Pore care has become a huge trend in Korean skincare over the last few years, and one product that seems to be everywhere lately, especially on TikTok, is the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0.
These exfoliating toner pads have gone viral for their ability to help clear clogged pores, remove dead skin cells and improve overall skin texture. As someone who has struggled with blackheads for years, particularly around my nose and chin, I was curious to see if the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 would actually live up to the hype.
I actually bought these pads around New Year when they were on sale on TikTok Shop. Like many people scrolling skincare videos late at night, TikTok absolutely made me do it.
As someone with combination skin that changes depending on the weather, pore products always catch my attention. My skin can be oily around my nose and chin, especially in summer, but I also get dry patches when the weather shifts.
Blackheads are something I have honestly struggled with my whole life and they are easily one of my biggest skincare frustrations. No matter how good my routine is, they always seem to creep back eventually.
Because of that, I’m always curious when a product claims to help with pore care. Since buying them at the start of the year, I’ve been testing the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 regularly to see how well these Korean toner pads actually work for clearing blackheads and improving pore appearance.
Quick Take
The Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 is a strong exfoliating toner pad designed for pore care, helping clear clogged pores, remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture.
For me, these pads were very effective at bringing congestion and blackheads to the surface, particularly around my nose and chin. However, they are definitely not a beginner exfoliating product and can feel quite active if your skin is sensitive.
What Are Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 Toner Pads?
Toner pads have become a really popular step in Korean skincare routines over the last few years because they simplify a few different skincare steps into one.
Instead of applying toner with your hands or using separate cotton pads, these come pre-soaked in a treatment solution. You simply swipe a pad across the skin after cleansing, which makes them quick and easy to use.
The Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 is designed specifically for pore care. The formula focuses on exfoliating dead skin cells, helping unclog pores and improving overall skin texture.
For anyone who struggles with blackheads, clogged pores or oilier areas like the nose and chin, toner pads like these can be an easy way to introduce regular exfoliation into a skincare routine without needing multiple separate products.
Each pad is soaked in an exfoliating toner and has a dual-textured design. One side has an embossed surface which helps gently exfoliate and loosen buildup inside the pores, while the smoother side helps sweep the toner across the skin and leave it feeling refreshed.
Medicube Zero Pore Pad vs Zero Pore Pad 2.0 vs Mild
If you start researching Medicube pore pads, you’ll quickly notice that there are a few different versions available, which can be a little confusing at first.
The version I have been testing for this review is the Medicube Zero Pore Pad with the blue lid, which is commonly referred to as Zero Pore Pad 2.0.
Some jars simply say “Zero Pore Pad” on the packaging, even though they are the updated 2.0 formula. This can make it slightly confusing when comparing products online.
Medicube also offers a Zero Pore Pad Mild, which is designed to be a gentler option for people with more sensitive skin or those who prefer lighter exfoliation.
The easiest way to tell them apart is by the lid colour:
• Zero Pore Pad (2.0) – blue lid, stronger exfoliating formula
• Zero Pore Pad Mild – pale blue lid, gentler exfoliating formula
Because I mainly wanted something to help with stubborn blackheads around my nose and chin, the stronger Zero Pore Pad 2.0 version made more sense for my skin.
Packaging
The pads come in a fairly large jar filled with toner-soaked pads. Inside the jar there is also a small plastic tool designed to help lift the pads out hygienically, which is a nice touch.
Key Ingredients
The Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 focuses mainly on exfoliation and pore care, combining exfoliating acids with calming ingredients designed to help improve skin texture and clear clogged pores.
One of the key parts of the formula is the use of AHA and BHA exfoliating acids. These ingredients work by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells so they can be removed more easily from the surface of the skin. This helps improve overall skin texture and can make the skin look smoother and clearer over time.
BHA ingredients are particularly useful for people who struggle with blackheads and clogged pores, because they can penetrate deeper into the pores where oil and buildup tend to collect. By helping dissolve excess sebum and debris, they can gradually reduce congestion and make pores appear less noticeable.
The formula also includes white willow bark extract, which is commonly used in Korean skincare as a gentler natural source of salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is well known for its ability to help clear pores and reduce blackheads by breaking down the oil and buildup inside them.
Alongside the exfoliating ingredients, the pads also contain soothing ingredients such as centella asiatica and panthenol. Centella asiatica is often used to help calm irritation and support the skin barrier, while panthenol helps hydrate and soften the skin.
This balance of exfoliating acids and calming ingredients is designed to help improve skin texture and pore appearance without leaving the skin feeling overly stripped or dry.
Texture and Pad Design
One thing I actually really like about these pads is the dual-textured design.
Each pad has two sides which are designed to be used slightly differently. One side has an embossed texture which helps gently exfoliate the skin and loosen dead skin cells. This is the side I tend to focus on around my nose and chin where blackheads and congestion tend to build up the most.
