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Medik8 vs Galderma

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

Medik8 and Galderma are skincare brands with distinct formulations, origins, and skin-type targets. Founded in Britain in 2009 and owned by L'Oréal Groupe since 2025, the former offers serums, moisturizers, eye products, and toners built around hyaluronic acid, which suits dry skin and dry sensitive skin best. Conversely, the Swiss brand founded in 1981 focuses on serums that fit oily acne-prone skin and oily skin best. While both cater to mature skin, acne-prone skin, and dark spots with specific top-rated items, their core differences lie in their hydration approaches, ingredient profiles, and ideal skin types.

Medik8 is a British skincare brand founded in 2009 and owned by L'Oréal Groupe since 2025.

loreal.commedik8.comtracxn.com

Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.org

This page compares some of the most popular Medik8 and Galderma products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Medik8 vs Galderma products

People Say

Medik8Galderma
  • Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “absorbed effortlessly — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
    • “smoother skin — Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse”
    • “My skin was smoother, my skin texture felt more resurfaced. — Medik8 Sleep Glycolic”
    • “skin feels smooth — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Acne Clearing and Prevention Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “cleared up my skin — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
    • “cystic acne gone — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
    • “stops new pimples — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
    • “cleared my hormonal acne — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
  • Gentleness and Non-Irritation 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”
    • “didn't burn my face — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
  • Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedNot noted
    • “Restores moisture — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
    • “Instantly quenched the skin — Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense”
    • “Plumps skin with moisture — Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides”
  • Brightening and Glow Often MentionedNot 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”
    • “immediate glow — Medik8 Super C Ferulic”
  • Dryness and Peeling Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “slightly drying — Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse”
    • “need a thick moisturizer — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
    • “Made my face very dry and tight — Medik8 Press & Glow”
    • “skin flaking off — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Severe Irritation and Burning Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Color Transfer and Fabric Bleaching Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “stained my white pillowcase — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
    • “bleached my towel — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
  • High Price Point Often MentionedNot noted
    • “Expensive per bottle — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
  • Initial Purging Not notedOften Mentioned
    • “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”

Medik8 vs Galderma routines for dry skin

Buy Medik8 routine · A$283.59 · 97% fitBuy Galderma routine · A$217.98 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit

Medik8 vs Galderma routines for oily skin

Buy Galderma routine · A$435.35 · 95% fitBuy Medik8 routine · A$409.86 · 94% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Medik8 vs Galderma routines for combination skin

Buy Medik8 routine · A$444.44 · 93% fitBuy Galderma routine · A$378.83 · 92% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit

Questions and answers

Medik8 or Galderma: which is better?

Medik8 stands out for hydration, gentleness, and texture, while Galderma focuses on acne clearing. Both brands share an equal routine fit for most skin types, though Medik8 may be better for dry sensitive skin.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019

What is the difference between Medik8 and Galderma?

Medik8 is best for hydration and gentle, anti-aging skincare with high ratings for dry and sensitive skin, while Galderma focuses on acne-clearing serums that may cause dryness and peeling.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Medik8 or Galderma for dry skin?

For dry skin, Medik8 fits better than Galderma, earning a Superior routine fit compared to Galderma's High fit. The products on this page help deliver deep hydration and moisture with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Which is more affordable, Medik8 or Galderma?

Galderma is more affordable, whereas the products on this page from Medik8 are frequently noted by reviewers for having a high price point.

Which brand has more fragrance-free products, Medik8 or Galderma?

Medik8 has more fragrance-free products on this page than Galderma, as 11 of its 12 products list no fragrance while all Galderma products are fragrance-free.

Which brand is better for texture and absorption, Medik8 or Galderma?

Medik8 is better for texture and absorption, as its products on this page help improve skin texture and offer luxurious and pleasant experiences.

When comparing the two brands, which one offers a serum with a Superior fit for dry skin?

Medik8 offers a serum with a Superior fit for dry skin through its Bakuchiol Peptides product. Topical bakuchiol helps improve signs of skin aging with a lower likelihood of irritation.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019

Medik8 or Galderma for oily skin?

Medik8 and Galderma both achieve a Superior Lovi fit for oily skin. Reviewers indicate that Medik8 offers gentle serums and deep hydration, while Galderma provides effective acne-clearing formulas that may lead to severe dryness.

Medik8 or Galderma for sensitive skin?

Both Medik8 and Galderma achieve a Superior Lovi fit for sensitive skin, but Medik8 stands out for its gentleness while Galderma focuses heavily on acne-clearing serums.

Medik8 or Galderma for acne-prone skin?

Both Medik8 and Galderma provide high-performing options for acne-prone skin, with Galderma specializing in effective acne-clearing serums and Medik8 offering a gentler touch. Topical hyaluronic acid helps maintain skin hydration and anti-aging benefits during treatments.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022Drug Delivery, 2017

Research behind their key ingredients

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

How does it fit your skin?

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