MediCube Collagen Glow Bubble Serum Versus MediCube Deep Collagen Vita Multi Serum Stick

MediCube Collagen Glow Bubble Serum Versus MediCube Deep Collagen Vita Multi Serum Stick

This anti-aging serum is formulated around Niacinamide and Adenosine to soften the look of wrinkles.

This anti-aging serum is formulated around Ascorbic Acid and Copper Tripeptide-1 to soften the look of wrinkles and brighten dull-looking skin.

What's inside

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

Water

Glycerin

Propanediol

Soluble Collagen

Glycereth-26

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate

Niacinamide

1,2-Hexanediol

Polyglycerin-3

Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer

Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate

Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract

Butylene Glycol

Dextrin

Xanthan Gum

Hydroxyethyl Urea

Ethylhexylglycerin

Adenosine

Allantoin

Collagen Extract

Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil

Atelocollagen

Desamido Collagen

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Sodium Hyaluronate

Hydrolyzed Elastin

Hydrolyzed Collagen

Caprylyl Glycol

Hyaluronic Acid

Cholesterol

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

Sorbitan Laurate

Silica

Retinal

Glutathione

Brassica Campestris Sterols

Thioctic Acid

Ceteth-5

Ceteth-3

Collagen

Collagen Amino Acids

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate

Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate

Hydroxyethylcellulose

Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

Procollagen

Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate

Acetyl Hexapeptide-1

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

Disodium EDTA

Acetyl Octapeptide-3

Soluble Collagen Crosspolymer

Rosin Hydrolyzed Collagen

Potassium Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen

Parfum

Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Soluble Collagen, Glycereth-26, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglycerin-3, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Dextrin, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Allantoin, Collagen Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Atelocollagen, Desamido Collagen, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Caprylyl Glycol, Hyaluronic Acid, Cholesterol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sorbitan Laurate, Silica, Retinal, Glutathione, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Thioctic Acid, Ceteth-5, Ceteth-3, Collagen, Collagen Amino Acids, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Procollagen, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Disodium EDTA, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Soluble Collagen Crosspolymer, Rosin Hydrolyzed Collagen, Potassium Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen, Parfum

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

Vegetable Oil

Ascorbic Acid

Ceresin

Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate

Diisostearyl Malate

Hexyldecyl Ethylhexanoate

Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate

Beeswax

Copernicia Cerifera Wax

Shorea Robusta Seed Butter

Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate

Dipropylene Glycol

Tocopherol

Eclipta Prostrata Extract

Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract

Ferulic Acid

Tocopheryl Acetate

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract

Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil

Glycine Soja Peptide

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Copper Tripeptide-1

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

Oligopeptide-1

Oligopeptide-2

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Vegetable Oil, Ascorbic Acid, Ceresin, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Hexyldecyl Ethylhexanoate, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate, Beeswax, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Shorea Robusta Seed Butter, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Dipropylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Ferulic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Adenosine, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Water, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Glycine Soja Peptide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Laurate, Soluble Collagen, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Atelocollagen, Oligopeptide-1, Oligopeptide-2

Alternatives

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.

It is a:

Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin

Emollient, helping to soften skin

Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas

Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives

Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester is a peptide composed of amino acids arginine and tyrosine.

This peptide is considered a neurotransmitter peptide, meaning it has pain-relieving and relaxing properties. It has the ability to calm skin irritation from external factors such as chemical stinging or heat.

Neurotransmitter peptides are also often called "botox in a bottle". This is because these peptides have the ability to relax the muscles.

Though relaxing the muscles can prevent expression lines (as we have seen in botox), the studies do not show these peptides to be a botox replacement. The effects of this muscle relaxation is also short-term, as opposed to longer-term results from botox.

This peptide is a lab-made "messenger peptide" that differs from other peptides; it's mostly known for nudging skin pigmentation upward rather than smoothing wrinkles like other peptides.

It works by mimicing parts of the alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone signaling pathway by telling pigment making cells (melanocytes) to make more melanin.

Our bodies produce melanin in response to UV so this peptide is marketed for supporting tanning and has also been explored in hypopigmentation contexts like vitiligo.

Though there is some human data, it's doesn't have the best "single-ingredient" evidence.

For example, an 8 week clinical study in middle-aged Chinese women found using an essence with 0.02% acetyl hexapeptide-1 + retinol improved photoaging related measures. Since it was a combo product, you can't attribute the results to the peptide alone.

In vitiligo research a topical cream with acetyl hexapeptide-1 plus other actives was reported to support repigmentation in some areas. Again, this was a combo product so it's not a pure “acetyl hexapeptide-1 did this” conclusion.

If you're trying to fade hyperpigmentation like melasma and sun spots, this may not be the ingredient for you. Again, its generally positioned as a pro-pigment / tanning support peptide.

Peptides are usually well tolerated but be sure to patch test if you're cautious or have extra sensitive skin.

Acetyl Octapeptide-3 is a synthetic peptide also commonly known as SNAP-8. It is a lab-made peptide often marketed as a gentler, topical alternative to Botox.

It works by mimicking part of a protein involved in muscle contractions, which may help relax facial tension and reduce the appearance of fine lines (mostly around the eyes and forehead).

It’s considered a “next-gen” version of Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8), an older peptide with more research behind it that also supports collagen production.

SNAP-8 showed slightly better results than Argireline in one small manufacturer-funded study, but there’s limited independent research. Plus, most tests use concentrations higher than what’s typically found in skincare products.

