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The Best Medik8 Products For Clearer, Firmer Skin In 2025
Medik8 is a brand that needs little introduction. Not only do its chic cosmeceutical bottles already dominate all our feeds, but it’s also constantly touted by derms, doctors, and beauty editors as a reliable, efficacious and diligently formulated skincare brand. They’re not the only ones though; there’s also a host of A-listers who swear by them, with both Hailey Bieber and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley citing Medik8’s R-Retinoate Cream as essentials for achieving glowy, supermodel skin.
Now you know that Medik8 is endorsed by everyone from celebrities to skin experts, it’s time to break down just what makes it so good. Below, a comprehensive guide to the Medik8 products worth buying for every skin concern and a deep dive into its core CSA philosophy (that’s vitamin C serums, sunscreens and retinol creams). Read on to find out more.
The best Medik8 products at a glance:
- Best multitasking product: Medik8 Crystal Retinal® Stable Retinal Serum, £45
- Best serum to reduce redness and blemishes: Medik8 Clarity Peptides, £45
- Best for sun protection and sun damage repair: Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Day Protect With Photolyase SPF 50+, £59
- Best vitamin C cream for dark spots: Medik8 Daily Radiance Vitamin C Tetra Cream SPF 30, £59
- Best eye cream for fine lines: Medik8 Crystal Retinal® Ceramide Smooth & Lift Eye Cream With Gentle-Release Vitamin A, £42
- Best acne treatment for congested skin: Medik8 Press & Clear 2% BHA Tonic With Gentle-Release Salicylic Acid, £34
- Best vitamin C serum for radiant skin: Medik8 C Tetra Luxe Enhanced Radiance Serum, £59
- Best retinol moisturiser for youthful-looking skin: Medik8 R-Retinoate® Day and Night Youth Activating Cream, £149
In this article:
Why is Medik8 so good?
As its name suggests, Medik8 is professional skincare originally administered and sold at clinics, medical spas and premium pharmacies. Subject to rigorous clinical testing and quality control, medical-grade skincare like this contains higher concentrations of potent actives than other over-the-counter products. “Medical-grade skincare contains scientifically-proven active ingredients that have been shown to improve the skin’s appearance,” explains Green, “meaning that you’re more likely to see results quicker than with non-medical products.”
When it comes to results, these active ingredients are the driving factor behind every Medik8 innovation. “We put a huge amount of investment and effort into scientific research to further the efficacy of our core ingredients,” says Isaacs, who works with in-house teams to discover the exact skin issues customers are concerned with, and subsequently invents solution-focused products.
Read more: 44 Best Moisturisers For Every Skin Type
What Medik8 products should I use?
The brand’s simple prescription for healthy skin? CSA, which refers to vitamin C and sunscreen by day, followed by vitamin A at night. For everything from anti-ageing and acne to dullness and dryness, it’s an easy-to-adopt regimen that’s backed by clinical research. Science says this trio rejuvenates the complexion, providing free radical defence, essential sun protection and resurfacing actives that keep skin feeling and looking youthful, clear and bright. Once you've got those three locked in, you can add in any additional formulas to support your skin, like eye cream and the best night cream and best hyaluronic acid serum for your needs. And if you only try one product? Make it Crystal Retinal. “It’s our ‘everyone’ Vitamin A,” Isaacs says of the serum formulated with low-irritation retinaldehyde. “The only form of retinol proven to be directly antibacterial, it’s able to target C. acnes bacteria as well as wrinkles, pigmentation and uneven skin texture. So you don’t have to choose between youthful-looking skin and a flawless complexion.”
What’s new from Medik8?
The brand’s latest innovation comes in the form of a potent wrinkle-targeting cream which has been years in the making. The Liquid Peptides Advanced MP uses peptide technology and two cleverly engineered Dual MiniProteins™ to prevent new wrinkles from forming and reduce the depth of existing wrinkles. The result is a filler-like effect with expressions lines softened, contours firmed, and brightness and hydration improved. While it’s suitable for use on all skin, it’s a great addition to a mature skincare routine or anyone concerned with exacerbated signs of ageing.
Meet the experts:
- Daniel Isaacs, director of research at Medik8 Daniel Isaacs is a chemistry graduate, chief product officer and director of research at Medik8. Having worked his way up from product formulator since the brand’s inception in 2009, he is an expert in sunscreen and hyperpigmentation and the mind behind two award-winning skin-brightening patents.
- Bruce Green, chartered chemist and founder of SOS Serum Skincare Bruce Green is an accredited chemist with expertise in cosmetic formulations. He has developed products and patents for several industry stalwarts, in addition to founding his own range for sensitive skin.
Read more: Looking for the best retinol cream for acne, wrinkles and more? Shop Vogue’s top retinol serums & creams
Recommended for: renewing the complexion on multiple skin types including sensitive, dull and acne-prone; resurfacing dark spots and reducing wrinkles
“For a skincare formulation to be effective, it must have an effective delivery method: onto and into the skin barrier.” says chemistry expert Green. “Skin is always a limiting factor in the penetration and absorption of actives.” Happily, Crystal Retinal gets to work where it matters most, with encapsulated retinaldehyde that is able to penetrate the skin for a steady, slow release. Non irritating – so perfect for pretty much everyone – it’s available in progressive strengths from 1-20. A retinoid that welcomes both the vitamin A veteran and beginner – and you can work your way up as skin becomes acclimatised.
Recommended for: a targeted solution for dry skin which boosts moisture and reduces fine lines
Why it’s Vogue approved:
When it comes to dry skin, hyaluronic acid really is a hero ingredient, and no one does it better than Medik8. Complemented by vitamin B5, this advanced formula promotes hydration to help smooth fine lines and deliver a cushion-soft finish and a healthy glow. For the best results, use it both morning and night after cleansing.
Recommended for: all skin types, especially oily or congested skin
What sets Medik8 apart from the pack are formulas that feel good on the skin. This cleanser is an excellent case in point. Blended with mangosteen for a natural, refreshing scent, its gel-to-foam formula garners the kind of lather that’ll keep you in the shower that little bit longer. More than just a pleasant rinse, it boasts a blend of AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate rough texture and unclog pores, with just enough glycerin to keep your skin fresh without feeling stripped.
Vogue-approved review:
“I won’t travel without the pocket-sized version of this clarifying cleanser. Even without a pre-cleanse, it’s very effective at taking the day off and when I’m experiencing breakouts, I’ve found it softens skin and loosens congested bumps in no time at all. The satisfying lather is the kind that feels good but doesn’t dry the skin, and you only need a small amount to refresh both face and neck. As for the light citrus scent, it’s made even better when you consider the benefits of mangosteen peel extract – it’s rich in antioxidants which fight free radicals to keep your skin protected from the polluted urban commute.” – Tracy Achonwa, contributing writer
Recommended for: brightening dark spots, evening out the skin tone, providing antioxidant and sun protection
Infused with C Tetra (Medik8’s trademarked highly stable vitamin C) this day cream targets dark spots as effectively on the first use as it does by the end of the jar. If you have ever bought a vitamin C product and had it change colour on you, you’ll recognise how crucial this is – when it oxidises, the ingredient is useless. Happily, this vitamin C remains potent and is delightfully easy to add to your routine, being a fast-absorbing, cashmere-soft cream with added SPF.
