Medik8 Review: The Brand's Must-Try Products, According to a Skincare-Obsessed Beauty Editor
Including a vitamin C serum that is honestly better than any of the other dozens of options I've tried to date.
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As a beauty editor, it’s quite literally my job to try all kinds of beauty products. The newest spring lipstick color, the most hydrating face moisturizer, the dry shampoo that helps day three hair pass as a fresh blowout—you name it, I’ve tried it. But the truth is, nothing gets me more excited than a new skincare launch. So a few years ago when I heard that Medik8—one of the UK’s bestselling skincare brands was finally launching stateside—I had to try it all. Medik8 came with no shortage of rave reviews (from both skincare experts and everyday users alike), impressive clinical studies, and very compelling before and after photos.
I was initially given the chance to try two of Medik8's most popular products—Liquid Peptides and Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 10—and after falling in love with both, I was eager to try the brand’s other offerings. So, to get the full Medik8 experience, I switched to a full Medik8 skincare routine, morning and night—something, even as a beauty editor, I never really do. The results, however, have only validated my choice to put my trust (and my skin) in Medik8’s hands. And after testing basically everything the brand makes, I’ve been able to narrow it down to my top 9, can’t-live-without products. Here's a quick look at some of my faves:
Our top picks for the best Medik8 products:
Keep reading for my full rundown of the best Medik8 products, including how they work, who they're best for, and when to use them in your routine.
Medik8 at a Glance:
The vibe: Medik8 means business, and that’s apparent even through its simple black, white, and silver branding. It’s also very clinically-focused and doesn’t waste time with creative (but ultimately confusing) names. Instead, all of the brand products are named after their star ingredients, so you know exactly what you’re getting into with each formula.
Who it’s best for: I’d say Medik8 is ideal for skin-savvy users. If you don’t know what peptides are or you’ve never used a vitamin C serum, this brand is probably not for you.
What it costs: Medik8 is a little on the pricier side but certainly far from outrageous. The brand’s products all cost between $20 and $272, with most of its bestsellers clocking in somewhere around $50-75.
Where to buy it: Medik8 isn’t yet in any of the major brick-and-mortar retailers, but it’s readily available online through the Medik8 site, Dermstore, and Amazon (hello, Prime shipping!).
Similar brands: SkinMedica, SkinCeuticals, Obagi, SkinBetter, PCA Skin
Pros
- Glides onto skin without feeling sticky or tacky
- Unlike some similar vitamins C serums, this doesn’t have any off-putting scent
Cons
- With daily use, the formula doesn't last very long (~6 weeks for me)
- A little bit of serum gets stuck at the bottom of the bottle because the dropper can’t reach it—but this is easily solved by pouring it directly into your palm
A good vitamin C serum is essential in my morning skincare routine. Since it's one of the few products that I apply every single day, I’m quite particular about which ones I'll use. On my short list of favorite vitamin C's s Medik8’s Super C Ferulic. It pairs 30 percent L-ascorbic acid (a stabilized vitamin C source that’s known for its efficacy) with ferulic acid (a plant-based antioxidant that enhances the power of vitamin C) as well as vitamin E and turmeric root extract. This high-powered combo immediately targets hyperpigmentation and signs of aging, plus it protects skin from the damaging effects of pollution, blue light, and, when paired with an SPF, UV rays.
- Key Ingredients: Ethylated l-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, vitamin E
- Usage: Morning
Pros
- Comes in a range of intensities, from sensitive and beginner to experienced and expert, so that users can find the ideal concentration for their skin
- Contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help protect skin’s moisture levels from the drying effects of vitamin A
- 2024 Cosmo Acne Award winner
Cons
- Even though retinal can work significantly faster than retinol, it still takes at least a few weeks to see any real results from this serum
- It may take a little trial and error to find which strength is right for your skin
I was initially reluctant to try Medik8’s over-the-counter retinol, as I’ve been a devoted user of prescription retinoids (like Retin-A) for years. But alas, I did—and much to my surprise and delight, it was a successful swap. The nightly serum (which happens to be a best-seller in the UK) uses retinal, a form of vitamin A that works much faster than traditional retinol and is a bit less sensitizing too. And, most importantly, it performs: you can expect smaller pores, softer lines, and fewer dark spots with continued use.
Similar to an Rx retinoid, this formula is effective for acne-prone skin too. Cosmo's beauty director Lauren Balsamo says it's "just as effective as tretinoin for keeping my pores clear and skin smooth but with less dryness and flaking.”
- Key Ingredients: Retinaldehyde, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E
- Usage: Nightly, as tolerated.
Pros
- Each peptide targets different skin concerns, so you really are getting a holistic skin treatment all in one product
- Great for younger consumers who are interesting in anti-aging skincare but not quite ready for a retinol
Cons
- Has a slightly slippery texture, so you may need to wait a few minutes to let it sink in before applying the next steps in your skincare routine
- Those prone to acne may experience some congestion or breakouts with this moisture-heavy product
Liquid Peptides was one of the very first products I tried from the Medik8 and it remains a favorite today. Formulated with 10 different peptides, which account for a 30 percent blend, this daily serum sends a jolt of moisture to the skin to help plump, firm, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, multi-weight hyaluronic acid ensures the hydrating benefits penetrate to the deeper layers of skin too.
