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Shop Medicube Zero Pore One-day Serum
Serum
Medicube

Zero Pore One-day Serum

~$29· 30ml / 1.01 fl ozPM only
Visible poresAcneUneven textureRadiance

What it's good for

Key actives from our research database. Click any to read the full evidence dossier.

  • PHAModerate evidenceFull dossier ↗

    The mildest exfoliating acid. Refines texture and hydrates at the same time, and it's sensitive-skin friendly.

    Good for: Exfoliating, Hydrating

  • Salicylic AcidStrong evidenceFull dossier ↗

    Goes into your pores and dissolves the oil and dead skin clogging them. Best for blackheads, whiteheads, and oily, acne-prone skin.

    Good for: Anti-acne, Exfoliating

  • Glycolic AcidStrong evidenceFull dossier ↗

    Exfoliates the surface of your skin to smooth rough texture and fade dullness. The strongest of the AHAs, so start slow.

    Good for: Exfoliating

  • Lactic AcidStrong evidenceFull dossier ↗

    A gentler exfoliator that also hydrates as it works. Good entry point if you have sensitive skin and want to try acids.

    Good for: Exfoliating, Hydrating

  • NiacinamideStrong evidenceFull dossier ↗

    A multitasker that calms redness, evens out skin tone, and helps oily skin balance out. One of the safest do-a-little-of-everything ingredients.

    Good for: Brightening, Barrier repair, Anti-inflammatory

  • Hyaluronic AcidStrong evidenceFull dossier ↗

    A pure hydrator that holds water in your skin. Makes skin look plumper and smoother almost immediately.

    Good for: Hydrating

  • Centella AsiaticaModerate evidenceFull dossier ↗

    Also called "cica," it calms redness, repairs the skin barrier, and speeds up recovery. The go-to for irritated or reactive skin.

    Good for: Anti-inflammatory, Barrier repair

  • MadecassosideModerate evidenceFull dossier ↗

    A purified compound from the cica (centella) plant, laser-focused on calming inflammation and speeding up how fast skin recovers.

    Good for: Anti-inflammatory, Barrier repair

  • AllantoinAnecdotal evidenceFull dossier ↗

    A gentle smoother and skin-soother. Reduces flakiness and helps the surface look more even.

    Good for: Anti-inflammatory, Hydrating

  • AdenosineModerate evidenceFull dossier ↗

    A Korean-approved anti-wrinkle ingredient that encourages collagen production for a smoother, firmer look.

    Good for: Anti-aging

New to this? Patch test on your inner arm for 24 to 48 hours before applying to your face. If you have sensitive skin or rosacea, start 2 to 3 times per week and build up slowly.

Evidence behind the ingredients

Real citations from our research database, one per tracked active in this product. Click any ingredient name to read its full evidence dossier.

PHAModerate evidence5 citations

The mildest exfoliating acid. Refines texture and hydrates at the same time, and it's sensitive-skin friendly.

Peng Y et al., Comparison of Efficacy and Willingness to a 5% Gluconolactone-Based Topical Serum and Intense Pulsed Light in Mild Erythema of Rosacea: A Paired Control Study, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(3):e70025 — 5% gluconolactone serum improved erythema and moisturization over 30 days

2025Positive (efficacy)PMID:40111222View source ↗

Kantikosum K et al., The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris, Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology 2019;12:151-161 — gluconolactone cosmeceutical added benefit on top of adapalene without hindering treatment

2019Positive (efficacy)PMID:30858720View source ↗

Edison BL et al., A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimen, Cutis 2004;73(2 Suppl):14-17 — 12-week PHA regimen matched AHA antiaging benefits with significantly less stinging/burning

2004Positive (efficacy)PMID:15002657View source ↗
Salicylic AcidStrong evidence9 citations

Goes into your pores and dissolves the oil and dead skin clogging them. Best for blackheads, whiteheads, and oily, acne-prone skin.

Liu Y et al., Clinical Efficacy of a Salicylic Acid-Containing Gel on Acne Management and Skin Barrier Function: A 21-Day Prospective Study, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(7):e70353 — salicylic acid gel reduced acne lesions, regulated sebum, improved hydration and barrier function

2025Positive (efficacy)PMID:40682377View source ↗

Ye R et al., 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel vs. adapalene gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: multicenter, randomized, evaluator-blind, parallel-controlled trial, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2024;23(6):2125-2134 — 2% SSA hydrogel was equally effective as adapalene gel for mild-to-moderate acne

2024Positive (efficacy)PMID:38590107View source ↗

Brumley C et al. Allergic contact dermatitis to salicylic acid: A case series of relevant sensitization. Contact Dermatitis. 2024;91(2):133-138. doi:10.1111/cod.14573 — Case series of 489 patch-tested patients (2020-2024): 21 positive reactions to salicylic acid. Documents that ACD to SA is likely underreported; testing at 5% concentration feasible.

2024Safety assessmentPMID:38686774View source ↗
Glycolic AcidStrong evidence6 citations

Exfoliates the surface of your skin to smooth rough texture and fade dullness. The strongest of the AHAs, so start slow.

