Dermalogica vs Medik8
Dermalogica and Medik8 are established skincare brands offering serums, moisturizers, and more, formulated with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Dermalogica features targeted serums, nourishing moisturizers, gentle cleansers, purifying masks, and salicylic acid, suiting oily skin and combination skin best. Conversely, Medik8 builds its products around hyaluronic acid, suiting dry skin and dry sensitive skin best. While both brands utilize hyaluronic acid to lengthen toxin wrinkle effect duration, they differ in their product types, active formulations, and skin type suitability.
Dermalogica is an American skincare brand founded in 1986 and owned by Unilever since 2015.
en.wikipedia.orgcosmeticsbusiness.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 Dermalogica and Medik8 products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Dermalogica vs Medik8 products
People Say
Deep hydration and moisturization Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Saved my dry skin — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
- “blends seamlessly — Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50”
- “Absorbs quickly... not greasy — Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream”
- “Restores moisture — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
Gentle and soothing on skin 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 skin — Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel”
Skin smoothing and texture improvement Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “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”
- “gentle enough for daily use — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Brightening and complexion radiance 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”
- “pigmentation lightened slightly — Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides”
- “immediately brighter looking — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Makeup compatibility and longevity Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Removes stubborn mascara — Dermalogica Precleanse”
- “SPF 50 works — Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50”
- “doesn't clog pores — Dermalogica Active Moist”
- “layers well under sunscreen — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
High price and cost concerns Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Expensive per bottle — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “very expensive for amount — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
- “hefty price tag — Medik8 C-Tetra Serum”
- “hefty price tag — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Skin irritation and adverse reactions Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “stinging sensation — Medik8 Super C Ferulic”
- “made me break out constantly — Medik8 C-Tetra Serum”
- “caused breakouts — Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides”
- “Stings eyes — Dermalogica Precleanse”
Drying or slow results Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “A bit drying — Dermalogica Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask”
- “Didn't clear most blackheads — Dermalogica Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask”
- “really did not see the lifting on the eyelids — Dermalogica Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream”
- “Not as effective as retinol — Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides”
Packaging and design issues Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Leaky pump — Dermalogica Precleanse”
- “pump dispenses too much — Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel”
- “Glass bottle breaks easily — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “hard to get last bit — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
Dermalogica vs Medik8 routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 297.00
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Moisturizer
Hydr8 B5 Intense
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 304.00
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
-
Cleansing Toner
Press & Glow
Evening
SAR 190.36
-
Serum or Treatment
Bakuchiol Peptides
Evening · Once a week
SAR 321.00
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Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
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Cleanser
Special Cleansing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 258.32
-
Moisturizer
Stabilizing Repair Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 757.93
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
SAR 281.55
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
SAR 268.00
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
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Serum or Treatment
BioLumin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 562.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Daily Milkfoliant
Once a week
SAR 151.42
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Nourishing Mask
Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque
Once a week
SAR 374.47
Buy Medik8 routine · SAR 1,617.50 · 95% fit
Buy Dermalogica routine · SAR 2,726.33 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Dermalogica vs Medik8 routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Daily Glycolic Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 257.87
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 316.97
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
SAR 281.55
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
SAR 268.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinol Clearing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 946.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 36.33
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Hydr8 B5 Intense
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 304.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Press & Glow
Evening
SAR 190.36
-
Serum or Treatment
Oxy-R Peptides
Evening · Once a week
SAR 399.70
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
Buy Dermalogica routine · SAR 2,796.23 · 91% fit
Buy Medik8 routine · SAR 1,762.13 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Dermalogica vs Medik8 routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 191.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Hydr8 B5 Intense
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 304.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Press & Glow
Evening
SAR 190.36
-
Serum or Treatment
Oxy-R Peptides
Evening · Once a week
SAR 399.70
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
-
Cleanser
Daily Glycolic Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 257.87
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 316.97
-
SPF
Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50
Morning
SAR 203.71
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
SAR 268.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Retinol Clearing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 946.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
Buy Medik8 routine · SAR 1,871.14 · 93% fit
Buy Dermalogica routine · SAR 2,550.53 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Dermalogica or Medik8: which is better?
