Medicube NAD EGF Firming Serum review

When a South Korean skincare formula goes viral on TikTok, I’m usually the first to look past the flashy marketing and head straight for the ingredient list. But then Medicube NAD EGF Firming Serum for Face & Neck was launched — promising to tackle elasticity loss, ‘tech neck’ and cellular sluggishness with powerful growth factors — and I knew I had to test it myself. If you’ve been wondering whether this high-tech bottle actually lives up to the hype or if it’s just another clever social media trend, here is what happened when I put its science to the test on my own skin.

Before we go any further, I paid £14 for a 30ml bottle directly from the brand on its official TikTok shop. I’ve seen it cheaper since, including on Amazon. The transaction was smooth, with no delays or delivery problems. 

The serum is 'as shown', a clear red liquid, which is unusual in skincare. The fact that this product is 'different' builds intrigue and anticipation. Well, it certainly did for me*.

Medicube is a prominent South Korean derma-cosmetic brand known for blending clinically inspired active ingredients with accessible home-use skincare. Popularised rapidly via social commerce platforms like TikTok Shop, the Medicube NAD EGF Firming Serum is positioned as a high-performance, multi-target treatment for mature, tired, or sagging skin.

Formulated specifically for both the face and delicate neck area, the serum targets fine lines, loss of elasticity, surface dullness, and compromised barrier function. It is dermatologically tested for primary skin irritation, is non-comedogenic and free from artificial colourants.

The science behind the active ingredients

The formula hinges on a blend of cellular-signaling proteins, metabolic coenzymes, supporting peptides, and protective antioxidants.

The main active ingredient is polypeptide, a signal molecule naturally produced by the human body. It binds to specific receptors (EGFR) on the surface of skin cells (keratinocytes and fibroblasts). This binding signals cells to divide, repair, and produce key structural components like collagen and elastin. And the benefit? It supports dermal density, speeds up surface cell turnover, and helps refine texture and firmness over time.

Another hero ingredient is NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide), a critical coenzyme present in every living cell. It plays a key role in cellular energy metabolism (ATP production) and DNA repair.

Natural NAD+ levels decline significantly with age and UV exposure, leading to slower cellular repair mechanisms. Topically delivered NAD+ (and its precursor network) helps boost cellular vitality, supporting skin resilience against oxidative stress. It is said to revitalise ‘tired’ skin cells, improving overall skin luminosity, firmness and elasticity.

The serum also boasts Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and Adenosine. Niacinamide serves a dual role — it acts as a precursor in the body's natural synthesis of NAD while actively strengthening the ceramide lipid barrier, brightening hyperpigmentation and regulating oil production. Adenosine is a bio-organic compound that supports cell-signaling pathways, helping to smooth out the depth of fine lines and expression wrinkles.

Finally, Medicube NAD EGF Firming Serum for Face & Neck also has a Peptide Complex and Ectoin. The complex includes specialised signals such as Copper Tripeptide-1 (known for tissue remodeling and wound healing support), Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 and Acetyl Octapeptide-3. Together, they signal fibroblasts to boost collagen synthesis and reduce line depth.

Ectoin is an extremolyte compound that binds water tightly to form a protective shield around skin cells, defending against environmental stressors, blue light, and moisture loss.

Key marketing claims and alleged benefits

Medicube markets this serum around several key claims aimed at structural ageing and loss of firmness:

Targeted Concern	Stated Brand Claim	Mechanism / Active
Firmness & Sagging	Lifts and improves elasticity across the forehead, eye contour, cheeks, and neck.	EGF + Peptides + Collagen Extract
Fine Lines & Wrinkles	Softens fine lines and smooths out crease depth around high-movement areas.	Adenosine + Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Radiance & Vitality	Restores instant and long-term glow to dull, fatigued complexions.	NAD+ + Niacinamide
Hydration & Barrier Care	Deeply hydrates without heaviness or clogging pores.	Ectoin + Xylitol + Sodium Hyaluronate

Does Medicube NAD EGF Firming Serum for Face & Neck work?

Let’s get to the million dollar question: does Medicube NAD EGF Firming Serum for Face & Neck do what the marketing says? I used it morning and night for two weeks, after cleansing and before moisturising. In all honesty, the biggest ‘improvement’ I noticed was slightly more glowy skin. It didn’t appear to soften my fine lines or provide noticeable (to the naked eye) ’lifting’.

Unlike many Korean serums, this one doesn’t feel hydrating on the skin. It’s definitely a treatment product. My ‘results’ were tested over a relatively short period of time, but long enough to give me an insight into its effectiveness. It was applied a total of 28 times to my face and neck. And, yes, it absorbed nicely into the skin. What it did after that, Lord knows!

I write this review at a time when literally thousands of women are raving about the product. I am being honest when I say that ‘I’m not’.

Medicube is, without doubt, a respected brand with products that are recognised globally as both affordable and effective. This particular one just didn’t work for me. And that’s OK. Everyone’s skin is different; what works on one person may not work on another. 

I can only be truthful. 

Key considerations for skincare formulations

• Growth Factor Stability: EGF proteins are delicate macromolecules; formulation stability and airless/protective packaging are key factors in maintaining their biological activity over time.

• Targeting the Neck Area: The skin on the neck features a thinner dermis with fewer oil glands compared to the face, making it particularly prone to sagging ('tech neck') and dehydration. Formulas combining humectants (Xylitol, Hyaluronic Acid) with firming proteins are structurally well-suited for this delicate zone.

You can learn more about this product and other people’s experiences of using it on Medicube’s website - https://medicube.us/

*For context, I'm a 60-year-old woman with fine lines and some minor sagging along the jawline.

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