My Skin Is Glowier Now Than It Was in My 20s Thanks to This $20 Plumping Cream

When more than 50,000 people purchase a single moisturizer in the past month alone, it’s worth investigating. Doubly so when the product hails from a brand Meghan Markle uses. Last month, the Duchess of Sussex shared her affinity for Medicube’s Collagen Plumping Cream—a formula I also love. I have since been seeking more of the brand’s glow-inducing goodies, which are, conveniently, available at Amazon. My latest love? The Deep Vitamin C Golden Capsule Face Moisturizer, which seems to have restored my sullen, 32-year-old skin to the bright, luminous state I’d taken for granted in my 20s.

FWIW, Kylie Jenner and Hailey Bieber are also fans of the Korean skin care brand, which excels in pore-whittling, skin-illuminating elixirs. The aforementioned vitamin C cream mimics Markle’s go-to collagen moisturizer in many ways: For one, it delivers dewy radiance and visible plumpness on contact. Secondly, its gel-like texture feels refreshing, absorbs quickly, and layers beautifully with other products without leaving a sticky residue or a heavy, occlusive feel. 

Medicube Deep Vitamin C Golden Capsule Face Moisturizer

$22/ $20

The Medicube Deep Vitamin C Golden Capsule Moisturizer is an antioxidant-packed, ultra-potent brightening face cream created for all skin types. The cooling, gel-like formula contains pea-sized, jelly-like capsules filled with pure vitamin C, which burst on contact to release the ingredient. In seconds, you can expect a dewy, glistening finish reminiscent of glass skin; over time, anticipate a brighter, more even-toned complexion and an ethereal, lit-from-within glow. 

Medicube’s moisturizer is powered by its titular ingredient; specifically in its purest form, ascorbic acid. Though often considered less stable than other forms, ascorbic acid remains protected, potent, and free from degradation thanks to the gel-like capsules in which it’s housed, which shoppers liken to boba tea pearls. 

Though many vitamin C formulas, particularly those with highly potent forms of the ingredient, can irritate sensitive skin types, Medicube’s moisturizer counteracts potential issues with its soothing ingredients. Sea buckthorn and niacinamide—both praised for their calming properties—are present, as is vitamin E, an emollient that smooths rough texture. 

Finally, Medicube’s moisturizer is enjoyable from a sensorial standpoint. I’ve yet to experience a face cream that delivers its hero ingredient via bursting, jelly-like pods (undeniably fun!). Plus, the product wafts a light, zesty scent that puts me in a springtime state of mind.

For plumper skin in seconds—and a luminous, even-toned glow over time—shop the Medicube Deep Vitamin C Golden Capsule Face Moisturizer at Amazon. Peruse similar options, below.

Olay Vitamin C Face Moisturizer

TruSkin Vitamin C Cream 

No7 Radiance+ Brightening Vitamin C Moisturizer