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I genuinely wanted to like this. With all the buzz around Medicube’s Pink Ampoule, especially since it’s ranked no.1 on Olive Young Global, I thought I was getting my hands on something truly special. PDRN? Peptides? A pink serum that looks like skincare magic in a bottle? Yes please.

I ordered mine from Olive Young’s international site. The shipping was quick, and the packaging looked luxe — frosted glass, sturdy pump, subtle pink glow. Honestly, it gave high-end energy without being overpriced. It felt like one of those products that would be both aesthetic and effective.

Unfortunately, the experience just didn’t match my expectations.

The texture was the first red flag. It’s not runny, not creamy, more of a bouncy gel — which usually works fine for my skin. But this didn’t absorb properly. It felt like it just sat there, no matter how little I applied. Every time I tried layering over it, my sunscreen would pill. I tried waiting, blotting, using different moisturizers underneath — same issue. It felt like my skincare routine was fighting itself.

Still, I was willing to deal with it if the results came. Spoiler: they didn’t.

My skin is on the sensitive side. I deal with mild redness, especially around my cheeks and nose, and I’m always on the lookout for calming, barrier-repairing formulas. This serum promised exactly that. But within a week, I started noticing tiny bumps along my jaw and temples. Not full breakouts, but definite congestion. I pared down the rest of my routine, patch-tested, and yep — it was this.

I pushed through for a month, hoping my skin would adapt. It didn’t. My redness stayed the same, the texture of my skin looked worse, and the little clogged bumps just got more stubborn. There was no brightening. No hydration boost. No glow. Just frustration.

I wanted to love this. I see how it could work for someone with damaged or post-treatment skin — maybe if your barrier is completely compromised and you need intense repair. But for skin like mine, that’s sensitive but generally healthy? It felt like too much. The ingredients list is impressive on paper, but maybe it was too active for me, or the formulation just didn’t suit my skin type.

I ended up going back to my old centella serum. Within a week, my skin calmed down and those clogged pores started to disappear. That’s when I knew — it wasn’t me, it was the ampoule.

The only positives I can give are that the packaging is beautiful and the formula is fragrance-free. But for over $40, I expected results. Not just pretty shelf appeal.

Skincare is super personal, so I’m not saying this product is bad. But if your skin is sensitive, combo, or prone to clogging like mine, be cautious. The hype is real — but so was my reaction.

I’ll be passing on this one.