Avène vs Medik8
Avène and Medik8 are established skincare brands offering distinct approaches to daily regimens. The French brand, founded in 1990 and owned by Fondation Pierre Fabre, is universally loved for its rich moisturizers, reliable sunscreens, targeted serums, gentle cleansers, and hydrating glycerin, suiting oily acne-prone skin and acne-prone skin best. Conversely, the British brand, founded in 2009 and owned by L'Oréal Groupe since 2025, features serums, moisturizers, eye products, toners, and more, built around hyaluronic acid, fitting dry skin and dry sensitive skin best. While the former relies on science-backed formulations for a calm and balanced complexion, both provide targeted solutions for specific concerns like dark spots and mature skin.
Avène is a French skincare brand founded in 1990 and owned by Fondation Pierre Fabre.
pierre-fabre.comavene.co.ukaveneusa.com
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 Avène and Medik8 products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Avène vs Medik8 products
People Say
Gentleness and Lack of Irritation Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “leaves face clean but not dry — Avène Cleanance”
- “Perfect cleanser for sensitive skin. — Avène Milk Cleanser”
- “zero irritation or peeling — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
- “only Vitamin C my sensitive skin can tolerate — Medik8 C-Tetra Serum”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Thick but absorbs well eventually — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “Restores moisture barrier — Avène Cold Cream”
- “Restores moisture — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “Instantly quenched the skin — Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense”
Skin Smoothing and Texture Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “smoother skin — Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse”
- “My skin was smoother, my skin texture felt more resurfaced. — Medik8 Sleep Glycolic”
- “Absorbs fast — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “I've noticed a definite improvement in the fine lines around my eyes — Avène RetrinAL EYES”
Brightening and Glow Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “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”
- “pigmentation lightened slightly — Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides”
- “immediate radiance boost — Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum”
Absorption and Lightweight Feel Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “absorbs very quickly — Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum”
- “Absorbs into skin without residue. — Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm”
- “absorbed effortlessly — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
- “absorbs fast — Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides”
Soothing and Redness Reduction Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Calmed my angry red skin overnight — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
- “Nothing has ever worked to soothe or heal my skin like these before. — Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm”
- “Calms angry, red skin — Avène Soothing Radiance Mask”
- “calming effects — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
High Price Point Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “Its a bit pricey but so worth it!! — Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm”
- “a bit pricey — Avène Cleanance”
- “Tiny tube for the money — Avène Cold Cream”
- “Expensive per bottle — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
Acne and Breakouts Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “made me break out constantly — Medik8 C-Tetra Serum”
- “caused breakouts — Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides”
- “caused me to breakout — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
- “Woke up with tiny whiteheads all over — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream”
Avène 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
-
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
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 76.99
-
Moisturizer
Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 169.99
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SPF
Ultra Fluid
Morning
AED 105.54
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
AED 35.29
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
AED 38.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Antirougeurs Fort Relief Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
AED 130.00
-
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
Buy Medik8 routine · AED 1,017.94 · 95% fit
Buy Avène routine · AED 669.42 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Avène 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
-
Moisturizer
Hydr8 B5 Intense
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 267.08
-
SPF
d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50
Morning
AED 92.70
-
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
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
-
Cleanser
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 76.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 68.90
-
SPF
Cleanance
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 58.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
AED 120.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
Buy Medik8 routine · AED 1,453.26 · 89% fit
Buy Avène routine · AED 859.37 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Avène vs Medik8 routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 84.53
-
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
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 76.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 118.99
-
SPF
Cleanance
Morning
AED 58.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
AED 53.12
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 199.98
-
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
Buy Medik8 routine · AED 1,409.08 · 92% fit
Buy Avène routine · AED 1,056.50 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Avène or Medik8: which is better?
Both brands offer strong options depending on your goals, with Avène featuring a French heritage dating to 1990 and Medik8 founded in the UK in 2009. Medik8 achieves a Superior Lovi routine fit for dry skin, dry sensitive skin, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and combination skin, while Avène provides a Superior Lovi routine fit for oily acne-prone skin.
What is the difference between Avène and Medik8?
Avène focuses best on oily acne-prone skin, acne-prone skin, and combination skin, whereas Medik8 fits best for dry skin, dry sensitive skin, and sensitive skin. Reviewers find that Medik8 performs better for skin smoothing and texture as well as brightening and glow, while Avène does better for soothing and redness reduction.
Avène or Medik8 for dry skin?
For dry skin, Medik8 is a Superior fit while Avène is High. Medik8 helps deliver deep hydration with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which studies show benefits skin quality and signs of aging.
Avène or Medik8: which cleanser is better?
Medik8 is better for cleansers on this page, as Lovi rates its Surface Radiance Cleanse as Superior for acne-prone skin, skin with dark spots, and oily acne-prone skin, whereas Avène cleansers reach a maximum fit level of High for those skin types.
Which is more affordable, Avène or Medik8?
Avène is more affordable, as Medik8 products on this page often carry a high price point.
Avène or Medik8: which brand does better for soothing and redness reduction?
Avene does better for soothing and redness reduction compared to Medik8 based on reviewer themes. Lovi gives Avene a High fit level for sensitive skin.
How do the countries of origin and parent companies differ between Avène and Medik8?
Avène was founded in 1990 in France and is owned by Fondation Pierre Fabre, whereas Medik8 was founded in 2009 in the United Kingdom and is owned by L'Oréal Groupe.
Avène or Medik8: which offers better results for skin smoothing and texture?
Medik8 is the better choice for skin smoothing and texture because reviewers note it performs better in this area than Avène. Medik8 features products like CRYSTAL RETINAL 3, which helps improve skin texture through ingredients like retinol that stimulate collagen accumulation and address signs of aging in naturally aged human skin.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
Avène or Medik8 for oily skin?
For oily skin, both Avène and Medik8 are solid options since Lovi rates Avène High and Medik8 High for this skin type. Reviewers note that Avène helps with effective oil control, while Medik8 provides gentle and non-irritating serums.
Avène or Medik8: which moisturizer is better?
Medik8 is better for dry skin and dry sensitive skin on this page, as Medik8's routine fit is Superior compared to Avène's High for dry skin and Average for dry sensitive skin. Both brands offer moisturizers that help deliver deep hydration, while Medik8 is often noted for providing superior skin smoothing and texture.
Avène or Medik8 for sensitive skin?
Medik8 is Lovi rated Superior for sensitive skin, whereas Avène is rated High. Medik8 features gentle and non-irritating serums that help improve skin texture and hydration.
Avène or Medik8 for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, Lovi rates Avène as High and Medik8 as Superior. Reviewers note that the products on this page for Medik8 do better with acne and breakouts.
Research behind their key ingredients
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
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
An oil-soluble extract of Rubus idaeus cells enhances hydration and water homeostasis in skin cells
Evaluation of moisturizing and irritation potential of sacha inchi oil
Comparative benefit of two thermal spring waters after photodynamic therapy procedure
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

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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