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Head to head

Zero Pore Pad 2.0 vs AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution edges out Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0, 8.1 to 7.3. It wins on results, formula and value, while the Zero Pore Pad 2.0 is stronger on texture and feel.

Benefit fingerprints

What each one does.

Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0

HydrateClarifyRenewGlowCalm & ProtectHair & ScalpFinish & WearScentMoistureBarrierBreakoutsOil & PoresCleanseLines & FirmnessTextureEye AreaEven ToneRadianceSensitiveProtectRepairShape & ShineScalpFinishWearCoverageLashes & BrowsFloralGourmandFreshWoody & AmberHydratingPlumpingLong-lasting moistureBarrier repairDryness reliefFlaking reliefAcneBlackheadsClogged poresOil controlPore refiningShine controlMakeup removalDouble cleansingFine linesFirmingCrepinessSmoothingResurfacingBumps & KPDark circlesPuffinessDark spotsHyperpigmentationAcne marksBrighteningDullnessGlass skinSoothingRednessIrritation-freeUV protectionNo white castAntioxidantOdor controlDamage repairSplit endsHeat protectionCurl definitionFrizz controlVolumeShineScalp careHair growth supportDandruffColor protectionMatteDewySatinNaturalLong-wearTransfer-proofWaterproofBuildableSheer coverageMedium coverageFull coverageBlurringLash lengthLash volumeCurl holdBrow definitionFloralWhite floralRoseVanillaGourmandCaramelCitrusFresh & cleanAquaticGreenWoodyAmberMuskySpicyHydrateClarifyRenewGlowHair & ScalpFinish & WearScent

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

HydrateClarifyRenewGlowCalm & ProtectHair & ScalpFinish & WearScentMoistureBarrierBreakoutsOil & PoresCleanseLines & FirmnessTextureEye AreaEven ToneRadianceSensitiveProtectRepairShape & ShineScalpFinishWearCoverageLashes & BrowsFloralGourmandFreshWoody & AmberHydratingPlumpingLong-lasting moistureBarrier repairDryness reliefFlaking reliefAcneBlackheadsClogged poresOil controlPore refiningShine controlMakeup removalDouble cleansingFine linesFirmingCrepinessSmoothingResurfacingBumps & KPDark circlesPuffinessDark spotsHyperpigmentationAcne marksBrighteningDullnessGlass skinSoothingRednessIrritation-freeUV protectionNo white castAntioxidantOdor controlDamage repairSplit endsHeat protectionCurl definitionFrizz controlVolumeShineScalp careHair growth supportDandruffColor protectionMatteDewySatinNaturalLong-wearTransfer-proofWaterproofBuildableSheer coverageMedium coverageFull coverageBlurringLash lengthLash volumeCurl holdBrow definitionFloralWhite floralRoseVanillaGourmandCaramelCitrusFresh & cleanAquaticGreenWoodyAmberMuskySpicyHydrateClarifyRenewGlowHair & ScalpFinish & WearScent

Side by side

Every detail, compared.

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Beauty score
7.3Good
8.1Great
Results30% of score
7.3
8.2
Formula & ingredients20% of score
6.8
7.6
Texture & experience15% of score
7.6
6.8
Value20% of score
7.4
9.3
Community love15% of score
7.2
8.2
Community
No ratings yet
No ratings yet
PriceTypical, checked by our editors
$24.00/ 70 pads / 100 mlMid-range
$9.50/ 1 fl oz / 30 mlDrugstore
Price per ounceLowest wins
$7.10 / oz
$9.36 / oz
What it does
  • Pore refining
  • Blackheads
  • Clogged pores
  • Oil control
  • Resurfacing
  • Smoothing
  • Clogged pores
  • Dullness
Made for
Combination skin, Oily skin, Dry skin
Normal skin, Oily skin, Combination skin
Format
Toner
Peel
Texture
Dual-textured pads: an embossed side for exfoliating and a smooth, silky side for a final swipe
Red, water-based exfoliating serum applied with fingertips and rinsed off
Fragrance-free
No — contains fragrance
—
Claims
—
Vegan, Cruelty-free (brand-stated)
Brand origin
🇰🇷 K-beauty
🇨🇦 Canadian beauty
Video reviews
Best for
  • • Oily or combination skin with blackheads and enlarged-looking pores
  • • A low-stakes first AHA/BHA exfoliant
  • • People who prefer the convenience of pads over liquids
  • • Rough texture and dullness on resilient skin
  • • Clogged pores on oily or combination skin
  • • Experienced exfoliant users wanting an at-home peel
Strengths
  • Two-sided pads: an exfoliating embossed side and a smooth finishing side
  • AHA plus BHA (lactic acid, salicylic acid, willow bark) aimed at oil, blackheads and rough texture, per Medicube
  • Hugely popular, with 270K+ sold on Medicube's own TikTok Shop listing
  • Strong 32% combined AHA/BHA blend delivers visible smoothing
  • Weekly use makes a $9.50 bottle last a long time
  • Hyaluronic acid and panthenol support the acid load
Watch-outs
  • Contains alcohol denat. and several citrus and herbal essential oils
  • Reddit users in r/AsianBeauty and r/acne report it doing nothing or feeling stripping
  • Only for experienced acid users; not for sensitive or compromised skin
  • Misuse or over-long contact can cause significant irritation

FAQ

Quick answers.

Which is better, Zero Pore Pad 2.0 or AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution?

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution edges out Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0, 8.1 to 7.3. It wins on results, formula and value, while the Zero Pore Pad 2.0 is stronger on texture and feel.

Which is better value?

Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 works out to about $7.10 / oz and The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution to about $9.36 / oz, based on typical non-Amazon retail prices when we last checked.

How do you score them?

Both are scored on the same five-factor rubric (results, formula & ingredients, texture & experience, value, community love), using the formula or specs, verified creator reviews, community consensus and value. Brands can’t pay for placement.