Medicube
Kojic Acid Turmeric Niacinamide Serum
face serum
Medicube
face serum
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Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
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Take the skin testThe Medicube Kojic Acid Turmeric Niacinamide Serum helps brighten uneven skin tone, fade the look of discoloration, and promote a clearer, more radiant complexion. A brightening treatment designed to target dullness, uneven skin tone, and post-blemish marks while helping skin look smoother and more luminous. Featuring a blend of kojic acid, niacinamide, and turmeric extract, it supports a more even-looking complexion and healthier-looking skin over time.
Kojic Acid Turmeric Niacinamide Serum is a lightweight serum from Medicube, a brand based in Korea. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 32 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Hydration is handled by Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin and Panthenol, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Panthenol and Jojoba Esters.
Brightening: Moderate. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Niacinamide, Kojic Acid, Tocopherol and Glycolic Acid.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Allantoin, Panthenol, Niacinamide and Adenosine.
Barrier support: Moderate. Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity, and here that comes from Niacinamide, Panthenol and Squalane.
On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after toner, before moisturiser. Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer. Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time
Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores
Refines texture by gently exfoliating rough, uneven patches
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Jojoba Esters is a complex mixture of esters produced by the transesterification/interesterification of Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil (q.v.), Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil (q.v.), or a mixture of the two
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
5-Hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-4-pyrone
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer is a copolymer of ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate and vinylpyrrolidone monomers
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract is an extract of the flowers of the Neem Tree, Melia Azadirachta L., Meliaceae
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the Neem Tree, Melia azadirachta L., Meliaceae
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hexadecan-1-ol
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Corallina Officinalis Extract is an extract of the Alga, Corallina officinalis L., Corallinaceae
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
6-Amino-9-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-9H-purine
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
This product is the "Treat" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 32 ingredients on the label.
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Dissolves and carries everything else
Calms visible redness and irritation
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Forms a film that slows water loss
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Jojoba Esters is a complex mixture of esters produced by the transesterification/interesterification of Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil (q.v.), Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil (q.v.), or a mixture of the two
5th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
6th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Curcuma Longa Root Extract is an extract of the rhizomes of the Turmeric, Curcuma longa L., Zingiberaceae
7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2,3-Propanetriol, triesters with decanoic, octanoic and butanedioic acids
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Alcohols, coco, mixed esters with octanoic and decanoic acids
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
5-Hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-4-pyrone
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer is a copolymer of ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate and vinylpyrrolidone monomers
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic acid Copolymer is the Copolymer formed by the reaction of Hydrogenated Castor Oil with Sebacic acid
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract is an extract of the flowers of the Neem Tree, Melia Azadirachta L., Meliaceae
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of Ocimum sanctum, Labiatae
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of Coccinia indica, Cucurbitaceae
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Eclipta Prostrata Extract is an extract of the herb, Eclipta prostrata L., Compositae
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the Neem Tree, Melia azadirachta L., Meliaceae
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hexadecan-1-ol
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Amorphous silica, reaction products with trimethylsilane
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Trisodium citrate
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Corallina Officinalis Extract is an extract of the Alga, Corallina officinalis L., Corallinaceae
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
6-Amino-9-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-9H-purine
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Chamaecyparis Obtusa Wood Oil is the volatile oil obtained from the wood of Chamaecyparis obtusa, Cupressaceae
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Docosan-1-ol
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Arginine
27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol
30th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyltetracosane
31st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid, (+/-)-
32nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Acetic acid, hydroxy-
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Goodal
Shares 10 key ingredients with Kojic Acid Turmeric Niacinamide Serum: Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp Copolymer, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Numbuzin
Shares 10 key ingredients with Kojic Acid Turmeric Niacinamide Serum: Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin
HYGGEE
Shares 10 key ingredients with Kojic Acid Turmeric Niacinamide Serum: Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp Copolymer, Allantoin
Medicube
Shares 10 key ingredients with Kojic Acid Turmeric Niacinamide Serum: Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp Copolymer, Allantoin, Panthenol
Eqqualberry
Shares 9 key ingredients with Kojic Acid Turmeric Niacinamide Serum: Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Medicube
Shares 9 key ingredients with Kojic Acid Turmeric Niacinamide Serum: Niacinamide, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine
AQUA, NIACINAMIDE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, JOJOBA ESTERS, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, CURCUMA LONGA ROOT EXTRACT, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC/SUCCINIC TRIGLYCERIDE, COCO-CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE, KOJIC ACID, AMMONIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER, HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL/SEBACIC ACID COPOLYMER, MELIA AZADIRACHTA FLOWER EXTRACT, OCIMUM SANCTUM LEAF EXTRACT, COCCINIA INDICA FRUIT EXTRACT, ECLIPTA PROSTRATA EXTRACT, MELIA AZADIRACHTA LEAF EXTRACT, ALLANTOIN, CETYL ALCOHOL, SILICA SILYLATE, SODIUM CITRATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, CORALLINA OFFICINALIS EXTRACT, ADENOSINE, CHAMAECYPARIS OBTUSA WOOD OIL, BEHENYL ALCOHOL, ARGININE, CITRIC ACID, TOCOPHEROL, PANTHENOL, SQUALANE, THIOCTIC ACID, GLYCOLIC ACID.
NIACINAMIDE, CITRIC ACID, PANTHENOL, GLYCOLIC ACID.
After toner, apply appropriate amount and spread it evenly along skin texture. Pat lightly to help with absorption. Follow with moisturizer. Can be used morning and night as part of your skincare routine.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
No ingredient in this formula is a recognised food source for malassezia, the yeast behind fungal acne.
It contains Kojic Acid, which are usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before using it.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.
Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.
It lists 32 ingredients, of which 4 are recorded as actives.
Medicube, a brand based in Korea.
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