Medicube vs Avène
Medicube and Avène are skincare brands that offer thoughtful moisturizers, serums, toners, masks, sunscreens, and cleansers. The Korean brand is known for utilizing niacinamide, collagen, and hyaluronic acid to suit dry skin and oily acne-prone skin best, while the French brand relies on glycerin to suit oily acne-prone skin and combination skin best. They differ primarily in their founding origins, proprietary ingredient blends, and specific targeted treatments for concerns like dark spots, aging, and hydration.
Medicube is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by APR Corp..
medicubereviews.co.ukglossy.co
Avène is a French skincare brand founded in 1990 and owned by Fondation Pierre Fabre.
pierre-fabre.comavene.co.ukaveneusa.com
This page compares some of the most popular Medicube and Avène products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Medicube vs Avène products
People Say
Soothing and Gentle Formulation Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Calmed my angry red skin overnight — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “leaves face clean but not dry — Avène Cleanance”
- “Nothing has ever worked to soothe or heal my skin like these before. — Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm”
- “refreshing sensation — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedOften 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”
- “Restores moisture barrier — Avène Cold Cream”
Skin Texture and Smoothing 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”
- “I've noticed a definite improvement in the fine lines around my eyes — Avène RetrinAL EYES”
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”
- “Dark spots go away faster — Medicube Deep Vita C Pad”
- “immediate radiance boost — Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum”
Pores and Oil Control Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Pores drastically reduced — Medicube Zero Foam Cleanser”
- “noticed a real difference in pore visibility — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
- “Keeps me matte for hours — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
- “keeps skin matte — Avène Cleanance”
Breakouts and Irritation Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “caused redness and sensitivity — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
- “woke up with whiteheads — Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask”
- “Woke up with tiny whiteheads all over — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “Caused small bumps/texture — Avène Soothing Radiance Mask”
Strong Fragrance and Scent Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “slightly fishy smell — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
- “smells like old lady perfume — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
- “The fragrance is very present. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
- “smell is too strong — Avène Cleanance”
Sticky and Greasy Residue Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Leaves a greasy film — Avène Cold Cream”
- “sticky kinda feeling — Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum”
- “too shiny — Avène Hydrance+”
- “hair sticks to my face — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
Packaging and Quantity Issues Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Tube cracked on the side — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “Cap leaks in bag — Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel”
- “Good product bad packaging. — Avène RetrinAL EYES”
- “tube is tiny for the price — Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask”
Product Ineffectiveness and Separation Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “didn't remove deep blackheads — Medicube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask”
- “didn't notice any pore improvements — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
- “didn't feel much help — Medicube Red Succinic Acid Peeling Pad”
- “bring it back — Avène Antirougeurs Fort Relief Concentrate”
Medicube vs Avène routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Zero Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$25.74
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Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning
S$41.00
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$28.12
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SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
S$21.09
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
S$39.68
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Serum or Treatment
One Day Exosome Shot 2000
Evening · Once a week
S$30.69
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Nourishing Mask
Deep Peptide Radiance Mask
Once a week
S$3.85
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Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$27.51
-
Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
S$41.07
-
Moisturizer
Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$50.68
-
SPF
Cleanance
Morning
S$27.51
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
S$39.68
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$63.44
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Collagen Essential Mask
Once a week
S$62.94
Buy Medicube routine · S$127.51 · 91% fit
Buy Avène routine · S$285.32 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Medicube vs Avène routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Red Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$47.21
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$41.00
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$28.12
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
-
Cleansing Toner
Zero Pore Pad
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Cleansing Mask
Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask
Once a week
S$25.68
-
Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$27.51
-
Hydrating Toner
TROIAREUKE H+Cocktail Purifying Ampoule Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$168.51
-
Moisturizer
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$26.35
-
SPF
Cleanance
Morning
S$27.51
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$63.44
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
Buy Medicube routine · S$223.62 · 87% fit
Buy Avène routine · S$455.29 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Medicube vs Avène routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$27.51
-
Hydrating Toner
Whamisa Organic Flowers Toner Deep Rich
Morning · Once a week
S$64.81
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$58.98
-
SPF
Cleanance
Morning
S$27.51
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$63.44
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
-
Cleanser
Red Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$47.21
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$41.00
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$28.12
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$70.21
-
Cleansing Toner
Zero Pore Pad
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Cleansing Mask
Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask
Once a week
S$25.68
Buy Avène routine · S$410.57 · 90% fit
Buy Medicube routine · S$223.62 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Medicube or Avène: which is better?
