The Medicube Booster X2 Is Even Better Than The Original

I’ll be the first to admit: I’m lazy when it comes to skincare. Of course, I always remove my makeup and wash my face, but the rest of my routine is kept pretty simple (serum, moisturizer, sunscreen, and maybe eye cream if I’m feeling extra.) I’ve always preferred a streamlined regimen, so it makes sense for me to look for the same in my skin care devices. 

For a device to work for me, it has to be user-friendly, easy to charge, and require little time investment. And sorry not sorry: I love instant gratification and want to see results right after use. If I’m spending $200+ on a luxury skin care device, I figure it’s the least I can get from the splurge. 

My criteria was finally fulfilled when the Medicube Booster Pro launched in the U.S. two years ago. Founded in 2014, the South Korean beauty tech brand has taken over the industry by storm. Marketed as a 4-in-1 device, the Booster Pro quickly went viral online for delivering spa-like facial treatments at home. I became instantly obsessed and I wasn’t alone—everyone from beauty enthusiasts to celebs like Hailey Bieber got hooked by its skin-boosting technology, quick results and clinic-level treatments.

I recently got the chance to experience Medicube’s newest device, the Medicube Booster Pro X2, at its headquarters in South Korea, which promises to be a major upgrade from the original. You might be thinking: How does a cult-favorite, award-winning skin care device get even better? I was a bit skeptical, but Medicube was more than up to the task. 

I have combination, acne prone skin that is very sensitive from years of laser treatments to eliminate acne scarring. I get oily around my T-zone, but dry around my cheeks and forehead. My face shape is round with large cheeks and a bit of a recessive chin and jawline, so I’m always looking for definition and sculpting in those areas.

As the follow-up to the original device, the Medicube Booster Pro X2 promises to be bigger, better, and more personalized than ever. The original device features four core modes available in five intensity levels with timed treatments: Booster Mode, which maximizes skin care absorption, Air Shot Mode to refine pores and texture, Microcurrent Mode to activate collagen production for volume, and Derma Shot Mode, which uses electrical muscle stimulation to sculpt facial contours.

The Pro X2 has three new additional modes to make it a 6-in-1 device: Dual Mode, Mask Mode, and AI Mode. The hardware also received an upgrade, with a 1.3x larger device head to cover more surface area on your face for faster treatments. Lastly, users have the option to forgo manual selection for an AI-guided routine through AI Mode, which pairs your device with the AGE-R app to create treatment recommendations based on usage patterns.

Airshot Mode: I first tried the Booster Pro X2 at Medicube’s headquarters in Seoul, where I was guided through each mode by the brand’s marketing team. I started off with Airshot Mode, one of my favorite settings for breakouts, which requires dry skin and uses safe high-voltage micro-discharges to exfoliate, improve pores, and enhance skin care absorption. Airshot Mode is great for acne, since it helps remove dead cells and excess sebum. Most people smell a burning scent during use, which is the smell of your peach fuzz being zapped away. Although it’s not a pleasant thing, you’ll know the device is working.

I had a few zits on my chin that popped up after my long flight. Starting with dry skin, I treated the breakouts with Airshot mode on Level 3, taking the team’s cue to hold the device head “slightly angled” instead of flat to my face. Immediately, I felt the tingling sensation of the static micro-shocks, which aren’t uncomfortable but tickle the skin. Using a tapping motion, I treated each breakout for a minute, being careful not to overdo it, since Air Shot mode can be irritating with too much usage (recommended use is two to three times a week). Although my zit was still there, I felt my blemishes had dried up a bit. By the next day, they had shrunk considerably. 

Mask Mode/Booster Mode: Next, I tried the new Mask Mode, which is designed to be used with a sheet face mask. It can also be used over skin care pads, however, I would not recommend this method—I applied Medicube’s Zero Pore Pads on my cheeks and they kept falling off as I moved the device head around. Similar to Booster Mode, Mask mode is designed to support deeper product absorption. According to Medicube’s media relations team lead Joe Cho, the brand noticed consumers on TikTok were using Booster Mode over sheet masks. However, the technology in Booster Mode does not work the same way, leading Medicube to develop a new mode specifically for masks. 

