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
Medicube
Red Serum 2.0
face serum
Medicube
face serum
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
See how this fits your skin
Take the skin test and I'll show you how suitable this product is for you.
Take the skin testRed Serum 2.0 is a dermatologist-tested serum designed to target acne-prone and sensitive skin. Powered by niacinamide, centella asiatica extract, and patented skin-soothing complexes, this formula helps regulate excess sebum, minimize pores, and calm redness while enhancing skin barrier strength. The lightweight, fast-absorbing formula works to refine skin texture and restore balance, leaving a non-sticky finish.
Red Serum 2.0 is a lightweight serum from Medicube, a brand based in Korea. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 62 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. Silicones in the formula tend to give a smooth, blurred finish and help it grip under makeup. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Propanediol and Trehalose, 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 Glycerin, Propanediol, Trehalose and Betaine.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Allantoin, Panthenol, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract and Xylitol.
On richness alone it suits Balanced, Combination (oily) and Oily 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 cell renewal 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, paraben-free, microplastic-free, sulfate-free, dye-free and oil-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain essential oils and drying alcohol, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.
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.
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores
Helps unclog pores and reduce blackheads for clearer skin
Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores
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.
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
3rd 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
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Xylitol
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
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**
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
alpha-D-Glucopyranoside, alpha-D-glucopyranosyl
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Methanaminium, 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
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)
18th 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
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
.alpha.-d-Glucopyranosiduronic acid, (3.beta.,20.beta.)-20-carboxy-11-oxo-30-norolean-12-en-3-yl 2-O-.beta.-d-glucopyranuronosyl-, dipotassium salt
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Salicylic acid
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.
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Alcohol Denat.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Vinyl Dimethicone
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 62 ingredients on the label.
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Dissolves and carries everything else
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Forms a film that slows water loss
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Calms visible redness and irritation
Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Absorbs or scatters ultraviolet light
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.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
1,1'-Oxydipropan-2-ol; Oxydipropan-2-ol; Hydroxypropyloxypropanol
3rd 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
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Xylitol
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Alcohol Denat. is ethyl alcohol that is denatured with one or more denaturing agents in accordance with the national legislation of each European Community (EU) country.
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
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**
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Butanedioic acid, bis(2-ethoxyethyl) ester
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
alpha-D-Glucopyranoside, alpha-D-glucopyranosyl
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Methanaminium, 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
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)
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a copolymer of sodium acrylate and sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate monomers
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-carboxymethyl-.omega.-hydroxy-, C12-14-isoalkyl ethers, sodium salts (7 mol EO average molar ratio)
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Siloxanes and silicones, di-Me, crosspolymers with C3-20 alkyl groups
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Homopolymer of 2-methyl-1 propene
18th 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
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Silicones and siloxanes, dimethyl, ethenyl methyl, ethenyldimethylsilyl terminated
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
.alpha.-d-Glucopyranosiduronic acid, (3.beta.,20.beta.)-20-carboxy-11-oxo-30-norolean-12-en-3-yl 2-O-.beta.-d-glucopyranuronosyl-, dipotassium salt
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Salicylic acid
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Proline, 5-oxo-, zinc salt
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Propenoic acid, polymer with 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol 2-propenyl ether
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lecithins, hydrogenated
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2,2,4,6,6-Pentamethylheptane; Hydrocarbons, C4, 1,3-butadiene-free, polymd., triisobutylene fraction, hydrogenated
27th 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)-
28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Dimethyl sulphone
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-(N,N,N-Trimethylamino)ethyl 2-(2-methyl-2-propenoyloxy)ethyl phosphate inner salt, polymer with butyl 2-methyl-2-propenoate
31st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides
32nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sorbitan oleate
33rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
