I tried two viral K-beauty products from medicube and this is my honest opinion

K-beauty has become impossible to ignore over the past year, with Medicube products regularly going viral on TikTok thanks to their promise of brighter, bouncier, "glass skin". After seeing countless videos, I wanted to know whether they lived up to the hype or if they were simply another social media trend.

So, I tried Medicube's Deep Vitamin C Capsule Cream and Collagen Jelly Cream as part of my usual skincare routine to see how they performed in real life. After several weeks of use, I can see why they've become so popular, although neither product is completely without flaws.

I’ll take each product in turn. First to the Deep Vitamin C Capsule Cream as this is the more unusual of the two. Instead of a standard moisturiser, the jar contains bright yellow vitamin capsules suspended in a clear gel.

You're encouraged to mix the two together depending on how much hydration your skin needs, making it a customisable formula which is quite unique but very welcomed, though a little faffy. The cream contains vitamin tree water, multiple forms of vitamin C and niacinamide, ingredients designed to help brighten dull-looking skin while hydrating at the same time.

The first thing I noticed was how satisfying it is to use. Breaking up the capsules and mixing them into the gel feels a little odd at first, but it quickly becomes part of the routine. I admit I didn’t really want to do it at first, considering how pretty the pot looked with this capsules on top, but it is absolutely necessary. It does also come with a small mixing spatula so no need to get messy fingers.

After a couple of weeks, my skin looked noticeably fresher and more radiant. I wouldn't say dark marks disappeared, but my complexion appeared more even and had a healthy glow that lasted throughout the day. It also layered well over serum without feeling heavy.

There are a few downsides, though. The cream can feel quite rich if you use too many capsules, especially during warmer weather or if you have oily skin (and I do have an oily t-zone). Using a higher proportion of gel gave a much lighter finish, as the brand recommends. I would suggest mixing a little bit at a time and seeing how it reacts with your skin so you can get the best possible formula for you as you can’t unmix it and you don’t want to end up with a whole pot of formula that doesn’t work with your skin.

‘Unlike most moisturisers I have tried - but I like them’

If the Vitamin C cream is all about radiance, the Collagen Jelly Cream is all about hydration. The texture is unlike most moisturisers I've tried. It's a bouncy, translucent jelly that feels cool on the skin and sinks in surprisingly quickly. Despite the lightweight texture, it leaves skin feeling well moisturised without any greasy residue.

This became my favourite of the two, especially given the fact that the UK seems to be having a heatwave every other week. My skin soon felt plumper after applying it, and it did actually create that dewy finish that's become synonymous with Korean skincare. It also sat beautifully underneath make-up and I found it helped me apply foundation more smoothly.

It's worth pointing out that collagen in skincare doesn't literally replace the collagen in your skin, so I wouldn't expect dramatic anti-ageing results from the cream alone. Instead, I found its biggest strengths were hydration, comfort and giving my skin a healthier-looking appearance.

The only real limitation is that those with very dry skin may still want something richer, as the jelly texture is intentionally lightweight. My skin feels very dry after showering in the evening, and I found it didn’t hydrate my skin enough then, but it was perfect for the start of the day when my skin just needed a little boost rather than deep hydration. The jelly texture did take some getting used to and it felt a little strange at first, but it was always pleasant to use and now I have got used to it I do like it.

Final verdict: Are Medicube's viral K-beauty creams worth the money?

After trying both products, I don't think the viral attention is completely undeserved. They feel well formulated, enjoyable to use and genuinely leave skin looking healthier and more hydrated.

If I had to choose just one, I'd buy the Collagen Jelly Cream again without hesitation because it fits seamlessly into my routine with no effort and is useful daily. The Vitamin C Capsule Cream comes a close second, particularly if dullness and uneven skin tone are your main concerns, you just have to be prepared to put in a bit of time to get the right consistency for you.

Like most skincare, these aren't miracle products, and visible improvements take consistency rather than a few applications. But if you've been curious about the Medicube hype, I'd say these two products are a good place to start.

The Collagen Jelly Cream costs £14.50 while the Vitamin C Capsule Cream costs £17.50, so they are both affordable additions to your beauty routine.

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