After that, I flip the pad over and use the smoother side to lightly swipe across the same areas. This helps spread the remaining toner and leaves the skin feeling clean and refreshed.
The pads are also very well soaked in the toner solution, so they glide easily across the skin without feeling dry or scratchy.
How I Use Medicube Zero Pore Pads
Because I use tretinoin in my routine, I had to be quite careful about how I introduced these pads.
They are definitely not something I would recommend if you are early in your tret journey, as combining too many strong actives can irritate the skin. Instead, I use them on nights when I am not using tret.
After cleansing my skin in the evening, I take one pad and use the embossed side mainly on my nose and chin where blackheads tend to appear.
Quick Tip
Where Medicube Zero Pore Pads Fit in a Skincare Routine
Because these pads contain exfoliating ingredients, they should be used after cleansing and before heavier skincare products.
| Step | Skincare Step |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cleanser |
| 2 | Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 |
| 3 | Hydrating toner or essence |
| 4 | Serum |
| 5 | Moisturiser |
| 6 | SPF (morning routine) |
My Experience Using Medicube Zero Pore Pads
When I first started using the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0, my skin definitely reacted quite strongly.
Within the first couple of weeks I started noticing more breakouts around my nose and chin. At first I honestly thought the pads just didn’t suit my skin and that I had made a mistake buying them.
However, after a little bit of patience it became clear that what I was actually experiencing was purging. The exfoliating ingredients were bringing congestion and blackheads that had been sitting under the surface of my pores up to the top much faster than they normally would.
Blackheads are something I have struggled with my whole life and I absolutely hate them. No matter how good my skincare routine is, they always seem to appear around my nose and chin eventually.
Seeing everything suddenly appear on the surface wasn’t exactly the most enjoyable stage, but once those clogged pores started clearing out properly I began noticing a difference.
The skin around my nose started feeling smoother and less congested, and the blackheads that normally sit quite stubbornly in that area were much easier to manage.
For me, these pads worked best as a targeted treatment rather than something I would use across my entire face. Focusing them mainly on my nose and chin helped clear buildup without irritating the rest of my skin.
Can Medicube Zero Pore Pads Help Minimise Pores?
One of the most common skincare concerns people search for is how to minimise pores. While no skincare product can permanently shrink pore size, products that help clear congestion and remove buildup can make pores appear smaller and less noticeable.
Pores often look larger when they are clogged with oil, dead skin cells and excess sebum. When that buildup sits inside the pore, it stretches the opening slightly and makes the skin look more textured.
The Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 focuses on exfoliation and pore care, which is why it contains ingredients designed to remove dead skin cells and help clear clogged pores.
For me, the difference was most noticeable around my nose and chin. These are the areas where I have always struggled with blackheads and congestion, and they are also where my pores tend to look the most visible.
After several weeks of using the pads on those areas, the skin started to feel smoother and less congested. My pores didn’t magically disappear, but they definitely looked clearer and less clogged, which naturally made them appear smaller.
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 At a Glance
If you prefer quick summaries before diving into a full review, here’s a quick overview of the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0.
Best for:
• Blackheads
• Clogged pores
• Congestion around the nose and chin
Skin types:
• Combination skin
• Oily skin
• Skin prone to blackheads
How often I use them:
• About 2–3 times a week
• Only on nights when I’m not using tretinoin
Key ingredients:
• AHA and BHA exfoliating acids
• Willow bark extract
• Centella asiatica
• Panthenol
What they help with:
• Removing dead skin cells
• Improving skin texture
Can Medicube Zero Pore Pads Cause Purging?
Because the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 contains exfoliating acids such as AHA and BHA, some people may experience purging when they first start using them.
Purging happens when active ingredients increase skin cell turnover. This means congestion sitting underneath the skin, such as blackheads or clogged pores, is brought to the surface faster than it normally would.
This is exactly what happened when I started using these pads.
Within the first couple of weeks I noticed more breakouts around my nose and chin. At first I thought the pads just didn’t suit my skin, but it quickly became clear that they were actually bringing hidden congestion to the surface.
Because I have struggled with blackheads in these areas for years, there was clearly quite a bit sitting under the skin waiting to come out.
While the purging stage wasn’t exactly enjoyable, it did eventually lead to smoother skin once those clogged pores started clearing properly.
What To Do If You Over-Exfoliate
Because the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 contains exfoliating ingredients like AHA and BHA, it is possible to overdo it, especially if you are already using other active ingredients such as retinol or tretinoin in your routine.
Signs of over-exfoliation can include redness, irritation, tightness, increased sensitivity or dry patches that suddenly appear on the skin.
If this happens, the best thing to do is pause using exfoliating products for a few days and focus on helping your skin barrier recover.
