Medik8 vs Olay
Medik8 and Olay are two distinct skincare lines, with the British brand founded in 2009 offering hyaluronic acid-based serums, moisturizers, eye products, and toners, while the other is warmly loved for thoughtfully formulated moisturizers, eye products, serums, cleansers, and more enriched with nourishing niacinamide and glycerin. Medik8 products fit dry skin and dry sensitive skin best, whereas the latter suits sensitive skin and acne-prone skin best. They differ primarily in their core ingredient profiles and specific formulations, as both brands provide targeted solutions for concerns such as acne, dark spots, and aging.
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 Medik8 and Olay products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Medik8 vs Olay products
People Say
Texture and Absorption Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “sinks in quickly — Olay Super Serum”
- “skin feels baby soft — Olay Retinol24”
- “Skin feels like silk — Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer”
- “absorbed effortlessly — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Instantly smoother, softer, and more hydrated — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
- “light and smooth — Olay Ultimate Eye Cream”
- “hydrates the skin — Olay Advanced Eye Cream”
- “Restores moisture — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
Gentle 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”
- “doesn't strip my skin — Olay Regenerating Cream Cleanser”
Brightening and Glow Often MentionedOften 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”
- “iridescent glow — Olay Super Serum”
- “hides dark shadows — Olay Ultimate Eye Cream”
Skin Improvement and Clarity Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “smoother skin — Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse”
- “skin feels baby soft — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
- “skin feels firmer — Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides”
- “tiny beads aren't harsh — Olay Regenerating Cream Cleanser”
Pleasant Experience and Scent Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “smells like a spa — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
- “smell is gorgeous — Medik8 C-Tetra Serum”
- “smells amazing — Olay Vitamin C Serum”
- “light fresh scent — Olay Regenerating Cream Cleanser”
Price and Value Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “expensive for drugstore — Olay Super Serum”
- “expensive — Olay Super Serum Night Repair”
- “Expensive per bottle — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
Packaging Issues Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Glass bottle breaks easily — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “hard to get last bit — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
- “click mechanism tricky — Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides”
- “hard to dispense — Olay Super Serum”
Slow or Ineffective Results Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Not as effective as retinol — Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides”
- “no difference — Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides”
- “no difference — Olay Vitamin C Serum”
- “minimal firming effect — Olay Eye Lifting Serum”
Medik8 vs Olay routines for dry skin
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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
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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
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Cleanser
Regenerating Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 59.99
-
Moisturizer
Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 218.43
-
SPF
Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Morning
AED 88.09
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
AED 35.29
-
Cleansing Toner
Oil Minimizing Clean Toner
Evening
AED 72.05
- Serum or Treatment Vitamin C Serum Evening · Once a week
-
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 Olay routine · AED 586.47 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Medik8 vs Olay 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
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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
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
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Cleanser
Regenerating Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 59.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
Super Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 109.00
-
SPF
Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer SPF 25
Morning
AED 121.67
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Oil Minimizing Clean Toner
Evening
AED 72.05
- Serum or Treatment Vitamin C Serum 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 Olay routine · AED 897.24 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Medik8 vs Olay 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
Regenerating Cream Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 59.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
Super Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 109.00
-
SPF
Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Morning
AED 88.09
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 179.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Oil Minimizing Clean Toner
Evening
AED 72.05
- Serum or Treatment Vitamin C Serum Evening · Once a week
-
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 Olay routine · AED 877.60 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Medik8 or Olay: which is better?
Medik8 is better for dry skin and dry sensitive skin on this page, as Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior compared to Olay's Average fit. Reviewers also mention that Medik8 offers more gentle formulations, whereas Olay does better with texture, absorption, hydration, and price value.
What is the difference between Medik8 and Olay?
Medik8 is generally better suited for dry and sensitive skin types, while Olay tends to offer better performance in texture, hydration, and price value. Both brands provide good results for mature skin and skin with dark spots, though Medik8 features more gentle formulations.
Medik8 or Olay for dry skin?
Medik8 is a superior choice for dry skin compared to Olay because its routine fit is rated as Superior, whereas Olay is rated as Average. The products on this page for Medik8 feature deep hydration and hyaluronic acid, which helps improve moisture levels in dry skin.
Medik8 or Olay: which cleanser is better?
Medik8 stands out for its cleanser on this page, Surface Radiance Cleanse, which achieves a Superior Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin, oily acne-prone skin, and skin with dark spots. Reviewers also indicate that Medik8 does better for skin improvement and clarity.
Which is more affordable, Medik8 or Olay?
Olay is more affordable, as reviewers often mention Medik8 has a high price point while noting Olay is better for price and value.
Between Medik8 and Olay, which brand offers better texture and absorption?
Olay offers better texture and absorption compared to Medik8 based on reviewers on the products on this page.
How do Medik8 and Olay compare regarding fragrance in their products?
Medik8 features a fragrance-free formulation across almost all the products on this page, with only Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream listing fragrance. Olay also offers mostly fragrance-free choices among the products on this page, though Oil Minimizing Clean Toner includes fragrance.
Which brand has a better routine fit for dry sensitive skin, Medik8 or Olay?
Medik8 has a superior routine fit for dry sensitive skin, whereas Olay has an average fit. Reviewers mention that Medik8 offers gentle and non-irritating serums.
Medik8 or Olay for oily skin?
Medik8 and Olay both achieve a High routine fit for oily skin. Reviewers indicate that Olay does better for texture and absorption, while Medik8 does better for skin improvement and clarity.
Medik8 or Olay: which moisturizer is better?
Medik8 provides a superior routine fit for dry skin compared to Olay. Reviewers note that Olay offers intense hydration, while Medik8 delivers deep hydration and plumping with products like Hydr8 B5 Intense.
Medik8 or Olay for sensitive skin?
Medik8 is a better fit for sensitive skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to Olay's High fit on this page. Reviewers frequently mention that Medik8 products are gentle and non-irritating.
Medik8 or Olay for acne-prone skin?
Medik8 is the better choice for acne-prone skin, as the products on this page achieve a Superior routine fit compared to Olay's High fit. Reviewers also note that Medik8 does better for skin improvement and clarity.
Research behind their key ingredients
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
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
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Evaluation of moisturizing and irritation potential of sacha inchi oil
Neuroimmunomodulatory compound for sensitive skin care: in vitro and clinical assessment
Comedogenicity in rabbit: some cosmetic ingredients/vehicles
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Dually functionalized dendrimer for stimuli-responsive release of active ingredients into the skin
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
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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
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