After my pore pad fail, I decided to use Mask Mode on my favorite SK-II Facial Treatment Sheet Mask. You’re essentially massaging the mask in with the device head (as opposed to the mask just sitting on your face) so I definitely think that’s a big factor in terms of better absorption. However, my skin felt seriously soft and hydrated after treatment and I noticed almost all the essence was gone. Whether that was from the device, massaging, or a combination of both, I’m not sure, but the goal was accomplished. 

Dual Mode: The rest of the modes require wet skin for conduction, so I applied Medicube’s PDRN Pink Niacinamide Milky Toner and PDRN Pink Peptide Serum, which left my skin feeling hydrated and supple. Dual Mode features three different mode pairings—Derma Shot and Booster, Microcurrent and Derma Shot, and Microcurrent and Booster—for quicker, more efficient treatments. Out of all the new modes, this is the one I find most useful. Microcurrent and Derma Shot are two of my most-used settings, so being able to use both at the same time is convenient, especially when I’m pressed for time getting ready. This is also where the 1.3x larger device head proves its value. With larger surface area covered, you are able to efficiently use two different settings at the same time. 

Microcurrent Mode: IMO, if I can’t feel the microcurrent in my skull, I don’t want it! I’ve always been impressed with Medicube’s powerful Microcurrent Mode, which is the only at-home microcurrent treatment I’ve used that feels on par with clinics. Emitting low-voltage electrical currents, it stimulates facial muscles to lift, tone, and reduce fine lines. 

Feeling ambitious, I cranked my device all the way up to the new Level 6. Make sure to apply conductive gel before use—my skin was dried out and the Microcurrent effect felt weak at first. Medicube’s viscous Hyaluronic Acid Capsule Cream did the trick and once it started properly working, the Microcurrent nearly made my eyebrow fly off my face—that’s how powerful it is. The sensation isn’t painful, but it can get prickly in some spots. To show the immediate difference, I only used the device on one half of my face. In comparison, the treated side is lifted, plumped, and overall more rejuvenated in appearance. If you’re like me and love microcurrent, you’ll be blown away. Just make sure to use the right conductive gel (Medicube offers the Booster Gel Serum but there’s plenty of options online)—I put on so much product, it started to irritate my skin and I developed a little itchy hive. Otherwise, 10/10, no notes. 

Derma Shot Mode: Another personal favorite,Derma Shot mode reaches deep into facial muscles to deliver EMS, a.k.a electrical muscle stimulation, to tone, sculpt, and contour areas like the jawline and cheekbones. As someone who suffers from TMJ, this setting helps release tension in my masseter muscles and slim down their appearance. The EMS emits in pulses, which you hold over areas like the jawline and cheekbones. It’s always fun to see the device in action—I’m able to visibly see my muscles twitch in response to the EMS. The Medicube team recommends using the device in outward sweeping motions, which also helps with lymphatic drainage for a totally sculpted look. If you’re looking to get snatched, this is the mode for you. 

AI-Mode: I’ll preface my review of AI Mode by admitting I didn’t use it much. Although I think the concept is innovative, I prefer using the manual settings since my skin care needs are always changing. That being said, I did try AI-Mode once and thought the AGE-R app was easy to use. Simply pair it to your device and the app will pick up on skin care habits and usage patterns to create a customized routine. If you’re into personalizing your regimen, you’ll definitely love this mode. However, I prefer making my own assessments based on how I look and feel.

With a bigger and better device comes a bumped-up price tag. The Medicube Booster Pro X2 retails for $299 (in comparison, the original Medicube Booster retails for around $220, depending on where you shop.) Although there is a price increase, it’s not a crazy jump considering the additional bells and whistles. The Booster Pro X2 still falls around the same price point as other luxury skin care tool offerings on the market—and those products don’t have nearly as many treatment options. For a 6-in-1 device, it’s worth the investment.

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