Medik8 vs Allies of Skin
Medik8 and Allies of Skin are British skincare lines offering serums, moisturizers, eye products, and toners built around hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Medik8 fits dry skin, dry sensitive skin, and mature skin best, while Allies of Skin also suits dry skin and mature skin with rich hydration and targeted nourishment. For specific concerns, the first brand provides 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, whereas the latter features the Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist, the Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment, and the Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream. Both differ as their key ingredients work to lengthen toxin wrinkle effect duration, improve skin aging signs, and decrease hyperpigmentation.
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 Medik8 and Allies of Skin products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Medik8 vs Allies of Skin products
People Say
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”
- “Best retinol for sensitive skin — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
Deep hydration and plumping Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Restores moisture — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “Instantly quenched the skin — Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense”
- “nourished and hydrated — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
- “more like a spray serum — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
Lightweight and elegant texture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “absorbed effortlessly — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
- “Absorbs fast — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “sinks easily into damp skin — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
- “creamy and consistent — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
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”
- “gives skin an instant dewy glow — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
- “Gives me a nice youthful glow — Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment”
Improves skin texture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “smoother skin — Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse”
- “My skin was smoother, my skin texture felt more resurfaced. — Medik8 Sleep Glycolic”
- “Woke up looking well-rested — Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream”
- “Pores appear to be tighter — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
Reduces fine lines and aging signs Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “fix the fine lines — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
- “Tightened the skin in just a few uses — Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment”
- “softened crow's feet — Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 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”
- “Pricey — Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum”
Packaging issues and fragility Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Glass bottle breaks easily — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “hard to get last bit — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
- “pump head is fixed — Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream”
- “bad spritz mechanism — Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist”
Slow results or requires patience Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “Not as effective as retinol — Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides”
- “no difference yet — Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3”
- “Subtle initial changes — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “still not impressed with the results — Allies of Skin Tranexamic & Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum”
Medik8 vs Allies of Skin routines for dry skin
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.19
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Hydr8 B5 Intense
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$101.00
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$17.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Bakuchiol Peptides
Evening · Once a week
CA$82.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.19
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$98.99
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$17.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$194.18
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy Medik8 routine · CA$134.16 · 97% fit
Buy Allies of Skin routine · CA$427.33 · 97% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Medik8 vs Allies of Skin routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.96
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$98.99
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$194.18
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.96
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Hydr8 B5 Intense
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$101.00
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Press & Glow
Evening
CA$49.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Oxy-R Peptides
Evening · Once a week
CA$94.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
Buy Allies of Skin routine · CA$565.07 · 93% fit
Buy Medik8 routine · CA$386.00 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Medik8 vs Allies of Skin routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$44.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$98.99
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$194.18
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
-
Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$44.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Hydr8 B5 Intense
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$101.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Press & Glow
Evening
CA$49.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Oxy-R Peptides
Evening · Once a week
CA$94.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
Buy Allies of Skin routine · CA$532.16 · 94% fit
Buy Medik8 routine · CA$350.00 · 93% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Medik8 or Allies of Skin: which is better?
Both brands are great choices, but Allies of Skin may suit oily or acne-prone skin better with its superior routine fit. Medik8 focuses on hyaluronic acid and offers gentle, non-irritating formulas, while Allies of Skin features niacinamide and helps reduce signs of aging.
What is the difference between Medik8 and Allies of Skin?
Medik8 and Allies of Skin both fit dry, dry sensitive, combination, sensitive, and mature skin at a Superior level, while Allies of Skin rates slightly higher for oily, acne-prone, and oily acne-prone skin. Reviewers find Medik8 better for gentle and non-irritating formulas, whereas Allies of Skin excels more in reducing fine lines and aging signs.
Medik8 or Allies of Skin for dry skin?
Both brands are a Superior routine fit for dry skin, though they rely on different core ingredients. Medik8 products feature hyaluronic acid to support hydration and skin quality, while Allies of Skin formulations use niacinamide to help reduce cutaneous pigmentation.
Dermatologic Therapy, 2022The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
Medik8 or Allies of Skin: which moisturizer is better?
Both brands offer effective moisturizers, but Allies of Skin is a superior fit for oily skin and acne-prone skin, while Medik8 achieves a superior fit specifically for dry skin. Reviewers note that Medik8 provides deep hydration and plumping, whereas Allies of Skin is recognized for gentle and effective moisturizers.
Which is more affordable, Medik8 or Allies of Skin?
Both Medik8 and Allies of Skin share a high price point as a commonly mentioned drawback for the products on this page. However, reviewers note that Medik8 does better on affordability concerns while still offering luxury formulations.
Medik8 or Allies of Skin for reducing fine lines and aging signs?
Allies of Skin is the better choice for reducing fine lines and aging signs, as reviewers note it performs better in this category. Hyaluronic acid helps provide deep hydration and plumping for the products on this page.
Medik8 or Allies of Skin for oily skin?
Allies of Skin is a stronger match for oily skin, where Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to High for Medik8. Both brands feature products that help hydrate and brighten, while niacinamide helps improve skin tone.
Medik8 or Allies of Skin for sensitive skin?
Both Medik8 and Allies of Skin achieve a Lovi fit of Superior for sensitive skin. Reviewers describe Medik8 products on this page as gentle and non-irritating, while Allies of Skin products are noted for calming serums.
Medik8 or Allies of Skin for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, Allies of Skin is a better fit with a Superior routine level, while Medik8 has a High routine level. Reviewers mention that Allies of Skin provides gentle, effective moisturizers and calming serums.
Medik8 or Allies of Skin for mature skin?
Both Medik8 and Allies of Skin are great options for mature skin, as Lovi rates both brands as having a Superior routine fit for this skin type. Reviewers note that Medik8 provides gentle formulas and deep hydration, while Allies of Skin is particularly effective for reducing fine lines and aging signs.
Medik8 or Allies of Skin for skin with dark spots?
Allies of Skin is a stronger choice for skin with dark spots because Lovi rates its routine as Superior, whereas the products on this page for Medik8 achieve a High fit level.
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
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Clinical efficacy of facial masks containing yoghurt and Opuntia humifusa Raf. (F-YOP)
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Effects of a Greek Yoghurt-based Complex on the Human Facial Skin Microbiome
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
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.











