4-Methyl-1-(1-methylethyl)-3-cyclohexen-1-ol
34th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil is the oil distilled from the leaves of the Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, Myrtaceae
35th 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
36th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Xanthan gum
37th 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)
38th 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
39th 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
40th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
41st 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
42nd 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
43rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract is an extract of the flowers of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae
44th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Solanum Melogena Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Eggplant, Solanum melongena L., Solanaceae
45th 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
46th 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
47th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ceramide NP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Octadecanamide,Stearoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine
48th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium hydrogen N-(1-oxooctadecyl)-L-glutamate
49th 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
50th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lactococcus Ferment Lysate is a lysate of the fermentation product of Lactococcus
51st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
D-Glucoside, Decyl
52nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the Tea, Camellia sinensis, Theaceae
53rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the Hydrocotyl, Centella asiatica L., Apiaceae
54th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract is an extract of the Alga, Cladosiphon okamuranus, Chordariaceae
55th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Salix Alba Bark Extract is an extract of the bark of the White Willow, Salix alba L., salicaceae
56th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Coffea Arabica Seed Extract is an extract of the beans of the Coffee plant, Coffea arabica L., Rubiaceae
57th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium chloride
58th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3-Phenylpropan-1-ol; Phenethyl carbinol
59th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves, Citrus aurantium bergamia, Rutaceae
60th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
4-Oxovaleric acid
61st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium 4-oxovalerate
62nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract is the extract of the leaves of the Pine, Pinus densiflora, Pinaceae
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Arencia
Shares 10 key ingredients with Red Serum 2.0: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Niacinamide
Numbuzin
Shares 10 key ingredients with Red Serum 2.0: Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Panthenol
Medicube
Shares 10 key ingredients with Red Serum 2.0: Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol
Anua
Shares 10 key ingredients with Red Serum 2.0: Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Propanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp Copolymer
COSRX
Shares 9 key ingredients with Red Serum 2.0: Water, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide
By Wishtrend
Shares 9 key ingredients with Red Serum 2.0: Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Water, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp Copolymer, Propanediol
WATER, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN, XYLITOL, ALCOHOL DENAT., PROPANEDIOL, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, NIACINAMIDE, DIETHOXYETHYL SUCCINATE, TREHALOSE, BETAINE, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, SODIUM ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, SODIUM C12-14 SEC-PARETH-8 CARBOXYLATE, DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, POLYISOBUTENE, AMMONIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER, VINYL DIMETHICONE, TROMETHAMINE, DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE, SALICYLIC ACID, ZINC PCA, CARBOMER, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, ISODODECANE, ALLANTOIN, DIMETHYL SULFONE, PANTHENOL, POLYQUATERNIUM-51, CAPRYLYL/CAPRYL GLUCOSIDE, SORBITAN OLEATE, 4-TERPINEOL, MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA LEAF OIL, ADENOSINE, XANTHAN GUM, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, MELIA AZADIRACHTA LEAF EXTRACT, MELIA AZADIRACHTA FLOWER EXTRACT, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, COCCINIA INDICA FRUIT EXTRACT, OCIMUM SANCTUM LEAF EXTRACT, ALOE BARBADENSIS FLOWER EXTRACT, SOLANUM MELONGENA FRUIT EXTRACT, CURCUMA LONGA ROOT EXTRACT, CORALLINA OFFICINALIS EXTRACT, CERAMIDE NP, SODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE, TOCOPHEROL, LACTOCOCCUS FERMENT LYSATE, DECYL GLUCOSIDE, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, CENTELLA ASIATICA LEAF EXTRACT, CLADOSIPHON OKAMURANUS EXTRACT, SALIX ALBA BARK EXTRACT, COFFEA ARABICA SEED EXTRACT, SODIUM CHLORIDE, PHENYLPROPANOL, CITRUS AURANTIUM BERGAMIA LEAF EXTRACT, LEVULINIC ACID, SODIUM LEVULINATE, PINUS DENSIFLORA LEAF EXTRACT.
NIACINAMIDE, SALICYLIC ACID, PANTHENOL, CERAMIDE NP.
After cleansing and toning, apply 2–3 pumps to the entire face. Gently pat into skin until absorbed. Follow with moisturizer. Use daily, morning and evening.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced, Combination (oily), Oily 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.
2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Sorbitan Oleate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.
It contains Salicylic 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.
Yes — it contains Alcohol Denat..
No — it contains Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Vinyl Dimethicone.
Yes — it contains Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil.
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 62 ingredients, of which 4 are recorded as actives.
Medicube, a brand based in Korea.
We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Attempting to reconnect