Medik8 vs ISDIN
Medik8 and ISDIN are well-regarded European skincare houses offering serums, moisturizers, eye products, and more. Medik8 relies on hyaluronic acid and suits dry or dry sensitive skin best, whereas ISDIN features advanced sunscreens and sophisticated moisturizers tailored for sensitive and oily acne-prone skin. While both deliver targeted care for mature skin, dark spots, and blemishes through specialized formulations, they differ in their heritage and foundational ingredients.
Medik8 is a British skincare brand founded in 2009 and owned by L'Oréal Groupe since 2025.
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ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig.
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This page compares some of the most popular Medik8 and ISDIN products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Medik8 vs ISDIN products
People Say
Lightweight and Elegant Texture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “Lightweight formula absorbs fast — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “absorbed effortlessly — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
Deep Hydration and Plumping Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “My skin felt sooo hydrated and looks so plump and dewey. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “skin looks smooth and healthy — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
- “Restores moisture — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
Gentle and Non-Irritating 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”
- “Sensitive/reactive skin tolerates — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
Brightening, Glow, and Fading Dark Spots Often MentionedSometimes 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”
- “pigmentation lightened slightly — Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides”
- “My hyperpigmentation has lightened and skin looks more even, even shines more. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
Improves Skin Texture and Smoothness Often MentionedRarely 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”
- “skin was much smoother — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
Good Makeup Compatibility Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “acts like a primer — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “Great under makeup — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “layers well under sunscreen — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
High Price Point and Value Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Expensive per bottle — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “very expensive for amount — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
- “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “My only wish is that ISDIN would make this product in a bigger size bottle. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
Slow or Ineffective Results Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “don't see result — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
- “no noticeable changes yet — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
- “Not as effective as retinol — Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides”
Unpleasant Smell or Strong Fragrance Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “metallic scent — Medik8 Super C Ferulic”
- “smell is overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
Medik8 vs ISDIN 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
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
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
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 ISDIN routine · A$223.48 · 94% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Medik8 vs ISDIN 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
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
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
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 ISDIN routine · A$440.85 · 94% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Medik8 vs ISDIN 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
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
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
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 ISDIN routine · A$384.33 · 93% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Medik8 or ISDIN: which is better?
Both Medik8 and ISDIN are great choices, as Lovi shows them tied with equal fit levels across every skin type. Medik8 stands out for gentle formulas that help brighten and smooth texture, while ISDIN is often preferred for ultralight, makeup-friendly sunscreens and moisturizers.
What is the difference between Medik8 and ISDIN?
Medik8 and ISDIN are both well-regarded skincare brands, with Medik8 standing out for its gentle formulations and effective brightening serums, while ISDIN is best known for its ultralight sunscreens and lightweight moisturizers. Both brands offer products that help improve skin texture and hydration.
Medik8 or ISDIN for dry skin?
Both Medik8 and ISDIN offer a superior routine fit for dry skin on this page. Reviewers frequently note that Medik8 is gentle and non-irritating while ISDIN provides deep hydration and plumping.
Medik8 or ISDIN: which moisturizer is better?
Medik8 and ISDIN both offer quality moisturizers, with Medik8 standing out for gentle hydration and ISDIN known for lightweight textures. Hyaluronic acid helps provide deep moisture across the products on this page.
Which is more affordable, Medik8 or ISDIN?
Both Medik8 and ISDIN share a high price point as a common drawback noted by reviewers, meaning neither brand is clearly more affordable than the other.
Which brand has more fragrance-free products, Medik8 or ISDIN?
Medik8 has more fragrance-free products on this page than ISDIN, as 11 of the 12 Medik8 products list no fragrance compared to only 3 of the 8 ISDIN products.
Which brand is better for improving skin texture and smoothness according to review themes?
Medik8 does better for improving skin texture and smoothness according to the review themes on this page.
Where and when were Medik8 and ISDIN founded?
Medik8 was founded in 2009 in the United Kingdom, while ISDIN was founded in 1975 in Spain.
Medik8 or ISDIN for oily skin?
Both Medik8 and ISDIN achieve a Superior fit level for oily skin on their respective routines. Medik8 tends to be preferred for gentle and non-irritating formulation, whereas ISDIN is often noted for ultralight sunscreens.
Medik8 or ISDIN for sensitive skin?
Medik8 and ISDIN both provide Superior routine fit for sensitive skin. Medik8 is mostly mentioned for gentle and non-irritating formulations, while ISDIN is well-known for skin-friendly sunscreens.
Medik8 or ISDIN for acne-prone skin?
Both Medik8 and ISDIN offer products that achieve a high Lovi fit for acne-prone skin, such as Surface Radiance Cleanse and Fusion Water. Medik8 is often noted for being gentle and non-irritating, while ISDIN is recognized for its ultralight sunscreens.
Research behind their key ingredients
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
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Evaluation of moisturizing and irritation potential of sacha inchi oil
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
The clinical efficacy of a new emulsion for acne and conspicuous facial pore amelioration
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
-

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
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
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