- Key Ingredients: Copper peptides, hyaluronic acid, carnosine
- Usage: Morning and/or night
Pros
- Provides a soft and even base for other skincare and/or makeup and provides a subtle and natural-looking glow
- Comes with a refill option, so you can reduce your environmental impact (and save a few dollars)
Cons
- May be a bit much for oily skin or even for combination skin during warmer, more humid months
- Although the no-added fragrance is preferable to some, this cream does have a slightly clinical scent, so it may be off-putting to those who prefer fragranced skincare
This simple but powerful moisturizer is an ideal source of hydration for skin of all ages and types. Formulated with a variety of ceramides, lipids, hyaluronic acid, and prebiotic peptides, this cream delivers all-day (or all-night) moisturization without feeling heavy, sticky, or greasy. It gets to work immediately after application, plumping and softening skin at the surface, but it also penetrates skin at a deeper level to hydrate from the inside out throughout the day.
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Prebiotic Peptides, Ceramides
- Usage: Morning and/or night
Pros
- Unlike many exfoliating toners, Press & Glow is gentle enough to use both morning and night
- Gives skin a nice, healthy-looking glow that shines through other skincare products and makeup
Cons
- Because the PHAs are so gentle it takes some time before you'll see any sort of reduction in dark spots or uneven texture
Medik8’s Press & Glow Tonic is the perfect product for someone like me, who likes to have a morning skincare step before vitamin C serum but isn’t so fond of the drying effects that come with most toners. Unlike other harsh toners, Press & Glow is formulated with gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that gently exfoliates skin to smooth and even skin’s surface. Added aloe vera and acai extract help calm skin and reduce irritation, while prickly pear extract works to improve clarity and texture.
- Key ingredients: Gluconolactone (PHA), Aloe Vera, Prickly Pear Extract
- Usage: Morning and/or night
Pros
- The gel texture of this cleanser helps it foam up nicely, making for an enjoyable face-washing experience
- It’s also gentle enough to use both morning and night, unlike other cleansers that may be too intense for morning use
Cons
- Because this cleanser is very effective at cleaning and decongesting skin, you may experience some purging (mild breakouts) when you first start using it
- Although its exfoliation is on the gentle side, it may still be too rough for sensitive skin that’s used to a milky or cream cleanser
I love an exfoliating cleanser but the reality is that most formulas leave my skin skin smooth, but also dry and stripped. Not Surface Radiance Cleanse though. With the help of AHAs and BHAs it gets rid of dulling, dead skin cells that make skin look rough and bumpy, but because it also has glycerin (a humectant) it helps keep skin hydrated too. I personally like using this cleanser in the morning to give my skin a clean slate for the day and prep it for the actives in my following steps.
- Key Ingredients: L-Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid, L-Lactic Acid
- Usage: Morning or evening
Pros
- The inclusion of caffeine helps the skin around the eyes look more awake and brighter
- The simple and nourishing formula doesn’t lead to any eye or eye-area irritation
Cons
- Although skin will appear more hydrated right away, it can take time to see a reduction in crow's feet
- Expensive for the amount of product that you get
If I'm being honest I’ve never been a huge advocate of eye cream, as it's often a gratuitous step in a skincare regimen and one whose goals can be equally accomplished with a good moisturizer. But I have to say, I may just be an eye cream convert after using Medik8’s Advanced Night Eye. The brand’s signature eye cream is rich and deeply hydrating but absorbs so quickly that it feels like there’s nothing there—a huge advantage over other typically sticky or tacky eye creams on the market. It nourishes the delicate skin around the eyes and visibly firms and smooths the area overnight.
- Key Ingredients: Saskatoon Berry and Dragon Fruit Extracts, Caffeine, Hesperidin
- Usage: Nightly
Pros
- This is a great option for those with sensitive skin or anyone who may be new to using vitamin C
- The cream absorbs quickly but leaves skin feeling supple and soft
Cons
- Did lead to some pilling when I applied makeup over it
- The smell may be off-putting to some
Because I have always used a vitamin C serum every morning, I was initially hesitant to try this vitamin-C-rich moisturizer. However, the brightening and hydrating effects I experienced have made me think there may be something to using a vitamin C cream after all, especially for anyone who isn’t getting vitamin C elsewhere. The cream’s 3% stabilized vitamin C delivers the brightening and evening effects of vitamin C, plus its protective benefits, without potential irritation, while hyaluronic acid nourishes and moisturizes skin for the day ahead.
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid
- Usage: Morning
Pros
- It efficiently and effectively removes debris and sloughs away dead skin cells, so pores actually appear smaller afterwards
- Regardless of how much pressure you apply, this scrub won’t do any over-exfoliating damage to skin
Cons
- Needs to be used in moderation (especially if you use chemical exfoliants in your routine)
- May be too rough for very sensitive skin
Sometimes, no matter how much I use chemical exfoliants, my skin really just craves the satisfaction that comes with a mechanical, or physical, exfoliant. Medik8’s Pore Refining Scrub provides exactly that, without the damaging effects that can often come with other physical exfoliants. That’s because it harnesses gentle physical exfoliators derived from jojoba alongside chemical exfoliants L-mandelic acid and salicylic acid. The result is a formula that leaves skin clear, soft, and smooth.
- Key Ingredients: Jojoba Micro-Exfoliators, L-Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid
- Usage: As needed (but ideally no more than two or three times a week)
Why Trust Cosmopolitan?
Gabby Shacknai is a New York City-based journalist with years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty and wellness stories. Gabby is an authority in all beauty categories, but is an expert when it comes to skincare She regularly works with the industry’s top dermatologists and plastic surgeons to assess new skincare brands, treatments, trends, and technologies, and she loves testing the latest and greatest in at-home products.
Gabby Shacknai is a New York-based journalist and editor who produces high-quality content for a wide variety of outlets and brands across various industries.
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