Medik8

Medik8's CSA Philosophy is the clearest organising idea in skincare: vitamin C and sunscreen by day, vitamin A by night. Three ingredients, two steps, applied consistently.

The reasoning is that these three have more independent clinical evidence behind them than anything else available without prescription, and that most routines fail from complexity rather than from missing ingredients.

The brand's other distinguishing choice is retinaldehyde, usually shortened to retinal. Where most over-the-counter products use retinol, which converts to retinoic acid in two enzymatic steps, retinal sits one step closer. That means it acts faster at equivalent concentration. Medik8 pioneered its use in mainstream skincare and their Crystal Retinal range is built on it.

Formulations are developed and manufactured in-house at their innovation centre outside London. The brand is B Corp certified.

Medik8 is widely available. Unlike some of the ranges we carry, Medik8 sells directly in Australia and through a number of retailers. We stock it because it fits alongside what else we hold, not because it is hard to find.

Retinal is not retinol. They are different molecules at different points in the same conversion pathway. Retinal is closer to the active form, which generally means faster results and, at equivalent strength, a similar or slightly greater adjustment period. Comparing a retinal percentage to a retinol percentage is not like for like.

The range is deliberately simple. Fewer products, clearer roles. If you find multi-step routines difficult to sustain, that structure is the point rather than a limitation.

L'Oréal acquired a majority stake in 2025. The founder remains involved and formulation continues in-house, but the brand is no longer independently owned. Worth knowing if that matters to you.