Estée Lauder vs Medik8
Estée Lauder and Medik8 are established skincare brands offering comprehensive ranges of moisturizers, serums, eye products, cleansers, and more. The American brand is beloved for formulations with hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerin that suit acne-prone skin and mature skin best, with standout solutions including the Micro Essence Treatment Lotion, DayWear Moisturizer, and Futurist Peptide-Power Serum Primer. Meanwhile, the British brand builds its products around hyaluronic acid to fit dry skin and dry sensitive skin best, while featuring top-rated options like the Surface Radiance Cleanse, Oxy-R Peptides, and Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream. While both brands harness hyaluronic acid to lengthen the effect of botulinum toxin, they differ in their heritage, founding years, ownership, and specific hero formulations.
Estée Lauder is an American skincare brand founded in 1946 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..
en.wikipedia.orgelcompanies.com
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 Estée Lauder and Medik8 products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Estée Lauder vs Medik8 products
People Say
Deep hydration and moisturization Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “skin drinks it up immediately — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
- “The formula is incredibly hydrating and leaves my skin feeling smooth. — Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv”
- “texture is dreamy — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme”
- “Restores moisture — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
Skin texture improvement and smoothing Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbed effortlessly — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
- “My skin was smoother, my skin texture felt more resurfaced. — Medik8 Sleep Glycolic”
- “Absorbs fast — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “Absorbs quickly into the skin — Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+”
Gentle and non-drying formula Often MentionedMostly 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”
- “doesn't strip the skin — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée”
Radiance, glow and brightening Sometimes NotedOften 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”
- “immediate glow — Medik8 Super C Ferulic”
- “gives me that glass skin look — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
Effective cleansing and makeup removal Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “removes all my makeup effortlessly — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée”
- “Melts away Double Wear foundation instantly — Estée Lauder Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion”
- “Leaves my skin very clean — Estée Lauder Soft Clean Moisture Rich Foaming Cleanser”
- “pores feel cleaner — Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse”
Pleasant scent Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “pleasant cucumber fragrance — Estée Lauder DayWear Moisturizer”
- “Smells luxurious and expensive — Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+”
- “Smells fresh and clean — Estée Lauder Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion”
- “smell is gorgeous — Medik8 C-Tetra Serum”
High price point Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Expensive per bottle — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “very expensive for amount — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
- “hefty price tag — Medik8 C-Tetra Serum”
- “way too expensive for the size — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
Lack of results or effectiveness Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “didn't notice any difference — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair”
- “just expensive water — Estée Lauder Micro Essence Treatment Lotion”
- “Not as effective as retinol — Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides”
- “no difference — Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides”
Packaging issues and bulky design Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “lid is hard to open — Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée”
- “Please make a jar or refill that is not as big and heavy. — Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv”
- “Glass bottle breaks easily — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “hard to get last bit — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
Scent and fragrance complaints Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “metallic scent — Medik8 Super C Ferulic”
- “Scent is too overpowering — Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+”
Estée Lauder vs Medik8 routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$19.99
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Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
$16.99
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Moisturizer
Hydr8 B5 Intense
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$72.00
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SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
$15.99
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
$21.70
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Serum or Treatment
Oxy-R Peptides
Evening · Once a week
$67.00
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
$22.00
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Cleanser
Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$35.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Micro Essence Treatment Lotion
Morning
$80.00
-
Moisturizer
Revitalizing Supreme+
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$70.00
- SPF DayWear Moisturizer Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
Evening · Once a week
$38.00
- Serum or Treatment Perfectionist Pro Evening · Once a week
-
Nourishing Mask
Nutritious Melting Soft Creme/Mask
Once a week
$48.00
Buy Medik8 routine · $235.67 · 96% fit
Buy Estée Lauder routine · $271.00 · 74% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Estée Lauder vs Medik8 routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$15.97
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
$15.60
-
Moisturizer
Hydr8 B5 Intense
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$72.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
$14.97
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Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$50.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Press & Glow
Evening
$35.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Oxy-R Peptides
Evening · Once a week
$67.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
$79.00
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Cleanser
Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$35.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Micro Essence Treatment Lotion
Morning · Once a week
$80.00
-
Moisturizer
Revitalizing Supreme+
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$70.00
- SPF DayWear Moisturizer Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
Evening · Once a week
$38.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
$28.42
- Serum or Treatment Perfectionist Pro Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
$79.00
Buy Medik8 routine · $418.54 · 90% fit
Buy Estée Lauder routine · $399.42 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 98% fit
Estée Lauder vs Medik8 routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$28.08
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
$25.60
-
Moisturizer
Hydr8 B5 Intense
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$72.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
$14.97
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$50.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Press & Glow
Evening
$35.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Oxy-R Peptides
Evening · Once a week
$67.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
$58.00
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Cleanser
Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$35.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Micro Essence Treatment Lotion
Morning · Once a week
$80.00
-
Moisturizer
Revitalizing Supreme+
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$70.00
- SPF DayWear Moisturizer Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
Evening · Once a week
$38.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
$18.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Advanced Night Repair
Evening · Once a week
$135.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
$58.00
Buy Medik8 routine · $419.65 · 93% fit
Buy Estée Lauder routine · $503.90 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Estée Lauder or Medik8: which is better?
