Do you remember the first time you started buying facial skin serums? Serums did not exist to me until the 10 step skincare routine. I remember thinking that serums and essence were pretty much the same thing and could be interchangeable. After having a huge breakout from using a particular serum, I was apprehensive trying any new ones that had acids on my face. For someone that has highly sensitive skin, trying something new can give you a jump scare. While discussing my skin concerns, with an aesthetician, she recommended that I try out the professional skincare brand Medik8.
Previously, I had never heard of the brand. It wasn’t something that I had come across on social media. Sometimes I think that is a good thing as products becoming viral does not always equate to quality. It’s the ones that are lesser known that can open you to a completely different world. Once I started using this one product and shared it on my Instagram stories, it began to pop up on my feed frequently.
In my pursuit of even, healthy and glowing skin, Medik8 was the first derma-approved brand that I had tried. After three months of trying the serum that my aesthetician recommended me, I continuously repurchased this product for the next five years. I have no intentions to deviate from using their serums. In my opinion, their high-performing ingredients are efficiently formulated which really makes a difference to your skin. In short, the two products that I have tried from their brand so far cater to my skin concerns and are staples in either my winter routine or my summer routine.
Let’s explore this professional skincare brand, Medik8. Will it get the sensitive skin care stamp of approval?
About Medik8: The Brand
Medik8 was founded by Elliot and Daniel Issacs, two scientists and siblings. It all started when the co-founder fell in love with cosmeceuticals, (cosmetic products that have bioactive ingredients that support skin health) after creating a redness-reducing formula for his family. Born from years of research and with a passion to create skincare solutions, the brand that we know today Medik8 was launched in 2009. As a result, a professional skincare brand that is all about simplicity and science for all skin care types. That caters to fulfil one simple promise: results without compromise. Once the brand gained traction, it became a highly popular British skincare brand with dermatologists, clinics and aestheticians alike. In 2018, Medik8 launched their Crystal Retinal product that brought them a large cult following.
The value of the brand goes beyond excellence. It has a foundation in empowering consumers to explore transformative ways to take care of their skin and enhance their inner beauty by using products with the best ingredients at the right strengths. Moreover, it is known as a professional skincare brand because it is sold through professional stockists such as doctor’s offices, skincare clinics and specialised websites that deal with professional brands. In addition, their packaging is extremely simple and uniformed which aligns with their professional and science-based identity.
Their Visual Identity
If you take a look at the official Medik8 Instagram page, you can see that their page reflects their values. It is simple, uniformed and backed by data and research. By scrolling through their page, you can see that some of people in their reels are doctors or professionals in the skincare space. Moreover, you can see that their target audience are both men and women that seem to be 30 years old and above. This emphasises the professional aspect of their brand as it is only sold in places where people that fit in this age group would naturally see their products.
Furthermore, their visual identity of the brand depicts the inclusiveness of all skin types and skin colours. It evokes this feeling of trust, transparency and integrity. This makes a consumer more confident in their products as it feels like an experience that targets deeper layers of the skin.
Disclaimer: This post does include some affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that I have personally vetted.
Medik8 Skincare Review: Bakuchiol Peptides Serum
What Is It For?
The Bakuchiol Peptides Serum is a lightweight and calming serum that works to deliver a visibly smoother, plumper, and youthful-looking complexion that’s more even in tone and texture. It is a sustainable alternative to retinol that is tolerated better by sensitive skin.
What’s In It?
Their Bakuchiol Peptides Serum has a lot of products that you would want to find in skincare. It is filled with a variety of antioxidants and some soothing ingredients that you would see more in K-beauty products. In addition to having a mixture of antioxidants and emollients, it is a jam-packed product that aims to soothe your skin. This product includes:
- Bakuchiol increases cell turnover and renewal and promotes a more radiant complexion.
- Tocopherol (Vitamin E) evens the skin tone, improves hyperpigmentation and protects the skin from UVB rays.
- Centella Asiatica Leaf extract moisturises dry and sensitive skin, reduces inflammation and calms the skin.
- Inka Omega Oil a rich source of omega oils that nourishes and supports the skin barrier.
- Curcuma (Turmeric) Long Root extract has anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties. Addresses skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis and improves hyperpigmentation, blemishes and dark spots.
How Do You Use It?
The Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides can be used in both your morning and evening skincare routines. When I first started using it, I used it in both routines. Depending on what I am targeting that day, I may only use it in my morning routine. After cleansing, applying your toner and/or essence, you only need to use six drops on both your face and neck using the dropper. Next, rub the product gently into your skin before you move onto the next product in your skincare routine.
