Interested in Medical-Grade Skincare? You Don’t Want to Miss Medik8’s Black Friday Sale
By now, Medik8 is a brand that needs little introduction–its chic cosmeceutical bottles already dominate all our feeds. Approved by derms, doctors, and beauty editors alike, the best Medik8 products are beloved for the fact that they deliver results. And there are a host of A-listers who swear by them, too. Both Hailey Bieber and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley cite Medik8’s R-Retinoate Cream as staples in their routines for glowy, supermodel skin.
Endorsed by everyone from celebrities to influencers, you might wonder whether Medik8 products warrant so much hype. Are the brand’s vitamin C serums, retinol creams and sunscreens as effective as the rave reviews suggest? We consulted the experts for their verdict on its science-driven formulas, and they’ve unpacked exactly what makes Medik8 products so efficacious. And when better to peruse and add to cart than during the brand’s Black Friday sale? Now through December 2, enjoy 30% off sitewide (excluding select bundles and travel sizes)—no code necessary. Ahead, a comprehensive guide to the Medik8 products worth buying for every skin concern.
Vogue’s Favorite Medik8 Products
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Best Retinol Serum: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Serum
- Why We Love It: “For a skin-care formulation to be effective, it must have an effective delivery method: onto and into the skin barrier.” says chemistry expert Bruce 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, it’s available in progressive strengths from 1-20. Level 3 is the perfect concentration for beginners, while 1 is suited for more sensitive skin types. A retinoid that welcomes both the vitamin A veteran and beginner, you can work your way up as skin becomes acclimatized.
- Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinaldehyde, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, glycerin
- Best For: Renewing the complexion on multiple skin types including sensitive, dull and acne-prone; resurfacing dark spots and reducing wrinkles.
Best Face Cream: Medik8 Advanced Pro Collagen+ Peptide Cream
- Why We Love It: Growth factors and peptides are the anti-aging ingredients du jour, so why not pair the two together? That’s the idea behind Medik8’s Advanced Pro-Collagen+ cream. It’s powered by the two aforementioned rejuvenators, alongside a handful of other potent agents designed to improve skin’s structure and recovery from within. And for hydration, there’s hyaluronic and poly glutamic acids to ensure moisture stays put.
- Key Ingredients: Growth factor mini protein, NAD+ longevity booster, anti-A.G.E. peptide (carnosine), encapsulated endonuclease, polyglutamic acid (PGA)
- Best For: Mature skin, all skin types, hydration
Best Brightening: Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe Vitamin C Serum
- Why We Love It: Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (a gentle but powerful form of vitamin C) is widely recognized as an ingredient that helps fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, according to Green. Medik8’s serum contains plenty of it to provide exceptional antioxidant protection from harmful free radicals, while stimulating collagen production for a youthful appearance. Best of all, it’s non-greasy, non-irritating and feels incredibly luxurious on skin.
- Key Ingredients: 14% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, squalane, maracuja oil, red ginseng, vitamin E
- Best For: Dull skin, all skin types, pigmentation concerns.
Best Hyaluronic Acid: Medik8 Hydr8 B5
- Why We Love It: 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.
- Key Ingredients: Multi-weight hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5
- Best For: Dry skin, fine lines
Best Peptide Serum: Medik8 Liquid Peptides Serum
- Why We Love It: This serum is ideal for anyone looking to target premature and preexisting signs of skin aging. An innovative take on traditional peptide technology, it delivers age-defying peptides to the skin to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while rejuvenating skin texture. Formulated with a 30% peptide blend, including drone-targeted copper peptide (which keeps the formula highly bio available) matrixyl 3000 and an expression line peptide, they work in synergy to leave the skin firmer and smoother.
- Key Ingredients: Matrixyl 3000, drone-targeted copper peptide, expression line peptide, carnosine, multi-weight hyaluronic acid
- Best For: Mature skin, dry sin
Best Exfoliating Cleanser: Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse
- Why We Love It: 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.
- Edtior’s Experience: “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
- Key Ingredients: L-mandelic acid, l-lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycerin
- Best For: Combination-to-oily skin types, enlarged pores, acne-prone skin
Best Retinol for Experienced Users: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 20
- Why We Love It: Consider this serum the final boss of Medik8’s crystal retinal roster. Containing 0.2% professional-grade retinaldehyde, it powerfully targets deep set concerns like dark spots, loss of volume and fine lines. If your skin has become accustomed to lower strengths and you’re not seeing any new results, this serum is the step up worth considering.
- Editor’s Note: “I started using Medik8’s Crystal Retinal two years ago after recommendations from not one, but two friends. I started on the lowest strength but have recently moved from Retinal 10 to 20, as my skin has gradually built up tolerance. In terms of results, it really has made my fine lines disappear. My dark circles are reduced, and the retinal has also significantly reduced the appearance of large pores. I love that the one tube lasts a long time–a small amount works wonders.” – Hal Sear, visuals editor
- Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinaldehyde, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, glycerin
- Best For: Experienced retinal users who want to accelerate their results: fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots
Best Exfoliating Toner: Medik8 Press Glow Tonic
- Why We Love It: The star of Medik8’s Press Glow toner is polyhydroxy acid—a large molecule that doesn’t penetrate deeper than the surface level, but effectively dissolves dead cells at the outermost layer. Gentle enough to be used twice daily, its low irritation potential makes it a suitable partner for your other resurfacing actives. What’s more, it actually enhances their performance by sloughing off dead cells that stop them getting to work where they’re needed most.
