Medicube’s viral toner pads lead NBC Selected’s K-beauty test
NBC Selected editors tested dozens of Medicube products over four months, naming toner pads, serums, SPF and body care among the standouts.
By Sal Moretti · Money Reporter
3 min read
Medicube’s TikTok-famous toner pads came out on top after NBC Selected editors spent four months trying dozens of products from the Korean beauty brand.
The shopping team said Medicube has built social media heat in recent years around a “glass skin” look, with its toner pads and collagen cream among the products people discuss most online. Editors tested items across skin care categories including cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, sunscreen, face masks and body wash.
NBC Selected says it independently chooses what to cover and recommend, and may earn a commission when readers buy through its links.
The quick-hit winners
In NBC Selected’s roundup, the Medicube Zero Pore Clear Blue Capsule Facial Deep Cleanser was named the best cleanser. The Zero Pore Pad 2.0 took best toner, while the PDRN Pink Peptide Serum was picked as best serum.
The team also named the Collagen Night Wrapping Face Mask as the top face mask, Collagen Jelly Cream as the best moisturizer, Collagen Glow Sunscreen SPF 50 as the best sunscreen and Red Body Wash as the best body wash.
Listed Amazon prices in the NBC Selected roundup included $14.90 for the cleanser, $18.90 for the Zero Pore Pad 2.0, $9.90 for the Collagen Jelly Cream, $13 for the SPF 50 sunscreen and $9.90 for the Red Body Wash.
Why the toner pads got the spotlight
The Zero Pore Pad 2.0 was the shared favorite among the editors cited by NBC Selected. The pads are dual-sided, with one textured face meant for exfoliation and a softer side intended to hydrate and calm skin.
NBC Selected senior editor Nikki Brown said she tried the product after repeatedly seeing it online. Brown, who said she sometimes gets hormonal acne, reported that using the pads twice a day for several days appeared to help her skin recover faster. She also said the textured side did not cause burning during or after use.
NBC Selected reporter Zoe Malin said she used the pads every other night for roughly six months and saw softer, smoother skin, along with a visible change in the look of pores in her T-zone. The product was listed with 26,380 Amazon reviews and prices of $18.90 at Amazon, $20.99 at Target and $21 at Ulta.
Other pads editors liked
NBC Selected also highlighted the Red Succinic Acid Peeling Pad, which combines succinic, salicylic and glycolic acids. The roundup said editors found the pads gentle on sensitive, acne-prone skin. NBC Selected intern Lily Stern said she noticed less redness around her cheeks and chin after adding them to her nighttime routine.
The Deep Vita Pads earned praise from NBC Selected editorial operations associate Jem Alabi, who said the niacinamide made them moisturizing and the vitamin C helped with the look of sun spots and hyperpigmentation. Alabi also noted that the 70-pad container can last for months, but should be closed tightly to prevent drying or leaking.
For the PDRN Pink Collagen Toning Gel Toner Pad, NBC Selected said its editors liked Medicube’s PDRN line for a brightening, plumping and gentle feel. Stern said the gel pads work almost like small sheet masks and helped calm some inflamed acne at night while leaving a cooling sensation after the serum dried.
The roundup noted that PDRN, or polydeoxyribonucleotide, is derived from salmon DNA and is used in skin care for tone, barrier support and collagen-related claims.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.