Medik8 vs ISDIN
Medik8 and ISDIN are established European skincare brands, founded in 2009 and 1975 respectively, that offer thoughtfully crafted products for varied complexions. The British brand is known for serums, moisturizers, eye products, and toners built around hyaluronic acid, while the Spanish brand is beloved for its sophisticated moisturizers, sunscreens, serums, and eye products. Medik8 fits dry skin and dry sensitive skin best, whereas its counterpart suits acne-prone skin and combination skin. They differ primarily in their core formulations and target skin types, with the former emphasizing hyaluronic acid for wrinkle effects and the latter nurturing the complexion through daily, gentle efficacy.
Medik8 is a British skincare brand founded in 2009 and owned by L'Oréal Groupe since 2025.
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ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig.
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This page compares some of the most popular Medik8 and ISDIN products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Medik8 vs ISDIN products
People Say
Lightweight and Elegant Texture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “Lightweight formula absorbs fast — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “absorbed effortlessly — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
Deep Hydration and Plumping Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “My skin felt sooo hydrated and looks so plump and dewey. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “skin looks smooth and healthy — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
- “Restores moisture — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
Gentle and Non-Irritating Formulation Mostly MentionedOften 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”
- “Sensitive/reactive skin tolerates — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
Brightening, Glow, and Fading Dark Spots Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “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”
- “My hyperpigmentation has lightened and skin looks more even, even shines more. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
Improves Skin Texture and Smoothness Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “smoother skin — Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse”
- “My skin was smoother, my skin texture felt more resurfaced. — Medik8 Sleep Glycolic”
- “skin feels baby soft — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
- “skin was much smoother — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
Good Makeup Compatibility Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “acts like a primer — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “Great under makeup — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “layers well under sunscreen — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
High Price Point and Value Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Expensive per bottle — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “very expensive for amount — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
- “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “My only wish is that ISDIN would make this product in a bigger size bottle. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
Slow or Ineffective Results Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “don't see result — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
- “no noticeable changes yet — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
- “Not as effective as retinol — Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides”
Unpleasant Smell or Strong Fragrance Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “metallic scent — Medik8 Super C Ferulic”
- “smell is overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
Medik8 vs ISDIN 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
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 32.95
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Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 34.80
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SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
AED 91.99
-
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
Retinal Intense Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 392.99
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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
Buy Medik8 routine · AED 1,017.94 · 95% fit
Buy ISDIN routine · AED 739.63 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Medik8 vs ISDIN routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 49.95
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Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 33.40
-
SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
AED 91.99
-
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
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Serum or Treatment
Retinal Intense Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 392.99
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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
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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
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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
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
Buy ISDIN routine · AED 1,222.86 · 91% fit
Buy Medik8 routine · AED 1,453.26 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Medik8 vs ISDIN 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
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
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 33.40
-
SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
AED 91.99
-
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
Retinal Intense Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 392.99
-
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 ISDIN routine · AED 1,204.50 · 92% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Medik8 or ISDIN: which is better?
Both brands perform well, but Medik8 has a Superior Lovi fit for dry sensitive skin while ISDIN achieves a Superior fit for mature skin. Medik8 is known for gentle, non-irritating formulas and brightening effects, whereas ISDIN stands out for ultralight, makeup-friendly sunscreens and deep hydration.
What is the difference between Medik8 and ISDIN?
Medik8 is best known for gentle formulas that improve texture and brighten skin, while ISDIN is favored for its ultralight, makeup-friendly sunscreens and deep hydration. Both brands command a high price point, but Medik8 generally offers more fragrance-free products on this page.
Medik8 or ISDIN for dry skin?
Medik8 is the better choice for dry skin, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to ISDIN's High. The products on this page help deliver deep hydration and a gentle formulation.
Medik8 or ISDIN: which moisturizer is better?
Medik8 is a better option for dry skin with a Superior routine fit, while ISDIN offers a High routine fit for dry skin. Topical hyaluronic acid, a key ingredient across the products on this page, helps provide deep hydration.
Which is more affordable, Medik8 or ISDIN?
Both Medik8 and ISDIN have a high price point, so neither stands out as more affordable.
Medik8 or ISDIN for oily skin?
For oily skin, ISDIN offers a Superior routine fit with lightweight options like Fusion Water, while Medik8 provides a High fit.
Medik8 or ISDIN for sensitive skin?
Both Medik8 and ISDIN achieve a Superior Lovi fit level for sensitive skin. Medik8 is known for gentle and non-irritating serums, while ISDIN offers skin-friendly sunscreens.
Medik8 or ISDIN for acne-prone skin?
Medik8 is a better choice for acne-prone skin because the products on this page achieve a Superior routine fit compared to ISDIN's High level. Both brands offer gentle formulations, but Medik8 is specifically recognized for improving skin texture and smoothness.
Medik8 or ISDIN for mature skin?
For mature skin, ISDIN reaches a Superior routine fit, whereas Medik8 reaches a High fit. Both brands offer targeted products containing hyaluronic acid, which helps hydrate and plump the skin.
Medik8 or ISDIN for skin with dark spots?
ISDIN is a better fit for skin with dark spots, with a Superior routine fit compared to Medik8's High routine fit. The products on this page help improve skin quality and may reduce signs of aging.
Medik8 or ISDIN for dry sensitive skin?
For dry sensitive skin, Medik8 is a great choice because the routine fit level on Lovi is Superior, while ISDIN is High. Both brands offer products that help with hydration, but Medik8 is well-known for its gentle and non-irritating formulations.
Research behind their key ingredients
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
Evaluation of moisturizing and irritation potential of sacha inchi oil
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
The clinical efficacy of a new emulsion for acne and conspicuous facial pore amelioration
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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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