Medik8 vs Simple
Medik8 and Simple are British skincare brands offering cleansers, moisturizers, toners, and more. Medik8 features hyaluronic acid and suits dry skin and dry sensitive skin best, while Simple incorporates niacinamide and glycerin to suit oily skin and acne-prone skin best. The first brand relies on advanced formulations to address aging, dark spots, and texture, whereas the second brand focuses on gentle, everyday care for specific concerns like dark spots, acne, and maturity. Both labels differ in their targeted skin types, ingredient profiles, and core philosophies.
Medik8 is a British skincare brand founded in 2009 and owned by L'Oréal Groupe since 2025.
loreal.commedik8.comtracxn.com
Simple is a British skincare brand founded in 1960 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2011.
en.wikipedia.orgsec.govprnewswire.comsimple.co.uk
This page compares some of the most popular Medik8 and Simple products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Medik8 vs Simple products
People Say
Gentle and non-irritating formulation Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Does not cause any form of irritation on the skin which I love. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
- “The only cleanser that doesn't turn my face red. — Simple Micellar Water”
- “no artificial perfume — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
- “zero irritation or peeling — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
Hydrating texture and formula Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
- “Instantly boosts skin's hydration... face doesn't feel dry and tight. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
- “Leaves my face feeling soft, not tight. — Simple Micellar Water”
- “sinks in beautifully — Medik8 C-Tetra Serum”
Lightweight and elegant texture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “absorbed effortlessly — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
- “Absorbs fast — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
- “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
Improves skin texture and smoothness Often MentionedNot 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”
Value for money and affordability Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “great value for money — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
- “super affordable — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
- “Can't beat the price for the quality. — Simple Micellar Water”
- “better value than Skinceuticals — Medik8 Super C Ferulic”
Fades dark spots and brightens Often MentionedNot noted
- “I wake up glowing. It adds back that youthful bloom that I've lost. — Medik8 Sleep Glycolic”
- “pigmentation lightened slightly — Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides”
- “immediate glow — Medik8 Super C Ferulic”
High price point Often MentionedNot noted
- “Expensive per bottle — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
Caused breakouts Rarely NotedSometimes 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”
- “Gave me tiny bumps on my forehead. — Simple Micellar Water”
Packaging issues and fragility Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “Worried about the snap top bottle leaking when travelling. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
- “The cap broke off immediately. — Simple Micellar Water”
- “hard to get last bit out — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
- “Glass bottle breaks easily — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
Medik8 vs Simple 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
-
Cleanser
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 24.78
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 11.84
-
SPF
Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+
Morning
AED 81.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
AED 17.15
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
AED 38.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 168.76
-
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
Buy Medik8 routine · AED 1,017.94 · 95% fit
Buy Simple routine · AED 455.14 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Medik8 vs Simple 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
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 24.78
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 11.84
-
SPF
d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50
Morning
AED 92.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
AED 17.15
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
AED 120.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 168.76
-
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 Simple routine · AED 790.31 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Medik8 vs Simple 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
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 24.78
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 11.84
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
AED 17.15
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
AED 53.12
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 168.76
-
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 Simple routine · AED 644.67 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Medik8 or Simple: which is better?
Medik8 stands out for skin texture improvement and brightening, while Simple offers value-friendly and gentle hydration. Medik8 is a Superior fit for dry skin, whereas Simple is a High fit.
What is the difference between Medik8 and Simple?
Medik8 is best for dry, dry sensitive, and sensitive skin, while Simple best fits oily skin, acne-prone skin, and skin with dark spots. Reviewers note that Simple offers value-friendly moisturizers and gentle makeup removers, whereas Medik8 focuses on brightening and improving skin texture with hyaluronic acid.
Medik8 or Simple for dry skin?
Medik8 is the better fit for dry skin, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to High for Simple. Medik8 helps deliver deep hydration with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Medik8 or Simple: which cleanser is better?
Medik8 stands out for cleansers because its Surface Radiance Cleanse achieves a Superior fit level for acne-prone skin, skin with dark spots, and oily acne-prone skin. Simple offers value-friendly options, but Medik8 delivers targeted exfoliating benefits for blemish-prone and uneven skin tones.
Which is more affordable, Medik8 or Simple?
Simple is more affordable, as reviewers often mention Medik8 has a high price point while Simple offers value-friendly moisturizers.
Which brand has better packaging and fewer fragility issues?
Simple tends to have more packaging issues and fragility on the products on this page. Medik8 reviewers sometimes note packaging issues too, but Simple has more negative feedback in this area.
Medik8 or Simple for oily skin?
Both Medik8 and Simple are a great match for oily skin, as Lovi rates the routine fit for both brands as High. Simple features niacinamide and glycerin to help keep skin balanced, while Medik8 uses ingredients like hyaluronic acid to provide lightweight hydration.
Medik8 or Simple: which moisturizer is better?
Medik8 is the better option for moisturizers as the products on this page achieve superior or high fit levels across nearly all skin types, whereas Simple moisturizers are rated with average fit levels. Medik8 formulas help provide deep hydration and plumping using key ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Medik8 or Simple for sensitive skin?
Medik8 is the better fit for sensitive skin, earning a Superior routine fit rating compared to Simple's High. The products on this page for Medik8 feature gentle and non-irritating serums with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps provide deep hydration.
Medik8 or Simple for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, Medik8 is the better choice because Lovi rates its overall routine fit as Superior, compared to High for Simple. Reviewers note that Medik8 helps improve skin texture.
Medik8 or Simple for dry sensitive skin?
Medik8 is the better fit for dry sensitive skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to Simple's High fit level. The products on this page help provide deep hydration and plumping with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, while remaining gentle and non-irritating.
Medik8 or Simple for skin with dark spots?
Medik8 is the better choice for skin with dark spots because the products on this page achieve a high fit level and reviewers often mention brightening and glow. Meanwhile, Simple products on this page reach an average fit level for this skin type, although their key ingredient niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.
Research behind their key ingredients
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
Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population
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
-

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
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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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