Out of all the categories that land on my desk, a new skincare product elicits the most excitement from me. I want to try everything and being exclusive to one skincare brand sends a shiver down my spine. In the spirit of beauty journalism, I swapped my entire skincare routine out for a Medik8-only one. Drumroll please...
Why Medik8? It’s a highly-popular, science-backed brand that’s driven by research, innovation and development. As a result, it creates some of the industry’s most hard-working formulas, that are adored by skincare experts, for the simple fact that the products deliver transformative results. Take its famous Crystal Retinal Serum – the formula that put retinaldehyde on the map as delivering smooth, unified skin with less irritation.
I took Medik8's regime builder test, where I answered a series of questions based on my skin type and got emailed my Medik8 routine. I stuck to the entire routine for a month and documented the whole thing to see if Medik8 really lived up to the hype. Here's a breakdown of the products I tried and tested, plus my overall review of my MOM (month of Medik8).
My morning Medik8 skincare routine:
I usually start my day by just washing my face with water and applying a hydrating toner. However, the only Medik8 toners on offer contain exfoliating acids – I'd hit my first wall. My skin is sensitive which meant I had to skip this step altogether and go straight into serums.
Medik8 Super C Ferulic
I'm a huge fan of the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum (£165), so the chance of this being similar and more than half the price intrigued me. It was greasier in texture and finish than SkinC's but there was no denying it delivered some serious glow.
It features 30% ethylated L-ascorbic acid (aiming to battle fine lines and pigmentation), ferulic acid and vitamin E to help prevent free-radical damage. Considering its potent formula, I was very happy to see it didn’t set off any sensitivity.
Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP
I then like to layer on the Liquid Peptides serum – it has a thicker consistency than the vitamin C serum, so it allows the previous serum to soak into the skin while offering a layer of hydration. It’s also a stellar formula to prevent fine lines and wrinkles (you can never start too early) as it contains the brand’s patented Expression Line and Growth Factors MiniProtein to reduce the depth of wrinkles and encourage collagen production. Using this in my morning routine keeps my skin feeling plump and supple all day long.
Medik8, Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream
While the Advanced Day Ultimate Protect Age-Defying Moisturiser (more on that below) can be used as both an SPF and a moisturiser, I like to double down on hydration this time of year when my skin can feel a little dehydrated. The Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream is rich and nourishing – it’s crammed with peptides, ceramides and hyaluronic acid to protect and moisturise – but it still feels lightweight enough to layer under foundation without it pilling. A little bit goes a mile, too.
Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect Age-Defying Moisturiser
This is way more than I would typically spend on an SPF, but it does say it's a 2-in-1 moisturiser/SPF hybrid and it does act as a blue light shield, a pollution defence and a UV-filter shield, so girl math applies here. For an SPF50 it’s surprisingly grease-free and melts into skin to leave me with a dewy sheen. It even played well under makeup, with no pesky pilling in sight.
My evening Medik8 skincare routine:
I immediately hit another wall: taking off my makeup. I always go for a cleansing balm; they melt away makeup like no micellar or cream cleanser ever, but Medik8 don't have one in their line-up. This meant I did have to cheat and use one from another brand (yes, this was bordering on a situationship but I'm trying here).
Medik8 Lipid-Balancing Cleansing Oil
Melting off my makeup with this cleansing oil is always the perfect way to end my day. It effortlessly dissolves foundation and mascara without needing to harshly rub – and once I pat my skin dry, it feels super soft and nourished. It’s all thanks to ingredients rich in fatty acids and vitamin E that support the skin barrier and promote a supple, healthy-looking complexion. Its fresh, spa-like aroma feels calming too.
Medik8 Clarifying Foam
After melting off my makeup with my cleansing balm, I went in with the Clarifying Foam – a lightweight cleanser that uses AHAs and BHAs to remove impurities, gently exfoliate and prevent breakouts (needed RN as my hormonal acne is thriving). It doesn’t have enough oomph to take off makeup – hence the cleansing balm – however it’s a great second step to ensure all traces of makeup and SPF are removed, and to help prevent blackheads and blemishes.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal
Arguably the most hyped-up product in the range is this famous serum. It contains vitamin A (AKA, retinol), which is normally a fire starter for my rosacea. They have five different strengths of the stuff, with their lowest percentage being 0.01% retinal and meant to be safe for sensitive skin. To check whether it would be suitable, I asked an expert if my rosacea could handle a low-dose retinoid.
This formula is a game-changer because it contains retinaldehyde, a retinoid that is 11x faster-acting than retinol, according to Medik8. I'm 29, so fine lines are starting to creep in, but I was more after the retinal tackling post-breakout scarring than anything else.
