Medicube Red Foam Cleanser

Medicube

Red Foam Cleanser

face foam cleanser

Added Last edited

Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
65%
Combination (dry)
65%
Balanced
95%
Combination (oily)
75%
Oily
75%

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23
Ingredients
6
Benefits
1
Actives
Find Dupes

Red Foam Cleanser is a gentle yet effective facial cleanser designed to remove impurities, excess oil, and makeup residue without stripping your skin. Formulated with soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica extract and key Niacinamide, it calms irritation while maintaining hydration, leaving skin fresh, balanced, and comfortable after every wash. Perfect for daily use, this foam cleanser helps regulate sebum production and prevents pore congestion, making it ideal for combination, oily, and sensitive skin.

Key Insights

Benefits

6
Anti-Acne
Anti-Aging
Blackhead Reducing
Dark Spot Fading
Hydration
Soothing

Active Ingredients

1
BHA

Risks

2
Alcohol
Irritation

About Red Foam Cleanser

Overview

Red Foam Cleanser is a lightweight foam cleanser from Medicube, a brand based in Korea. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 23 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Water, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Water and Stearic Acid.

Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Lauric Acid and Tocopheryl Acetate.

Who it suits

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.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, antioxidant protection, oil control and brightening and tone. 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.

What is not in it

Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, microplastic-free and sulfate-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain drying alcohol, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.

Where it fits in a routine

It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes first step. Use on damp skin and rinse thoroughly. Follow with a toner or essence while skin is still slightly damp.

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.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • No fragrance or declared allergens
  • No essential oils
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • No common irritants flagged in the list

Things to know

  • Contains drying alcohol high in the list
  • 2 ingredients could feed malassezia (fungal acne)
  • Contains ingredients usually flagged for review during pregnancy

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Balanced skin

May suit

  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive 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.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Hydration 9 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 4 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Soothing 2 ingredients

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

  • Anti-Acne 1 ingredient

    Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores

  • Blackhead Reducing 1 ingredient

    Helps unclog pores and reduce blackheads for clearer skin

  • Dark Spot Fading 1 ingredient

    Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time

Does not target

Evens Skin Tone Oil Control Pore Minimizer Smooths Bumpy Skin

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.

Key ingredients

The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Stearic acid

Hydration

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Dodecanoic acid

Hydration Soothing

8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Octadecanoic acid, reaction products with 1,2,3-propanetriol (1:1), neutralized

Hydration

10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Propane-1,2-diol

Hydration

11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Beeswax absolute (RIFM),Beeswax concrete (RIFM),Beeswax, white (Apis mellifera L.) (RIFM),Bleached Beeswax,Cera Alba (EU),White Beeswax,White Wax,Yellow Wax

Hydration

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Castor oil (Ricinus communis), hydrogenated, ethoxylated (60 mol EO average molar ratio)

Hydration

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Salicylic acid

Anti-Acne Anti-Aging Blackhead Reducing

19th 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-yl acetate

Anti-Aging Soothing

20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Ethanol

Hydration

23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract is the extract of the roots of the Chinese Sophora, Sophora angustifolia, Leguminosae

Anti-Aging Dark Spot Fading

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration High

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support None

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support None

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control None

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening None

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Moderate

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal None

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling None

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

Active and supporting ingredients

"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.

Active ingredients (1)

Supporting ingredients (22)

Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.

Water Glycerin Palmitic Acid Stearic Acid Lauric Acid Myristic Acid Potassium Hydroxide Glyceryl Stearate SE Cocamide DEA Propylene Glycol Beeswax Cocamidopropyl Betaine Glycol Distearate Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Phenoxyethanol Sodium Chloride Chlorphenesin Tocopheryl Acetate Alcohol Disodium Edta BHT Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract

What is and is not in it

Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.

Free from

  • Fragrance-free
  • Essential-oil-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • Oil-free

Contains

  • Drying alcohol

    Alcohol

  • Animal-derived ingredients

    Beeswax

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Azelaic acid
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Use with caution

  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • BHA (salicylic acid)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • PHAs (gluconolactone)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • Benzoyl peroxide

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

Where it fits in a routine

Morning Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Toning
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise
  5. Protect

This product is the "Cleanse" step.

  • Use on damp skin and rinse thoroughly.
  • Follow with a toner or essence while skin is still slightly damp.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Contains Salicylic Acid, usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glycol Distearate. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive 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.
Recorded ingredient risks
Alcohol, Irritation

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 23 ingredients on the label.

10
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

9
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

4
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

4
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

3
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

2
Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

2
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

1
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

1
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

1
Exfoliant

Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells

1
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

1
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

1
Plant extract

Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

1 Water Solvent
Estimated level
30–80%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration
3 scientific references
  • Skin Research and Technology, May 2015, pages 131-136
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, November-December 1999, pages 344-351
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, September-October 1993, pages 249-262
2 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
  • British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
3 Palmitic Acid Emollient
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Hexadecanoic acid

4 Stearic Acid Emollient
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant, Texture agent

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Stearic acid

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, May 2019, pages 1-61
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2008, page 310
  • Therapeutics for the Clinician, May 2005, pages 317-324
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, December 2003, pages 559-568
5 Lauric Acid Surfactant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Dodecanoic acid

