Anua vs Medicube
Anua and Medicube are prominent Korean skincare brands offering moisturizers, toners, serums, cleansers, and masks designed for oily acne-prone and dry skin. The former relies on heartleaf, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, while the latter harnesses collagen, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to balance hydration and clarity. Both brands suit oily acne-prone skin and dry skin best, yet they differ in their specific formulations and targeted treatments for blemishes and aging. While Anua emphasizes soothing heartleaf and targeted serums, Medicube is adored for advanced items like peptide masks, lifting eye creams, and booster gels.
Anua is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by The Founders Inc..
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Medicube is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by APR Corp..
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This page compares some of the most popular Anua and Medicube products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Anua vs Medicube products
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Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
$17.00
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Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
$19.69
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Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
$21.85
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PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
$27.37
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Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
$13.00
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Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
$21.00
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PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM
$20.00
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Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad
$21.88
People Say
Deep hydration and moisturization Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “skin feels bouncier and hydrated — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
- “glass skin — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
- “woke up with baby soft skin — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
- “complexion feels so plump — Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum”
Gentle exfoliation and texture improvement Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “leaves my face soft, smooth, and fresh without dryness — Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder”
- “gentle PHA exfoliation — Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad”
- “gives my skin a smooth, glass-like finish — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
- “skin feels smoother — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
Soothing and calming sensitive skin Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Calms my redness instantly — Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner”
- “calmed my red spots — Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad”
- “didn't sensitize my skin — Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner”
- “refreshing sensation — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
Lightweight and fast-absorbing texture Mostly MentionedRarely Noted
- “melts into skin — Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream”
- “Feels like water, not heavy oil — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
- “Absorbs quickly without stickiness — Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner”
- “dries super fast — Medicube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask”
Effective pore cleansing and care Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Pores drastically reduced — Medicube Zero Foam Cleanser”
- “Removes every trace of oil — Medicube Red Foam Cleanser”
- “noticed a real difference in pore visibility — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
- “Dissolved my sebaceous filaments immediately — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
Glass skin glow and radiant finish Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “gave me instant glass skin — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
- “woke up with glowing skin — Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask”
- “healthy, dewy glow — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
- “glass-like glow — Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner”
Caused breakouts and skin irritation Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “caused redness and sensitivity — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
- “woke up with whiteheads — Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask”
- “small pimple appeared — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
- “Wrecked my skin barrier — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
Sticky or tacky finish Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Left such a gross tacky finish that refused to dry. — Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum”
- “leaves a tacky finish — Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner”
- “tacky finish — Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner”
- “hair sticks to my face — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
Strong fragrance and scent issues Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “overpowering herbal smell — Anua Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam”
- “smells like burning rubber — Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner”
- “medicinal smell — Anua NANO RETINOL™ 0.3% + NIACIN RENEWING SERUM”
- “slightly fishy smell — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
Anua vs Medicube routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Zero Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$29.33
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Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning
$18.30
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Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$29.97
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SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
$15.99
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
$21.70
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Serum or Treatment
One Day Exosome Shot 2000
Evening · Once a week
$19.99
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Nourishing Mask
Collagen Night Wrapping Mask
Once a week
$19.00
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Cleanser
Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$15.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning
$21.00
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$25.00
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
$26.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$17.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
$21.85
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
$22.00
Buy Medicube routine · $154.28 · 91% fit
Buy Anua routine · $147.85 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Anua vs Medicube routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Red Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$14.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning · Once a week
$18.30
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$29.97
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
$14.97
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Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$50.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Zero Pore Pad
Evening
$18.90
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask
Once a week
$18.90
-
Cleanser
Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$13.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Once a week
$15.90
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$25.00
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
$26.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$17.00
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
$18.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
$21.85
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
$79.00
Buy Medicube routine · $234.94 · 88% fit
Buy Anua routine · $215.75 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 98% fit
Anua vs Medicube routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Red Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$14.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning · Once a week
$18.30
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$29.97
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
$14.97
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$50.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Zero Pore Pad
Evening
$18.90
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask
Once a week
$18.90
-
Cleanser
Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$13.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning · Once a week
$21.00
-
Moisturizer
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$15.90
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
$26.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$17.00
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
$18.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
$21.85
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
$58.00
Buy Medicube routine · $234.94 · 88% fit
Buy Anua routine · $190.75 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Anua or Medicube: which is better?
Both brands offer strong choices, but Medicube is superior for dry skin routines on this page while Anua excels at lightweight textures and soothing sensitive skin. Medicube provides deep hydration and effective pore cleansing, whereas Anua is known for brightening serums and fast-absorbing toners without fragrance across its products on this page.
What is the difference between Anua and Medicube?
Anua and Medicube are both South Korean skincare brands founded by different parent companies, with Anua focusing particularly on lightweight toners, soothing barrier support, and a fragrance-free lineup of products on this page, while Medicube is noted for deep hydration moisturizers and effective pore care routines.
Anua or Medicube for dry skin?
Both Anua and Medicube are great options, as Lovi rates Anua as High and Medicube as Superior for dry skin. Reviewers often mention Medicube for deep hydration moisturizers, while Anua products on this page list no fragrance.
Anua or Medicube: which cleanser is better?
Both Anua and Medicube offer effective cleansers, with Medicube's Zero Foam Cleanser achieving a Superior Lovi fit level for dry skin while Anua provides gentle options formulated with heartleaf and zero fragrance across the products on this page.
Which is more affordable, Anua or Medicube?
This page does not provide pricing information or compare the affordability of Anua and Medicube products.
How do Anua and Medicube compare in terms of fragrance use across their products?
Anua has no fragrance listed across the products on this page. Medicube also leaves out fragrance in the vast majority of its range, though a few items like its Collagen Jelly Cream do include it.
Which brand performs better for soothing and calming sensitive skin according to review themes?
Anua performs better for soothing and calming sensitive skin according to review themes. Reviewers note that Anua is a strong choice for sensitive skin types, where Lovi rates its fit as High across many of its products on this page.
What are the founding years and parent companies of Anua and Medicube?
Anua was founded in 2019 in South Korea and is owned by The Founders Inc., while Medicube was founded in 2016 in South Korea and is owned by APR Corp.
Anua or Medicube for oily skin?
Both Anua and Medicube are well-suited for oily skin, as Lovi rates their routines as High for this skin type. Anua offers lightweight, fast-absorbing toners and effective brightening serums, while Medicube delivers deep hydration and pore-cleansing products.
Anua or Medicube: which moisturizer is better?
Medicube offers superior deep hydration and moisturization compared to Anua, making its routine fit for dry skin Superior while Anua is High. Medicube features moisturizers like the Collagen Jelly Cream and AGE-R Booster Gel, which help provide deep hydration and a radiant glow.
Anua or Medicube for sensitive skin?
Both Anua and Medicube are well-suited for sensitive skin, with Lovi fit levels rated High for both brands on this page. Reviewers note that Anua stands out for soothing and calming sensitive skin, while Medicube is recognized for deep hydration and moisturization.
Anua or Medicube for acne-prone skin?
Both Anua and Medicube are suitable choices for acne-prone skin, as the products on this page achieve a High fit level for this skin type. Anua features soothing heartleaf-based formulas that help calm irritation, while Medicube provides targeted exfoliating options that help improve skin texture.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
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
Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of 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
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
Emulgels powered by coco-glucoside: A stable and effective synbiotics delivery system for skin care
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
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
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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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
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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