Estée Lauder vs Medik8
Estée Lauder and Medik8 are established skincare brands offering comprehensive ranges of moisturizers, serums, eye products, cleansers, and more. The American brand is beloved for formulations with hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerin that suit acne-prone skin and mature skin best, with standout solutions including the Micro Essence Treatment Lotion, DayWear Moisturizer, and Futurist Peptide-Power Serum Primer. Meanwhile, the British brand builds its products around hyaluronic acid to fit dry skin and dry sensitive skin best, while featuring top-rated options like the Surface Radiance Cleanse, Oxy-R Peptides, and Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream. While both brands harness hyaluronic acid to lengthen the effect of botulinum toxin, they differ in their heritage, founding years, ownership, and specific hero formulations.
Estée Lauder is an American skincare brand founded in 1946 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..
en.wikipedia.orgelcompanies.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 Estée Lauder and Medik8 products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Estée Lauder vs Medik8 products
People Say
Deep hydration and moisturization Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “skin drinks it up immediately — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
- “The formula is incredibly hydrating and leaves my skin feeling smooth. — Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv”
- “texture is dreamy — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme”
- “Restores moisture — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
Skin texture improvement and smoothing Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbed effortlessly — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
- “My skin was smoother, my skin texture felt more resurfaced. — Medik8 Sleep Glycolic”
- “Absorbs fast — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “Absorbs quickly into the skin — Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+”
Gentle and non-drying formula 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”
- “doesn't strip the skin — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée”
Radiance, glow and brightening Sometimes 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”
- “immediate glow — Medik8 Super C Ferulic”
- “gives me that glass skin look — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
Effective cleansing and makeup removal Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “removes all my makeup effortlessly — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée”
- “Melts away Double Wear foundation instantly — Estée Lauder Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion”
- “Leaves my skin very clean — Estée Lauder Soft Clean Moisture Rich Foaming Cleanser”
- “pores feel cleaner — Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse”
Pleasant scent Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “pleasant cucumber fragrance — Estée Lauder DayWear Moisturizer”
- “Smells luxurious and expensive — Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+”
- “Smells fresh and clean — Estée Lauder Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion”
- “smell is gorgeous — Medik8 C-Tetra Serum”
High price point Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Expensive per bottle — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “very expensive for amount — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
- “hefty price tag — Medik8 C-Tetra Serum”
- “way too expensive for the size — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
Lack of results or effectiveness Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “didn't notice any difference — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
- “just expensive water — Estée Lauder Micro Essence Treatment Lotion”
- “Not as effective as retinol — Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides”
- “no difference — Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides”
Packaging issues and bulky design Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “lid is hard to open — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée”
- “Please make a jar or refill that is not as big and heavy. — Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv”
- “Glass bottle breaks easily — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “hard to get last bit — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
Scent and fragrance complaints Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “metallic scent — Medik8 Super C Ferulic”
- “Scent is too overpowering — Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+”
Estée Lauder vs Medik8 routines for dry skin
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 32.95
-
Moisturizer
Hydr8 B5 Intense
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 267.08
-
SPF
Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+
Morning
AED 81.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
AED 35.29
-
Cleansing Toner
Press & Glow
Evening
AED 160.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Bakuchiol Peptides
Evening · Once a week
AED 329.00
-
Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
AED 65.00
-
Cleanser
Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 75.44
-
Hydrating Toner
Micro Essence Treatment Lotion
Morning
AED 397.18
-
Moisturizer
Revitalizing Supreme+
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 605.21
- SPF DayWear Moisturizer Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
Evening · Once a week
AED 241.00
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
AED 38.99
- Serum or Treatment Perfectionist Pro Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
-
Nourishing Mask
Nutritious Melting Soft Creme/Mask
Once a week
AED 247.62
Buy Medik8 routine · AED 1,017.94 · 95% fit
Buy Estée Lauder routine · AED 1,653.06 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Estée Lauder vs Medik8 routines for oily skin
-
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
Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 75.44
-
Hydrating Toner
Micro Essence Treatment Lotion
Morning · Once a week
AED 397.18
-
Moisturizer
Revitalizing Supreme+
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 605.21
- SPF DayWear Moisturizer Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
Evening · Once a week
AED 241.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
AED 120.00
- Serum or Treatment Perfectionist Pro Evening · Once a week
-
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 Estée Lauder routine · AED 1,743.92 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Estée Lauder vs Medik8 routines for combination skin
-
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
Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 75.44
-
Hydrating Toner
Micro Essence Treatment Lotion
Morning · Once a week
AED 397.18
- Moisturizer Re-Nutriv Morning · Evening · Once a week
- SPF DayWear Moisturizer Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
Evening · Once a week
AED 241.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
AED 53.12
-
Serum or Treatment
Advanced Night Repair
Evening · Once a week
AED 235.20
-
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 Estée Lauder routine · AED 1,225.96 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Estée Lauder or Medik8: which is better?