This ingredient might offer a subtle smoothing effect but it won't don’t deliver the dramatic results of actual Botox injections.

Think of it more like a supporting actor in your skincare lineup.

Adenosine is a purine nucleoside that your body already makes in every cell. In skincare, it acts mainly as a skin conditioning and anti-aging agent.

The way it works is fairly well mapped out:

Your skin has cells called fibroblasts that build collagen (the stuff that keeps skin firm and smooth). Adenosine basically flips a switch on these cells that tells them to get to work making more collagen and other proteins. These cells slow down on their own as skin ages, so Adenosine helps give them a little nudge to keep going.

The clinical backing is pretty solid too.

A blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 126 women aged 45-65 tested a 0.1% cream twice daily and found real improvements in crow's feet and frown lines using a precise 3D skin-mapping technique; these changes showed up by week 3 and held at 2 months.

A later study using Adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches reported gains in wrinkle depth, dermal density, elasticity, and hydration.

On concentrations, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has set 0.04% as the approved functional anti-wrinkle level. You'll typically see this ingredient used somewhere in the 0.04-0.1% range since it works at low doses.

This ingredient has been found safe for cosmetics with the data showing no irritation or sensitization.

Overall, this is a great ingredient for any anti-aging routine and has no photosensitizing effect, so it suits both AM and PM use.

Atelocollagen can help to reduce the effects of aging.

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.

Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.

Because it is not a free-fatty acid, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient ester. It comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient that adds a velvety feel to skin without being greasy or oily. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.

Ethylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:

The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.

Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.

Glycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.

Topically, glycerin does several things at once:

Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.

Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.

This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.

Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Hydrolyzed Collagen is Collagen (usually sourced from fish, bovine, or porcine byproducts) that's been broken down into smaller peptides. This makes it water-soluble and easy to blend into formulations.

In a formula, it works mainly as a skin-conditioning and moisturizing agent.

The small peptides and amino acids (including Natural Moisturizing Factor components like Hydroxyproline, Serine, and Aspartic Acid) help the surface of the skin hold onto water, feel softer, and look temporarily plumper.

This ingredient also has mild film-forming and antioxidant properties with research showing the antioxidant effect is stronger the lower the molecular weight of the peptides.

It's worth being realistic here:

Topically applied Hydrolyzed Collagen conditions the upper layers of skin rather than rebuilding the structural collagen deep in your dermis (the wrinkle-and-firmness benefits people associate with Collagen mostly come from oral supplements in studies, not topicals).

However, recent lab and skin-model work on Hydrolyzed Fish Collagen has shown promising effects on cell viability and wound healing when used as an active.

Typical concentrations range from 0.2-2%, but the percentage can go much higher in rinse-off or hair products (sometimes even above 50%).

Clinical studies on this ingredient showed no irritation, sensitization, or phototoxicity.

If you are looking for vegan collagen, it usually goes by a different INCI name like hydrolyzed soy protein. Vegan collagen is derived from yeast, bacteria, or plant sources.

The results are varied.

A study from 2021 found hydrolyzed collagen increased elasticity and improved wrinkles in 1,125 participants between age 20 and 70. Another study found increased skin thickness in participants between the ages of 45 to 59.

However, It is difficult to prove that oral collagen will end up working on your skin. Many of the studies using hydrolyzed collagen also add several vitamins and nutrients into the test mixture as well.

Further studies are needed at this time.

Hydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.

This ingredient helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating. It can also help thicken the texture of a product.

This ingredient can also be found in pill medicines to help our bodies digest other ingredients.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 is a synthetic signal lipopeptide. This just means it is a three amino acid chain bolted onto a palmitic acid tail so it can slip through the skin's lipid barrier.

This peptide has a "build more, lose less" approach.

It's designed to mimic the collagen-stimulating activity in your skin by copying a snippet of one of your skin's own matrix proteins. This nudges fibroblasts into making more collagen while inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down skin protein.

The manufacturer's in vivo study of 45 volunteers found 1% and 2.5% reduced the appearance of wrinkles by 7% and 12% respectively, after using it twice daily for 84 days.

This is in the expected range for peptides; they're slow and cumulative actives and not overnight fixers.

Typical use levels range from 1-3% and this ingredient gets along with pretty much everything.

On the fungal acne front: Although palmitic acid sits in the chain length that Malassezia can feed on, this ingredient has it locked in an amine bond. This makes it hard for Malassezia to access as a source of food, and therefore fungal acne safe.

Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.

It’s often used to:

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.

In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.

Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:

Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.

Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.

You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.

Soluble collagen is a large, water-loving protein typically extracted from cattle hides or marine sources like fish skin.

In cosmetics, it works purely as a humectant and film-former.

Despite the marketing that surrounds the word "collagen", its molecule is far too large to penetrate skin so it can't rebuild the collagen in your dermis.

Instead, it sits on the surface and binds water to help reduce transepidermal water loss and leave skin feeling soft, plump, and temporarily tightened.

Suppliers commonly recommend using it around 3-6% though industry data shows concentrations are often much lower (down to a fraction of a percent).

This ingredient has been found safe to use in cosmetics with no reported irritation, sensitization, or phototoxicity.

Sorbitan Laurate is created from lauric acid and derivatives from sorbitol. It is an emulsifier.

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Remember to stay hydrated!

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