Beauty
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
Tracy is a former hair and makeup artist and male groomer, who worked on fashion shoots and for brands including Tom Ford and NARS before getting her start in beauty journalism. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering with Look Good Feel Better, a charity that delivers makeup and skincare ... Read More