Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0 vs The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7%: which should you buy?
Two 4.6-rated exfoliating toners at the top of the same list: dual-textured acid pads against a bottle of 7% glycolic.
medicube medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0, Dual-Textured Facial Toner
4.6(32,676) £15.30£16.90-9% Check price on Amazon →
The Ordinary The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, Brightening
4.6(63,987) £9.52£11.90-20% Check price on Amazon →The short answer
if you want the convenience of a pre-soaked textured pad and a gentler lactic plus salicylic combination for congestion.
if you want a stronger single acid without essential oils, backed by roughly twice as many reviews.
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Side by side
| medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0, Dual-Textured | The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £15.30£16.90-9% See on Amazon → | £9.52£11.90-20% See on Amazon → |
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.6 | ★★★★★ 4.6 |
| Review count | 32,676 | 63,987 |
| Amazon best-seller rank | #1 in Face Astringents & Toners | #2 in Face Astringents & Toners |
| Amazon purchases | 50K+ bought | 10K+ bought |
| Key active | salicylic acid (BHA) | glycolic acid |
| Format | toner pads | - |
| Size | 70 units | - |
| Routine step | tone | tone |
| Best for | congestion | - |
| Sensitive-skin friendly | Contains actives, patch test | No data |
| Highlights |
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Our verdict
This is a genuinely close call. Both score 4.6 out of 5 and their star spreads are identical, 79% five-star and 3% at one or two. The Ordinary has more feedback behind that figure, 63,987 reviews to Medicube’s 32,676. The formulas differ more than the scores suggest. Medicube pairs 4.5% lactic acid with 0.45% salicylic acid on a dual-textured pad, so you get physical sweeping alongside chemical exfoliation, but the INCI also carries alcohol denat., bergamot, lemon, orange, grapefruit, rosemary, eucalyptus and lavender oils plus limonene, and it is not one to reach for on reactive skin. The Ordinary is a single stronger acid, 7% glycolic, poured from a bottle. If fragrance is a problem for you, take The Ordinary.
Which one is for you?
- Choose the Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0 if you want the convenience of a pre-soaked textured pad and a gentler lactic plus salicylic combination for congestion. Read our full look at the medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0, Dual-Textured →
- Choose The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toner if you want a stronger single acid without essential oils, backed by roughly twice as many reviews. See The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner on Amazon →
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0, Dual-Textured and The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner?
Two 4.6-rated exfoliating toners at the top of the same list: dual-textured acid pads against a bottle of 7% glycolic.
Which is better, the medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0, Dual-Textured or The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner?
Neither is simply better; it depends on your skin and goal. Choose the Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0 if you want the convenience of a pre-soaked textured pad and a gentler lactic plus salicylic combination for congestion. Choose The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toner if you want a stronger single acid without essential oils, backed by roughly twice as many reviews.
Can I use the medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0, Dual-Textured and The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner together?
Often yes. If they sit at different routine steps you can layer them lightest to heaviest, and if they do the same job you would usually pick one. Introduce new actives one at a time and patch test first.
Where these claims come from
- Star ratings and review counts: Amazon.co.uk's own figures for each listing, read on 2026-10-01.
- Prices and stock: read from each Amazon.co.uk listing, read on 2026-10-01.
- Best Sellers Rank and "bought in past month" badges: Amazon.co.uk's own figures, shown on the product page, read on 2026-10-01.
- Ingredient list as published by the manufacturer · medicube.us
- Ingredient list as published by the manufacturer · theordinary.com
We have not tested either product. Everything above is read from the listings and the manufacturer, with the dates shown, plus our own reading of what the two are for. Ratings are Amazon customers' scores, not ours.
Amazon.co.uk figures, not ours: prices read on 2026-10-01; star ratings and review counts read on 2026-10-01. Prices and ratings change; these are dated snapshots.
Prices move around, so always confirm on Amazon before deciding. Browse more options in Zero Pore & Pore Care or browse the whole range.