Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0: TikTok's Favorite Exfoliating Pad, Tested

The pads are soaked in a solution with multiple exfoliating acids — AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid) and BHA (salicylic acid). They also contain niacinamide, panthenol, and tea tree extract for pore care and soothing.

The pads themselves have a dual-sided texture: one side is embossed for physical exfoliation, the other is smooth for gentle application. The idea is to use the textured side first to slough off dead skin, then flip to the smooth side to distribute the remaining essence.

The pads are generously soaked — almost too much. You have to squeeze out the excess before using them or the product drips everywhere. Once you get past that, they're easy to use. The embossed side provides gentle physical exfoliation without being scratchy, and the essence absorbs quickly.

There's a faint medicinal scent, but it's not overpowering and fades once the product dries down.

After six weeks of using these 3-4 times per week, my skin texture improved. Not dramatically, but noticeably. My pores looked smaller — or at least less visible — and my skin felt smoother. I also had fewer blackheads on my nose and chin.

The glass skin effect TikTok raves about? That's a stretch. My skin looked healthier and more refined, but it wasn't transformative. I think people's before-and-after videos are either edited or they had really congested skin to start with.

That said, these pads do what they're supposed to: exfoliate gently and consistently without wrecking your barrier.

If you have oily or combination skin with visible pores, blackheads, or uneven texture, these are a good option. They're also great if you're lazy about exfoliation — the pads make it easy and quick.

If you have dry or sensitive skin, be careful. The combination of chemical and physical exfoliation can be too much. Start with once or twice a week and see how your skin responds.

If you're already using retinol or strong exfoliating acids regularly, adding these pads might be overkill. You don't need to exfoliate every single day, and layering multiple exfoliants is a fast track to a damaged barrier.

If you have active, inflamed acne, physical exfoliation can spread bacteria and make things worse. Stick to chemical exfoliants only.

Medicube Zero Pore Pads are good, but they're not the only option. COSRX One Step Pimple Clear Pad and Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling pads do similar things at comparable price points.

What sets Medicube apart is the dual-sided texture and the combination of acids. If you want both physical and chemical exfoliation in one step, these are convenient. But if you're sensitive to texture or you prefer chemical-only exfoliation, the COSRX pads might be a better fit.

If you're looking for an easy, effective exfoliating option and you don't mind spending a bit more for convenience, yes. The pads work, they're well-formulated, and 70 pads last a while if you're using them 3-4 times per week.

But if you're on a tight budget, you can get similar results with a cheaper exfoliating toner and a separate physical exfoliant. The pads are convenient, not essential.

Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 lives up to most of the hype. It's a solid exfoliating product that improves texture and refines pores over time. The TikTok glass skin claims are oversold, but the product itself is effective.

If you like the convenience of pre-soaked pads and you want gentle but consistent exfoliation, these are worth trying. Just don't expect overnight miracles.