I usually switch to a much simpler routine when my skin feels irritated. That means using a gentle cleanser, hydrating serums and a nourishing moisturiser to help calm the skin and restore hydration.
Barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, panthenol and hyaluronic acid can be particularly helpful during this stage. When my skin barrier feels irritated, I often simplify my routine and reach for soothing products like La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5, which helps calm and repair the skin.
Using Exfoliating Pads Safely
Products like the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 can be very effective, but they do contain exfoliating acids, so it’s important to use them carefully.
Ingredients like AHA and BHA increase skin cell turnover and help remove dead skin cells, which is why they are so good at clearing clogged pores and improving skin texture. However, because they exfoliate the surface of the skin, they can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
This is one of the reasons I prefer using these pads in the evening rather than the morning, especially because I already use tretinoin in my routine.
Whenever you are using exfoliating acids regularly, wearing sunscreen during the day becomes even more important. Exfoliated skin is more vulnerable to sun damage, which can lead to irritation, pigmentation and long-term skin damage if it isn’t protected.
The next morning I always make sure to apply SPF. Lately I’ve been using Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50, which sits beautifully under makeup and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin.
Who Are Medicube Zero Pore Pads Best For?
The Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 can work well for several different skin types, but they are particularly suited to people who struggle with congestion, blackheads or uneven skin texture.
Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, these pads can be very helpful because they contain exfoliating ingredients that help remove excess sebum and dead skin cells. Regular exfoliation can help keep pores clearer and reduce the buildup that often leads to blackheads.
Combination Skin
These pads can also work well for combination skin. This is actually how I use them. My skin can be oily around my nose and chin but much drier on the rest of my face, so I mainly focus the pads on my T-zone rather than using them everywhere.
Skin Prone to Blackheads or Congested Pores
If blackheads and clogged pores are your main skincare concern, these pads can be a useful addition to a routine. The exfoliating acids help loosen buildup inside the pores, which can make congestion easier to clear over time.
Mature Skin
For mature skin, gentle exfoliation can help improve skin texture and allow other skincare products to absorb more effectively. However, these pads are quite active, so it is best to introduce them slowly and avoid overusing them.
Sensitive Skin
Scent and Fragrance
One thing worth mentioning with the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 is the scent.
The pads do have a noticeable fragrance when you open the jar. It’s quite fresh and slightly herbal, which I suspect comes from some of the botanical extracts in the formula.
Personally I didn’t find it overpowering or irritating, but if you are very sensitive to fragrance in skincare it is something to be aware of.
Are Medicube Zero Pore Pads Good for Acne?
Because the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 contains exfoliating ingredients like AHA, BHA and willow bark extract, they can also be helpful if you struggle with clogged pores or occasional breakouts.
These ingredients help remove dead skin cells and excess oil that can contribute to congestion and blackheads.
In my experience they worked best in areas where my pores tend to clog the most, particularly around my nose and chin.
Pros and Cons
Like most exfoliating skincare products, the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 has both strengths and a few drawbacks depending on your skin type.
Here are the main things I noticed after using them for a couple of months.
Pros
• Very effective at clearing blackheads
• Helps bring congestion to the surface
• Dual sided pads are easy to use
• Good targeted treatment for nose and chin
Cons
• Can cause purging at first
• Strong fragrance
• Jar packaging can leak
Results After Using Medicube Zero Pore Pads
After using the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 regularly for a few months, the biggest difference I noticed was around the areas where I normally struggle with blackheads.
The skin around my nose started feeling smoother and less congested, and the stubborn blackheads I usually deal with there were much easier to manage.
I don’t have before and after photos to show dramatic results, but in day-to-day use I could definitely see that my pores looked clearer and my skin texture felt smoother.
Mini Review
After using the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 for over two months, I can definitely see why they have become such a viral skincare product.
They are strong, effective and surprisingly good at bringing congestion to the surface. If clogged pores or blackheads are something you struggle with, these pads can make a noticeable difference over time.
For me they worked best as a targeted treatment around my nose and chin. These are the areas where my blackheads always seem to appear, and it’s something I’ve honestly dealt with my entire life. As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors mountain biking in wind and unpredictable Scottish weather, my skin can be quite reactive, so I always try to introduce exfoliating products slowly.
The first couple of weeks weren’t exactly fun because my skin definitely went through a purging stage. However, once that settled down I could see the benefits much more clearly.
The skin around my nose felt smoother and looked less congested, which is always my main goal when I try pore products.
What I Like and What I Don’t Love
After using the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 for several months, there are definitely a few things that stood out to me.
What I Like
• Very effective at bringing blackheads and congestion to the surface
• Helps clear clogged pores around the nose and chin
• Dual-textured pads make them easy to use
• Skin feels smoother and cleaner after using them
What I Don’t Love
• They can cause purging when you first start using them
• The fragrance is quite noticeable
• The jar is large and not very travel friendly
Are Medicube Zero Pore Pads Worth the Hype?
