Medik8 vs Simple
Medik8 and Simple are British skincare brands offering distinct approaches to daily care, with the former founded in 2009 and the latter in 1960. Both feature serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and toners, though the first brand relies on hyaluronic acid while the second utilizes niacinamide and glycerin. The brand Medik8 suits dry skin and dry sensitive skin best, with specific favorites like Surface Radiance Cleanse for acne-prone skin, Oxy-R Peptides for dark spots, and Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream for mature skin. Meanwhile, the brand Simple fits oily skin and mature skin best, offering standout options such as the Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner for acne-prone skin and the Micellar Cleansing Water for dark spots and mature skin.
Medik8 is a British skincare brand founded in 2009 and owned by L'Oréal Groupe since 2025.
loreal.commedik8.comtracxn.com
Simple is a British skincare brand founded in 1960 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2011.
en.wikipedia.orgsec.govprnewswire.comsimple.co.uk
This page compares some of the most popular Medik8 and Simple products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Medik8 vs Simple products
People Say
Gentle and non-irritating formulation Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Does not cause any form of irritation on the skin which I love. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
- “The only cleanser that doesn't turn my face red. — Simple Micellar Water”
- “no artificial perfume — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
- “zero irritation or peeling — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
Hydrating texture and formula Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
- “Instantly boosts skin's hydration... face doesn't feel dry and tight. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
- “Leaves my face feeling soft, not tight. — Simple Micellar Water”
- “sinks in beautifully — Medik8 C-Tetra Serum”
Lightweight and elegant texture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “absorbed effortlessly — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
- “Absorbs fast — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
- “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
Improves skin texture and smoothness Often MentionedNot 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”
Value for money and affordability Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “great value for money — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
- “super affordable — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
- “Can't beat the price for the quality. — Simple Micellar Water”
- “better value than Skinceuticals — Medik8 Super C Ferulic”
Fades dark spots and brightens Often MentionedNot noted
- “I wake up glowing. It adds back that youthful bloom that I've lost. — Medik8 Sleep Glycolic”
- “pigmentation lightened slightly — Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides”
- “immediate glow — Medik8 Super C Ferulic”
High price point Often MentionedNot noted
- “Expensive per bottle — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
Caused breakouts Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “made me break out constantly — Medik8 C-Tetra Serum”
- “caused breakouts — Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides”
- “caused me to breakout — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
- “Gave me tiny bumps on my forehead. — Simple Micellar Water”
Packaging issues and fragility Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “Worried about the snap top bottle leaking when travelling. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
- “The cap broke off immediately. — Simple Micellar Water”
- “hard to get last bit out — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
- “Glass bottle breaks easily — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
Medik8 vs Simple routines for dry skin
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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
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$12.79
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$13.40
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
CA$11.99
-
Serum or Treatment
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule
Evening · Once a week
CA$22.09
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy Medik8 routine · CA$134.16 · 97% fit
Buy Simple routine · CA$156.25 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Medik8 vs Simple routines for oily skin
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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
-
Cleanser
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$12.79
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$13.40
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
CA$11.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
CA$6.60
-
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 Medik8 routine · CA$386.00 · 88% fit
Buy Simple routine · CA$271.73 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Medik8 vs Simple routines for combination skin
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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
-
Cleanser
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$12.79
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$13.40
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
CA$11.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Evening · Once a week
CA$6.60
-
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 Medik8 routine · CA$350.00 · 93% fit
Buy Simple routine · CA$214.83 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Medik8 or Simple: which is better?
Medik8 is the better fit for dry skin, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to High for Simple. Reviewers note that Medik8 helps improve skin texture and brightness, whereas Simple excels in value and gentle makeup removers.
What is the difference between Medik8 and Simple?
Medik8 offers products on this page that are better suited for dry, combination, and sensitive skin, while Simple provides budget-friendly, gentle formulations that are well-liked for makeup removal and hydration. Medik8 features key ingredients like hyaluronic acid to help improve skin texture and hydration, whereas Simple relies on niacinamide and glycerin to help soothe and moisturize the skin.
Dermatologic Therapy, 2022The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
Medik8 or Simple for dry skin?
For dry skin, Medik8 is a better fit with a Superior routine rating compared to Simple's High fit. The products on this page help deliver deep hydration with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Medik8 or Simple: which cleanser is better?
Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse has a Superior fit for acne-prone skin and skin with dark spots on this page, whereas Simple Refreshing Facial Wash has a Low fit for dry and dry sensitive skin. Medik8 helps improve skin texture and fades dark spots, while Simple is known for being budget-friendly and gentle.
Which is more affordable, Medik8 or Simple?
Simple is more affordable, whereas Medik8 has a high price point among the products on this page.
Medik8 or Simple for fading dark spots?
Medik8 is better for fading dark spots as the products on this page achieve a High fit level for skin with dark spots, whereas Simple only achieves an Average fit level. Ingredients like niacinamide found in Simple may help control pigmentation.
Which brand has better packaging and fewer fragility issues, Medik8 or Simple?
Simple has more packaging issues and fragility on the products on this page, whereas Medik8 does not have this disadvantage noted by reviewers.
Medik8 or Simple for oily skin?
Medik8 and Simple both offer a High fit for oily skin based on the products on this page. Reviewers note that Simple provides value-friendly moisturizers, while Medik8 offers serums featuring ingredients like hyaluronic acid that help deliver deep hydration.
Medik8 or Simple: which moisturizer is better?
For moisturizers on this page, Medik8 fits dry skin with a Superior level and dry sensitive skin with a High level, while Simple has an Average level for those skin types. Hyaluronic acid helps provide deep hydration and plumping for skin.
Medik8 or Simple for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, Medik8 has a Superior routine fit on this page, while Simple has a High fit. Reviewers mention that Medik8 products on this page help provide gentle and non-irritating care, and its key ingredients like hyaluronic acid help maintain moisture and improve skin quality.
Medik8 or Simple for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, Medik8 has a High routine fit on Lovi, while Simple has a High fit level as well. Both brands feature products that help with breakouts, and topical hyaluronic acid may support skin quality and signs of skin aging.
Medik8 or Simple for mature skin?
For mature skin, Lovi finds Medik8 to have a Superior routine fit, while Simple offers a High fit. The products on this page from Medik8 help improve skin texture and brightness.
Research behind their key ingredients
Topical anti-inflammatory effects of isorhamnetin glycosides isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
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
Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population
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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