The Results & My Experience with Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides Serum
This was the first product that I purchased from Medik8 and I have been actively using it every day for the last five years. It has become my staple skin serum to healthy, even and glowing skin. As mentioned earlier, I prefer to use it both in the mornings and the evenings as tackling hyperpigmentation has been my main concern. Moreover, I powerlift in the mornings and I sweat a lot. Using products that have ingredients to calm my skin is needed.
Furthermore, the product is very lightweight. I really love how it feels on my skin when I apply it with the dropper. It feels as refreshing as a waterfall. Once I have applied it, my skin illuminates in conjunction with the other products that I’ve applied. It’s not a product that you can use on its own but paired with the right products, I think it is a match-made in heaven for sensitive skin girlies.
As for the pricing, it is expensive. It retails for $58 which I think makes sense for what the product is, a facial skin serum and the fact that it hails itself as a professional skincare brand.
Medik8 Skincare Review: Hydr8 B5 Intense
What Is It For?
The Hydr8 B5 Intense is a powerful, lightweight and supercharged hyaluronic acid hydrating treatment. It’s aimed for deep, lasting hydration leaving the skin feeling supple and bouncy.
What’s In It?
The Hydr8 B5 Intense has two superstar ingredients with some other great ones that you want to find in a hydrating product. It is fragrance-free, paraben-free and alcohol free, which is a perfect combination for anyone with sensitive skin. Moreover, it has a unique blend of amino acids which is optimal for skin hydration. This product includes:
- Glycerin a natural moisturiser that keeps the skin hydrated and replenished.
- Sodium hyaluronate a form of hyaluronic acid that attracts moisture and reduces inflammation.
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5) strengthens the skin barrier, moisturises the skin and improves elasticity.
- Allantoin softens and protects the skin, and can promote wound healing.
- Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract a natural and potent antioxidant that supports that skin’s natural hydration levels.
How Do You Use It?
You can use the Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense in both your morning and evening routine before you apply your moisturiser. You only need to use five to six drops max on both your face and neck. Once applied, massage it into your skin and wait for it to absorb before moving onto your moisturiser.
The Results & My Experience with Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense
I received this facial skin serum as part of my SpaceNK advent calendar in 2024 and this was one of the products that I was looking forward to trying. Winter 2023, I didn’t plan my winter skincare routine. As a result, my skin was drier than usual once spring came around. I wanted to avoid that in winter 2024 and had read that serums with hyaluronic acid were perfect for wintertime. When I saw that this serum was part of that calendar, the opportune moment had arrived.
Although it is a serum that can be used all year round, I would recommend using it during the winter months when the weather is harsher. Your skin can lose a lot of moisture during the winter and the Hydr8 B5 Intense along with drinking enough water, can combat that.
I used this product in both my morning and evening routines. The serum is very lightweight and very hydrating. It layers beautifully with my other winter skincare products that are focused on hydration. It absorbs very quickly so you don’t have to wait that long before moving onto your moisturiser.
As for the pricing, it retails for $72 and is more expensive than the Bakuchiol Peptides. I can see that being a downside for those who would like to purchase this.
Overall, I really enjoyed the elevated experience that came with this serum. After using it for three months, I decided that this will replace the Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides during wintertime to ensure that my skin will get maximum hydration. Now I didn’t test both products out simultaneously but I think that they can work in tandem.
Medik8 Skincare Review: The Final Judgment
My final judgement? I think the Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides would benefit:
- People who can’t tolerate retinol and have sensitive skin concerns
- People who want to invest in a serum that continuously soothes their skin
- People who want a serum that can seamlessly fit into their current routine
I think the Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense would benefit:
- People who prefer their hyaluronic acid in serum form
- People with dry and/or sensitive skin and want to infuse as much hydration as possible
- People who are in the pursuit of even, healthy and glowing skin
To reiterate, the price points for both products are expensive: $58 and $72 for 30ml. However, I do believe that the fact that they are serums with high-quality ingredients at the right strengths are the reasons why it is expensive. In addition to that, extensive research and development are happening behind the scenes which I believe adds to the pricing. Luckily, 30ml goes a long way. It can last up to 3 to 4 months depending on how often you are using it.
If you are looking for serums that can easily integrate into your current skincare routine, I’d give Medik8 a try. Would I buy these products again? Absolutely and I wouldn’t mind trying some others in the future.
A detailed skincare review on the Medik8 products that I have tried and tested. Make sure to hit that subscribe button to join the community and never miss out on a post. Find me on Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok for more powerlifting and wellness content.
Until next time,
Folakemi
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