Medik8 vs Allies of Skin
Medik8 and Allies of Skin are British and global skincare brands known for their targeted approach to complexion health. Medik8 features serums, moisturizers, eye products, toners, and more built around hyaluronic acid, suiting dry and dry sensitive skin best, whereas Allies of Skin offers luxurious moisturizers, potent serums, and targeted eye products formulated with niacinamide, suiting acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin best. Specifically, for acne-prone skin, the first brand provides the Surface Radiance Cleanse while the second features the Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist; for dark spots, the former offers Oxy-R Peptides and the latter includes the Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment; and for mature skin, the former uses the Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream while the latter relies on the Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream. They primarily differ in their foundational ingredients, with hyaluronic acid lengthening wrinkle effect duration for the first brand and niacinamide improving skin aging signs and decreasing hyperpigmentation for both.
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
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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
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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
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 297.00
-
Moisturizer
Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 417.78
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
-
Serum or Treatment
Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 448.77
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
Buy Medik8 routine · SAR 1,617.50 · 95% fit
Buy Allies of Skin routine · SAR 1,741.33 · 94% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Medik8 vs Allies of Skin routines for oily skin
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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
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 285.48
-
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
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 448.77
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica 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
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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 Allies of Skin routine · SAR 1,789.32 · 94% fit
Buy Medik8 routine · SAR 1,762.13 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Medik8 vs Allies of Skin 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
Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 285.48
-
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
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 448.77
-
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
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
Buy Allies of Skin routine · SAR 1,776.13 · 94% fit
Buy Medik8 routine · SAR 1,871.14 · 93% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Medik8 or Allies of Skin: which is better?
Both Medik8 and Allies of Skin are great choices, with Medik8 standing out for its gentle, non-irritating formulas and Allies of Skin doing better for reducing fine lines and aging signs. Lovi fit levels show that Allies of Skin rates Superior for mature skin and oily skin, while Medik8 rates High for those same skin types.
What is the difference between Medik8 and Allies of Skin?
Both brands offer solid routines, but Allies of Skin has a Superior routine fit for oily and mature skin, whereas Medik8 reaches a High fit for those skin types. Reviewers note that Medik8 is better for gentle and non-irritating formulations, while Allies of Skin does better at reducing fine lines and aging signs.
Medik8 or Allies of Skin for dry skin?
Both Medik8 and Allies of Skin are a Superior fit for dry skin based on the products on this page. Medik8 features key ingredients like hyaluronic acid to help provide deep hydration, while Allies of Skin highlights niacinamide to support skin health.
Medik8 or Allies of Skin: which moisturizer is better?
Both brands offer strong moisturizers on this page, with Medik8 featuring options like Hydr8 B5 Intense achieving a Superior fit for dry skin, and Allies of Skin featuring options like Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist also achieving a Superior fit for dry skin. Allies of Skin does better overall for reducing fine lines and aging signs, while Medik8 is often noted for being gentle and non-irritating.
Drug Delivery, 2017International Journal of Medical Sciences, 2021
Which is more affordable, Medik8 or Allies of Skin?
Both Medik8 and Allies of Skin have a high price point that reviewers frequently mention for the products on this page.
Medik8 or Allies of Skin for oily skin?
Allies of Skin is a better fit for oily skin, as Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior while Medik8 is High. Both brands offer products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid that help maintain moisture and skin health.
Medik8 or Allies of Skin for sensitive skin?
Medik8 and Allies of Skin both achieve a Superior routine fit for sensitive skin on this page. Reviewers note that Medik8 offers gentle and non-irritating serums, while Allies of Skin features calming serums.
Medik8 or Allies of Skin for acne-prone skin?
Both brands achieve a Superior routine fit level for acne-prone skin on Lovi. Medik8 provides gentle and non-irritating serums according to reviewers, while Allies of Skin features niacinamide as a key ingredient that helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.
Medik8 or Allies of Skin for mature skin?
For mature skin, Allies of Skin is a superior choice, while Medik8 achieves a High fit level. Allies of Skin better reduces fine lines and aging signs.
Medik8 or Allies of Skin for skin with dark spots?
Allies of Skin is a better fit for skin with dark spots, achieving a Superior routine fit compared to Medik8's High fit level. Allies of Skin features niacinamide across its products on this page, which helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.
Medik8 or Allies of Skin for dry sensitive skin?
Both Medik8 and Allies of Skin provide a Superior routine fit for dry sensitive skin. Reviewers note that Medik8 formulas tend to be gentle and non-irritating, while Allies of Skin offers calming serums.
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.
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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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