medicube's ‘Botox in a bottle' is half the price and worth every penny
I've spent years immersed in Korean skincare, practicing a meticulous ritual of testing beauty products from A to Z, from cult-favorite essences to up-and-coming niche serums. I've become something of a veteran evaluator in this field, having swatched, layered and geeked out over thousands of elixirs, creams and drops.
So, it's in this context that I encountered the medicube Zero Exosome Shot, and let me tell you, the Amazon listing's current markdown — $20 with a 49% discount off its $39 list price — caught me immediately. It felt like the kind of rare, serendipitous moment within the beauty-buying world: a high-tech skincare innovation on sale, ripe for serious scrutiny.
Not to mention, I reviewed the lion's share of medicube and I can say that it's one of the most efficacy-driven brand in the biz. Its stuff works.
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At first glance, the packaging promises a transformative experience: 'Exosome‑Coated Technology,' micro‑needle‑like spicules packed with patented exosomes that deliver actives right into the pores, offering 'superior absorption' and 'hydration enhanced by 242%.' That claim alone sets a high bar in the world of liquid boosters.
To unpack what's going on in that tiny amber vial (and why a sale feels like the perfect prompt to explore it), I looked closely at the ingredient roster. Let's ground ourselves in the chemistry before falling in love with the hype.
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The formula starts with hydrating humectants: water, followed by dipropylene glycol, butylene glycol and glycerin, ingredients that lay a solid foundation by drawing moisture into the skin. Then there's niacinamide, a renowned multitasker known to refine pores, even tone and strengthen the barrier that's reliable and mildly brightening. Panthenol (also known as pro‑vitamin B5) pairs with it, lending hydration and soothing anti‑inflammatory support.
Before and after using the medicube One Day Exosome Shot 2000.
Victoria Giardina
The star players, however, are the hydrolyzed sponge (i.e., spicule) and lactobacillus extracellular vesicles — in other words, probiotic-derived exosomes. These microscopic 'shots' embed in the skin to create micro-channels, skillfully enhancing absorption while mimicking the effects of micro-needling, without breaking the skin barrier. The listing claims that these spicules penetrate pores to deliver the active ingredients, then 'naturally shed' over the following days, offering a gentle, rolling exfoliation and improved texture. It's one of the most satisfying skincare products in my routine.
Complementing that duo, the serum includes AHA/BHA/PHA‑type acids, specifically shoring up exfoliation with betaine salicylate (a gentler oil‑soluble BHA) and gluconolactone (a PHA that exfoliates while being hydrating). Together, they support cellular turnover while remaining more skin‑friendly than conventional acids. Citric Acid helps adjust pH, enhancing efficacy and various botanical extracts. When used, your skin will drink up the antioxidant and soothing benefits.
Let's consider how all this translates into application and effect, through the lens of someone like me who has collectively logged thousands of product experiences. This is marketed as a tingling ampoule; indeed, there is a somewhat needlelike sensation — like micro‑needling in a bottle. It is exactly that refined efficacy that appeals to those of us who are skincare minimalists but refuse to sacrifice performance.
The timing of this Amazon sale makes the serum feel even more accessible. The price is suddenly not just tempting but reasonable for the kind of targeted exfoliation and enzyme‑like smoothing you're paying for.
If you have sensitive skin, it's worth noting that the listing underscores that this serum is noncomedogenic, low‑irritating, gluten‑free, color‑free and safe for most skin types. Still, as always with treatments this potent — and especially one with micro‑spicules — patch testing is a must.
What does this mean for the seasoned Korean skincare connoisseur, or the curious newcomer? In practice, as part of a nighttime routine, a gentle double cleanse, followed by this ampoule, then a calming hydrating layer and a nourishing emollient (or even overnight mask), creates a visible lift in texture and luminosity. With this, I instantly notice glass‑skin smoothness, visibly reduced pore volume and a plumper, more even canvas. These effects are highly coveted and impressive for a less-than-$50 product.
The Final Verdict
In short, having navigated hundreds of bottles promising refined pores and glow, I've learned to spot which claims are grounded in novel tech and which are simply rehashed marketing. The medicube Zero Exosome Shot leans firmly into innovation, exfoliation and value. And, this sale on Amazon tilts what might have been a luxury into a rational decision. Especially for those already performing diligent nightly rituals, this ampoule can amplify results in measurable, visible ways.
If you're looking to elevate your routine with a gentle yet high-impact booster — especially now that it's on sale — it's precisely the kind of worth-it pick that Amazon is blessing us with.
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The medicube Salmon DNA PDRN Mask is on a rare Amazon sale
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. I've lost count of how many Korean skincare brands I've tested over the years. From cult classics to niche launches that barely make it beyond the Seoul underground, I've tried everything: ampoules, essences, toners, serums — you name it, I've put it on my face. Of all the brands I've reviewed, medicube has been one of the few I keep coming back to. So when I saw its Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Collagen Jelly Gel Mask (four of them!) for less than $20 on Amazon, I didn't hesitate. At first, I thought it was a listing error. This mask is sold in a four-pack, which means each treatment comes out to under $5. That's practically unheard of for something packed with PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) and low-molecular-weight collagen: two powerhouse ingredients usually reserved for spa-level treatments or professional skincare lines. But no, the price was real, and naturally, I added it to my cart instantly. Advertisement Amazon I already had high expectations. I've reviewed nearly everything medicube has released — from its Zero Pore Pads to the Deep Vita C Capsule Cream — and I know the brand doesn't mess around when it comes to formulation. But even then, I wasn't expecting this mask to be this good. The texture alone made me pause. It's not your standard paper-thin sheet mask. This is a jelly gel mask that's cool to the touch, slightly plush and absolutely saturated in a thick, milky serum. It clings to the face just enough to stay put, but it's still best used while lying down. What caught me by surprise was how the color began to shift. The mask starts out an opaque pink but fades to almost clear as the ingredients absorb. I didn't even know I wanted a visual cue like that, but it was oddly satisfying to see it work in real time. And, once I took it off, my skin looked smoother, calmer and noticeably more hydrated. That post-mask glow wasn't just a trick of the light, and I was impressed. I could feel the difference the next morning, too. My skin felt firmer and bouncier, like I'd gotten a solid eight hours of sleep (I hadn't). It reminded me of the feeling I get after using medicube's Collagen Jelly Cream ($20), which I've raved about before. But this mask felt even more potent, a little more concentrated and certainly more luxurious. I know marketing claims can be hit or miss, but medicube actually backs theirs its numbers. Its internal tests reported over 79% immediate hydration improvement, with skin maintaining nearly 40% more moisture after 24 hours. The brand even measured improvements in fine lines, elasticity and skin texture. While I can't speak to the lab data personally, I can say my own results lined up, especially around my eyes and forehead, where I usually see the first signs of dullness when I'm tired or dehydrated. The Final Verdict While I love a good skin 'treat' (naturally), this mask has become more than that for me. It has become a regular part of my regular routine, especially on days when my skin is tired, dry or just feeling a little dull. It delivers real results, and it feels good while doing it. If you're deep into Korean skincare like I am — or even just starting out and want something that performs like a high-end product without the high-end price tag — this mask is a smart bet. For less than $5 per use, I get firmer, more hydrated, visibly refreshed skin. That's a result I'll happily pay for again and again. This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what's truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria's latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
