Glutathione Serum Showdown: Medicube vs APLB – Which One Is Worth It?

What is glutathione - and why is everyone talking about it? 

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant naturally found in our bodies. In skincare, it is valued mainly for three benefits:

• brightening the complexion
• supporting protection against free radicals (pollution, stress, UV exposure)
• helping with overall skin tone uniformity

Unlike aggressive whitening agents, glutathione works more gently. It doesn’t bleach the skin - instead, it supports the skin in reducing dullness and the look of uneven tone over time. It’s often combined with ingredients like niacinamide, centella, panthenol or peptides to improve texture, hydration and resilience - which brings us to today’s comparison. 

Two popular glutathione serums - both loved, both effective, but slightly different. Let’s look at them and find out which one might suit your skin better. 

APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Ampoule Serum - calming, repairing, budget-friendly 

This formula reads like a soothing cocktail for stressed or sensitive skin. 

Key highlights from the ingredients list 

Centella asiatica leaf water (high in the list) 
Calms redness, supports barrier repair and is ideal for reactive or acne-prone skin. 

Niacinamide 
Helps with dullness, visible pores and general tone refinement. 

Glutathione 
Supports brightening and antioxidant protection. 

Panthenol, Allantoin, Beta-glucan, Sodium Hyaluronate 
Hydrating and barrier-strengthening ingredients for comfort and bounce. 

Botanical extracts (tea tree, rice, sea buckthorn, lotus, eggplant, artemisia) 
Add soothing and antioxidant support - while keeping the formula lightweight. 

Who will love APLB? 

✔ teens and young adults 
✔ sensitive or redness-prone skin 
✔ people dealing with occasional breakouts 
✔ anyone wanting gentle brightening without irritation 
✔ shoppers looking for a more affordable option 

Overall, APLB feels like a calming, barrier-first serum with added brightening benefits - perfect as a daily, uncomplicated glow booster. 

Medicube AGE-R Glutathione Glow Serum - glow, elasticity & luxurious texture 

Medicube takes glutathione in a slightly different direction: more “skincare-meets-treatment”, focused not only on tone - but also on texture and firmness. 

Key highlights from the ingredients list 

Niacinamide + Glutathione 
A strong duo for glow and even tone. 

Multiple types of hyaluronic acid 
(Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolysed HA, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer and more) 
Deliver layered hydration and a plumper look. 

Peptides (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Acetyl Dipeptide-1) 
Support firmness and smoothing appearance. 

Collagen, Hydrolysed Silk, Hydrolysed Keratin 
Help improve the look of elasticity and softness. 

Botanical extracts & probiotics (Coptis, cocoa extract, seaweed, lactobacillus ferment) 
Antioxidant and skin-conditioning support. 

The texture is richer and more “treatment-like”, giving an instant glow and comfortable hydration. 

Who will love Medicube? 

✔ dull, tired, dehydrated skin 
✔ early signs of ageing or loss of firmness 
✔ normal, combination and dry skin types 
✔ people who enjoy richer, more luxurious skincare 
✔ shoppers ready to invest a bit more for multi-benefit care 

Medicube feels like a glow + elasticity serum, where glutathione is part of a much wider rejuvenating formula. 

So… which glutathione serum is actually “worth it”? 

Both are worth it - just for different needs. 

Choose APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Ampoule Serum if: 

• your skin is sensitive, reactive or acne-prone 
• you prefer lightweight, calming formulas 
• you want affordable brightening and barrier support 
• you’re building a simple, gentle routine

Think: balanced glow with a soothing feel. 

Choose Medicube AGE-R Glutathione Glow Serum if: 

• your skin looks dull, tired or dehydrated 
• you want anti-ageing support (firmness, elasticity, smoothing effect) 
• you love richer textures and instant glow 
• you don’t mind paying more for added peptide and hydration technology

Think: radiant, plump and “glass-skin” inspired finish. 

Final takeaway - there’s no wrong choice 

Glutathione itself is a beautiful ingredient - but what truly matters is the formula around it. 

• APLB focuses on calm, clarity and affordability. 
• Medicube delivers glow, hydration layering and luxury.

Both can brighten and improve skin comfort over time. The best one is simply the one that fits your skin goals, texture preferences and budget.