Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 70 pads (155 g) – toner pads with AHA and BHA acids for enlarged pores and blackheads

Key features

• contains lactic acid (AHA) for chemical exfoliation of the skin's surface layer;
• contains salicylic acid and betaine salicylate (BHA), which are oil-soluble and work inside the pores;
• designed for skin with enlarged pores, blackheads and increased sebum production;
• dual-sided pad: embossed side for exfoliation, smooth side for soothing;
• panthenol, allantoin and betaine help relieve tightness and a feeling of irritation;
• sodium hyaluronate, trehalose and glycerin retain moisture in the skin;
• centella, white willow bark, kudzu and elm extracts as botanical support;
• practical format – pads are pre-soaked in essence, no cotton pads or separate toner needed;
• the pack contains 70 pads (155 g).

Who is it for?

• oily and combination skin with visible pores in the T-zone;
• skin prone to blackheads and clogged pores;
• skin with uneven texture and a dull, greyish look;
• people who want a simple, gentle exfoliation step in their daily routine;
• not a first choice for very dry, compromised or highly reactive skin, or for rosacea-prone skin.

How to use

1. Cleanse the face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry with a towel.
2. Take out one pad with clean tweezers or fingers and close the jar tightly.
3. Gently wipe the face with the embossed side from the centre outwards, focusing on the T-zone, nose and chin; do not rub hard.
4. Turn the pad over and pat the remaining essence over the whole face with the smooth side.
5. Avoid the eye area, lips and broken skin.
6. Let the essence absorb, then continue with serum and moisturiser.
7. Start with 2–3 evening uses per week; if well tolerated, frequency can be increased up to once a day.
8. When used in the morning, always finish the routine with SPF 30 or higher.

How to fit it into your routine

Morning: Gentle cleansing, Zero Pore Pad if needed (smooth side only or on the T-zone), soothing serum, light moisturiser and mandatory SPF protection.

Evening: Double cleansing, Zero Pore Pad, hydrating serum (e.g. with hyaluronic acid or panthenol) and a barrier-supporting cream. Do not combine on the same evening with retinoids, other acids or peels.

Important notes

• a patch test on a small area of skin (e.g. under the jawline) is recommended before first use;
• slight tingling in the first seconds is possible; if redness or stinging persists, stop using;
• do not combine on the same evening with retinol, retinal, benzoyl peroxide or other AHA/BHA products;
• AHAs increase skin sensitivity to the sun – use SPF 30+ during use and for one week after stopping;
• contains denatured alcohol and essential oils (citrus, lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus) – caution with sensitive skin and fragrance allergy;
• do not apply to broken, cracked skin or skin irritated after hair removal, laser or peels;
• close the jar tightly after each use so the essence does not evaporate;
• keep out of reach of children, at room temperature, protected from direct sunlight.

Pharmacist's advice

Zero Pore Pad is an exfoliant, not an ordinary toner, so it should not be used twice a day from day one. Start with 2–3 evening applications per week and increase frequency only when the skin shows no redness, flaking or tightness.

The embossed side is meant for areas with pores and blackheads – nose, chin and forehead. On the cheeks, especially with combination skin, using only the smooth side is enough. Rubbing hard does not speed up results; it only increases the risk of irritation.

The acids in the pads should not be layered with other actives on the same evening. If you use a retinoid, alternate evenings, and follow the pads with simple soothing products. A visible reduction in blackheads is usually assessed after 4–6 weeks of regular use, together with mandatory daily SPF.

Ljubica Barbulović, MPharm

Frequently asked questions

Which acids does Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 contain?

It contains lactic acid (AHA), salicylic acid and betaine salicylate (BHA). The manufacturer does not state exact concentrations.

Can the pads be used every day?

Not right away. Start with 2–3 uses per week and, if well tolerated, gradually move to once-daily use.

Which side of the pad is used first?

First the embossed side for gentle exfoliation, then the smooth side to pat in the remaining essence and soothe the skin.

Can they be used with retinol?

Not on the same evening. Alternate the retinoid and the pads on different evenings to reduce the risk of irritation.

Are they suitable for sensitive skin?

With caution. The formula contains acids, denatured alcohol and essential oils, so a patch test and infrequent use at the start are needed.

Is SPF needed after use?

Yes. AHAs increase sensitivity to the sun, so daily SPF 30 or higher is mandatory during use.