Medik8 Calmwise Serum Soothing Elixir
On days when I was taking a Crystal Retinal break, I opted for this serum to soothe things over. It's fragrance-free, paraben-free and non-comedogenic (meaning it won't clog up your pores) and contains teprenone (known for its anti-redness and anti-ageing powers) to help strengthen the skin barrier to prevent any redness flare-ups.
It was oily, without being greasy, and did rehydrate my skin. Its anti-redness powers weren't instant (it took a few days of constant usage) but it did calm my more sensitive areas. My one bugbear? It's only 15mls for some reason, meaning I went through this far too quickly.
Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
I followed up whichever serum I was using with this thirst-quenching number. It's one of the most lightweight hyaluronic acid serums I've ever used, so those with oilier skins' will be fans, however, it didn't leave my skin quite as plumped as previous ones I've tried. I also think hyaluronic acid is one you can budget-buy and still get results, so this is more than I'd usually spend on this ingredient if I'm honest. Did it leave my skin hydrated and dewy though? 100%.
Medik8, Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream
To lock in my evening skincare routine I love to slather on a hydrating, comforting cream so that I wake up with soft and nourished skin. This is the brand’s latest launch and I must say, it’s innovation at its finest. Yes, I never would usually spend £79 on a moisturiser (!!) but I do think this is an expertly-formulated product that’s worth the price tag.
It’s powered by the brand’s Growth Factor MiniProtein which stimulates the skins collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid levels – which are all naturally found in the skin. Then you’ve got the NAD+ Longevity Booster which plumps out fine lines and delays signs of aging. Stay loyal to this and you’ll notice firmer, more youthful looking skin in weeks.
My Medik8 review
Total cost of routine: £502
I was so impressed with how well my entire routine of products layered with each other, leaving no pilling in sight. My stand-out product was the Medik8 Crystal Retinal for how gentle yet effective it was, with the Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream as close second for how well it keeps my skin plump and hydrated.
It's worth noting that most clinical trials for skincare take up to six weeks, but results should start to appear after a month. If this was my skin after just four weeks, count me in. It was glowing, spot-free and looked more hydrated and healthier overall. You can start to see some post-acne scarring disappearing, which is a great sign, too.
Pricing-wise, this isn't cheap. Weirdly, I think some things are very good value for money (like the Medik8 Crystal Retinal), whereas I reckon I could find a cheaper alternative (AKA, the Hydr8 B5 serum). But if you're looking for an effective routine that delivers and you don't have a budget, I would shop Medik8 till I drop.
Medik8 ingredients, decoded:
What's the difference between retinol and the retinal?
"Both compounds have to be converted into retinoic acid to exert the anti-ageing and collagen-boosting effects on the skin," dermatologist, Dr Derrick Phillips tells me. "Retinol is converted into Retinal and subsequently retinoic acid, whilst retinal only has a single conversion step. For a given concentration, retinal is considered more potent than retinol," he adds.
Can someone with rosacea use retinol?
"Retinols are excellent anti-ageing ingredients, but they encourage exfoliation of the stratum corneum (the top layer of the skin), exposing immature cells, and increasing general sensitivity and sensitivity to sunlight. For these reasons, retinols can aggravate rosacea and should be approached with caution," explains Dr Phillips.
However, he caveats that "if you do have rosacea and are keen to introduce retinol into your routine, speak to a consultant dermatologist. Low concentrations applied sparingly once or twice a week, followed by a hydrating moisturiser, may allow you to reap the benefits of retinol without experiencing irritation or aggravating rosacea."
He also tells me that instead of using retinol, those with rosacea can use the following for similar-ish results if they'd rather play it safe:
Vitamin C: "This stimulates collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines, and inhibits tyrosinase a key enzyme in melanin production. It is also a potent antioxidant, protecting against harmful free radicals that can damage the skin and accelerate skin ageing."
Niacinamide: "Has anti-inflammatory properties and also helps to tackle hyperpigmentation."
Azelaic acid: "Azelaic acid can help with acne, hyperpigmentation, and rosacea. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-acne properties but is generally well tolerated."
Charlotte Bitmead (she/her) is the Senior Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. She has over six years experience writing about beauty and has previously written for ELLE and The Sunday Times Style, covering everything from politics to sustainability to inclusivity within the beauty industry. When she’s not writing in-depth features, testing out the newest skincare fad or trying to decide what nail art to get, you can find her overspending in bookshops or shouting at Arsenal matches. Find her on LinkedIn
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
