Medik8 vs Elemis
Medik8 and Elemis are esteemed British skincare brands that respectively anchor their formulations in hyaluronic acid, and nourishing ingredients like glycerin and shea. The 2009-founded Medik8 offers serums, moisturizers, eye products, toners, and more that suit dry skin and dry sensitive skin best, while the 1989-founded Elemis provides thoughtfully formulated serums, moisturizers, cleansers, toners, and more tailored for mature skin and dry sensitive skin. Both houses feature standout targeted solutions, such as the former brand's Surface Radiance Cleanse, Oxy-R Peptides, and Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream, alongside the latter brand's Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment, Pro-Collagen Tri-Acid Peel, and Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. Ultimately, they differ through their core active mechanisms, with the first brand relying on hyaluronic acid to lengthen toxin wrinkle effect duration, and the second brand utilizing glycerin to significantly increase skin hydration and improve barrier function while shea butter reduces inflammation and relieves skin pruritus.
Medik8 is a British skincare brand founded in 2009 and owned by L'Oréal Groupe since 2025.
loreal.commedik8.comtracxn.com
Elemis is a British skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.
elemis.comau.elemis.comen.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular Medik8 and Elemis products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Medik8 vs Elemis products
People Say
Deep hydration Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Restores moisture — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “Instantly quenched the skin — Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense”
- “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
- “Quenches thirsty skin... immediate improvement. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Lightweight and elegant texture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Absorbs almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
- “whipped silk feel — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
- “cloud-light gel formula — Elemis Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask”
- “absorbed effortlessly — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
Gentle and non-irritating formula Mostly MentionedSometimes 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”
- “no stinging or redness — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
Skin plumping and smoothing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “baby soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “skin feels baby-soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
- “My skin was smoother, my skin texture felt more resurfaced. — Medik8 Sleep Glycolic”
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”
- “healthy glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
- “instantly fresh glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
Pleasant experience and scent Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “smells like a spa — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
- “smells like a holiday — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “smells like a tropical cocktail — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
- “smells like a spa — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 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”
- “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
Slow or underwhelming results Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “didn't see a difference — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “didn't see difference — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
- “Verdict still out. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
- “Not as effective as retinol — Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides”
Packaging issues Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “jar looks half empty — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
- “tube feels half empty — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
- “pump broke quickly — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
- “Glass bottle breaks easily — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
Medik8 vs Elemis routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 297.00
-
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
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 188.68
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 1,247.00
-
SPF
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning
SAR 563.68
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 368.47
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
SAR 432.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator
Evening · Once a week
SAR 477.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
Buy Medik8 routine · SAR 1,617.50 · 95% fit
Buy Elemis routine · SAR 3,641.86 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Medik8 vs Elemis 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
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
-
Cleanser
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 188.68
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 563.68
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 368.47
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
SAR 432.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
SAR 291.00
-
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 Medik8 routine · SAR 1,762.13 · 89% fit
Buy Elemis routine · SAR 2,382.67 · 77% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Medik8 vs Elemis 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
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 188.68
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 563.68
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 368.47
-
Cleansing Toner
Balancing Lavender Toner
Evening
SAR 432.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Evening · Once a week
SAR 291.00
-
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 Medik8 routine · SAR 1,871.14 · 93% fit
Buy Elemis routine · SAR 2,337.01 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Medik8 or Elemis: which is better?
Medik8 is a better fit for dry skin, dry sensitive skin, combination skin, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and oily acne-prone skin with a Superior routine fit, while Elemis has a High routine fit for those skin types. Reviewers note that Medik8 helps provide gentle and non-irritating formulas, whereas Elemis is often mentioned for lightweight and elegant textures and skin plumping and smoothing.
What is the difference between Medik8 and Elemis?
Medik8 stands out for its gentle, non-irritating serums and superior fit for dry skin, while Elemis is better known for its lightweight textures and pleasant scents. Topical hyaluronic acid, featured across Medik8 products, helps provide deep hydration and skin plumping benefits.
Medik8 or Elemis for dry skin?
Medik8 is a better fit for dry skin, achieving a Superior routine fit compared to Elemis at a High fit level. Medik8 products on this page help deliver deep hydration with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which may help improve overall skin quality.
Medik8 or Elemis: which cleanser is better?
Medik8 stands out on this page as the better brand for cleansers, particularly because Surface Radiance Cleanse achieves a Superior Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin, oily acne-prone skin, and skin with dark spots.
Which is more affordable, Medik8 or Elemis?
Medik8 is more affordable, as a high price point is noted as a negative review theme for both brands, but Medik8 performs better in that category.
Which brand has more fragrance-free products, Medik8 or Elemis?
Medik8 has more fragrance-free products on this page, as 11 of its 12 products list no fragrance compared to only 4 of the 22 Elemis products.
Medik8 or Elemis for oily skin?
Both Medik8 and Elemis are a High fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that Medik8 products on this page help deliver gentle, non-irritating care, while Elemis options provide lightweight and absorbing hydration.
Medik8 or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?
Medik8 is better for dry skin and sensitive skin, where the products on this page achieve a Superior routine fit compared to Elemis, which reaches a High fit. Medik8 formulas help provide deep hydration and plumping with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Medik8 or Elemis for sensitive skin?
Medik8 is a better fit for sensitive skin, achieving a Lovi fit level of Superior compared to Elemis at High. The products on this page help provide gentle and non-irritating formulas with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which may improve skin hydration and quality.
Medik8 or Elemis for acne-prone skin?
Medik8 is a Superior fit for acne-prone skin, while Elemis is a High fit on the products on this page. Medik8 offers gentler and non-irritating formulas, making it a better match for this skin type.
Medik8 or Elemis for mature skin?
Both brands are a strong match for mature skin, with Medik8 achieving a High Lovi fit level and Elemis achieving a High Lovi fit level. Reviewers mention that the products on this page help deliver deep hydration, and topical hyaluronic acid may provide anti-aging effects.
Medik8 or Elemis for dry sensitive skin?
Medik8 is a superior fit for dry sensitive skin, offering gentle and non-irritating serums alongside deep hydration.
Research behind their key ingredients
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
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
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
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
Evaluation of moisturizing and irritation potential of sacha inchi oil
Comparative measurement of hydration effects of herbal moisturizers
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Formulation and evaluation of exotic fat based cosmeceuticals for skin repair
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
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
-

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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