Medik8 vs Simple
Medik8 and Simple are British skincare brands offering distinct approaches to daily care. Medik8 features serums, moisturizers, eye products, toners, and more built around hyaluronic acid, suiting dry skin and dry sensitive skin best. Simple provides gentle moisturizers, makeup removers, cleansers, and toners enriched with niacinamide and glycerin, which suit acne-prone skin and oily skin best. While both brands share a British origin, the former focuses on specialized active formulations, and the latter offers balanced, accessible daily essentials.
Medik8 is a British skincare brand founded in 2009 and owned by L'Oréal Groupe since 2025.
loreal.commedik8.comtracxn.com
Simple is a British skincare brand founded in 1960 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2011.
en.wikipedia.orgsec.govprnewswire.comsimple.co.uk
This page compares some of the most popular Medik8 and Simple products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Medik8 vs Simple products
People Say
Gentle and non-irritating formulation Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Does not cause any form of irritation on the skin which I love. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
- “The only cleanser that doesn't turn my face red. — Simple Micellar Water”
- “no artificial perfume — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
- “zero irritation or peeling — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
Hydrating texture and formula Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “banished dryness within days — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
- “Instantly boosts skin's hydration... face doesn't feel dry and tight. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
- “Leaves my face feeling soft, not tight. — Simple Micellar Water”
- “sinks in beautifully — Medik8 C-Tetra Serum”
Lightweight and elegant texture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “absorbed effortlessly — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
- “Absorbs fast — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “sinks in instantly — Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream”
- “absorbs very quickly — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
Improves skin texture and smoothness Often MentionedNot noted
- “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”
Value for money and affordability Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “great value for money — Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner”
- “super affordable — Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser”
- “Can't beat the price for the quality. — Simple Micellar Water”
- “better value than Skinceuticals — Medik8 Super C Ferulic”
Fades dark spots and brightens Often MentionedNot noted
- “I wake up glowing. It adds back that youthful bloom that I've lost. — Medik8 Sleep Glycolic”
- “pigmentation lightened slightly — Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides”
- “immediate glow — Medik8 Super C Ferulic”
High price point Often MentionedNot noted
- “Expensive per bottle — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
Caused breakouts Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “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”
- “Gave me tiny bumps on my forehead. — Simple Micellar Water”
Packaging issues and fragility Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “Worried about the snap top bottle leaking when travelling. — Simple Micellar Cleansing Water”
- “The cap broke off immediately. — Simple Micellar Water”
- “hard to get last bit out — Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser”
- “Glass bottle breaks easily — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
Medik8 vs Simple 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
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 24.99
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 63.00
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
SAR 68.45
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 222.00
-
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 Simple routine · SAR 891.11 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Medik8 vs Simple 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
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 24.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 63.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
SAR 68.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 222.00
-
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 Simple routine · SAR 1,151.23 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Medik8 vs Simple 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
Refreshing Facial Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 24.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 63.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
SAR 68.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 222.00
-
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 Simple routine · SAR 983.37 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Medik8 or Simple: which is better?
Medik8 is a superior fit for dry skin, dry sensitive skin, and combination skin, while Simple fits acne-prone and oily skin best. The products on this page from Medik8 feature hyaluronic acid for anti-aging and hydration, and Simple products use niacinamide and glycerin for gentle care.
What is the difference between Medik8 and Simple?
Medik8 and Simple differ mainly in their focus, price, and ingredients, with Medik8 featuring advanced anti-aging serums containing hyaluronic acid while Simple offers value-friendly, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers featuring niacinamide and glycerin. Reviewers report that Medik8 helps improve skin texture and brightness at a higher price point, whereas Simple is mostly known for gentle, lightweight hydration and makeup removal.
Medik8 or Simple for dry skin?
For dry skin, Medik8 is a Superior fit while Simple offers a High fit on the products on this page. Medik8 features hyaluronic acid across its range, which may help provide deep hydration and plumping for dry skin types.
Medik8 or Simple: which cleanser is better?
Medik8 stands out for cleansers because its Surface Radiance Cleanse achieves a superior fit for acne-prone skin, oily skin, and dark spots on this page. Simple offers a budget-friendly option with its Refreshing Facial Wash, though reviewers note that it may cause irritation for dry or sensitive skin types.
Which is more affordable, Medik8 or Simple?
Simple is more affordable, as reviewers often mention Medik8 has a high price point while Simple offers value-friendly moisturizers.
Which brand has more products containing fragrance, Medik8 or Simple?
Medik8 has more products containing fragrance, with one product listing fragrance on this page, while Simple has no products listing fragrance in their ingredients.
How do the foundational companies and founding years of Medik8 and Simple compare?
Medik8 was founded in 2009 in the United Kingdom and is owned by L'Oréal Groupe. Simple was founded in 1960 in the United Kingdom and is owned by Unilever PLC.
Which brand performs better for fading dark spots and improving skin texture?
Medik8 performs better for fading dark spots and improving skin texture. The products on this page often feature key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps with skin hydration and quality.
Medik8 or Simple for oily skin?
Both Medik8 and Simple achieve a High fit level for oily skin on the products on this page. Reviewers note that Simple offers lightweight, value-friendly moisturizers.
Medik8 or Simple: which moisturizer is better?
When comparing moisturizers, Medik8 is the Lovi Superior choice for dry skin and offers deep hydration with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which may help improve skin quality and signs of aging. Simple features value-friendly options with niacinamide and glycerin, which may help support skin moisture and target pigmentation.
Dermatologic Therapy, 2022The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
Medik8 or Simple for sensitive skin?
Medik8 is a Superior fit for sensitive skin on this page, while Simple is a High fit. Reviewers mention that Medik8 offers gentle and non-irritating serums, and its hyaluronic acid formulations may help support skin hydration.
Medik8 or Simple for acne-prone skin?
Medik8 is the better fit for acne-prone skin on this page, achieving a Superior routine fit compared to Simple at a High level. Its Surface Radiance Cleanse achieves a Superior fit for this skin type.
Research behind their key ingredients
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
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
Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population
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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