Medicube vs Elemis
Medicube and Elemis are two distinct skincare lines known for curated moisturizers, serums, toners, and masks. The Korean brand, founded in 2016, features niacinamide, collagen, and hyaluronic acid to suit oily acne-prone and oily skin, whereas the British brand, established in 1989, harnesses glycerin and shea to best benefit mature and dry sensitive skin. While both offer targeted treatments for various concerns, they differ fundamentally as their key ingredients respectively balance sebum, improve elasticity, and retain moisture compared to deeply conditioning, enhancing barrier function, and relieving irritation.
Medicube is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by APR Corp..
medicubereviews.co.ukglossy.co
Elemis is a British skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.
elemis.comau.elemis.comen.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular Medicube and Elemis products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Medicube vs Elemis products
People Say
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “skin feels bouncier and hydrated — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
- “glass skin — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
- “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
- “Quenches thirsty skin... immediate improvement. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Luxurious Texture and Application Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Absorbs almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “whipped silk feel — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
- “cloud-light gel formula — Elemis Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask”
- “feels amazing and cooling — Medicube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask”
Soothing and Gentle Formulas Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “refreshing sensation — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
- “calming the skin — Medicube Red Succinic Acid Peeling Pad”
- “no stinging or redness — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “non-stripping formula — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
Glow and Radiance Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “gave me instant glass skin — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
- “woke up with glowing skin — Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask”
- “healthy glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “instantly fresh glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
Skin Texture and Smoothing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “gives my skin a smooth, glass-like finish — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
- “skin feels smoother — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
- “baby soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Pores and Cleansing Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Pores drastically reduced — Medicube Zero Foam Cleanser”
- “Mochi-like foam — Medicube Zero Foam Cleanser”
- “Removes every trace of oil — Medicube Red Foam Cleanser”
- “face feels super clean — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
High Price and Value Concerns Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “tube is tiny for the price — Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask”
- “price is steep — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
- “price is a bit steep — Medicube Red Succinic Acid Peeling Pad”
- “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Strong Scent and Fragrance Issues Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “slightly fishy smell — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
- “smells like old lady perfume — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
- “The smell is very strong... could not handle for long. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “smell is too strong — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
Packaging and Quality Issues Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “messy — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
- “lifted around the nose/eyes — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
- “jar looks half empty — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
- “tends to flake off — Elemis Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask”
Medicube vs Elemis routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Zero Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 40.90
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Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning
SAR 50.00
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Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 117.99
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SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
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Cleansing Toner
Zero Pore Pad
Evening
SAR 64.80
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Serum or Treatment
One Day Exosome Shot 2000
Evening · Once a week
SAR 34.00
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Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
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Nourishing Mask
Deep Peptide Radiance Mask
Once a week
SAR 120.88
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 188.68
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 1,247.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
SAR 563.68
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 368.47
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
SAR 432.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
SAR 477.00
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Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
Buy Medicube routine · SAR 698.98 · 86% fit
Buy Elemis routine · SAR 3,641.86 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Medicube vs Elemis routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Red Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 35.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 50.00
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 117.99
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Zero Pore Pad
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask
Once a week
SAR 87.59
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 188.68
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 563.68
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 368.47
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
SAR 432.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
SAR 291.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
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Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
Buy Medicube routine · SAR 806.40 · 88% fit
Buy Elemis routine · SAR 2,382.67 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Medicube vs Elemis routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Red Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 35.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 50.00
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 117.99
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Zero Pore Pad
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask
Once a week
SAR 87.59
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 188.68
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 563.68
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 368.47
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
SAR 432.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
SAR 291.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
Buy Medicube routine · SAR 806.40 · 88% fit
Buy Elemis routine · SAR 2,337.01 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Medicube or Elemis: which is better?
Both Medicube and Elemis perform equally well, as Lovi rates both brands as having a High routine fit across all skin types. Medicube stands out for pores and cleansing, while Elemis offers a more luxurious texture and application.
What is the difference between Medicube and Elemis?
Medicube is a South Korean brand founded in 2016 that focuses more on pores and cleansing, whereas Elemis is a British brand founded in 1989 that tends to offer more luxurious textures. Both brands provide high routine fits across all major skin types.
Medicube or Elemis for dry skin?
Medicube and Elemis are both a High fit for dry skin on this page, offering deep hydration moisturizers. Medicube relies heavily on fragrance-free formulations, whereas most Elemis products contain added scent.
Medicube or Elemis: which cleanser is better?
Medicube is better for pores and cleansing compared to Elemis, according to reviewer feedback on this page. Both brands offer cleansers that fit various skin types well.
Which is more affordable, Medicube or Elemis?
Medicube is more affordable than Elemis, as reviewers frequently mention pricing issues for Medicube but a high price point for Elemis.
Which brand has more fragrance-free products, Medicube or Elemis?
Medicube has more fragrance-free products, with twenty-three out of twenty-five products on its page listing no fragrance compared to only four out of twenty-two for Elemis.
Which brand is better for pores and cleansing, Medicube or Elemis?
Medicube is better than Elemis for pores and cleansing. The products on this page help target pores while offering effective cleansing options.
Where and when were Medicube and Elemis founded?
Medicube was founded in 2016 in South Korea, while Elemis was founded in 1989 in the United Kingdom.
Medicube or Elemis for oily skin?
Medicube and Elemis offer equal routine fit levels for oily skin, with Medicube performing better for pores and cleansing. Elemis also features luxurious textures, while Medicube's products on this page help provide deep hydration and smoother skin texture.
Medicube or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?
Both Medicube and Elemis offer deeply hydrating moisturizers with high Lovi fit levels for dry skin, but Medicube is often noted for a cooling jelly texture while Elemis is known for luxurious textures and a higher price point. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of aging.
Medicube or Elemis for sensitive skin?
Both Medicube and Elemis fit sensitive skin well on Lovi, offering gentle hydration and smoothing benefits. Medicube keeps most of its products fragrance-free, whereas Elemis includes fragrance in the majority of its range.
Medicube or Elemis for acne-prone skin?
Both Medicube and Elemis match acne-prone skin well, with Lovi giving them an equal high routine fit. Medicube stands out for pores and cleansing, while Elemis offers luxurious textures.
Research behind their key ingredients
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
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
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
Topical beta-carotene protects against infra-red-light-induced free radicals
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Comparative measurement of hydration effects of herbal moisturizers
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Formulation and evaluation of exotic fat based cosmeceuticals for skin repair
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Composition characterization and clinical efficacy study of a salmon egg extract
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Anti-Aging Efficacy of Low-Molecular-Weight Polydeoxyribonucleotide Derived from Paeonia lactiflora
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
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
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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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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