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Whether you read our glowing reviews below or scroll through r/SkincareAddiction, you'll quickly understand why the best Medik8 products are top-shelf staples of the skin-care-obsessed crowd. This UK-based company has earned a devoted following among dermatologists and beauty editors as a science-forward brand that uses proprietary stabilization technology to boost products’ potency and efficacy, keeping them fresher longer.
At the heart of Medik8 is its signature “CSA” philosophy: vitamin C in the morning, SPF daily, and vitamin A at night. But its entire lineup reflects the same thoughtful, research-driven approach. Plus, all the formulas are made in their own lab—a quality-control measure we always appreciate.
Our Top Medik8 Products
- Slough Your Stuff: Crystal Retinal 3, $65
- Liquid Silk: Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Face Serum, $94
- Pep in Your Step: Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream, $98
- Glow with the Flow: Press and Glow Toner, $35
Our editors and experts rave about Medik8’s glow-boosting serums and retinoid-infused moisturizers, especially since some of their products deliver visible results in as little as two weeks. To help you find the best of the best, we've tested almost every Medik8 product—and the results are in. Keep reading to discover our skin-care shelf mainstays.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Slough Your Stuff: Crystal Retinal 3
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Medik8
Crystal Retinal 3
Medik8
Why we love it: Unlike retinol, which needs two conversion steps to become active in the skin, retinal (a.k.a. retinaldehyde) needs only one, making it faster and more effective. Medik8’s Crystal Retinal offers it in six progressive strengths that range from 0.01% to .24% retinaldehyde, so you can slowly increase the potency as you go through each bottle—gradually building your skin’s tolerance to avoid irritation.
Level 3 (the middle level of potency in the line) is ideal for beginners, delivering a visible glow with minimal irritation or flaking. If you have super-sensitive skin, start with level 1. “The retinal is also formulated with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to buffer any potential irritation, and the texture is creamy and fast-absorbing,” Asmi Berry, DO, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles, told Allure.
Former Allure content director Kara McGrath applying the Medik8 Crystal Retinal
Kara McGrath
McGrath after applying the Medik8 Crystal Retinal
Kara McGrath
Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath
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“I discovered this retinal serum via the Allure Beauty Box, and it instantly became a new favorite. The brand makes it simple to ease into retinal use: You start with level 1 (sensitive) or 3 (beginner), then graduate to higher concentrations once your skin can tolerate them. I haven't experienced any irritation with level 3, a rarity for my sensitive skin.” —Kara McGrath, former content director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 0.03% retinaldehyde, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, glycerin
- Who it’s for: retinal beginners
- Fragrance-free: yes
Liquid Silk: Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Face Serum
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Medik8
Liquid Peptides Advanced Face Serum
Medik8
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced Face Serum
Sarah Han
Why we love it: If you love the original Liquid Peptides serum, which was made to combat the first signs of aging, Medik8’s Liquid Peptides Advanced is like its overachieving big sister for more advanced concerns (deeper wrinkles, sagging, the list goes on). With 13 powerful peptides (three more than the original), it goes all in on softening fine lines, while a hi-tech ingredient called a growth factor miniprotein plumps expression lines and targets deep wrinkles with consistent use. This peptide serum also plays well with injectables, helping to extend and enhance your results. Plus, it hydrates deeply without ever feeling thick or sticky.
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Face Serum
Shipin after applying Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Face Serum
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“As someone who doesn’t do any Botox, I rely on peptides and retinoids as two key ingredients to keep fine lines—in particular, the forehead lines creeping in—at bay. As far as peptide serums go, this is one of my all-time favorites. Liquid Peptides Advanced has a wonderfully lightweight, watery-gel consistency that fits in perfectly with my extensive nighttime routine. I’ll even cocktail it with retinol for a one-two texture-smoothing, skin-plumping punch. What follows (my night cream) sinks in quickly, and my face doesn’t feel like I’ve glooped on 10 layers of product (even if I actually have)." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“I was so excited to try this product (not least because of the ‘Botox in a bottle’ conversation surrounding it), and let me tell you: This is something worth making room for in your routine. Especially if you're pregnant and can't use retinol, or are simply too sensitive for the likes of vitamin A!
This formula impressed me right away since it includes peptides that are both fast-acting (as in, you can see an immediate skin-plumping effect) and those that work over time to smooth out deeper-set wrinkles. The texture is gel-like and can feel a smidge tacky on the fingers (you can see me in the demonstration video smacking it between my hands to show its interesting consistency), but it applies smoothly and feels totally weightless. Part of my love for it comes from that bounce of light you get off the skin right after applying.
