MediCube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 Versus Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Updated on May 22, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 13 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, BHA and hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
MediCube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 47 ingredients
Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner 71 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
MediCube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 47 ingredients
Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner 71 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventTromethamine
BufferingLactic Acid
Buffering
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Glycereth-26
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Betaine
Humectant
Trehalose
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Betaine Salicylate
Antimicrobial
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Citrus Limon Peel Oil
Masking
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingEthyl Hexanediol
SolventCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningChamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningCinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
Masking
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantLimonene
Perfuming
Water, Methylpropanediol, Tromethamine, Lactic Acid, Alcohol Denat., 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Glycereth-26, Salicylic Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Betaine, Trehalose, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Allantoin, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine Salicylate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Ethyl Hexanediol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
C12-14 Pareth-12
EmulsifyingOctyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingMelaleuca Cajaputi Extract
TonicPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Ficus Carica Fruit Extract
Humectant
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Zinc Sulfate
Antimicrobial
Triethylhexanoin
MaskingCholesterol
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Potassium C11-15 Alkyl Phosphate
Ceramide Ng
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Ceramide As
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ns
Skin Conditioning
Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Glycine
Buffering
Glutamic Acid
Humectant
Glutamine
Skin ConditioningLysine
Skin ConditioningMethionine
Skin ConditioningValine
MaskingSerine
Masking
Cysteine
Antioxidant
Citrulline
Skin ConditioningAsparagine
MaskingAspartic Acid
Masking
Isoleucine
Skin ConditioningAlanine
MaskingArginine
Masking
Ornithine
Skin ConditioningTaurine
BufferingTyrosine
MaskingThreonine
Tryptophan
MaskingPhenylalanine
Masking
Proline
Skin ConditioningHistidine
Humectant
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Salicylic Acid, C12-14 Pareth-12, Octyldodeceth-16, Melaleuca Cajaputi Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Salix Alba Leaf Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Panthenol, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Butylene Glycol, Zinc Sulfate, Triethylhexanoin, Cholesterol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Potassium C11-15 Alkyl Phosphate, Ceramide Ng, Dimethicone, Ceramide As, Ceramide AP, Ceramide Ns, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Glycine, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Lysine, Methionine, Valine, Serine, Cysteine, Citrulline, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Isoleucine, Alanine, Arginine, Ornithine, Taurine, Tyrosine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Phenylalanine, Proline, Histidine, Ceramide EOP, Phytosphingosine, Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.
Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing a Salicylic Acid into your routine.
In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractWe don't have a description for Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract yet.
This tree is also known as the David Elm. It contains the ingredient bakuchiol.
Other great compounds found in this ingredient include galactose, glucose, and phenolics. The sugar content gives it great skin hydrating properties. Phenolics are potent antioxidants commonly found in fruits and veggies.
A 2020 study found the phenolics of this root to have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Fun fact: This ingredient is used in traditional Asian medicine.
Learn more about Ulmus Davidiana Root ExtractWe don't have a description for Pueraria Lobata Root Extract yet.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
MediCube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 47 ingredients
Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner 71 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
MediCube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 47 ingredients
sooo harsh, damaged my skin barrier even tho i only used it 1-2x a week! has alcohol n a buncha fragrances. and this says "suitable for sensitive skin" on the packaging?? 0.45% bha also isnt enough for exfoliation as its below the 0.5% minimum.
tiktok hype made me buy it but it stung my skin sooo bad i had to give it away.
I couldn’t even use these- as a patch test it immediately made me breakout in an itchy red rash. This product is not at all suitable for sensitive skin.
Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner 71 ingredients
This is an amazing exfoliator! She is affordable, powerful, little to no scent, non drying and has the added bonus of practical packaging! I use this every 5 days as the only exfoliating product in my routine and she just wipes any closed comedones, sebaceous filaments, clogged pores etc right off. Though it mentions a fragrance there is little to no scent detected for me and I am sensitive to Show more
I've tried both Paula's Choice and Isntree's BHA toners and I find that for my sensitive but acne prone skin this Anua one is far superior. It doesn't have as much of a sticky feeling as the other two (but still some) and also didn't dehydrate or sensitise my skin as much, while still drastically improving my blackheads and acne bumps.
I believe this to be way more beginner-user and sensitive Show more
