Compare Products: PDRN Pink Peptide Serum vs Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

Medicube

PDRN Pink Peptide Serum

Mid-range
$37 / 30ml — $1.23/ml
The Ordinary

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

Budget10%
$6 / 30ml — $0.20/ml

Who It's Designed For

Medicube
  • Those seeking peptide-based anti-aging with PDRN
  • Users who want a lightweight serum for morning and evening use
  • People interested in K-beauty award-winning products
  • Those looking for brightening alongside anti-aging benefits
  • Users who enjoy a subtle scented serum experience
The Ordinary
  • Oily and combination skin seeking oil control
  • Those who want a no-frills, high-potency niacinamide serum
  • Budget-conscious skincare users
  • People targeting enlarged pores and textural irregularities
  • Users building ingredient-focused routines

Key Ingredients

Medicube

Rose PDRN (Sodium DNA), 5-Type Peptide Complex, Niacinamide (4.4-5.4%), Adenosine, Hydrolyzed Collagen

The Ordinary

Niacinamide (10%), Zinc PCA (1%)

Product Composition

6% similarity (3 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
waterniacinamidesodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer
Only in Medicube (36)
butylene glycol12-hexanediolglycerindipropylene glycolpolyglycerin-3glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerpvm/ma copolymersodium hyaluronateethylhexylglyceringlycereth-26adenosineacrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerisopropyl myristateubiquinonefragrancecaprylyl glycoltromethaminepolyisobutenecaprylyl/capryl glucosidesorbitan oleatesodium dnahydrolyzed collagenatelocollagensalmon egg extractcyanocobalaminmelia azadirachta leaf extractmelia azadirachta flower extractcurcuma longa (turmeric) root extractocimum sanctum leaf extractcorallina officinalis extractcopper tripeptide-1acetyl hexapeptide-8palmitoyl pentapeptide-4palmitoyl tripeptide-1palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7
Only in The Ordinary (8)
pentylene glycolzinc pcatamarindus indica seed gumxanthan gumisoceteth-20ethoxydiglycolphenoxyethanolchlorphenesin

User Feedback Patterns

Medicube
Pleasant texture with firmness boost

Users describe a bouncy, lightweight gel that leaves skin feeling firmer and more hydrated. Makeup artists and beauty editors have highlighted the glow it provides.

Quick absorption for layering

The serum absorbs rapidly, making it easy to layer under moisturizer and sunscreen without pilling.

Fragrance is divisive

Some users appreciate the subtle rose scent. Others wish for a fragrance-free version, especially for sensitive skin use.

The Ordinary
Holy grail for oily skin

Many users with oily skin report significant oil control and fewer breakouts. High repurchase rate in this demographic.

Pilling under other products

Commonly reported issue. Users recommend applying to damp skin or mixing with a hydrating serum to improve layering.

Tacky texture

The formula can feel sticky, especially if too much is applied. Most users adapt application technique over time.

Purging or breakouts

Some users report initial breakouts. Unclear whether this is purging, sensitivity, or coincidence. Most who push through report improvement.

Value for money

Almost universally praised for price-to-performance ratio. Common comment: 'can't believe this costs $6.'

Which Should You Buy?

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum offers great value at a lower price point. Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum may be worth the premium if you want Rose PDRN (Sodium DNA).

View Full Product Details

Related Comparisons