Cosrx vs Medicube: Which anti-acne solutions work best?

Acne is one of the most common skin problems, but also one of the most complex: multiple causes, varying intensities, different sensitivities… Result: what works for some does not always work for others.
In kbeauty, two brands stand out particularly in the fight against imperfections: Cosrx , a pioneer in gentle exfoliating treatments, and Medicube , a specialist in targeted dermatological routines.
These two worlds have the same objective — to calm, purify, prevent — but they do not use the same strategies, ingredients or technologies.

In this article, we compare these two brands in depth, their key ingredients, their approaches, their strengths, their limitations, as well as the best products to choose according to your type of acne.
Objective: to help you determine which brand will be most effective for your skin.

1. Cosrx: Gentle and progressive effectiveness

Recognized worldwide for its simple yet ultra-effective formulations, it has become a benchmark for sensitive acne-prone skin.
The brand's philosophy is based on:

• minimalist but powerful ingredients
• a very controlled chemical exfoliation
• lightweight textures that respect the skin barrier
• accessible routines, easy to integrate into daily life

Key anti-acne ingredients

✔ AHA / BHA – the star exfoliants

She popularized the gentle use of acids in K-beauty:

• AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) to smooth, homogenize and accelerate cell renewal
• BHA (salicylic acid) to act inside the pores, dissolve sebum, and prevent blackheads and inflammatory pimples.

Their exfoliants are known for their exceptional tolerance , even when used several times a week.

✔ Pure salicylic acid (2%)

Present in several cleansers, it fights against clogged pores and inflammation.

✔ Centella Asiatica

She relies heavily on this soothing ingredient which helps:

• to reduce redness
• to soothe inflamed pimples
• to strengthen the skin barrier weakened by acne

✔ Snail mucin

An excellent repairing ingredient: scars, post-acne marks, spots… snail mucin allows for faster skin recovery.

2. The most effective products against acne

Here are the best-selling blemish-fighting products available in your store:

• BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

A must-have for blackheads and clogged pores.
It contains a natural BHA (salicylic acid derived from willow bark) which deeply cleanses pores without irritating.

• AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid

Ideal for:

• fighting microcysts
• smooth out irregularities
• improve brightness

• Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

A gentle cleanser with an acidic pH, perfect in the morning to control sebum without irritating.

• Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Essence

Essential for repairing skin, reducing marks and helping to heal faster.

• Centella Blemish Cream

A targeted soothing treatment to calm inflammation and reduce redness.

3. Medicube: ultra-targeted Korean dermacosmetics

Unlike Cosrx, it adopts a more clinical , more technical , and often more powerful approach.
The brand is particularly renowned for its solutions:

• anti-acne
• anti-marks
• anti-enlarged pores
• anti-blemish treatment for severe inflammatory conditions

She regularly collaborates with dermatologists and offers more concentrated, sometimes more aggressive, but very effective treatments for resistant acne.

Key anti-acne ingredients

✔ The combined AHA/BHA/PHA

It often combines several acids in the same formula for a specific action:

• exfoliating
• descaling
• purifying
• smoothing

✔ The tea tree

Natural antiseptic, ideal for reducing bacterial proliferation in inflammatory acne.

✔ Niacinamide

A superstar ingredient for:

• regulate sebum
• reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• strengthen the skin barrier

✔ Panthenol

It preserves hydration and counteracts the sometimes irritating effect of acids.

✔ Medicube's exclusive anti-blemish complexes

The brand uses patented blends such as:

• AC Cure Complex
• Zero Pore Complex

These formulas aim to act more deeply than conventional treatments.

4. Medicube's best anti-acne products

Here are their most effective treatments for imperfections:

• TXA Niacinamide 15 Serum

A highly concentrated niacinamide serum that tightens skin texture and reduces redness quickly.

• Red Erasing Cream

Targets persistent redness and post-acne spots thanks to niacinamide and panthenol.

• Red Foam Cleanser

Purifying cleanser for very oily skin or inflammatory acne.

• Zero Pore Pads

Daily exfoliating pads to smooth, mattify and prevent clogged pores.

• PDRN Pink Peptide Serum

A complete anti-aging serum that reduces visible inflammation and regulates sebum.

5. Which one should you choose depending on your type of acne?

The choice largely depends on the sensitivity level of your skin and the severity of your acne.

🟦 1. For sensitive or reactive skin → Cosrx

It's perfect for you if you're looking for:

✔ Gentle formulations
✔ Gradual exfoliants
✔ a respected skin barrier
✔ minimal irritation
✔ Products that are easy to integrate

Ideal for:

• mild acne
• blackheads
• microcysts
• post-acne marks
• skin that reacts easily

🟥 2. For moderate to severe acne → Medicube

It is a better option if:

✔ Your acne is inflammatory
✔ Your pores are very dilated
✔ Your sebum is difficult to control
✔ You're looking for quick results

Ideal for:

• inflammatory acne
• significant excess sebum
• very visible pores
• thick or non-sensitive skin

🟪 3. For combination skin → combine both

Yes, it's possible!
Example of a smart association:

• Good Morning Low pH Cleanser → to preserve the skin
• TXA Niacinamide 15 Serum → strong & targeted action
• Essence Snail → repair & hydrate

Cosrx soothes, Medicube treats deeply.

6. Direct comparison: Cosrx vs Medicube

7. How to choose between the two: the simple method

Step 1: Identify your type of imperfections

• Blackheads → Cosrx
• Inflamed pimples → Medicube
• Acne mark → Snail
• Very large pores → Zero Pore Pads
• Uneven texture → both depending on sensitivity

Step 2: Assess your skin tolerance

• Sensitive skin = Cosrx
• Robust skin = Medicube
• Combination skin = possible combination

Step 3: Start slowly

Always introduce:

• 1 exfoliant at a time
• Use 2-3 times/week initially
• Hydration and repair are essential.

8. Can they be used together?

Yes, but with limits .
Here is an example of a balanced anti-acne routine:

Morning :

1. Cosrx Cleaner
2. Soothing toner (Cosrx or other)
3. Essence Snail Cosrx
4. Cosrx or Medicube Light Cream
5. SPF

Evening :

1. Medicube Red Foam Cleanser (for oily skin)
2. Medicube exfoliating pads 2-3 times per week
3. Zero Pore Serum or Red Serum
4. Snail Cosrx to repair

9. Verdict: Cosrx or Medicube?

Choose Cosrx if you want:

• a gentle routine
• well-tolerated acids
• sensitive skin treated with respect
• improve texture without irritation

Choose Medicube if you want:

• quick results
• target inflammatory acne
• visibly tighten pores
• a stronger “clinical” effect

Choose both if:

You want to balance treatment + soothing.