Both brands offer strong options, but Medik8 is a better fit for dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin, whereas Estée Lauder stands out for deep hydration and cleansing. Across the products on this page, Medik8 frequently achieves superior routine fit levels for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
What is the difference between Estée Lauder and Medik8?
Estée Lauder offers American-founded skincare with a focus on deep hydration, while Medik8 provides British-made serums and treatments known for texture improvement. Both brands feature hyaluronic acid in the products on this page.
Estée Lauder or Medik8 for dry skin?
Medik8 is a Superior fit for dry skin, whereas the products on this page for Estée Lauder achieve a High routine fit level. Reviewers often mention that Medik8 provides deep hydration and plumping.
Estée Lauder or Medik8: which cleanser is better?
Estee Lauder helps provide effective cleansing and makeup removal with products like the Advanced Night Cleansing Gelee, which holds an average to high Lovi fit across skin types. Medik8 also offers strong options such as the Surface Radiance Cleanse, though Estee Lauder is noted for doing better on cleansing and makeup removal overall.
Which is more affordable, Estée Lauder or Medik8?
Both Estée Lauder and Medik8 products on this page are noted by reviewers for having a high price point, so neither stands out as more affordable.
Between Estée Lauder and Medik8, which brand has better options for addressing dark spots?
Both Estée Lauder and Medik8 offer great products on this page for dark spots, but Medik8 has higher-rated options like Oxy-R Peptides and Surface Radiance Cleanse. Both brands feature key ingredients like hyaluronic acid that help maintain skin quality.
How do the fragrance options differ between Estée Lauder and Medik8 products?
Estee Lauder has 12 of 14 products on this page listing no fragrance and 2 with fragrance, whereas Medik8 has 11 of 12 products listing no fragrance and 1 with fragrance.
Which brand performs better for skin texture improvement and smoothing according to reviewers?
Medik8 performs better for skin texture improvement and smoothing according to reviewers. The products on this page help deliver smoother skin texture.
Estée Lauder or Medik8 for oily skin?
Both Estée Lauder and Medik8 offer products on this page that fit oily skin well, with Lovi giving both brands a High rating for this skin type. Reviewers mention that Estée Lauder helps provide effective cleansing, while Medik8 helps deliver deep hydration and smoothing.
Estée Lauder or Medik8: which moisturizer is better?
Medik8 provides superior routine fit for dry skin compared to Estée Lauder, which has a High fit level. Reviewers note that Medik8 is better for deep hydration and plumping, while Estée Lauder excels in deep hydration and moisturization overall.
Dermatologic Therapy, 2022Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015
Estée Lauder or Medik8 for sensitive skin?
Medik8 helps sensitive skin with a Superior routine fit, whereas Estée Lauder provides a High fit for this skin type.
Estée Lauder or Medik8 for acne-prone skin?
Both Estée Lauder and Medik8 provide a Superior routine fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. Medik8 features products like Surface Radiance Cleanse with a Superior fit, while Estée Lauder offers items such as the Micro Essence Treatment Lotion with a Superior fit.
Research behind their key ingredients
Topical anti-inflammatory effects of isorhamnetin glycosides isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica
Chrysin protects epidermal keratinocytes from UVA- and UVB-induced damage
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
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Another Reason for Using Caffeine in Dermocosmetics: Sunscreen Adjuvant
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Evaluation of moisturizing and irritation potential of sacha inchi oil
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
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.
-

Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

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
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.




























































