Medik8 vs Biore
Medik8 and Biore are skincare brands from different eras, with the former founded in 2009 by a British company and the latter established in 1980 by the Kao Corporation. Medik8 relies on hyaluronic acid for serums, moisturizers, eye products, and toners, while the Japanese brand is globally loved for sunscreens, cleansers, masks, and makeup removers built on balanced formulas. The British line fits dry skin and dry sensitive skin best, whereas its counterpart suits oily skin and combination skin. They differ further through specialized solutions, as the former features 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, while the latter offers the UV Aqua Rich, Makeup Remover Perfect Oil, and Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser for those respective concerns.
Medik8 is a British skincare brand founded in 2009 and owned by L'Oréal Groupe since 2025.
loreal.commedik8.comtracxn.com
Biore is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by Kao Corporation.
This page compares some of the most popular Medik8 and Biore products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Medik8 vs Biore products
People Say
Deep Cleansing and Radiance Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Gets the gunk out — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
- “Face feels squeaky clean — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
- “Keeps shine away — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
- “pores feel cleaner — Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Restores moisture — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “Instantly quenched the skin — Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense”
- “Plumps skin with moisture — Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides”
- “feels like a moisturizer — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
Gentle and Non-Irritating Mostly MentionedNot 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”
Texture and Lightweight Feel Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “absorbed effortlessly — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
- “Absorbs fast — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “melts into skin — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
- “primer-like — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
Skin Smoothing and Plumping Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “smoother skin — Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse”
- “My skin was smoother, my skin texture felt more resurfaced. — Medik8 Sleep Glycolic”
- “Reduces fine lines — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “Leaves skin feeling clean — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
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”
- “pigmentation lightened slightly — Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides”
Breakouts and Skin Reactions Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “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”
- “Nose was irritated — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
Dryness and Color Issues Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “slightly drying — Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse”
- “need a thick moisturizer — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
- “stained my white pillowcase — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
- “Made my skin peel — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
Sensitivity and Irritation Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “stinging sensation — Medik8 Super C Ferulic”
- “caused slight redness — Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3”
- “Caused stinging and redness — Medik8 Press & Glow”
- “stings eyes — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
High Price Point Often MentionedNot noted
- “Expensive per bottle — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
Medik8 vs Biore 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
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
$22.00
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$19.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
$16.99
-
Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$22.00
- SPF UV Aqua Rich Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
$21.70
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
$39.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
$22.00
Buy Medik8 routine · $235.67 · 96% fit
Buy Biore routine · $141.68 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Medik8 vs Biore 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
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$18.99
- SPF UV Aqua Rich Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$50.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
$28.42
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Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
$39.00
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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
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
-
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
Buy Biore routine · $315.98 · 94% fit
Buy Medik8 routine · $418.54 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 98% fit
Medik8 vs Biore 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
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$18.99
- SPF UV Aqua Rich Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$50.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
$18.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
$39.00
-
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
-
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
Buy Biore routine · $307.57 · 94% fit
Buy Medik8 routine · $419.65 · 93% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Medik8 or Biore: which is better?
Medik8 is better for hydration and gentle, non-irritating care, while Biore stands out for deep cleansing, radiance, and a lower price point. For dry skin, the products on this page offer a Lovi fit level of Superior for Medik8 and High for Biore. Topical hyaluronic acid, featured across Medik8 products, helps improve skin quality and signs of skin aging.
What is the difference between Medik8 and Biore?
Medik8 and Biore both fit most skin types well, but Medik8 offers superior hydration and gentle anti-aging care through products on this page like Hydr8 B5 Intense, while Biore focuses more on deep cleansing and budget-friendly options. Topical hyaluronic acid, a key ingredient found across Medik8 products, helps improve skin quality and signs of aging.
Medik8 or Biore for dry skin?
For dry skin, Medik8 fits best with a Superior routine level compared to Biore's High. The products on this page help deliver deep hydration, backed by hyaluronic acid.
Medik8 or Biore: which cleanser is better?
Medik8 stands out for its cleanser on this page, Surface Radiance Cleanse, which achieves a Superior Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin, oily acne-prone skin, and skin with dark spots. Biore offers the Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser, which has an Average fit for oily skin and oily acne-prone skin.
Which is more affordable, Medik8 or Biore?
Biore is more affordable, as Medik8 products on this page are noted for a high price point.
Which brand has been owned by L'Oréal Groupe since 2025, Medik8 or Biore?
Medik8 has been owned by L'Oréal Groupe since 2025.
Do Medik8 products contain fragrance across their line?
Medik8 products on this page are mostly fragrance-free, as 11 of the 12 products list no fragrance in their ingredients. Only the Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream contains fragrance.
Which brand fits dry sensitive skin better according to the routine fit levels?
Medik8 fits dry sensitive skin better than Biore according to the routine fit levels, achieving a Superior rating compared to Biore's High rating.
Medik8 or Biore for oily skin?
Medik8 and Biore both achieve a Superior Lovi fit level for oily skin. The products on this page from both brands help address oily skin needs effectively.
Medik8 or Biore for sensitive skin?
Medik8 provides a Superior routine fit for sensitive skin, whereas Biore offers an equal Superior level, making both strong options depending on your preference. Medik8 helps deliver deep hydration and a gentle experience across the products on this page.
Medik8 or Biore for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, Medik8 provides superior routine fit according to the products on this page. Topical hyaluronic acid, a key ingredient across Medik8 products, helps maintain skin moisture.
Research behind their key ingredients
Psychophysical study of the effects of topical application of menthol in healthy volunteers
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
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
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
-

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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