I’ve tested quite literally every medicube product I could get my hands on. From the K-beauty brand’s cult-favorite devices to its collagen creams, serums, masks and toners, I’ve worked my way through the lineup.

If I had to pick the single most versatile product medicube makes, though, it would be the medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Volume Multi Balm Stick.

At only $20, it’s the one product that has simplified my skincare routine more than anything else. While I still reach for a gentle cleanser at the beginning of the day and never skip SPF before heading outside, I no longer feel like I need a shelf full of targeted products. My separate eye cream (which could be nearly $100 alone, because I’m obsessed with Sarah Creal), lip balm, overnight face mask and even several hydrating serums have been pushed aside because this balm does the job of all of them.

My routine couldn’t be easier. After cleansing, I apply my regular moisturizer if my skin feels especially dry, although most days I skip it. Then, I glide the balm directly over the areas that tend to lose moisture first: under my eyes, around my smile lines, across my forehead and around my lips. I also swipe it over my lips themselves instead of reaching for a traditional lip balm. If my skin is looking dull in the afternoon, I’ll pull the stick out of my bag and apply another layer without disturbing my makeup.

The formula leaves behind a healthy, hydrated finish instead of a greasy one, so it doubles as a quick glow boost throughout the day.

One of the most talked-about ingredients in the medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Volume Multi Balm Stick is Volufiline. Think of it as a skincare ingredient that helps give your skin a naturally fuller, plumper look, especially in areas that tend to lose volume over time, like the under-eyes, cheeks, lips and smile lines.

Derived from a plant extract, Volufiline works by supporting the skin’s natural lipid storage, and it helps create a softer, more youthful appearance with consistent use. Paired with PDRN, collagen and peptides, it not only delivers an instant glow but also helps your skin look smoother and more refreshed over time.

While it won’t replace cosmetic fillers, it can be a great option if you’re looking for a subtle boost in volume through your skincare routine.

On nights when I used to slather on a thick sleeping mask, I simply apply a more generous layer of the balm before bed. I wake up with skin that feels soft, smooth and noticeably more hydrated.

That’s why it’s replaced so many products in my routine. Rather than layering multiple serums, tapping on eye cream, applying lip treatments and finishing with an overnight mask, I can accomplish nearly all of those steps with one stick. It saves time, cuts down on clutter and costs a fraction of what I used to spend replacing specialty products.

A full routine packed with separate treatments can easily add up to $100 or more. Swapping most of those products for one multipurpose balm has been one of the easiest ways I’ve simplified my skincare without feeling like I’m sacrificing results. I still rely on the basics — remember: a good cleanser and daily sunscreen! — but beyond that, the medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Volume Multi Balm Stick has become the product I reach for more than anything else.

This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best sheet masks on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos for all hair types and budgets. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.