Medicube vs Kiehl's
Medicube and Kiehl's are two esteemed skincare brands offering curated moisturizers, serums, toners, and masks designed for diverse complexions. The Korean brand, founded in 2016, features niacinamide, collagen, and hyaluronic acid to suit oily acne-prone and oily skin, whereas the American brand, founded in 1851, utilizes glycerin and squalane to best support dry skin and skin with dark spots. Both companies provide standout targeted solutions, yet they differ fundamentally through their distinct heritage, core formulations, and primary skin-type affinities.
Medicube is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by APR Corp..
medicubereviews.co.ukglossy.co
Kiehl's is an American skincare brand founded in 1851 and owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 2000.
This page compares some of the most popular Medicube and Kiehl's products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Medicube vs Kiehl's products
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Ultra Facial Cream
SAR 120.00
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Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
SAR 130.50
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Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
SAR 349.81
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Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
SAR 322.96
-
Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
SAR 361.00
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Midnight Recovery Concentrate
SAR 786.00
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Better Screen UV Serum
SAR 219.15
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Super Multi-Corrective Cream
SAR 449.90
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”
- “Keeps skin moisturized for 24+ hours — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “Feels like a drink of water — Kiehl's Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate”
Miscellaneous Positive Attributes Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “dries super fast — Medicube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask”
- “active breakouts look less inflamed — Medicube Red Succinic Acid Peeling Pad”
- “skin feels incredibly soft afterwards — Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque”
- “perfect for retinol newbies — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
Smooth Skin Texture Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “gives my skin a smooth, glass-like finish — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
- “skin feels smoother — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
- “leaves skin feeling silky — Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate”
- “skin feels smoother — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
Gentle and Sensitive Formula Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “experienced zero irritation — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
- “fragrance-free — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “doesn't irritate sensitive eyes — Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado”
- “Did not cause any irritation — Medicube Red Foam Cleanser”
Lightweight Texture Not notedOften Mentioned
- “feels like nothing — Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum”
- “works on dark skin — Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum”
- “absorbs instantly without residue — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream”
Glow and Radiance Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “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”
- “woke up glowing — Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate”
High Price and Value 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”
- “pricy daily staple — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
Sticky or Greasy Residue Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “oil slick in summer — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “too radiant for oily skin — Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum”
- “leaves a tacky film — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream”
- “hair sticks to my face — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
Packaging and Application Issues Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “messy — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
- “lifted around the nose/eyes — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
- “dipping fingers is unsanitary — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “hard to spread — Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado”
Breakouts and Acne Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “caused redness and sensitivity — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
- “woke up with whiteheads — Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask”
- “caused cystic acne — Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate”
- “cystic acne for some — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
Medicube vs Kiehl's 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
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 117.99
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
-
Cleansing Toner
Zero Pore Pad
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
One Day Exosome Shot 2000
Evening · Once a week
SAR 34.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Deep Peptide Radiance Mask
Once a week
SAR 120.88
-
Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 241.34
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning
SAR 275.00
-
Moisturizer
Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 460.35
-
SPF
Better Screen UV Serum
Morning
SAR 219.15
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 365.61
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
-
Serum or Treatment
Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
SAR 310.86
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
Buy Medicube routine · SAR 698.98 · 86% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · SAR 2,309.98 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Medicube vs Kiehl's 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
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 241.34
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 275.00
-
Moisturizer
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 153.00
-
SPF
Ultra Facial Cream
Morning
SAR 120.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 365.61
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
Evening · Once a week
SAR 349.81
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
Once a week
SAR 322.96
Buy Medicube routine · SAR 806.40 · 88% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · SAR 2,172.23 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Medicube vs Kiehl's routines for combination skin
-
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
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 241.34
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 275.00
-
Moisturizer
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 153.00
-
SPF
Better Screen UV Serum
Morning
SAR 219.15
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 365.61
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
Evening · Once a week
SAR 349.81
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
Once a week
SAR 322.96
Buy Medicube routine · SAR 806.40 · 88% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · SAR 2,149.18 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Medicube or Kiehl's: which is better?
