Medicube Deep Vita A Retinol Serum
Medicube Deep Vita A Retinol Serum
Product Description
Product overview
Serum from Medicube. Skincarisma's automated ingredient analyzer extracted 11 key actives across the full INCI list.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains ingredients (retinol/retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone) commonly avoided during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider.
Contains 1 ingredient(s) that can feed Malassezia: linoleic acid.
Added fragrance can irritate sensitive or compromised skin. Patch-test before regular use.
Ingredient breakdown
INCINiacinamide Proven
Vitamin B3 derivative. Visibly reduces sebum, improves barrier function, and fades pigmentation over 4–8 weeks of consistent use.
- Research: Studies show 4–10% niacinamide reduces transepidermal water loss and visibly fades hyperpigmentation in 4 weeks
- Function: Inhibits melanosome transfer — fades existing dark spots and prevents new pigmentation
Sodium Hyaluronate Supporting
Low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid — penetrates deeper into the skin than standard HA for sustained hydration.
- Research: Smaller molecular weight (50–300 kDa) reaches the upper dermis
- Function: Provides deep, long-lasting hydration without the surface stickiness
Retinol Proven
Vitamin A derivative — the most-studied anti-aging active. Increases cell turnover and stimulates collagen.
- Research: Decades of trials show wrinkle reduction, improved texture, fewer breakouts
- Function: Converts to retinoic acid in skin → binds nuclear receptors → cell renewal
Retinal Supporting
Retinaldehyde — one conversion step from retinoic acid (vs retinol's two). More potent, faster results.
- Function: Bypasses one metabolic conversion — more bioavailable than retinol
- Benefit: Comparable irritation to retinol but stronger effect
Bakuchiol Supporting
Plant-derived alternative to retinol — provides similar smoothing benefits without retinol's irritation profile.
- Research: Studies show comparable wrinkle reduction to retinol with less skin irritation
- Function: Pregnancy-safe alternative — works at the same gene-expression level as retinol
Centella Asiatica Extract/Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract Proven
Plant extract (also called Cica/Tiger Grass) — soothes inflammation, calms redness, supports barrier repair.
- Research: Contains 4 active compounds: madecassoside, asiaticoside, asiatic and madecassic acid
- Function: Anti-inflammatory + wound-healing — used in K-beauty for post-acne, post-procedure skin
Ceramide NP Proven
Skin-identical lipid — restores the protective barrier (which is made of 50% ceramides).
- Research: Ceramide-containing products improve barrier function in 2–4 weeks
- Function: Fills gaps between skin cells, sealing in moisture and blocking irritants
Panthenol Supporting
Pro-vitamin B5 — converts to pantothenic acid in skin. Deeply hydrating and calming.
- Function: Humectant + emollient + soothing — improves moisture and reduces irritation
- Benefit: Especially helpful for stressed, sensitized, or damaged skin
Allantoin Supporting
Naturally occurring compound — promotes cell turnover and soothes irritation.
- Function: Keratolytic (gently exfoliating) and skin-conditioning
- Benefit: Helps heal minor wounds, sunburn, and chapping
Squalane Proven
Stable hydrogenated version of squalene — naturally found in skin. Lightweight, deeply moisturizing oil.
- Function: Mimics skin's natural sebum — absorbs without greasiness
- Benefit: Non-comedogenic, fungal-acne safe, suitable for all skin types
64 ingredients
Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Squalane, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Pentylene Glycol, Panthenol, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Fragrance(Parfum), Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sucrose Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Allantoin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Xanthan Gum, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Adenosine, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Retinal, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Retinol, Bakuchiol, Retinyl Palmitate, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Linoleic Acid, Cholesterol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ceramide NP, PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, Retinyl Linoleate, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Beta-Glucan, Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Silica, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Retinyl Retinoate, Chitosan, Centella Asiatica Extract/Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Tris(Tetramethy Lhydroxypiperidinol) Citrate, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol.
Where it fits in your routine
STEP 04Apply on clean, dry skin after toner and before heavier creams. Pat gently to encourage absorption. Wait 1-2 minutes before the next step to prevent pilling.
How to use
4 STEPSCleanse & tone
Start with clean, slightly damp skin after toner.
Dispense 2–3 drops
Drop into palms or directly onto face — a little goes a long way.
Pat to absorb
Gently pat into skin until fully absorbed. No need to rub.
Layer & seal
Follow with moisturizer to lock it in. Sunscreen the next morning.
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Check the small jar symbol on the packaging for the manufacturer-specified PAO. Some brands also print a manufacture date — keep both in mind.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and UV degrade many active ingredients. Keep the cap on when not in use.
Standard cosmetic packaging with cap. Re-cap after each use to prevent oxidation of actives.
Check container size against TSA / IATA liquids rules — under 100ml is carry-on compatible. Use a leak-proof travel pouch.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.