Medik8 is better suited for most skin types on this page, offering superior routine fits for dry, oily, combination, sensitive, dry sensitive, and oily acne-prone skin. Reviewers note that Medik8 does better with skin texture improvement, brightening, and gentle formulas, while Estée Lauder excels in deep hydration and cleansing.
What is the difference between Estée Lauder and Medik8?
Medik8 stands out for skin texture improvement and gentle formulas, whereas Estée Lauder is known for deep hydration and effective cleansing. Both brands feature products with hyaluronic acid, which helps support skin quality and signs of aging.
Estée Lauder or Medik8 for dry skin?
Medik8 is a better fit for dry skin, offering a Superior routine compared to Estée Lauder's Average fit on this page. Medik8's products often feature deep hydration and plumping benefits that help improve skin texture.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Drug Delivery, 2017
Estée Lauder or Medik8: which cleanser is better?
Both Estée Lauder and Medik8 offer well-rated cleansers on this page, with Estée Lauder featuring options like the Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée that achieves high fit levels for acne-prone, oily acne-prone, and mature skin, and Medik8 featuring the Surface Radiance Cleanse which achieves superior fit levels for acne-prone skin, oily acne-prone skin, and skin with dark spots.
Which is more affordable, Estée Lauder or Medik8?
Both Estée Lauder and Medik8 feature a high price point among the reviewers on these pages. However, neither brand holds a distinct advantage in affordability according to the review themes.
Estée Lauder or Medik8: which brand offers better options for mature skin?
Both Estée Lauder and Medik8 offer solid choices for mature skin, as Lovi rates the routine fit for both brands as High. Reviewers note that Estée Lauder excels in deep hydration, while Medik8 is often praised for improving skin texture and boosting radiance.
Estée Lauder or Medik8: which brand has more fragrance-free products?
Estée Lauder has 12 out of 14 products on this page that list no fragrance, while Medik8 has 11 out of 12 products without fragrance.
Estée Lauder or Medik8 for oily skin?
Medik8 is a Superior fit for oily skin on this page, while Estée Lauder has a High routine fit. Reviewers mention that Medik8 helps with gentle and non-irritating serums as well as deep hydration and plumping.
Estée Lauder or Medik8: which moisturizer is better?
Medik8 provides a Superior routine fit for dry skin on this page, whereas Estée Lauder offers an Average fit for dry skin. Medik8 also features the Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream.
Estée Lauder or Medik8 for sensitive skin?
Medik8 is better for sensitive skin, offering a superior routine fit compared to Estée Lauder's high fit on this page. Reviewers note that Medik8 features gentle and non-irritating serums.
Estée Lauder or Medik8 for acne-prone skin?
Medik8 is a Superior fit for acne-prone skin on this page, while Estée Lauder offers a High routine fit. Both brands feature products that help with breakouts, though Medik8 also stands out for improving skin texture.
Estée Lauder or Medik8 for skin with dark spots?
Medik8 is better suited for skin with dark spots, offering a High routine fit compared to Estée Lauder's Average fit on this page.
Research behind their key ingredients
Topical anti-inflammatory effects of isorhamnetin glycosides isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica
Chrysin protects epidermal keratinocytes from UVA- and UVB-induced damage
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
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Another Reason for Using Caffeine in Dermocosmetics: Sunscreen Adjuvant
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Evaluation of moisturizing and irritation potential of sacha inchi oil
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
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.
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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
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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
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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