Medik8 vs ISDIN
Medik8 and ISDIN are established skincare brands from the United Kingdom and Spain that offer diverse formulations for daily care. The British brand is known for serums, moisturizers, eye products, and toners built around hyaluronic acid, while the Spanish counterpart is beloved for sophisticated moisturizers, advanced sunscreens, targeted serums, and soothing eye products driven by meticulously crafted formulas. Both brands suit dry skin and sensitive skin best, though the former fits dry sensitive skin particularly well. They differ in their standout targeted solutions, specific key ingredients, and individual founding years.
Medik8 is a British skincare brand founded in 2009 and owned by L'Oréal Groupe since 2025.
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ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig.
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This page compares some of the most popular Medik8 and ISDIN products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Medik8 vs ISDIN products
People Say
Lightweight and Elegant Texture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “Lightweight formula absorbs fast — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “absorbed effortlessly — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
Deep Hydration and Plumping Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “My skin felt sooo hydrated and looks so plump and dewey. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “skin looks smooth and healthy — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
- “Restores moisture — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
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”
- “Sensitive/reactive skin tolerates — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
Brightening, Glow, and Fading Dark Spots Often MentionedSometimes 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”
- “My hyperpigmentation has lightened and skin looks more even, even shines more. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
Improves Skin Texture and Smoothness Often MentionedRarely 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”
- “skin was much smoother — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
Good Makeup Compatibility Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “acts like a primer — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “Great under makeup — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “layers well under sunscreen — Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream”
High Price Point and Value Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Expensive per bottle — Medik8 Liquid Peptides”
- “very expensive for amount — Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3”
- “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “My only wish is that ISDIN would make this product in a bigger size bottle. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
Slow or Ineffective Results Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “don't see result — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
- “no noticeable changes yet — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
- “Not as effective as retinol — Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides”
Unpleasant Smell or Strong Fragrance Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “metallic scent — Medik8 Super C Ferulic”
- “smell is overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
Medik8 vs ISDIN routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£8.29
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Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
£11.49
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Moisturizer
Hydr8 B5 Intense
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£60.00
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SPF
Torriden DIVE-IN Mild Sunscreen
Morning
£22.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
£13.58
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Serum or Treatment
Bakuchiol Peptides
Evening · Once a week
£55.00
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
£17.00
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£8.29
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
£11.49
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Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£14.74
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SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
£23.49
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
£13.58
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
£38.90
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
£17.00
Buy Medik8 routine · £187.36 · 97% fit
Buy ISDIN routine · £127.49 · 94% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Medik8 vs ISDIN routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£8.29
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
£13.98
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£14.80
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SPF
Eryfotona Actinica
Morning
£29.20
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Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£17.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
£29.00
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Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
£38.90
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
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Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
£61.99
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£8.29
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
£13.98
-
Moisturizer
Hydr8 B5 Intense
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£60.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
£11.29
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Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£17.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Press & Glow
Evening
£29.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Oxy-R Peptides
Evening · Once a week
£65.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
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Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
£61.99
Buy ISDIN routine · £232.16 · 93% fit
Buy Medik8 routine · £285.55 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Medik8 vs ISDIN routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£14.99
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Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
£30.37
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Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£14.80
-
SPF
Eryfotona Actinica
Morning
£29.20
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£23.92
-
Cleansing Toner
REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
Evening
£30.99
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Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
£38.90
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£14.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
£30.37
-
Moisturizer
Hydr8 B5 Intense
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£60.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£23.92
-
Cleansing Toner
Press & Glow
Evening
£29.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Oxy-R Peptides
Evening · Once a week
£65.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
£19.00
Buy ISDIN routine · £221.17 · 93% fit
Buy Medik8 routine · £261.28 · 92% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Medik8 or ISDIN: which is better?
Both brands are great choices depending on your skin goals, as ISDIN reaches a superior routine fit for oily skin and acne-prone skin, while Medik8 excels in gentle formulations and brightening. For deep hydration and plumping, the products on this page help improve skin quality with ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
What is the difference between Medik8 and ISDIN?
Medik8 stands out for its gentle, non-irritating serums and its focus on brightening and improving skin texture, whereas ISDIN is best known for its ultralight, highly compatible sunscreens and lightweight moisturizers. Both brands share a high price point, but Medik8 products on this page generally avoid added fragrance while several ISDIN formulas include it.
Medik8 or ISDIN for dry skin?
Both Medik8 and ISDIN are great choices for dry skin, earning a Superior routine fit on this page. ISDIN stands out for its ultralight sunscreens and lightweight moisturizers, while Medik8 is known for gentle, hydrating formulas with hyaluronic acid that help improve skin texture.
Medik8 or ISDIN: which moisturizer is better?
Medik8 stands out for its deep hydration and gentle, fragrance-conscious approach, while ISDIN offers exceptionally lightweight moisturizers with ultralight finishes. Lovi rates Medik8 as High for dry skin and sensitive skin, and ISDIN as Average for those same types. Topical hyaluronic acid, a key ingredient featured in these formulations, helps provide deep hydration and improve skin quality.
Which is more affordable, Medik8 or ISDIN?
Both Medik8 and ISDIN share a high price point as a common drawback noted by reviewers, meaning neither brand is notably more affordable than the other.
Between Medik8 and ISDIN, which brand is better for reducing dark spots and brightening the skin?
Medik8 does better for brightening, glow, and fading dark spots among the products on this page.
Which brand has more fragrance-free products, Medik8 or ISDIN?
Medik8 has more fragrance-free products on this page, with eleven out of twelve products listing no fragrance compared to three out of eight for ISDIN.
Medik8 or ISDIN: which is better for improving skin texture and smoothness?
Medik8 is better for improving skin texture and smoothness.
Medik8 or ISDIN for oily skin?
For oily skin, ISDIN reaches a Superior routine fit, while Medik8 reaches a High fit. Reviewers mostly mention ISDIN for ultralight and lightweight sunscreens and moisturizers.
Medik8 or ISDIN for sensitive skin?
Both Medik8 and ISDIN have a Superior Lovi fit for sensitive skin, but Medik8 is often noted for its especially gentle and non-irritating formulations. Topical hyaluronic acid, a key ingredient in products on this page, helps improve skin quality and hydration.
Medik8 or ISDIN for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, Lovi rates ISDIN as Superior and Medik8 as High. The products on this page help improve hydration and skin appearance with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
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
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
The clinical efficacy of a new emulsion for acne and conspicuous facial pore amelioration
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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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