Medik8 is better for dry and sensitive skin types, offering superior routine fit and gentle serums, while Dermalogica is better for oily and acne-prone skin with superior routine fit.
What is the difference between Dermalogica and Medik8?
Dermalogica is an American brand founded in 1986 and owned by Unilever, whereas Medik8 is a British brand founded in 2009 and owned by L'Oreal Groupe. Reviewers find that Dermalogica delivers better deep hydration, while Medik8 is perceived as more gentle and effective for skin smoothing.
Dermalogica or Medik8 for dry skin?
Medik8 is the better choice for dry skin, as the products on this page achieve a Superior routine fit compared to Dermalogica's High fit level. Furthermore, Medik8 is noted for deep hydration and plumping, whereas Dermalogica reviewers sometimes mention drying or slow results.
Dermalogica or Medik8: which cleanser is better?
Medik8 is better for cleansing when targeting surface radiance, as its Surface Radiance Cleanse has a Superior Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin, oily acne-prone skin, and skin with dark spots. Dermalogica also offers great everyday options like its Special Cleansing Gel, which has a High Lovi fit level across almost all skin types.
Which is more affordable, Dermalogica or Medik8?
Reviewers frequently note a high price point for the products on this page for both Dermalogica and Medik8, while review themes indicate that Medik8 does better regarding high price and cost concerns.
Which brand uses fragrance in its products, Dermalogica or Medik8?
Medik8 uses fragrance in its products, as one out of twelve products on the page lists fragrance in its ingredients. Dermalogica products on this page list no fragrance.
Dermalogica or Medik8 for improving skin texture and smoothness?
Medik8 is better for improving skin texture and smoothness, as the products on this page help improve skin texture.
Dermalogica or Medik8 for oily skin?
Dermalogica is the better fit for oily skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to Medik8 which has a High fit. Dermalogica products on this page are well suited for oily skin types, with options like Daily Microfoliant and Retinol Clearing Oil showing strong performance.
Dermalogica or Medik8: which moisturizer is better?
Medik8 is a better fit for dry skin, providing Superior hydration with products like Hydr8 B5 Intense, whereas Dermalogica offers a High fit level for dry skin moisturizers such as Stabilizing Repair Cream.
Dermalogica or Medik8 for sensitive skin?
Medik8 is a better fit for sensitive skin, offering a routine with a Superior Lovi fit level compared to Dermalogica's High fit level. Furthermore, Medik8 reviewers mostly mention gentle and non-irritating serums.
Dermalogica or Medik8 for acne-prone skin?
Medik8 is a better fit for acne-prone skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to Dermalogica which has a High fit level.
Dermalogica or Medik8 for dry sensitive skin?
Medik8 is a better fit for dry sensitive skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to Dermalogica's High fit. Medik8 features gentle, non-irritating serums and deep hydration, while the products on this page from Medik8 provide deep hydration and plumping.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
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
Antioxidant properties evaluation of topical astaxanthin formulations as anti-aging products
Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Topical beta-carotene protects against infra-red-light-induced free radicals
Efficacy of Oxybrasion in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Preliminary Report
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity
Well-aging: A new strategy for skin homeostasis under multi-stressed conditions
Evaluation of moisturizing and irritation potential of sacha inchi oil
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Algae extract protection effect on oxidized protein level in human stratum corneum
Starch- and carboxymethyl cellulose-based films as active beauty masks with papain incorporation
Semi-solid functionalized nanostructured lipid carriers loading thymol for skin disorders
Modulating effects of oatmeal extracts in the sodium lauryl sulfate skin irritancy model
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
The effect of Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim extract on crow's feet: A double-blind, split-face trial
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Skin barrier repair efficacy and safety evaluation of an extract from Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
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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