Liu H et al., Topical agents for acne (covers AHA / fruit-acid arm), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2020;5:CD011368 — conclusion: clinical benefit is unclear

2020Meta-analysis (mixed)PMID:32356369View source ↗

Sarkar R et al., Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy and Tolerability of Glycolic Acid, Salicylic-Mandelic Acid, and Phytic Acid Combination Peels in Melasma, Dermatologic Surgery 2016;42(3):384-391 — 35% glycolic acid and salicylic-mandelic peels equally effective and safe for melasma in Indian skin

2016Positive (efficacy)PMID:26859648View source ↗

Kubiak M et al., Evaluation of 70% glycolic peels versus 15% trichloroacetic peels for the treatment of photodamaged facial skin in aging women, Dermatologic Surgery 2014;40(8):883-891 — both peels improved photodamaged skin; glycolic acid showed faster hydration recovery

2014Positive (efficacy)PMID:25068547View source ↗
+7 more ingredients
Lactic AcidStrong evidence5 citations

A gentler exfoliator that also hydrates as it works. Good entry point if you have sensitive skin and want to try acids.

Fanning N et al., Treatment of mild-to-moderate facial cutaneous aging using a combination peel containing 6% trichloroacetic acid and 12% lactic acid, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2023;22(11):3033-3041 — three monthly peels significantly improved clarity, pigmentation, fine lines, roughness in 32 subjects

2023Positive (efficacy)PMID:37227430View source ↗

Tang SC, Yang JH, Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin, Molecules 2018;23(4):863 — effect concentration-dependent

2018Positive (efficacy)PMID:29642579View source ↗

Babilas P et al., Cosmetic and dermatologic use of alpha hydroxy acids, JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft 2012 — supports AHAs including lactic acid for photoaging, pigmentation, and barrier effects

2012Meta-analysis (positive)PMID:22916351View source ↗
NiacinamideStrong evidence10 citations

A multitasker that calms redness, evens out skin tone, and helps oily skin balance out. One of the safest do-a-little-of-everything ingredients.

Moro F et al., Skin Cancer Prevention and Antiaging: Role of Nicotinamide, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2026

2026Mechanism onlyPMID:42278444View source ↗

Passeron T et al., An Investigator-Blinded, Randomized Trial of a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Containing Sclareolide and Niacinamide, Dermatology and Therapy (Heidelberg) 2026

2026Positive (efficacy)PMID:41240206View source ↗

Vergilio MM et al., Topical Formulation with Niacinamide Combined with 5 MHz Ultrasound for Improving Skin Ageing, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2025

2025Positive (efficacy)PMID:39171587View source ↗
Hyaluronic AcidStrong evidence7 citations

A pure hydrator that holds water in your skin. Makes skin look plumper and smoother almost immediately.

Karabat MU, Tuncer MC. Effects of hyaluronic acid on skin at the cellular level: a systematic review. Rev Assoc Med Bras. 2025;71(8):e20250208. — Systematic review of 45 studies found low-molecular-weight HA stimulates keratinocyte proliferation and migration while high-molecular-weight HA drives skin hydration, supporting topical HA as an effective skin-hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredient.

2025Meta-analysis (positive)PMID:40990743View source ↗

Bravo B et al., Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence, Dermatology and Therapy 2022;12(12):2657-2680 — HA-based cosmeceuticals reliably improve hydration and signs of skin aging

2022Meta-analysis (positive)PMID:36200921View source ↗

Lee SG et al., Hyaluronan Oligosaccharides Improve Rosacea-Like Phenotype through Anti-Inflammatory and Epidermal Barrier-Improving Effects, Annals of Dermatology 2020

2020Mechanism onlyPMID:33911737View source ↗
Centella AsiaticaModerate evidence6 citations

Also called "cica," it calms redness, repairs the skin barrier, and speeds up recovery. The go-to for irritated or reactive skin.

Hur N et al., A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Assessing the Effects of Oral Centella asiatica Extract on Skin Aging-Related Parameters in Middle-Aged Korean Women, Nutrients 2026

2026Positive (efficacy)PMID:42196964View source ↗

Borowicz KK et al., Geroprotective Potential of Centella asiatica: Modulation of Cellular Aging, Nutrients 2026

2026Mechanism onlyPMID:42280293View source ↗

Witkowska K et al., Topical Application of Centella asiatica in Wound Healing: Recent Insights into Mechanisms and Clinical Efficacy, Pharmaceutics 2024;16(10):1252 — modern hydrogel and nanostructured Centella delivery systems accelerate wound healing across wound types

2024Meta-analysis (positive)PMID:39458583View source ↗
MadecassosideModerate evidence6 citations

A purified compound from the cica (centella) plant, laser-focused on calming inflammation and speeding up how fast skin recovers.