Medicube is better for hydration and glowing skin texture, while Avène is better for soothing sensitive skin and non-stripping cleansers. The products on this page help improve skin quality and manage signs of aging through ingredients like collagen and niacinamide.
Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, 2022The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
What is the difference between Medicube and Avène?
Medicube offers superior hydration and glow with a wider variety of active-focused serums, while Avène is known for gentler, fragrance-conscious care built around thermal spring water. For dry sensitive skin, Lovi rates Medicube High and Avène Average.
Medicube or Avène for dry skin?
Medicube is a better fit for dry skin, achieving a Superior routine fit compared to Avène's High fit level. The products on this page from Medicube feature hydrating key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and collagen that help improve skin moisture and elasticity.
Dermatologic Therapy, 2022Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, 2022
Medicube or Avène: which cleanser is better?
Medicube is a better option for most skin types on this page, as its cleansers like the Zero Foam Cleanser achieve a Superior fit for dry skin and High fits across almost all other categories. Avène also offers gentle cleansers such as the Milk Cleanser, but certain products like the Cleanance Cleansing Gel may carry warnings or caution ratings for dry and sensitive skin.
Which is more affordable, Medicube or Avène?
Reviewers note that Medicube products on this page often come with small quantity and pricing issues, while Avène reviewers mention price point concerns. Lovi fit and review themes do not declare one brand as universally more affordable than the other.
Which brand has a higher percentage of fragrance-free products, Medicube or Avène?
Medicube has a higher percentage of fragrance-free products than Avène, since 23 of 25 Medicube products on this page list no fragrance compared to only 7 of 15 Avène products.
How do the routines for dry skin compare between Medicube and Avène in terms of routine fit level?
For dry skin, Lovi rates the Medicube routine as Superior and the Avène routine as High. Medicube relies on deep hydration moisturizers, while Avène uses gentle and non-stripping sunscreens.
Which brand performs better for soothing and gentle formulation according to review themes?
According to the review themes on this page, Avène performs better than Medicube for soothing and gentle formulation.
Medicube or Avène for oily skin?
For oily skin, both Medicube and Avène are good options, as Lovi rates their routines as High. Reviewers note that Medicube helps with hydration and glowing skin, while Avène helps provide gentle deep-cleaning cleansers.
Medicube or Avène: which moisturizer is better?
Medicube offers superior deep hydration moisturizers, while Avène is known for gentle and non-stripping formulations. Medicube utilizes key ingredients like collagen and niacinamide, which help improve skin elasticity and moisture levels.
Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, 2022The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
Medicube or Avène for sensitive skin?
Both Medicube and Avène are good options, as Lovi rates both brands as High for sensitive skin. Medicube provides deep hydration and a radiant glow, while Avène is especially known for its gentle, non-stripping cleansers and for soothing irritation.
Medicube or Avène for acne-prone skin?
Medicube is a solid choice for acne-prone skin, where Lovi rates the routine as High. Avène also works well for acne-prone skin, earning a Superior routine fit on the page.
Research behind their key ingredients
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
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
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
An oil-soluble extract of Rubus idaeus cells enhances hydration and water homeostasis in skin cells
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Comparative benefit of two thermal spring waters after photodynamic therapy procedure
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
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
Anti-Aging Efficacy of Low-Molecular-Weight Polydeoxyribonucleotide Derived from Paeonia lactiflora
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
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
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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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