Medicube vs Shiseido
Medicube and Shiseido are prominent skincare brands from Korea and Japan, respectively. The first brand offers moisturizers, serums, toners, and masks featuring niacinamide, collagen, and hyaluronic acid, while the second brand provides moisturizers, cleansers, sunscreens, and serums utilizing glycerin. Both brands suit oily or mature skin types, yet they differ because the Korean brand targets excess sebum and acne-prone skin, whereas the Japanese brand focuses on gentle daily care for sensitive and mature skin.
Medicube is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by APR Corp..
medicubereviews.co.ukglossy.co
Shiseido is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1872 and owned by Shiseido Company, Limited.
corp.shiseido.comen.wikipedia.orgmarketscreener.com
This page compares some of the most popular Medicube and Shiseido products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Medicube vs Shiseido products
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Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream
SAR 593.00
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Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
SAR 657.78
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VITAL PERFECTION
SAR 466.72
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Clarifying Cleansing Foam
SAR 226.20
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Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
SAR 282.50
- Activating Essence
- FUTURE SOLUTION LX
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Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizing Cream
SAR 631.45
People Say
Deep hydration and moisturization Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Immediate sensation of comfort — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “skin feels plump, soft and nourished, eliminates dryness, bouncy feel — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
- “Skin feels more hydrated — Shiseido Activating Essence”
- “skin feels bouncier and hydrated — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
Radiant glow and brightening Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “gave me instant glass skin — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
- “woke up with glowing skin — Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask”
- “Skin looks brighter, more radiant, and "glowy." — Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate”
- “faded pimple marks — Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Gel Cream”
Skin texture and smoothness Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “gives my skin a smooth, glass-like finish — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
- “skin feels smoother — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
- “skin feels baby soft — Medicube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask”
- “smoothes rough skin — Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence”
Luxurious texture and feel Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “silky smooth, rich but non-greasy, absorbs quickly, melts into skin — Shiseido VITAL PERFECTION”
- “Velvety, rich cream texture — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “Velvety texture — Shiseido FUTURE SOLUTION LX”
- “Rich but absorbs well — Medicube TRIPLE COLLAGEN CREAM”
Convenient packaging and application Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “tweezers included are hygienic — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
- “perfect slip for my device — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
- “keeps my skincare in place — Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask”
- “Great base for makeup — Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream”
Pore care 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 squeaky clean — Shiseido Clarifying Cleansing Foam”
Small quantity and high price 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”
- “Very expensive for the size — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
Strong fragrance and scent issues Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “slightly fishy smell — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
- “smells like old lady perfume — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
- “Scent is overpowering — Medicube TRIPLE COLLAGEN CREAM”
- “old lady smell — Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence”
Sticky or heavy residue Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Stays tacky and shiny — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “feels a bit oily — Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream Enriched”
- “slightly tacky — Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence”
- “hair sticks to my face — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
Medicube vs Shiseido routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Zero Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 40.90
-
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
-
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
-
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
Extra Rich Cleansing Milk
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 307.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
Morning
SAR 386.76
-
Moisturizer
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 282.50
-
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
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
-
Serum or Treatment
Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
SAR 657.78
-
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 Shiseido routine · SAR 2,211.82 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Medicube vs Shiseido 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
Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 202.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
Morning · Once a week
SAR 386.76
-
Moisturizer
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 282.50
-
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
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
SAR 657.78
-
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 Shiseido routine · SAR 2,494.74 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Medicube vs Shiseido 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
Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 202.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
Morning · Once a week
SAR 386.76
-
Moisturizer
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 282.50
-
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
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
SAR 657.78
-
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 Shiseido routine · SAR 2,213.02 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Medicube or Shiseido: which is better?
Both Medicube and Shiseido offer great options, as their routines provide equal fit levels across all skin types. Reviewers note that Medicube excels in pore care and skin texture, while Shiseido stands out for deep hydration and luxurious textures.
What is the difference between Medicube and Shiseido?
Medicube is a South Korean brand focused on pore care, skin texture, and convenient packaging, while Shiseido is a Japanese brand known for luxurious textures, deep hydration, and efficient cleansers. Both brands offer products on this page that achieve equal high routine fit levels across all skin types.
Medicube or Shiseido for dry skin?
Medicube and Shiseido both fit dry skin at a High routine level, so either brand helps provide good care. Medicube stands out for skin texture and smoothness, while Shiseido does better for deep hydration and moisturization.
Medicube or Shiseido: which cleanser is better?
Medicube does better for pore care and cleansing among the products on this page. Shiseido also offers deep-cleansing and efficient cleansers with luxurious textures, though Medicube excels specifically in pore care.
Which is more affordable, Medicube or Shiseido?
Medicube is generally more affordable than Shiseido, as Shiseido reviews frequently highlight a high price point across its products.
Medicube or Shiseido: which has better options for pore care and cleansing?
Medicube has better options for pore care and cleansing, as the products on this page outperform Shiseido in that review category.
Which brand has more fragrance-free products, Medicube or Shiseido?
Medicube has more fragrance-free products than Shiseido, with 23 out of 25 products on this page listing no fragrance compared to only 5 out of 20 for Shiseido.
Medicube or Shiseido: which is better for improving skin texture and smoothness?
Medicube is better for improving skin texture and smoothness according to the review themes on this page. The products on this page help deliver smoother skin texture through active ingredients like niacinamide and retinol.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
Medicube or Shiseido for oily skin?
Both Medicube and Shiseido offer a High routine fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that Medicube does better for pore care and cleansing, while Shiseido provides deep hydration.
Medicube or Shiseido: which moisturizer is better?
Both Medicube and Shiseido offer highly rated moisturizers on the products on this page, but they cater to different preferences. Medicube is often noted for deep hydration and convenient packaging, while Shiseido is frequently praised for luxurious textures and firming benefits.
Medicube or Shiseido for sensitive skin?
Both Medicube and Shiseido offer a High routine fit for sensitive skin. Medicube stands out for skin texture, smoothness, and pore care, while Shiseido provides luxurious textures and deep hydration, though most Shiseido products contain fragrance whereas almost all Medicube products are fragrance-free.
Medicube or Shiseido for acne-prone skin?
Both Medicube and Shiseido offer a High routine fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. Reviewers note that Medicube helps with pore care and cleansing, while Shiseido is often mentioned for deep hydration.
Research behind their key ingredients
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Psychophysical study of the effects of topical application of menthol in healthy volunteers
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
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
Another Reason for Using Caffeine in Dermocosmetics: Sunscreen Adjuvant
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
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Anatomical site differences of sodium lauryl sulfate-induced irritation: randomized controlled trial
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Composition characterization and clinical efficacy study of a salmon egg extract
Transdermal Delivery of Baicalin Based on Bio-Vesicles and Its Efficacy in Antiaging of the Skin
Liposomal formulation of a vitamin C derivative: a promising strategy to increase skin permeability
Anti-Aging Efficacy of Low-Molecular-Weight Polydeoxyribonucleotide Derived from Paeonia lactiflora
New Chalcone-Derived Molecule for the Topical Regulation of Hyperpigmentation and Skin Aging
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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
-

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
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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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