Hydration Soothing
5 scientific references
  • Dermatologic Therapy, July 2020, pages 1-4
  • IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, June 2020, pages 1-6
  • Biomaterials, October 2009, pages 6, 035-6, 040
  • Journal of the American college of Toxicology, 1987, pages 1-81
  • Tenside Surfactants Detergents, December 1976, pages 313-316
6 Myristic Acid Surfactant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Tetradecanoic acid

7 Potassium Hydroxide pH adjuster
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
pH adjuster

7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Potassium hydroxide

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Octadecanoic acid, reaction products with 1,2,3-propanetriol (1:1), neutralized

Hydration
9 Cocamide DEA Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Texture agent

9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Amides, coco, N,N-bis(hydroxyethyl)

Irritation
10 Propylene Glycol Humectant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent

10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Propane-1,2-diol

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
  • Archives of Dermatological Research, November 2019, pages 337-352
  • Critical Reviews in Toxicology, April 2013, pages 363-390
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September-October 2012, pages 245S-260S
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Physiology, 2001, pages 72-81
11 Beeswax Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Beeswax absolute (RIFM),Beeswax concrete (RIFM),Beeswax, white (Apis mellifera L.) (RIFM),Bleached Beeswax,Cera Alba (EU),White Beeswax,White Wax,Yellow Wax

Hydration
8 scientific references
  • Supercharged Hydration
  • How Hyaluronic Acid Benefits Skin
  • What is Dehydrated Skin & How to Choose the Best Products
  • What Your Moisturizer Must Contain
  • Moisturizer Myths You Should Stop Believing Now
  • The Benefits of Glycerin in Skin Care
  • The Best Face Oils for Skin
  • How Facial Oils Help Skin
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Texture agent

12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1-Propanaminium, 3-amino-N-(carboxymethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-, N-coco acyl derivs., hydroxides, inner salts

13 Glycol Distearate Emollient
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant, Texture agent

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Ethylene distearate

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Castor oil (Ricinus communis), hydrogenated, ethoxylated (60 mol EO average molar ratio)

Hydration
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active, Exfoliant, Preservative

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Salicylic acid

Anti-Acne Anti-Aging Blackhead Reducing
10 scientific references
  • Experimental Dermatology, July 2019, pages 786-794
  • European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, June 2019, pages 1-70
  • Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, April 2018, pages 245-251
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, January-February 2017, pages 55-58
  • Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, August 2015, pages 455-461
  • Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, November 2010, pages 135-142
  • Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, September 2008, pages 170-176
  • Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, April 2007, pages 651-663
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, February 2000, pages 21-52
  • Seminars in Dermatology, December 1990, pages 305-308
16 Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Phenoxyethanol

17 Sodium Chloride Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium chloride

18 Chlorphenesin Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

18th 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-(4-chlorophenoxy)-

19 Tocopheryl Acetate Antioxidant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

19th 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-yl acetate

Anti-Aging Soothing
8 scientific references
  • 5 Super Anti-Aging Antioxidants Your Skin Needs
  • How to Keep Your Neck & Chest Looking Young
  • Acne & Aging Skin
  • How to Diminish Uneven Skin Tone and Get Your Glow Back
  • What Are Peptides and What Do They Do for Skin?
  • The Truth About Firming Creams
  • Top 5 Reasons to Add Antioxidants to Your Skin Care Routine
  • Anti-Aging Superstars
20 Alcohol Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent, Preservative

20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Ethanol

Hydration Alcohol
21 Disodium Edta Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Chelator

21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate

22 BHT Antioxidant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2,6-Di-tert-butyl-p-cresol

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract is the extract of the roots of the Chinese Sophora, Sophora angustifolia, Leguminosae

Anti-Aging Dark Spot Fading

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Red Foam Cleanser?

WATER, GLYCERIN, PALMITIC ACID, STEARIC ACID, LAURIC ACID, MYRISTIC ACID, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, GLYCERYL STEARATE SE, COCAMIDE DEA, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, BEESWAX, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, GLYCOL DISTEARATE, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, SALICYLIC ACID, PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM CHLORIDE, CHLORPHENESIN, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, ALCOHOL, DISODIUM EDTA, BHT, SOPHORA ANGUSTIFOLIA ROOT EXTRACT.

What are the active ingredients in Red Foam Cleanser?

SALICYLIC ACID.

How do I use Red Foam Cleanser?

Apply an appropriate amount to wet skin, gently massage in circular motions, and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Use morning and evening for best results.

What skin types is Red Foam Cleanser good for?

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.

Is Red Foam Cleanser good for sensitive 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.

Is Red Foam Cleanser fungal acne safe?

2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glycol Distearate. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.

Can I use Red Foam Cleanser while pregnant?

It contains Salicylic Acid, which are usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before using it.

Is Red Foam Cleanser fragrance free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.

Does Red Foam Cleanser contain alcohol?

Yes — it contains Alcohol.

Is Red Foam Cleanser silicone free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.

Does Red Foam Cleanser contain essential oils?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.

Is Red Foam Cleanser paraben free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.

What can I layer with Red Foam Cleanser?

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.

When should I apply Red Foam Cleanser?

Use it morning and evening, first step.

How many ingredients does Red Foam Cleanser have?

It lists 23 ingredients, of which 1 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Red Foam Cleanser?

Medicube, a brand based in Korea.

Brand
Medicube
Country
Korea

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