Both brands offer comparable performance across most skin types, but Medicube is a better fit for acne-prone skin with a High routine fit compared to Kiehl's Average fit. Medicube focuses on oily, acne-prone, and combination skin types with key ingredients like Niacinamide, while Kiehl's centers on dry skin, dark spots, and combination skin using Glycerin and Vitamin C.
What is the difference between Medicube and Kiehl's?
Medicube and Kiehl's are both well-rounded skincare brands, but Medicube achieves a High routine fit for acne-prone skin compared to Kiehl's Average fit. Kiehl's is noted by reviewers for being gentler on sensitive skin, whereas Medicube is favored for providing more glow and radiance.
Medicube or Kiehl's for dry skin?
Both Medicube and Kiehl's offer a High routine fit for dry skin. The products on this page help deliver deep hydration and moisture through key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and emollients.
Medicube or Kiehl's: which cleanser is better?
Medicube and Kiehl's are both great options, as the products on this page show high fit levels for cleansers across multiple skin types like oily and acne-prone skin. Reviewers note that Medicube cleansers offer deep hydration while Kiehl's provides gentle and sensitive formulas.
Which is more affordable, Medicube or Kiehl's?
Medicube does better than Kiehl's when it comes to high price and value, making the products on this page generally more affordable.
Medicube or Kiehl's: which brand is better for mature skin?
Both Medicube and Kiehl's achieve a High routine fit for mature skin among the products on this page. Reviewers note that Medicube delivers a radiant glow, while Kiehl's offers lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers and gentle serums.
Medicube or Kiehl's: which brand is better for treating skin with dark spots?
Both Medicube and Kiehl's offer products on this page that achieve a High routine fit for skin with dark spots. Medicube is especially noted for glow and radiance, while Kiehl's is often recognized for brightening and fading dark spots.
Medicube or Kiehl's: which brand offers better options for dry sensitive skin?
Both Medicube and Kiehl's offer High routine fit for dry sensitive skin on the products on this page. Reviewers note that Medicube helps provide deep hydration with moisturizers, while Kiehl's is noted for gentle and sensitive formulas.
Medicube or Kiehl's for oily skin?
Both Medicube and Kiehl's offer a High routine fit for oily skin, making them equally suitable options. Kiehl's features standout products for this skin type like the Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner and Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser, which earn a Superior fit level.
Medicube or Kiehl's: which moisturizer is better?
Medicube offers superior moisturizers for mature skin and dry skin, while Kiehl's provides lighter, non-greasy moisturizing options across its range. Both brands feature high-fitting moisturizers for various skin types, though Kiehl's is often noted for a greasy or heavy residue.
Medicube or Kiehl's for sensitive skin?
Both Medicube and Kiehl's achieve a High Lovi fit level for sensitive skin, but Kiehl's is noted by reviewers for being gentler overall.
Medicube or Kiehl's for acne-prone skin?
Medicube offers a High routine fit for acne-prone skin, whereas Kiehl's provides an Average fit. The products on this page for Medicube feature key ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid that help control blemishes and support smoother skin texture.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Topical menthol--a human model for cold pain by activation and sensitization of C nociceptors
Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Psychophysical study of the effects of topical application of menthol in healthy volunteers
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Panax ginseng induces human Type I collagen synthesis through activation of Smad signaling
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function
Calendula extract: effects on mechanical parameters 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
Natural Arctium lappa fruit extract improves the clinical signs of aging skin
Preparation and evaluation of anti-wrinkle cream containing saffron extract and avocado oil
In vitro and in vivo anti-allergic effects of Arctium lappa L
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
The evaluation of aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion for photodamage
Skin barrier changes induced by aluminum oxide and sodium chloride microdermabrasion
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
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
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
Clinical and histologic changes determine optimal treatment regimens for microdermabrasion
Anti-Aging Efficacy of Low-Molecular-Weight Polydeoxyribonucleotide Derived from Paeonia lactiflora
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Clinical Assessment of a Novel Jasmonate Cosmeceutical, LR2412-Cx, for the Treatment of Skin Aging
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
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
-

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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