The blue can or the yellow one? At Medicube, the procedures with a toner pad are initially similar: open the can, take out a pad, stroke it over the skin. The difference lies in the liquid with which the pads are soaked. That’s why it’s worth taking a look at the skin concerns before deciding on your favorite color.

Zero Pore Pad 2.0 and Deep Vita C Pad each have an embossed and a smooth side. But they have different priorities. One is more focused on skin structure and pore structure, the other on a more even skin tone.

Zero Pore Pad 2.0: Skin structure and pore appearance

The Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 contain lactic acid and salicylic acid. In the list of ingredients you will find them as Lactic Acid and Salicylic Acid. They are among the acids used in exfoliation products.

Medicube aims this variant at people who are concerned with excess sebum, rough-looking areas or the appearance of blackheads. This makes Zero Pore a possible choice if you are consciously looking for an exfoliating step. The name “Zero Pore” should not be used as a standard for your skin: visible pores are part of it.

The formula also contains panthenol and humectants. That doesn’t change the fact that this is an exfoliation product. Anyone who already uses an acid tonic should first consider which existing step the pad could replace. Two products with similar tasks quickly fill up a routine without automatically gaining more.

Deep Vita C Pad: the focus is on skin tone

The Medicube Deep Vita C Pads combine sea buckthorn water, niacinamide and a vitamin C derivative. A derivative is a modified form of a substance. This formula cannot therefore simply be equated with a serum made from pure ascorbic acid.

The brand assigns these pads to care for uneven or dull skin tone. If that is your concern and you like the pad format, this variant is closer to your question. However, a vitamin C name alone does not say how quickly something changes or how the finished product feels on your skin.

Noteworthy is gluconolactone in the ingredient list. It belongs to the PHA, a group of exfoliating ingredients. The yellow can is therefore not a simple “acid-free moisture version” of the blue one. A blanket statement that Deep Vita C is milder for all sensitive skin cannot be derived from the product names.

What does the difference mean for your routine?

For a specifically selected exfoliation step with a rough structure and a restless pore structure, I would first look at Zero Pore. For cosmetic care of the skin tone, rather Deep Vita C. If you’re actually just looking for moisture, another selection is worth it: Our article “Using toner pads: moisturizing or exfoliation?” also explains this difference.

Both variants are used after cleaning. Following the product instructions, gently stroke the embossed side and then the smooth side over the skin. The remaining liquid is allowed to absorb. The pad does not have to work hard over the same area. Eyes and irritated areas are avoided.

To get to know each other, first plan individual applications and observe how your skin feels. If there is already retinol or another exfoliation in the bathroom, this information is part of the selection. The frequency with which a pad fits depends on your overall routine and tolerance, not on how many pads are in the can. This is followed by the usual moisturizing care. Sun protection is included during the day.

It’s worth taking a look at the back of both

Zero Pore contains denatured alcohol and various essential oils. Deep Vita C also lists fragrant plant components. If you know that your skin reacts to such ingredients, the full list of ingredients will help you more than the statement “for all skin types”. If there is burning or significant redness, stop using the product.

By the way, you don’t have to choose an entire product line. A suitable can can be placed next to products from other brands. If you would like to get to know Medicube as a whole, you can find further steps and their respective tasks in our Medicube portrait .

What we know for sure

• Zero Pore Pad 2.0 contains lactic acid and salicylic acid.
• Deep Vita C combines, among other things, niacinamide, a vitamin C derivative and gluconolactone.
• Both are soaked pads with two different surfaces. Their formulas and care focuses differ.
• This comparison is based on product information and ingredient lists, not on our own application test. Check the packaging of your specific variant.

Sources, checked on September 9th, 2026: Medicube: Zero Pore Pads ; Medicube: Deep Vita C Pads ; the Bloom & Glow product pages linked above; American Academy of Dermatology: Use peels safely .