Medicube guide: Zero Pore Pads, PDRN serum and how to use them

Skincare & beauty ·Published 27 October 2026 ·Reviewed 27 October 2026

Written by the Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair team. Reviewed by Jason Markey, BPharmSci, MPharm, Owner and Pharmacist, Ahpra registration PHA0001976405.

General health information from a registered pharmacist. It doesn’t replace advice from your own pharmacist or doctor. How we write and check our articles.

Medicube is a Korean skincare brand best known for its toner pads and its pink PDRN serum. Most of its pads contain exfoliating acids, so start with 2 or 3 times a week, don’t use them on the same night as retinol or another exfoliant, and wear an SPF50+ sunscreen every morning. The serums and masks are mainly about hydration, so it’s worth keeping your expectations realistic about the newer ingredients.

Here’s how we’d explain the range at the counter.

What is Medicube?

Medicube was launched in Seoul in 2016 by the Korean company APR, with the idea of bringing clinic-style skincare into the home. It’s now part of the Korean and Japanese skincare range at Priceline.

Popular Medicube products

The range also includes cleansers, creams, eye serums and other masks. Formulas sold in different countries can vary slightly, so check the ingredient list on the pack.

How to use Medicube toner pads

The Zero Pore Pads have two sides: a textured side for gentle exfoliation and a smooth side. After cleansing, swipe a pad over dry skin, avoiding your eyes and lips, then follow with your serum and moisturiser.

Because the pads contain acids:

• Start slowly. Medicube suggests using the Zero Pore Pads 2 or 3 times a week. Build up only if your skin is comfortable.
• Don’t double up. Avoid using acid pads on the same night as retinol, other exfoliating acids or scrubs.
• Wear sunscreen. DermNet notes that alpha hydroxy acids, such as lactic and glycolic acid, can make skin more sensitive to the sun. Our guide to the best sunscreen for the Gold Coast can help you choose.
• Skip broken or irritated skin, including sunburn and freshly waxed areas.
• Patch test first if your skin is sensitive, and stop if you get burning, swelling or a rash.

Salicylic acid helps loosen the dead skin cells that block pores, which is why it’s used for oily and blemish-prone skin. If you have acne that’s painful, scarring or not improving, see our guide to acne treatment at the pharmacy.

What is PDRN, and does it work?

PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is made of small fragments of DNA, usually purified from salmon. It’s a popular ingredient in Korean skincare, and Medicube’s PDRN Pink Peptide Serum pairs it with peptides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. The pink colour comes from vitamin B12.

Most research on PDRN has looked at injections and wound healing, rather than serums applied to the skin, so there’s limited evidence about what it adds to a skincare product. The other ingredients in the serum, like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, are well known for helping skin feel hydrated. If you prefer to avoid animal-derived ingredients, check the label, as Medicube also makes a plant-based version.

Kojic acid and vitamin C pads for uneven tone

The Kojic Acid Turmeric Pads and Deep Vita C Pads are aimed at uneven skin tone and dull-looking skin. Both contain an exfoliating acid, so follow the same tips as for the Zero Pore Pads. On the Gold Coast, sun exposure is the biggest driver of dark spots and pigmentation, so daily SPF50+ sunscreen will make the most difference. Our guide to pigmentation and melasma explains more.

What about Medicube’s AGE-R devices?

Medicube also makes AGE-R beauty devices that use small electrical currents, light or vibration. If you use one, read the manual first and follow it carefully. Ask a pharmacist or your doctor before using one if you’re pregnant, or if you have a pacemaker or another implanted medical device.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you’re pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, check with your GP or one of our pharmacists before starting new skincare with active ingredients, such as acids.

How can our team help?

We stock Medicube at Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair. Our beauty advisors can help you choose between the pads, serums and masks through our skincare advice in store. Our pharmacists can help if you have sensitive skin or a skin condition, use prescription treatments, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. You can also browse Korean and Japanese skincare on priceline.com.au or ask us at Pacific Fair.

Comparing brands? See our guides to CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, The Ordinary and Boring Without You.

When to see a pharmacist or GP

• A product causes burning, swelling, blistering or a rash that doesn’t settle when you stop.
• Your acne is painful, leaving marks or scars, or not improving after 2 to 3 months.
• You have eczema, rosacea or very sensitive skin and want to try acid pads.
• Dark patches are spreading or changing, or you’re worried about a spot or mole.
• You’re pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding.

The GPs at Help Medical, an independent general practice located inside our store, are one option while you’re at Pacific Fair.

This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personal advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist or you’re worried, talk to your pharmacist or GP. In an emergency, call 000.