I haven't experienced pilling with foundation or other moisturizers, and importantly, no instant itchy feeling that I get with some high-performing skin-care products. I have to admit: I hesitate to add anything to my routine that'll make me wince come repurchasing time, and because of that, I'm tempted to hoard it like Gollum and only use it during the p.m.PM instead of both night and day.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: peptide complex (13 types, including matrixyl 3000 and copper peptides), multi-weight hyaluronic acid, carnosine, growth factor miniprotein
- Who it’s for: people with deep-set wrinkles or expression lines
- Fragrance-free: yes
The Clean Sweep: Surface Radiance Cleanse
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Medik8
Surface Radiance Cleanse
Medik8
Why we love it: You want your cleanser to remove dirt, sweat, and oil at a minimum, but Medik8’s Surface Radiance Cleanse goes above and beyond. It features an exfoliating AHA/BHA complex that, yes, cleanses, but it also taps glow-boosting ingredients like salicylic acid, glycerin, and antioxidant-rich mangosteen peel extract to remove impurities, while also supporting your skin’s moisture barrier. As a result, you get that deep-clean feel without the post-wash tightness. Once it mixes with water, it develops into a light, citrus-scented foam that feels like a spa treatment in your own bathroom.
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse
Sarah Felbin
Felbin after applying the Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse
Sarah Felbin
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“I love a good exfoliator—but as someone with super-sensitive skin, I've been burned by products that are too strong in the past. Thankfully, this cleanser is gentle enough to sweep away dirt, oil, and dead skin cells without leaving my face red and irritated. I also love the formula because it's a little thick coming out of the tube, but emulsifies into a light, sudsy foam in just a few seconds (once you add water). If you want to get started exfoliating but are nervous about damaging your skin barrier, I highly recommend starting here.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: l-mandelic acid, l-lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycerin, mangosteen peel extract
- Who it’s for: everyone
- Fragrance-free: yes
C the Difference: C-Tetra Advanced Gel-Serum
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Medik8
C-Tetra Advanced Gel-Serum
Medik8
Why it’s worth it: Many vitamin C serums contain lower percentages or less stable forms of the ingredient, but the C-Tetra Advanced Gel-Serum features 20% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THDA), a super-stable, oil-soluble version of vitamin C that sinks into skin deeper and doesn’t oxidize as it sits on your vanity. That alone gives it a major edge in the brightness department, but it doesn’t stop there: Phyto exosomes help shuttle soothing, barrier-supporting goodness right to your skin cells, while acetyl zingerone works as a “super antioxidant” to protect your skin from daily stressors. Add in multi-weight hyaluronic acid for instant bounce, and you have a one-and-done product for brighter skin.
P.S. If you have sensitive skin and would prefer a formula with a lower concentration of THDA, content director Sophia Panych swears by the C-Tetra Luxe, the formula that changed her mind about vitamin C, as she puts it. “It doesn't burn, tingle, or turn my face red, even though it contains 14% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (that would be thanks to the soothing and barrier-coddling squalane, maracuja oil, and vitamin E),” Panych says. “Instead, it left my skin looking fresher, brighter, and smoother over time.”
Han applying the Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced Gel-Serum
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced Gel-Serum
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“I'm going to be super honest: The textures of Medik8's other vitamin C serums are not up my alley. So, when the brand launched a non-oil-based formula, I was grinning from ear to ear. To no one's surprise, my combination skin loves C-Tetra Advanced, a water-based gel-serum that fits into my minimal a.m. routine without drawing attention to my shiny T-zone, and it absorbs so quickly—just the way my rushed morning self likes it.
I'm not exclusive with THD, an ultra-stabilized form of vitamin C, but it is my preferred iteration of the brightening ingredient. (If it lessens the chances of irritation, why the heck wouldn't it be?) 20% is a great concentration—not as high as stronger formulations at 30%, but not too low for my not-too-sensitive skin—and I have witnessed some faint sun spots fade as I finished my first bottle.
I will say there is a slight smell to it, but it's nothing like the straight-up hot-dog water of other formulas I've tried. As long as the scent dissipates quickly (which it does), this vitamin C is very worth the results and price point. I'm on my second one now, which is impressive given how often I switch skin-care products.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 20% vitamin C, phyto exosomes, acetyl zingerone, hyaluronic acid
- Who it’s for: people with dull skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Pep in Your Step: Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream
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Medik8
Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream
Medik8
Why it’s worth it: Most firming creams lean on hydration to make skin look smoother, but Medik8’s Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream dives in deep to activate your skin’s own collagen production rather than just softening lines at the surface. It features ceramides along with the brand’s growth factor miniprotein to help activate the skin’s natural renewal cycle. The formula also includes carnosine to promote collagen flexibility, plus an NAD+ Longevity Booster designed to enhance cellular energy—key for preserving firmness and resilience. If deep-set wrinkles are your main concern, this formula provides the internal support that helps them look smoother and less defined over time.
