum works well for acne-prone skin because it contains gluconolactone and salicylic acid to help clear out pores, along with Centella Asiatica Extract to calm breakouts. To be an even better fit for this skin, an exfoliant treatment like this needs effective ingredients like niacinamide and zinc PCA to control oiliness while providing balanced hydration without irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [The Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1992](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1303072/)

### What does Alpha Hydroxy Acid do for acne-prone skin?

Alpha hydroxy acid helps clear acne-prone skin by gently removing dead surface cells and fighting bacteria to reduce breakouts and inflammation. It is unlikely to cause irritation when used regularly, leaving your skin looking much clearer and smoother.
Sources: [Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37894698/), [The Journal of Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21950544/)

### What does Bha do for acne-prone skin?

BHA helps clear acne-prone skin by clearing out pores to reduce both inflammatory and non-inflammatory breakouts. It also helps calm redness and lower oil production, and is unlikely to cause harsh side effects when used regularly.
Sources: [BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

### Where does it go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine. For acne-prone skin, this product type works best when it includes gentle exfoliating acids like salicylic acid combined with calming ingredients like Centella Asiatica to help clear pores while keeping skin comfortable.

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

You can use this serum with retinol, but to help prevent dryness and irritation, it is best to apply them on different nights or use retinol after the serum has fully absorbed. This product needs soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica Extract and gentle hydrators like sodium hyaluronate to help keep acne-prone skin comfortable while managing breakouts.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38102855/), [Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168678/)

### How often should I use it?

Start using this treatment once a week in the evening, and if your skin feels comfortable and you see good results, you may carefully use it more often. Acne-prone skin needs products that combine acids like AHA, BHA, and PHA to clear pores with calming ingredients like Centella Asiatica to keep the skin calm and smooth.

### Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?

This serum may cause mild irritation, as reviewers frequently mention a sticky finish and moderate discomfort, though it helps clear pores and soothe blemishes with acids and Centella asiatica. Acne-prone skin often does best with a lightweight, non-sticky formula packed with gentle soothing ingredients and pore-clearing acids that avoid heavy residue.
Sources: [The Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1992](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1303072/), [Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168678/)

### Is it fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for acne-prone skin

- [Skin1004 Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skin1004/probio-cica-intensive-ampoule/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — CA$24.44 at Amazon
- [Dr.Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — CA$27.99 at Amazon
- [ANUA PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/anua/peach-70-niacinamide-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — CA$33.50 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/b-lab/matcha-hydrating-foam-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$22.95 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/advanced-replenishing-toner/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$41.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [CeraVe CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/pm-facial-moisturizing-lotion/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ca: CA$24.00 (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09G267W27?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 3 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Gluconolactone, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Tromethamine, Polyglycerin-3, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, C12-14 Pareth-12, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Salicylic Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Vp Copolymer, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Lecithin, Allantoin, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Dextrin, Indigofera Tinctoria Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Citrate, Hemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract, Gardenia Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Trisodium Phosphate, Of Myosotis Sylvatica Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside, Lactobacillus Lysate Ferment, Dandelion Leaf Extract
## 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/zero-pore-one-day-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/medicube/zero-pore-one-day-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/medicube/zero-pore-one-day-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/medicube/zero-pore-one-day-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/medicube/zero-pore-one-day-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/medicube/zero-pore-one-day-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/medicube/zero-pore-one-day-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/medicube/zero-pore-one-day-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/medicube/zero-pore-one-day-serum/for/acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/medicube/zero-pore-one-day-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/medicube/zero-pore-one-day-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/medicube/zero-pore-one-day-serum/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/medicube/zero-pore-one-day-serum/for/acne-prone-skin