- Editor’s Note: “As someone with fussy, reactive skin, toners are usually a step I can go without. I’ve found classic iterations will burn and sting, and if I‘m particularly unlucky, break me out. This is one of few toners I can actually tolerate without any adverse effects–it hydrates and deals with dry and dull skin to reveal a radiant glow. Thanks to soothing ingredients in the formula (which boasts aloe vera, antioxidants and the moisture-magnet glycerin) any irritation I do have calms down within days, and best of all, it sinks into skin without a tacky or tight feeling.” –Achonwa
- Key Ingredients: 5.5% gluconolactone (PHA), prickly pear extract, acai extract, aloe vera
- Best For: Dull skin prone to sensitivity, enlarged pores
Best Vitamin C: Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced Gel-Serum
- Why We Love It: For optimal repair, Medik8’s latest vitamin c, C-Tetra Advanced Gel-Serum relies upon a blend of 20% vitamin C—specifically tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a form of praised for its stability, potency, and gentleness. This gives skin ample antioxidant protection and brightening, working alongside phyto exosomes, acetyl zingerone, and a multi-weight hyaluronic acid that bolster the vitamin C benefits and reinforce the skin barrier.
- Key Ingredients: 20% stabilized vitamin C (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate), phyto exosomes, acetyl zingerone, hyaluronic acid, n-aceytl glucosamine
- Best For: Brightening, mature skin
Best for Oily Skin: Medik8 Clarity Peptides
- Why We Love It: Made with Crystalide Peptides, which gently polish the skin’s surface, this lightweight serum delivers an instant glow to dull complexions. As well as creating a dewy finish, it calms and soothes with niacinamide and zinc–both hero ingredients to reduce blemishes and inflammation. Great for all skin types, it’s also the perfect pairing for Medik8’s Glycolic Sleep as it nourishes and calms exfoliated skin without a heavy, sticky feeling.
- Key Ingredients: 10% niacinamide, crystalide peptide, zinc PCA, hyaluronic acid, N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG)
- Best For: Redness, oiliness, blemishes, bumpy texture
Best Eye Cream: Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream
- Why We Love It: Designed for the delicate eye area, Green approves of the low percentage of encapsulated retinal in Medik8’s latest eye cream formula. “This ensures the ultra-slow release of retinal into the skin to avoid sensitivity, while delivering clinically-proven results,” says Daniel Isaacs, chief product officer and director of research at Medik8, “and coupled with the cutting-edge airless packaging works in unison to maintain the potency and integrity of this clinical-strength formula. The results are truly outstanding.”
- Key Ingredients: Twin-encapsulated retinaldehyde, ceramides, hyaluronic acid filling spheres, chamomile extract
- Best For: Dark circles, crow’s feet, fine lines
Best Night Cream: Medik8 R-Retinoate Youth Activating Day Night Cream
- Why We Love It: It’s easy to see why this moisturizer counts Hailey Bieber as one of its fans—what’s not to love about a photostable retinoate that can get to work throughout the day (rather than at night, when most retinoids are designed to be used)? A luxurious serum texture delivers the vitamin A derivative alongside stabilized vitamin C, giving a double dose of brightening power to your skin-care routine. Plus, it comes packed in Medik8’s airless dispenser, keeping the all-important actives fresh for maximum efficacy.
- Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinyl retinoate, stabilized vitamin C (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate), hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
- Best For: All skin types
Best for Dry Skin: Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense
- Why We Love It: Providing intense hydration for parched skin, this serum relies on the power of hyaluronic acid to draw moisture deep into all levels of the dermis. “Glucoside ensures deep penetration,” Green says of the ingredient list, which also features multi-weight hyaluronic microspheres to fill fine lines instantly and over time.
- Key Ingredients: Multi-weight hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, natural moisturizing factors, saskatoon berry
- Best For: Dehydrated/dry skin, mature skin
Best Cleansing Oil: Medik8 Lipid Balance Anti Pollution Cleansing Oil
- Why We Love It: Those looking to swiftly remove heavy makeup, and sunscreen will find a winner with this cleansing oil. It features moringa extract, a natural cleanser and next-generation antioxidant that removes dirt, oils, and pollution with ease. Safflower oil is rich in nourishing fatty acids and vitamin E, so it glides effortlessly over the skin.
- Key Ingredients: Safflower oil, omega-6, moringa extract, vitamin E
- Best For: Double cleansing on all skin types.
Best Chemical Peel: Medik8 Sleep Glycolic AHA Overnight At-Home Peel
- Why We Love It: Designed to be used twice weekly, this peel features encapsulated glycolic acid, a delivery system that offers a gradual, sustained release to ensure the active can better penetrate dead skin and target concerns like clogged pores, wrinkles and pigmentation. Resurfacing slowly and steadily, it promises a tighter, brighter, and clearer complexion with minimal downtime or sensitivity.
- Key Ingredients: 10% active glycolic acid, Korean clover extract, glycerin
- Best For: Enlarged pores, wrinkles, dark spots
Best Micellar Water: Medik8 Micellar Mousse
- Why We Love It: Most of us are familiar with the benefits of micellar water when it comes to makeup removal, but for certain skin types, it can have harsh and stripping side-effects. Not with Medik8’s mousse, however, which boasts a gentle whipped formula with nourishing and antibacterial benefits.
- Key Ingredients: Olive oil-infused micelles, moringa extract, glycerin
- Best For: removing make-up in a non-abrasive way
Everything You Need to Know
Why is Medik8 so good?
Medik8 is professional skin-care line originally administered and sold at clinics, medical spas, and premium pharmacies. Subject to rigorous clinical testing and quality control, medical-grade skin-care 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.
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 (retinoids) at night. For everything from anti-aging 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 defense, 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.”
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to the best Medik8 products, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, texture, packaging, finish, and the skin-care concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet the Experts
- Daniel Isaacs: 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: 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 called SOS Serum Skincare.
