Medicube Zero Pore Cream 2.0 for dry sensitive skin
Average
- AverageDry Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
Works for dry sensitive skin; other serums fit it better.
- Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Offers moderate suitability for your dry and sensitive skin, as glycerin and squalane provide humectant and emollient benefits, while niacinamide and centella asiatica extract help minimize pores and soothe irritation. The formula also offers general hydration and soothing effects due to ingredients like allantoin, which are supportive for dry or flaky skin.
- While the product provides good pore treatment and soothing effects, it lacks sufficient occlusive ingredients to fully address your dry skin's hydration needs.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing components like niacinamide and Centella Asiatica Extract.
How to apply
- Use this PM routine for your evening skincare. Start using the serum 3 times a week and increase to daily use if your skin feels comfortable.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer. This step locks in deep hydration for dry skin.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin using your palms. Let it absorb completely for a minute ⏱ before applying your next product.
- Since your skin is sensitive, apply the serum on completely dry skin for better tolerance and less irritation.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area during application. Always do a patch test before your first use to ensure your skin reacts well.
People Say
★4.6Overall rating based on 2.9k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, users with combination and oily skin frequently praise this cream for its ability to balance sebum production while providing deep hydration without a sticky finish. Many report smoother skin texture and a fresh feeling. However, a significant number of reviewers note that visible reduction in pore size is subtle or non-existent despite the product's claims.
Highlights
Excellent hydration Mostly Mentioned
- “feels wonderfully hydrating without pilling”
- “rich moisturizer but absorbs well”
- “perfect for dehydrated oily skin”
Pleasant texture Often Mentioned
- “glides on smoothly”
- “fresh and non-sticky finish”
- “soft texture that absorbs fast”
Ineffective on pores Often Mentioned
- “didn't fade my pores as promised”
- “skeptical about pore-minimizing”
- “no huge difference noticed”
Sebum control Sometimes Noted
- “regulated sebum production”
- “nose less shiny throughout the day”
- “mattifies instantly”
Skin smoothing Sometimes Noted
- “skin feels velvety”
- “smoother complexion”
- “great base for makeup”
Strong scent Sometimes Noted
- “smells medicated”
- “has fragrance so not for sensitive skin”
- “scent is a bit overpowering”
Heavy for some Rarely Noted
- “feels more of a rich moisturizer”
- “bit on the oily side for summer”
- “felt heavy on my face”
Potential irritation Rarely Noted
- “felt dryness around eyes”
- “caused acne flare-ups for me”
- “tingling sensation was harsh”
Sources: lovi.care, yesstyle.com, iherb.com, stylekorean.com, hwahae.co.kr, reddit.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does medicube Zero Pore Cream work for dry sensitive skin?
This cream works moderately for dry sensitive skin because glycerin and squalane give it moisture while niacinamide and centella asiatica calm irritation. However, it lacks heavy protective ingredients to fully lock in hydration for very dry skin. A product for this skin type needs rich moisturizing and barrier-supporting ingredients to keep it soft and smooth.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016
Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for dry sensitive skin?
Glycerin, squalane, niacinamide, and centella asiatica extract make this cream a good fit because they help hydrate, minimize pores, and soothe dry and sensitive skin. To truly fit dry sensitive skin, a product of this type needs rich moisturizing and nourishing ingredients that provide deep hydration and skin barrier support.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016
What does Niacinamide do for dry sensitive skin?
Niacinamide helps dry sensitive skin by calming irritation and keeping moisture locked in so your face feels soft and smooth. It works to build up your skin barrier and calm redness while being very gentle and unlikely to cause irritation.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2004International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2013
What does Salicylic Acid do for dry sensitive skin?
Salicylic acid is generally a poor fit for dry, sensitive skin because it is designed to clear out pores by removing excess oil, which can easily leave dry skin irritated. A product of this type needs gentle exfoliating helpers paired with rich, soothing moisturizers and barrier-repairing ingredients to keep dry skin calm and comfortable.
Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?
This treatment goes in the evening routine after your toner and before your moisturizer. A product of this type needs richer, sealing ingredients like shea butter or ceramides to lock in hydration for dry skin.
Can I use this cream with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this treatment with retinol in your evening routine by applying the retinol first and following with this cream. Because it contains soothing ingredients like centella asiatica extract, it is unlikely to cause irritation when paired with retinol.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016
How often should I use this cream?
You can use this treatment in your evening routine, applying it once a week at first and slowly increasing the frequency if your skin tolerates it well. While it helps smooth pores and soothe irritation safely, dry skin of this type needs a richer cream with heavier sealing ingredients to fully lock in moisture.
Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?
This cream is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog your dry and sensitive skin, as its safety profile is excellent and it lacks harsh ingredients. Reviewers occasionally mention potential irritation, but soothing components like niacinamide and Centella asiatica extract help keep your skin calm.
Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
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, 2016A 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, 2017Niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use in women by inhibiting melanosome transfer.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components.
Molecules, 2023Topical treatment of nicotinamide, alone or in combination with other active ingredients, reduces the progression of skin aging and hyperpigmentation in clinical trials while being well tolerated.
Antioxidants, 2021Topical 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, 2021Topical 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, 2008Topical 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, 2005Cryotherapy 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, 2010A 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, 2020Treatment 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, 2024Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction.
Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days.
BMC Oral Health, 2019A botanical face cleanser with hops and willow bark extract continuously reduced skin sebum levels without reactive seborrhea after treatment in 21 healthy volunteers compared to a sodium laureth sulfate cleanser, with neither cleanser causing skin irritation.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019Bioactive lipid nanocarriers co-loaded with willow bark or ivy leaf extracts and UV-filters provided pronounced UVA photoprotection up to an SPF-equivalent value of 13 and a maximum in vivo skin hydration effect of 97% when prepared with pomegranate oil.
Nanomaterials, 2022A topical serum containing 0.5% salicin applied twice daily reduced visible signs of skin aging, including wrinkles and tactile roughness, in 30 female subjects over 12 weeks compared to baseline.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2010Topical lycopene-enriched virgin olive oil provides effective pain relief similar to a placebo in patients with burning mouth syndrome, showing a strong placebo effect.
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 2014
Why other serums fit dry sensitive skin better
Tocopherol succinate-loaded ethosomal gel increased skin deposition, stability, moisture, and mechanical properties in 13 human subjects compared to a control gel over 12 weeks.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022In 50 participants with sensitive skin, a Ceramide NP C15-containing emollient improved skin barrier function with a significant reduction in transepidermal water loss and induced modest changes in skin microbiota compared to the vehicle.
Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2026Hydrogels containing vitamin E-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers exhibited better occlusive properties and long-lasting effects, while vitamin E-loaded nanoemulsions performed a faster skin hydration effect and were selected as more attractive for skin application.
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces, 2019
Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Sodium Acrylate Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Squalane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Allantoin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract Rosemary Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract Matricaria Flower Extract, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Adenosine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score 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.
-

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
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.

