In my 40s, prescription tretinoin has become one of my BFFs. In 2020, my dermatologist suggested adding one Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) serum to help with uneven skin and fine lines, a couple of times a week before bed. For years, expensive AHA serums promised to tackle my uneven skin and fine lines, but most fell flat — and weren’t cheap. Then, I stumbled upon an at-home ‘microneedling serum,' and my curiosity was piqued.
What is the Medicube One Day Exosome Shot 2000?
Given my loyalty to tretinoin, I was hesitant but excited to see what this Medicube Exosome Shot “Microneedling” Serum (Strong 7500) could do for me. While it’s more wallet-friendly than my past lactic acid serums, it’s pricier than a drugstore option, but I’m happy to pay for good quality and noticeable results.
“This innovative serum delivers exfoliating and brightening benefits through a spicule-based delivery system, which mimics the effects of microneedling to enhance absorption,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC.
My skin type
At 42, my skin type is combination, and I am always looking for brightening, firming, and nourishing products that don’t cause breakouts. With fine lines and sunspots, I’m always looking for high-quality, multitasking products — which is exactly what this Medicube product is.
How I tried it
I started by applying the serum to clean and dry skin at night, followed by my thicker night cream and face oil. Two pumps were enough for my face and neck.
The label says you might experience a tingling sensation, but it felt more like tiny needles stinging all over, which didn’t bother me as I’d done microneedling in the past, plus the results made it worth it for me.
Why I like it
- My skin is noticeably brighter. I chose the “strong” version due to my history of using tretinoin for a decade — and I was happy I did. Though the tingling sensation is more intense than any other serum I have ever used, including tretinoin, my results are beyond impressive. My skin looked noticeably brighter after the first use.
- This product boasts more than one benefit. “From a dermatologic standpoint, the addition of exosomes, niacinamide, and panthenol makes it a compelling option for improving skin texture, pore visibility and radiance,” explains Dr. Garshick. She adds it’s especially beneficial for those seeking a non-invasive at-home solution for clogged pores and dullness.
What to consider
People with sensitive skin might find this serum too intense. Some reviewers on Amazon reported that the tingling sensation was too painful, resulting in redness and increased sensitivity, but most raved about the results.
That said, I’ve been using it twice a week for about three months, and while it still makes my skin tingle, the pores on my nose look smaller, my skin feels tighter (in a good way), and overall, my skin looks clearer. I'm thrilled with my results and I'm hoping with continued use, I'll see even more benefits.
More Medicube products to shop
According to the brand, users experienced a 12.29% improvement in dark spots/pigmentation within two weeks of using this product. This toner is great for adding radiance and strengthening the skin barrier, and can be used both day and night.
Also, this was the winner of a Shop TODAY Beauty Award for Best Overall Toner in 2025.
According to the brand, this 6-in-1 beauty massager has a booster, microcurrent, derma shot, air shot, LED therapy and not one but four customized vibration modes for radiance, line smoothing, contouring and elasticity. Unlike many skin care tools, you can use it with any serum or cream.
As one Amazon reviewer noted, despite initial apprehension about skin care trends, they were “immediately sold when I saw Dr Jing and Dr Kim (both dermatologists) review this product on TikTok.” After trying it, they “literally saw an IMMEDIATE difference in plumpness and my skin was so glowy and it FELT hydrated,” leading them to “100% recommend this product.
Medicube Zero Pore Pads can help you achieve clearer, smoother skin by targeting enlarged pores, excess sebum, blackheads, and whiteheads. I use this biweekly for a month or two when I get blackheads on the sides of my nose, especially after my yearly microneedling appointment.
An Amazon reviewer noted that they are also “great for body acne” and use the pads on their chest and shoulders, but tend to have “a sticky feel.”
This overnight peel-off mask is made to brighten, enhance elasticity, and improve skin texture while you sleep, targeting uneven tone and promoting a “glass glow.” You can leave it on for up to 8 hours.
One enthusiastic Amazon reviewer declared, “This one’s the ONE!” and raved about its effectiveness on melasma and dark marks from blemishes, stating, “The dark marks leftover from the wound I made after trying to pop the blemishes are almost non-existent!! I wish I took pictures... that’s how crazy fast it worked.” They added, “My little 'stache is even brightening up. 5 stars! 5 stars! 5 stars! I will be repurchasing forever now!!”
Meet our expert
- Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in Midtown, NY, and Englewood, NJ.
Why trust Shop TODAY?
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Anjana Rajbhandary is a freelance beauty and health writer. She teaches yoga, does personalized Ayurvedic skin consultations at “Happy Skin with Anjy,” and only wears black. Her favorite thing in the world is spending time with her rescue puppy, Sloane, and when she’s not working, she’s researching animal sanctuaries.