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the Medik8 Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after applying the Medik8 Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffman
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“I've been a dedicated user of Medik8's Liquid Peptides Advanced serum for some time now, so I pounced on the Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream when the samples landed in our office. While I don't have noticeable wrinkles—yet—to track progress against, I do notice an overall plumping effect to my skin when consistently using this moisturizer. The finish is really satin-y, absorbs quickly (a through line with Medik8, I'll always award bonus points for speedy applications), and I really feel like my skin texture and tone have never been better.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: carnosine, squalane, shea butter, ceramides, collagen amino acids
- Who it’s for: people with mature, sagging, or dull skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Glow with the Flow: Press and Glow Toner
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Medik8
Press & Glow Daily Exfoliating PHA Tonic
Medik8
Why we love it: At Allure HQ, we’ve long been on a mission to erase the memory of harsh, stinging toners, and Medik8’s Press and Glow might just be the one to accomplish that. A gentle yet effective polyhydroxy acid tonic that taps gluconolactone (a moisture-retaining PHA), it removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin without stripping, unleashing a super radiant, smooth glow within just a few weeks of use. It’s even suitable for sensitive types, thanks to soothing ingredients like aloe vera, acai, and prickly pear extract, which support that smooth, glass-skin glow and enhance the absorption of other products you apply on top.
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Medik8 Press and Glow Toner
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the Medik8 Press and Glow Toner
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“It’s only recently that I’ve become a toner convert, and this one finally convinced me that toners aren’t the stingy, drying formulas of the past. It feels as gentle as water (don’t worry—it’s definitely not just water) on my dry, sensitive skin. The mild exfoliating acids are cushioned with aloe vera, leaving my skin soft, calm, and refreshingly clean.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: gluconolactone (PHA), prickly pear extract, acai extract, aloe vera
- Who it’s for: people with dull or dry skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Bedtime Bestie: Advanced Night Ceramide Night Cream
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Medik8
Advanced Night Ceramide Night Cream
Medik8
Felbin applying the Medki8 Advanced Night Ceramide Night Cream
Sarah Felbin
Why we love it: Medik8’s Advanced Night Ceramide Night Cream doesn’t clock out when you do—instead, it gets to work the second your head hits the pillow. The buttery formula melts into skin, delivering a surge of hydration and plumpness, so you wake up to that glass-skin glow.
What sets it apart from your average night cream is a nourishing multi-ceramide complex to seal in moisture and replenish your skin’s natural lipids. Plus, there’s a “Midnight Antioxidant Complex,” which combines a synthetic peptide to boost collagen production and purple superfood antioxidants (saskatoon berry and dragon fruit extract) to soothe and rejuvenate skin while you snooze. N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG) is also a star in this formula, a naturally derived sugar molecule that supports hyaluronic acid production, brightens uneven skin tone, and gently encourages cell turnover for a smoother, more radiant finish. It pairs well with retinoids, complementing their collagen-boosting effects while enhancing elasticity and reducing dryness and flaking.
Felbin before applying the Medki8 Advanced Night Ceramide Night Cream
Sarah Felbin
Felbin after applying the Medki8 Advanced Night Ceramide Night Cream
Sarah Felbin
Tester feedback from Felbin
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“I use this product about every other night—anytime my skin is feeling extra-dry or tight. My super-sensitive, combination skin can easily be thrown off by a thick moisturizer—I'll notice more breakouts, oil overproduction, and then some, so I'm always wary of adding a night cream into my routine. But sometimes, my skin gets so dry, it needs a product that's extra-hydrating to get back on track. I tentatively gave this cream from Medik8 a shot during the winter, when my usual a.m. moisturizer wasn't cutting it, and I'm so glad I did. It's thick but not too heavy or greasy, and sinks in quickly, so I don't feel it sitting on top of my face like a mask. It hydrates deeply without clogging my pores or causing any irritation. As someone in her 20s, I can't speak to its fine line- or wrinkle-reducing powers, but as a replenishing night cream, it earns full marks.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: multi-ceramide complex (ceramides 1 and 3, vegan cholesterol, and fatty acids), Midnight Antioxidant Complex (saskatoon berry, dragon fruit extract), N-acetyl glucosamine
- Who it’s for: people with super dry, mature skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
Meet the experts
- Asmi Berry, DO, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best Medik8 products, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page involved in our reporting, check out our complete review process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine. You may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors, in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon, is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
