Medik8 vs Elemis
Medik8 and Elemis are esteemed British skincare brands rooted in thoughtful formulation and distinct scientific heritages. Medik8 is celebrated for its hyaluronic acid-powered serums, moisturizers, eye products, and toners tailored best to dry skin and dry sensitive skin, alongside standout remedies like the Surface Radiance Cleanse, Oxy-R Peptides, and Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream. Meanwhile, Elemis is recognized for its glycerin- and shea-infused nourishing serums, rich moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and refining toners that suit dry skin and mature skin best through restorative solutions such as the Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment, Pro-Collagen Tri-Acid Peel, and Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. Ultimately, both brands differ through their specific ingredient profiles and targeted approaches, wherein the former harnesses hyaluronic acid to lengthen toxin wrinkle effect duration, and the latter relies on glycerin to increase skin hydration and barrier function while utilizing shea butter to reduce inflammation and relieve skin pruritus.
Medik8 is a British skincare brand founded in 2009 and owned by L'Oréal Groupe since 2025.
loreal.commedik8.comtracxn.com
Elemis is a British skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.
elemis.comau.elemis.comen.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular Medik8 and Elemis products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Medik8 vs Elemis products
People Say
Deep hydration Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Restores moisture — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “Instantly quenched the skin — Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense”
- “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
- “Quenches thirsty skin... immediate improvement. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Lightweight and elegant texture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Absorbs almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “whipped silk feel — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
- “cloud-light gel formula — Elemis Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask”
- “absorbed effortlessly — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
Gentle and non-irritating formula Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “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”
- “no stinging or redness — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Skin plumping and smoothing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “baby soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “skin feels baby-soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
- “My skin was smoother, my skin texture felt more resurfaced. — Medik8 Sleep Glycolic”
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”
- “healthy glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “instantly fresh glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
Pleasant experience and scent Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “smells like a spa — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “smells like a holiday — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “smells like a tropical cocktail — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
- “smells like a spa — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
High price point Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Expensive per bottle — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “very expensive for amount — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
- “hefty price tag — Medik8 C-Tetra Serum”
- “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Slow or underwhelming results Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “didn't see a difference — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “didn't see difference — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
- “Verdict still out. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
- “Not as effective as retinol — Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides”
Packaging issues Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “jar looks half empty — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
- “tube feels half empty — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “pump broke quickly — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
- “Glass bottle breaks easily — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
Medik8 vs Elemis 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
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$223.78
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$81.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
A$128.95
-
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 Elemis routine · A$549.28 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Medik8 vs Elemis 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
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$223.78
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$81.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
A$77.81
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
A$67.00
-
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 Elemis routine · A$653.08 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Medik8 vs Elemis 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
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$223.78
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$81.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
A$77.81
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
A$67.00
-
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 Elemis routine · A$720.04 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Medik8 or Elemis: which is better?
Medik8 is better for gentle and non-irritating formulas, whereas Elemis is better for lightweight and elegant textures, Elemis also offers skin plumping and smoothing. Both brands are equal for deep hydration and brightening and glow, but Medik8 has a better high price point.
What is the difference between Medik8 and Elemis?
Medik8 helps provide a gentler and less irritating formula, whereas Elemis offers a lighter and more absorbing texture with stronger fragrance. Both brands help deliver deep hydration and a radiant glow.
Medik8 or Elemis for dry skin?
Medik8 and Elemis both fit dry skin at a Superior routine level. Medik8 helps with deep hydration and plumping through products like Hydr8 B5 Intense, while Elemis is well-liked for its hydrating moisturizers such as Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. Topical hyaluronic acid, found across Medik8 products, may improve skin quality and signs of aging.
Medik8 or Elemis: which cleanser is better?
Medik8 is better for gentle, non-irritating formulas, whereas Elemis offers a more luxurious and sensorially pleasing cleansing experience with products like the Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. Reviewers highlight Medik8 for being non-irritating, while Elemis is noted for its rich textures.
Which is more affordable, Medik8 or Elemis?
Medik8 is noted for having a high price point among reviewers, and Elemis is also widely mentioned for its high price point.
Between Medik8 and Elemis, which brand has more fragrance-free products?
Medik8 has more fragrance-free products on this page, as 11 of its 12 products list no fragrance compared to only 4 of the 22 Elemis products.
How do the founding years and current parent companies of Medik8 and Elemis compare?
Medik8 was founded in 2009 in the United Kingdom and is owned by L'Oréal Groupe, while Elemis was founded earlier in 1989 in the United Kingdom and is owned by L'Occitane Group.
Medik8 or Elemis: which brand does better for gentle and non-irritating formulas?
Medik8 does better for gentle and non-irritating formulas, as its products on this page are mostly mentioned by reviewers as gentle and non-irritating.
Medik8 or Elemis for oily skin?
Medik8 is the better choice for oily skin, as Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior compared to Elemis at High. Medik8 also tends to be gentler and less irritating, while Elemis products on this page more frequently feature strong fragrance and richer ingredients that may not suit excess oil.
Medik8 or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?
Medik8 provides better overall options for moisturizers, particularly with Hydr8 B5 Intense which has a superior fit for dry skin. Reviewers often mention Elemis for its luxurious, hydrating moisturizers like Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, though most Elemis products on this page list added fragrance.
Medik8 or Elemis for sensitive skin?
Medik8 is better suited for sensitive skin, as the products on this page help deliver gentle formulas with mostly mentioned non-irritating serums. Elemis frequently includes strong fragrance across its products, which may cause skin irritation.
Medik8 or Elemis for acne-prone skin?
Medik8 is a better fit for acne-prone skin, as the products on this page achieve a Superior routine fit compared to Elemis, which achieves a High fit. Medik8 also tends to be gentler and less irritating, whereas Elemis products more frequently feature strong fragrances and potential skin irritation.
Research behind their key ingredients
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
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
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Topical beta-carotene protects against infra-red-light-induced free radicals
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
Evaluation of moisturizing and irritation potential of sacha inchi oil
Comparative measurement of hydration effects of herbal moisturizers
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Formulation and evaluation of exotic fat based cosmeceuticals for skin repair
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
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
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