Medicube vs Shiseido
Medicube and Shiseido are renowned Asian skincare brands celebrated for their thoughtful moisturizers, serums, and targeted treatments. Medicube, a 2016 Korean label, relies on niacinamide, collagen, and hyaluronic acid to best suit dry and oily acne-prone skin, whereas Shiseido, founded in Japan in 1872, utilizes glycerin to provide gentle daily care primarily for sensitive and mature skin. While the former focuses on balancing hydration and clarity through specialized gels, masks, and eye creams, the latter offers restorative softeners and creams designed to smooth wrinkles and enhance moisture. Ultimately, both labels differ in their heritage and key ingredients, yet each delivers profound results through meticulously formulated products.
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
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
£12.90
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Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning
£14.20
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Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£13.11
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SPF
Torriden DIVE-IN Mild Sunscreen
Morning
£22.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
£13.58
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Serum or Treatment
One Day Exosome Shot 2000
Evening · Once a week
£11.99
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Nourishing Mask
Deep Peptide Radiance Mask
Once a week
£17.00
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Cleanser
Clarifying Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£32.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
Morning
£61.41
-
Moisturizer
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£42.00
-
SPF
Torriden DIVE-IN Mild Sunscreen
Morning
£22.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
£13.58
-
Serum or Treatment
Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
£62.61
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
£17.00
Buy Medicube routine · £104.78 · 91% fit
Buy Shiseido routine · £251.59 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Medicube vs Shiseido routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Red Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£12.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning · Once a week
£14.20
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£13.11
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
£11.29
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£17.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Zero Pore Pad
Evening
£15.30
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask
Once a week
£14.00
-
Cleanser
Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£37.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
Morning · Once a week
£61.41
-
Moisturizer
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£42.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
£11.29
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£17.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
£29.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
£62.61
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
£61.99
Buy Medicube routine · £116.80 · 88% fit
Buy Shiseido routine · £342.29 · 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
£12.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning · Once a week
£14.20
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£13.11
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£23.92
-
Cleansing Toner
Zero Pore Pad
Evening
£15.30
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask
Once a week
£14.00
-
Cleanser
Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£37.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
Morning · Once a week
£61.41
-
Moisturizer
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£42.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£23.92
-
Cleansing Toner
REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
Evening
£30.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
£62.61
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
£19.00
Buy Medicube routine · £112.43 · 86% fit
Buy Shiseido routine · £296.92 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Medicube or Shiseido: which is better?
Medicube is better for skin texture and pore care on the products on this page, while Shiseido is better for deep hydration and luxurious textures. For dry skin specifically, Medicube has a Superior routine fit compared to Shiseido's Average fit.
What is the difference between Medicube and Shiseido?
Medicube products on this page are a better fit for dry skin with a Superior routine level, whereas Shiseido has an Average level for dry skin. Medicube tends to do better for skin texture and pore care, while Shiseido provides more luxurious textures and deep hydration.
Medicube or Shiseido for dry skin?
Medicube is a better fit for dry skin, where Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to Shiseido's Average. Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid help support moisture retention in dry skin types.
Medicube or Shiseido: which cleanser is better?
Medicube does better for pore care and cleansing among the products on this page. Reviewers note that Shiseido offers deep-cleansing and efficient cleansers with luxurious textures, but Medicube is specifically recognized for performing better in pore care and cleansing.
Which is more affordable, Medicube or Shiseido?
Medicube is generally more affordable than Shiseido, though reviewers note small quantities and pricing issues for Medicube and a high price point for Shiseido.
Medicube or Shiseido: which brand is better for mature skin?
Medicube or Shiseido: which has a stronger fragrance in its products?
Shiseido has a stronger fragrance in its products, as 15 of its 20 products on this page list fragrance compared to only 2 of Medicube's 25 products. Reviewers for Shiseido often mention strong fragrance and scent issues, while Medicube's products are largely fragrance-free.
Medicube or Shiseido: which brand provides better deep hydration?
Shiseido does better than Medicube for deep hydration and moisturization. Reviewers on the page frequently mention deep hydration as a strong point for Shiseido products.
Medicube or Shiseido for oily skin?
For oily skin, both Medicube and Shiseido fit well with a High level. Medicube is focused on pore care and cleansing, while Shiseido offers deep hydration and luxurious textures.
Medicube or Shiseido: which moisturizer is better?
Medicube offers superior dry skin routines for moisturizers compared to Shiseido, which has an average fit for dry skin. Reviewers note that Medicube moisturizers help provide deep hydration, though they may leave a sticky residue.
Medicube or Shiseido for sensitive skin?
Both Medicube and Shiseido achieve a High routine fit for sensitive skin. Medicube tends to offer better pore care and skin texture, while Shiseido provides more luxurious textures and deep hydration.
Medicube or Shiseido for acne-prone skin?
Medicube is a better fit for acne-prone skin, achieving a High routine fit level on this page compared to Shiseido's High fit level. The products on this page for Medicube feature pore care and cleansing as well as ingredients like salicylic acid that help manage breakouts.
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
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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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