After using the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 for several months, I can see why these toner pads have become so popular online.
They are strong exfoliating pads that are particularly good at bringing congestion and stubborn blackheads to the surface, especially around areas like the nose and chin where pores tend to clog easily.
Blackheads are something I’ve struggled with for years and they are honestly one of my biggest skincare frustrations. While these pads didn’t magically make them disappear overnight, they did help loosen buildup inside my pores and made them much easier to manage over time.
They are definitely quite active, so if you have very sensitive skin or are new to exfoliating acids you may want to introduce them slowly.
Used carefully a couple of times a week though, they can be a really effective way to improve skin texture and help keep pores clearer.
Who These Pads Are Best For
Best for:
• Blackheads
• Congested pores
• Oily or combination skin
May not suit:
• Very sensitive skin
• Beginners using strong actives
Things to Know Before Buying Medicube Zero Pore Pads
Before trying the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0, there are a few things worth knowing.
These pads contain exfoliating ingredients like AHA and BHA, so they are quite active. Because of that, they may not be the best starting point if you are completely new to exfoliating skincare products or if you have very sensitive skin.
Another thing to be aware of is purging. When I first started using these pads, the exfoliating ingredients brought congestion and blackheads sitting under the surface of my pores up much faster than usual. While that stage wasn’t particularly fun, it did eventually lead to clearer pores once everything settled down. When my skin needs a break from actives, I focus on barrier-supporting products like CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment, which helps lock in hydration.
Because of this, I would definitely avoid introducing these pads right before an event, holiday or anything where you want your skin looking its absolute best.
I’ve personally found they work best when used gradually and mainly on areas where pores tend to clog more easily, such as the nose and chin.
Price and Value
The Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 sits more in the mid to premium skincare category rather than being a budget toner pad.
The jar contains 70 pads, and depending on where you buy them they usually cost around £20–£25 in the UK. I actually bought mine on TikTok Shop during a New Year sale, which made them a little more affordable.
At first glance that might seem quite expensive for toner pads, but because you only use one pad at a time and I personally use them around two to three times a week, the jar does last quite a while.
For me they work best as a targeted treatment for areas like my nose and chin where blackheads tend to appear, rather than something I use across my entire face every day.
If clogged pores and congestion are something you struggle with regularly, they can feel like a worthwhile skincare investment. That said, I would definitely recommend keeping an eye out for sales or discount codes, as they do pop up fairly often online.
Final Thoughts
After using the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 since the start of the year, I can understand why these toner pads have become so popular on TikTok.
They are strong, effective and very good at bringing congestion and blackheads to the surface, particularly around areas like the nose and chin where pores tend to clog easily.
Blackheads are something I’ve struggled with my whole life and I absolutely hate them, so I’m always interested when a product claims to help with pore care. While these pads didn’t magically eliminate them overnight, they did help loosen buildup inside my pores and improve the overall texture of my skin over time.
For me they work best as a targeted treatment rather than something I would use across my entire face. I mainly use them on my nose and chin a couple of times a week, especially on nights when I’m not using tretinoin.
FAQ
Can you use Medicube Zero Pore Pads every day?
Some people do use the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 daily, but because they contain exfoliating ingredients like AHA and BHA, I personally prefer using them a few times a week.
For my routine, two to three times a week works well, especially as I also use tretinoin. This helps keep my pores clearer without risking over-exfoliation.
Should you use Medicube Zero Pore Pads in the morning or at night?
They can technically be used either morning or evening, but I personally prefer using them at night.
Using exfoliating toner pads in the evening allows the skin to recover overnight and helps avoid combining exfoliating acids with sun exposure during the day.
Can Medicube Zero Pore Pads help with blackheads?
In my experience, yes, particularly around areas like the nose and chin.
The exfoliating ingredients help loosen the buildup of oil and dead skin cells inside the pores, which can make blackheads easier to manage over time.
Can you use Medicube Zero Pore Pads with retinol or tretinoin?
You can, but it’s important to be careful.
Because both products contain active ingredients, I prefer to use the pads on nights when I’m not using tretinoin. This helps avoid irritation and keeps my routine balanced.
How long does one jar of Medicube Zero Pore Pads last?
The jar contains 70 pads, so how long it lasts will depend on how often you use them.
Since I mainly use them around two to three times a week and focus on specific areas like my nose and chin, the jar lasts quite a while.
Are Medicube Zero Pore Pads good for combination skin?
Yes, they can work well for combination skin.
About the Author
Laura is the creator of MissLJBeauty, an award-winning UK beauty and lifestyle blog she has been writing for over 15 years. She shares honest skincare reviews based on real-life testing, often balancing active skincare with an outdoor lifestyle and mountain biking in harsh weather.
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