Anua vs Medik8
Anua and Medik8 are distinct skincare brands, with the former being a Korean line founded in 2019 and owned by The Founders Inc., and the latter a British line founded in 2009 and owned by L'Oréal Groupe since 2025. Anua features moisturizers, toners, serums, cleansers, and more built around hyaluronic acid, heartleaf, and niacinamide, suiting oily acne-prone and combination skin best. Conversely, Medik8 offers serums, moisturizers, eye products, toners, and more built around hyaluronic acid, fitting dry and dry sensitive skin best. While both utilize hyaluronic acid to lengthen wrinkle reduction or toxin wrinkle effect duration, the Korean brand also employs niacinamide to decrease hyperpigmentation and increase skin lightness.
Anua is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by The Founders Inc..
prnewswire.comkedglobal.comtracxn.comv.daum.net
Medik8 is a British skincare brand founded in 2009 and owned by L'Oréal Groupe since 2025.
loreal.commedik8.comtracxn.com
This page compares some of the most popular Anua and Medik8 products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Anua vs Medik8 products
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Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
AED 70.99
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Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
AED 59.00
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Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
AED 74.95
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PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
AED 94.00
- Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
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Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
AED 43.11
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PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM
AED 55.80
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Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad
AED 35.10
People Say
Texture and Lightweight Feel Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “melts into skin — Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream”
- “Feels like water, not heavy oil — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
- “absorbed effortlessly — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
- “smoother skin — Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse”
Gentle and Non-Irritating Formulation Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “zero irritation or peeling — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
- “only Vitamin C my sensitive skin can tolerate — Medik8 C-Tetra Serum”
- “Best retinol replacement — Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides”
- “calmed my red spots — Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad”
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “complexion feels so plump — Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum”
- “leaves skin plump — Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner”
- “Restores moisture — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “Instantly quenched the skin — Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense”
Brightening and Glow Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Significant reduction in hyperpigmentation from acne scarring. — Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum”
- “glass-like glow — Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner”
- “I wake up glowing. It adds back that youthful bloom that I've lost. — Medik8 Sleep Glycolic”
- “unlocked a serious glow — Medik8 C-Tetra Serum”
Price and Value Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “price feels way too high — Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum”
- “small size, the price is expensive — Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder”
- “bottle too small — Anua NANO RETINOL™ 0.3% + NIACIN RENEWING SERUM”
- “Expensive per bottle — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
Anua vs Medik8 routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 32.95
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Moisturizer
Hydr8 B5 Intense
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 267.08
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SPF
Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+
Morning
AED 81.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
AED 35.29
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Cleansing Toner
Press & Glow
Evening
AED 160.00
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Serum or Treatment
Bakuchiol Peptides
Evening · Once a week
AED 329.00
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Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
AED 65.00
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Cleanser
Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 57.19
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Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning
AED 43.11
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Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 60.85
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SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
AED 41.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 70.99
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Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
AED 58.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 74.95
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Enzyme Powder
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Once a week
AED 45.50
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Nourishing Mask
Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask
Once a week
AED 97.63
Buy Medik8 routine · AED 1,017.94 · 95% fit
Buy Anua routine · AED 550.12 · 78% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Anua vs Medik8 routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 49.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
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Moisturizer
Hydr8 B5 Intense
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 267.08
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SPF
d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50
Morning
AED 92.70
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Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
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Cleansing Toner
Press & Glow
Evening
AED 160.00
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Serum or Treatment
Oxy-R Peptides
Evening · Once a week
AED 349.00
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
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Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
- Cleanser Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam Morning · Evening · Once a week
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Hydrating Toner
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Once a week
AED 45.50
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 60.85
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
AED 41.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 70.99
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
AED 58.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 74.95
-
Cleansing Mask
Heartleaf Pore Clay Pack
Once a week
AED 37.75
Buy Medik8 routine · AED 1,453.26 · 89% fit
Buy Anua routine · AED 389.94 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Anua vs Medik8 routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 84.53
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Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
Hydr8 B5 Intense
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 267.08
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Press & Glow
Evening
AED 160.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Oxy-R Peptides
Evening · Once a week
AED 349.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
AED 122.93
- Cleanser Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 43.11
-
Moisturizer
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 45.50
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
AED 41.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 70.99
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
AED 58.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 74.95
-
Cleansing Mask
Heartleaf Pore Clay Pack
Once a week
AED 37.75
Buy Medik8 routine · AED 1,409.08 · 92% fit
Buy Anua routine · AED 372.20 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Anua or Medik8: which is better?
Both brands perform well, but Medik8 has a superior routine fit for dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin, whereas Anua is better for value.
What is the difference between Anua and Medik8?
Anua and Medik8 differ mainly in price, formulation approach, and skin type strengths, with Anua offering better value and Medik8 providing superior gentle formulations for dry or sensitive skin. Both brands feature high-performing ingredients like hyaluronic acid to support skin hydration and reduce signs of aging.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Anua or Medik8 for dry skin?
For dry skin, Lovi finds that Anua has a High routine fit and Medik8 has a Superior routine fit. Anua offers budget-friendly products, while Medik8 is often noted for a high price point.
Anua or Medik8: which cleanser is better?
Which is more affordable, Anua or Medik8?
Anua is more affordable than Medik8, as reviewers frequently note high price points as a drawback for Medik8 while Anua takes the advantage for price and value.
Which brand has more fragrance-free products, Anua or Medik8?
Anua has more fragrance-free products, as every single product on its page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas Medik8 has 11 out of 12 fragrance-free products.
Anua or Medik8 for brightening and glow?
Both Anua and Medik8 are rated High for skin with dark spots on the products on this page, and reviewers frequently mention brightening and glow for both brands. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppress melanosome transfer.
Anua or Medik8 for oily skin?
Both Anua and Medik8 offer a High Lovi fit for oily skin, though Anua's range is noted for being more budget-friendly.
Anua or Medik8: which moisturizer is better?
Medik8 stands out for dry skin with superior hydration from products like Hydr8 B5 Intense, whereas Anua is a more budget-friendly option with strong barrier support.
Anua or Medik8 for sensitive skin?
Both Anua and Medik8 are great for sensitive skin, with Anua achieving a High fit level and Medik8 reaching a Superior fit level for this skin type.
Anua or Medik8 for acne-prone skin?
Both Anua and Medik8 are great for acne-prone skin, with Anua getting a High fit and Medik8 getting a Superior fit for these routines. Medik8 is often noted for being especially gentle and non-irritating.
Anua or Medik8 for dry sensitive skin?
For dry sensitive skin, Medik8 is the better choice because Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior, compared to High for Anua. Medik8 is also noted by reviewers for being gentle and non-irritating.
Research behind their key ingredients
Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical anti-inflammatory effects of isorhamnetin glycosides isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Evaluation of moisturizing and irritation potential of sacha inchi oil
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
Emulgels powered by coco-glucoside: A stable and effective synbiotics delivery system for skin care
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Behind this comparison
Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
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