Estée Lauder vs Medik8
Estée Lauder and Medik8 are established skincare houses offering thoughtful collections of serums, moisturizers, eye products, and cleansers built around hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. The American brand suits dry sensitive skin and dry skin best through nourishing formulations such as the Micro Essence Treatment Lotion for acne-prone skin, the DayWear Moisturizer for dark spots, and the Futurist Peptide-Power Serum Primer for mature skin, where hyaluronic acid lengthens the effect of botulinum toxin and glycerin increases barrier function. Meanwhile, the British brand similarly fits dry skin and dry sensitive skin with standout options including the Surface Radiance Cleanse for acne-prone skin, the Oxy-R Peptides for dark spots, and the Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream for mature skin. While both companies expertly address similar skin types with hyaluronic acid, they differ in their foundational heritage, specific targeted treatments, and inclusion of glycerin.
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
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.59
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
-
Moisturizer
d'Alba First Spray Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.09
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$27.35
-
Serum or Treatment
Bakuchiol Peptides
Evening · Once a week
A$91.10
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
-
Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.59
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
- Moisturizer Re-Nutriv Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
Evening · Once a week
A$64.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Advanced Night Repair
Evening · Once a week
A$126.95
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
Buy Medik8 routine · A$283.59 · 97% fit
Buy Estée Lauder routine · A$330.00 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Estée Lauder vs Medik8 routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$13.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.99
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$80.43
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
- Serum or Treatment CRYSTAL RETINAL 3 Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$13.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
- Moisturizer Re-Nutriv Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
Evening · Once a week
A$64.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Advanced Night Repair
Evening · Once a week
A$126.95
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Medik8 routine · A$409.86 · 94% fit
Buy Estée Lauder routine · A$497.39 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Estée Lauder vs Medik8 routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$73.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Bakuchiol Peptides
Evening · Once a week
A$91.10
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$73.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
- Moisturizer Re-Nutriv Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
Evening · Once a week
A$64.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Advanced Night Repair
Evening · Once a week
A$126.95
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Medik8 routine · A$444.44 · 93% fit
Buy Estée Lauder routine · A$490.31 · 78% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Estée Lauder or Medik8: which is better?
Both brands perform well on this page, but Medik8 rates as superior for dry, oily, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin routines compared to Estée Lauder. Reviewers note that Medik8 is better for gentle formulas, texture smoothing, and brightening, while Estée Lauder excels in deep hydration and makeup removal.
What is the difference between Estée Lauder and Medik8?
Estée Lauder excels at deep hydration and effective makeup removal, whereas Medik8 performs better for improving skin texture and providing a gentle, non-drying formula.
Estée Lauder or Medik8 for dry skin?
Medik8 is the better choice for dry skin because the routine fit for this skin type is Superior, compared to High for Estée Lauder. Both brands help deliver deep hydration with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Estée Lauder or Medik8: which cleanser is better?
Estée Lauder offers cleansers that are well-reviewed for effective cleansing and makeup removal. Medik8 cleansers, such as Surface Radiance Cleanse, provide a superior fit for acne-prone skin and skin with dark spots.
Which is more affordable, Estée Lauder or Medik8?
Both Estée Lauder and Medik8 share the downside of a high price point according to reviewers on this page.
Between Estée Lauder and Medik8, which brand has a higher percentage of fragrance-free products?
Estée Lauder has a slightly higher percentage of fragrance-free products on this page than Medik8. Specifically, 12 of 14 Estée Lauder products list no fragrance, compared to 11 of 12 Medik8 products.
How do the founding years and corporate ownerships of Estée Lauder and Medik8 compare?
Estée Lauder was founded in 1946 in the United States and is owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., whereas Medik8 was founded in 2009 in the United Kingdom and is owned by L'Oréal Groupe since 2025.
Which brand performs better for skin texture improvement according to reviewers?
Medik8 performs better for skin texture improvement and smoothing according to reviewers.
Estée Lauder or Medik8 for oily skin?
Both Estée Lauder and Medik8 are great options for oily skin, as the products on this page achieve a Superior routine fit for this skin type. Reviewers note that Estée Lauder excels in deep hydration, whereas Medik8 stands out for skin texture improvement and gentle formulas.
Estée Lauder or Medik8: which moisturizer is better?
Medik8 is generally better for moisturizers on this page, as it features high to superior routine fits and excels in texture improvement and brightening. Both brands offer deep hydration using hyaluronic acid.
Estée Lauder or Medik8 for sensitive skin?
Both Estée Lauder and Medik8 products on this page have a Superior routine fit for sensitive skin. Reviewers mention that Estée Lauder offers deep hydration, while Medik8 provides gentle and non-irritating serums.
Estée Lauder or Medik8 for acne-prone skin?
Both Estée Lauder and Medik8 products on this page are a High fit for acne-prone skin. Reviewers note that Estée Lauder is particularly praised for deep hydration, while Medik8 is often highlighted for gentle, non-irritating serums that improve texture.
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.
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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
-

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
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