Glowy or Not

Last updated: October 2026

If you’ve spent any time on beauty TikTok this year, you’ve probably seen these jars of toner pads. Medicube’s Zero Pore Pads 2.0 were the number one beauty product on Amazon in the second quarter of 2026, and “Medicube” was the most searched beauty term of Prime Day. That’s a lot of hype for a jar of toner pads. So are they actually worth it, or just really good at going viral?

What are Medicube Zero Pore Pads?

Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0 are exfoliating toner pads from the Korean brand Medicube. Each jar has 70 round pads soaked in a liquid with two acids: 4.5% lactic acid, an AHA that smooths the surface of your skin, and 0.45% salicylic acid, a BHA that gets into oily pores.

Every pad has two sides. The textured side is meant for gently buffing your T-zone, and the smooth side is for sweeping the liquid over the rest of your face. The brand pitches them as a way to clear out pores and smooth rough texture.

What reviewers love

• Smoother skin, fast. This is the most common praise by far. Lots of people say their skin feels softer after just a few uses.
• Fewer visible blackheads. Reviewers with oily T-zones often say their nose and chin look clearer within one to two weeks.
• Easy to use. No measuring, no cotton pads. You grab one, swipe, and you’re done.
• Good value on sale. At around $0.30 to $0.45 per pad, it’s cheaper per use than a lot of acid serums.

The most common complaints

• Stinging or redness on sensitive skin. This comes up again and again, especially with daily use.
• A strong scent. The pads smell fresh and herbal, which some people love and others really don’t.
• Breakouts at first. Some people get a few extra pimples in the first couple of weeks. That can be purging from the acids, but it can also be irritation, so pay attention to where they show up.
• Dryness with overuse. Using them every day, especially alongside retinol or other acids, can leave skin tight and flaky.

What’s inside

The two acids are the stars of the Zero Pore Pads formula, and their amounts are reasonable for a pad you leave on your skin. Panthenol, centella asiatica, allantoin, and betaine are in there to help calm things down.

There are a few things worth knowing, though:

• Essential oils. The formula has several, including orange, lemon, grapefruit, bergamot, rosemary, eucalyptus, and lavender. That’s where the scent comes from, and it’s the biggest reason sensitive skin might react.
• Bergamot oil can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Since you’re already using acids, daily sunscreen isn’t optional with these.
• Alcohol denat. It’s fairly high on the ingredient list, which can be drying for some skin types.

None of this makes the pads bad. It just means they’re better suited to oily, resilient skin than to delicate skin.

Do Medicube Zero Pore Pads really shrink pores?

Not exactly. No product can permanently change the size of your pores. What these pads can do is clear out the oil and gunk sitting inside them, which makes pores look smaller and your skin look smoother. That’s still a nice result, just keep your expectations realistic.

Is it worth the price?

At full price, it sits in the middle of the pack for toner pads. On sale, which happens a lot, it’s a good deal for what you get. If you’re not in a rush, wait for a sale. (Curious how I decide what counts as good value? Here’s how I judge products.)

Cheaper or gentler alternatives

Product	About	Format	Good to know
Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0	$19 to $31	70 pads	AHA + BHA, contains essential oils
Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Toner Pad	$12	Pads	Also AHA + BHA, much cheaper
Tocobo AHA BHA Lemon Toner	$18	Liquid toner	Use with your own cotton rounds
Quia No More Pore Pads	$30	Pads	Very similar formula, pricier

How to use them without wrecking your skin barrier

• Start with two or three nights a week, not every day.
• Use the textured side on your T-zone only, then flip to the smooth side for your cheeks.
• Don’t use them on the same night as retinol or other exfoliants.
• Follow with a simple moisturizer, and wear sunscreen every morning.
• Skip them on broken, sunburned, or freshly waxed skin.

Final verdict: are Medicube Zero Pore Pads glowy or not?

Glowy, for the right skin. If you’re oily, deal with blackheads, and your skin handles acids well, Medicube Zero Pore Pads earn their hype. They’re easy, effective, and a great deal on sale. But if your skin gets red at the sight of fragrance, the essential oils in this formula make it a pass. A fragrance-free exfoliant will be much kinder to you.

Pairing tip: Exfoliating acids can leave skin feeling a little thirsty. If you’re looking for a hydration boost on your off nights, read my Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask review.

FAQ

Can I use Medicube Zero Pore Pads every day?

Some people do, but most retailers and reviewers suggest starting with two or three nights a week. Build up slowly and back off if you notice stinging or flaking.

Can I use them with retinol?

It’s safest to use them on different nights. Combining strong acids and retinol in one routine is a common cause of irritation.

Are they good for sensitive skin?

Probably not. The mix of acids, alcohol, and essential oils makes them a better fit for oily, resilient skin.

Are they safe during pregnancy?

They contain salicylic acid. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before using any acid products.

Sources I used

• BeautyMatter: Amazon Q2 2026 top beauty products
• DermApproved: Zero Pore Pad 2.0 review
• The Korean Style: ingredient and usage guide
• MissLJBeauty: hands-on review
• Skinsort: similar products

I haven’t personally tested these pads. This verdict is based on the research above and what reviewers report. It’s not medical advice.