Liu L et al., Madecassoside Attenuated UVB Irradiation-Induced Skin Ferroptosis by Targeting POR, Phytomedicine 2026

2026Mechanism onlyPMID:41421280View source ↗

Bandopadhyay S et al., Therapeutic properties and pharmacological activities of asiaticoside and madecassoside: A review, Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine 2023;27(5):593-608 — comprehensive review of wound-healing, anti-inflammatory and regenerative activity

2023Meta-analysis (positive)PMID:36756687View source ↗

Park KS, Pharmacological Effects of Centella asiatica on Skin Diseases: Evidence and Possible Mechanisms, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2021;2021:5462633 — KR-authored review of triterpenes including madecassoside

2021Meta-analysis (positive)PMID:34845411View source ↗
AllantoinAnecdotal evidence6 citations

A gentle smoother and skin-soother. Reduces flakiness and helps the surface look more even.

Xu Z et al., Efficacy and Safety of Topical Compound Heparin Sodium Allantoin Gel for the Treatment of Rosacea, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(4):e70129 — RCT (n=82, 12 weeks): allantoin gel improved erythema and alleviated itching/burning vs traditional therapy

2025Positive (efficacy)PMID:40177799View source ↗

Tan C et al., The combination of allantoin, bisabolol, D-panthenol and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate mitigates UVB-induced PGE2 synthesis by keratinocytes, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2024;46(5):691-701 — in vitro: allantoin combination reduced UVB-induced PGE2, IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα

2024Mechanism onlyPMID:38433250View source ↗

Saucedo-Acuna RA et al. (Mexico), Characterization and In Vivo Assay of Allantoin-Enriched Pectin Hydrogel for the Treatment of Skin Wounds, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2023;24(8):7377 — allantoin-pectin hydrogel reduced wound healing time by ~71% with complete closure at day 15 in rat model

2023Mechanism onlyPMID:37108540View source ↗
AdenosineModerate evidence6 citations

A Korean-approved anti-wrinkle ingredient that encourages collagen production for a smoother, firmer look.

Yang HJ et al., Two-phase delivery using a horse oil and adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patch for skin barrier restoration, moisturization, and wrinkle improvement, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2019;18(3):936-943 — Korean clinical study (n=20): adenosine microneedle patches improved elasticity, hydration, dermal density, wrinkles

2019Positive (efficacy)PMID:30160014View source ↗

Kang G et al., Adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches to improve skin wrinkles, dermal density, elasticity and hydration, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2018;40(2):199-206 — Korean-authored; adenosine microneedle patches matched or exceeded adenosine cream for multiple endpoints

2018Positive (efficacy)PMID:29574973View source ↗

Kim MY et al., Effect of adenosine on melanogenesis in B16 cells and zebrafish, Annals of Dermatology 2014;26(2):209-13 — adenosine suppresses pigmentation via negative regulation of tyrosinase in cellular and zebrafish models

2014Mechanism onlyPMID:24882976View source ↗

Sources: 10 clinical journals and regulatory databases across the US, EU, Korea, Japan, and China. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for the full list and what each outcome label means.

Full ingredient list

Everything on the package label, not just the tracked actives above.

Fragrance freeDrying alcohol freeSulfates freeParabens free
  • Contains silicones: DimethiconeNo irritancy evidence. CIR rates this safe as used; some shoppers avoid it by preference.
+Show all 42 ingredients

Listed in the order printed on the package. By regulation, ingredients at 1% or higher are listed in descending order by concentration, so the first entry is the largest part of the formula.

  1. Water(Aqua)
  2. Gluconolactone
  3. Methylpropanediol
  4. Glycerin
  5. Propanediol
  6. Tromethamine
  7. Polyglycerin-3
  8. Niacinamide
  9. 1,2-Hexanediol
  10. Citric Acid
  11. Dimethicone
  12. Butylene Glycol
  13. C12-14 Pareth-12
  14. Hydroxyethylcellulose
  15. Salicylic Acid
  16. Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/​VP Copolymer
  17. Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
  18. Lecithin
  19. Allantoin
  20. Lactic Acid
  21. Glycolic Acid
  22. Ethylhexylglycerin
  23. Adenosine
  24. Dextrin
  25. Indigofera Tinctoria Extract
  26. Sodium Hyaluronate
  27. Hyaluronic Acid
  28. Sodium Citrate
  29. Hemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract
  30. Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract
  31. Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
  32. Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
  33. Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
  34. Trisodium Phosphate
  35. Myosotis Sylvatica Flower/​Leaf/​Stem Extract
  36. Pentylene Glycol
  37. Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
  38. Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
  39. Centella Asiatica Extract
  40. Madecassoside
  41. Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
  42. Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion) Leaf Extract

Layering conflicts

Ingredients in this product that can react with common actives. Avoid stacking unless noted.

  • Retinol + salicylic acid can over-exfoliate and damage the barrier. Alternate nights.

  • Tretinoin + salicylic acid — major irritation risk. Strict separation required.

  • Adapalenemedium

    Adapalene + glycolic acid can over-exfoliate. Alternate nights.

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Not medical advice. GlowPal is educational. Patch-test new products and talk to a qualified healthcare professional before changing your routine, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or have a diagnosed skin condition. See our terms.