We’re comparing Obagi Medical and the popular skincare brand Medik8 to see how they measure up on everything from product range and efficacy to results, reviews, and cost. If you enjoy comparing skincare brands, you’re in the right place!
Whether your goal is to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, tackle acne, boost vitamin C levels, or address other skin concerns, both Obagi Medical and Medik8 have effective solutions to help you achieve your goals.
Want personalised advice? Our Skin Experts can discuss Obagi Medical, Medik8, and other ranges so you can find the products that work best for your skin:
Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:
- What is the Obagi range ?
- What is the Medik8 range?
- What is the main difference between the two brands?
- What skin issues does Obagi tackle?
- What skin issues does Medik8 tackle?
- What products are in the Obagi range?
- What products are in the Medik8 range?
- What do reviews of Obagi and Medik8 say?
- Where can I buy both ranges?
- How much is Obagi and Medik8?
- Summary: Should I choose Obagi or Medik8?
What is the Obagi range?
At Face Dr, our Skin Experts regularly recommend products from the Obagi Medical range as it offers award-winning, highly effective, science-backed formulations that our clients experience fantastic results from again and again.
The brand offers both the Obagi Clinical range, which is non-prescription, and the Obagi Medical range, which is prescription-only and much more effective on a number of skin issues. Obagi is offered by many skin clinics and professionals with specialist experience in treating skin issues.
What is the Medik8 range?
Medik8 is a well-known skincare brand that started in a small lab at the back of a pharmacy. Their products combine science with sustainability and natural ingredients, and the brand is celebrated for its clean, vegan-friendly formulations.
Primarily aimed at mature skin, Medik8 follows the simple philosophy of “vitamin C plus sunscreen by day, and vitamin A by night.” The range is recommended by skincare specialists and is widely available without a prescription, making it accessible to those wanting professional-quality skincare at home.
What is the main difference between the two brands?
Obagi Medical is a clinic-led range that is prescription-only, meaning our Skin Experts can provide tailored advice and guidance to address a wide variety of skin concerns with maximum effectiveness.
Medik8 is a professional skincare brand that is widely accessible and highly effective for everyday and targeted treatments, particularly for anti-ageing and skin protection. Although you can purchase Medik8 without a prescription, we still recommend booking a free skincare consultation to receive personalised advice and build a routine that’s perfectly suited to your skin.
Book your free video skincare consultation now
What skin issues does Obagi tackle?
In a nutshell… everything! The Obagi Medical range is extremely versatile and helps get on top of a range of skin concerns.
Obagi offers products for everything from ageing skin to sun-damaged skin, so if you’re looking for incredibly effective products as recommended by a professional in-the-know, speak to your Skin Expert to find out if it could be the range for you. Some of its abilities include tackling:
- Hyperpigmentation, dark spots and an uneven skin tone
- Ageing skin (fine lines and wrinkles)
- Acne-prone skin
- Dry skin
- Rough skin
What skin issues does Medik8 tackle?
Medik8 has something for every skin concern, and even has an anti-pollution range. It is believed that regular exposure to pollution and UV radiation can make skin appear and feel dull, tired and aged, so this is a particularly handy range for those who live in urban areas.
The Medik8 range has vegan products that promise to remove traces of pollutants from the skin and form a protective barrier to defend against environmental stressors. Medik8 has products to help with:
- Ageing skin (fine lines and wrinkles)
- Acne
- Hyperpigmentation, dark spots and other types of discolouration
- Dry skin
- Redness
- Large or clogged pores
What products are in the Obagi range?
The Obagi range is jam-packed with options for all types of skin and skin concerns. From daily cleansers, moisturisers and sunscreens, to more targeted products like serums, eye creams and skin exfoliators.
Being a prescription-only range means that you can get expert, personalised advice from a Skin Expert who can recommend the very best products for your skin based on their experience in the industry and previous client results.
What products are in the Medik8 range?
Like many skincare ranges, Medik8 has everyday products like cleansers, toners and sunscreens, and all are vegan-friendly, which is a big selling point of the brand. Their more targeted treatments are what get them such positive results from customers. Here are some of their bestsellers:
- Daily Radiance Vitamin C - This lightweight SPF 30 cream is a 2-in-1 moisturiser to help energise your skin in the morning. It delivers antioxidant protection and a brighter, more even complexion, as well as future-proofing skin ageing and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Surface Radiance Cleanse - This resurfacing cleansing gel is a bestseller, with an exfoliating AHA/BHA complex to smooth and brighten lacklustre skin. It’s particularly good for those looking to reduce the appearance of ageing skin and boost radiance to brighten up dull skin.
- Crystal Retinal - According to world-renowned skincare expert Caroline Hirons, “As far as retinol goes, Medik8 is the market leader” - this is a great endorsement for their retinol products, which offer youthful skin with a next-generation form of vitamin A proven to deliver results up to 11x faster.
What do reviews of Obagi and Medik8 say?
Sometimes it takes a few honest customer reviews to make up your mind. After all, knowing that others are backing the product you’re on the fence about could help you make the decision once and for all, and feel confident doing so.
Here are some customer reviews of the bestselling products in both the Obagi Medical and the Medik8 ranges:
“I first found this product through my wife. As a 32 year old male with sensitive skin I used to have all sorts of theories for breakouts on my face. Too much chocolate/sweets, peanut allergies, etc. My breakouts virtually disappeared after I started using this face wash. I use it once a day in the evening when I take a shower.”
Kay, Obagi customer using Obagi Nu-Derm® Gentle Cleanser
There aren’t many negative reviews for the Obagi range, but for this product the lowest rated review mentions an unpleasant smell. This could be a one-off, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you are particularly sensitive to products with a strong scent.
“Perfect staple. I am obsessed with this cleanser. I have used it for years and nothing compares to this. It leaves my skin feeling soft and nourished whilst gently exfoliating and refreshing the layer of skin cells. The scent is incredible too!”
Ella B, Medik8 customer using Surface Radiance Cleanse™
Medik8 has many positive reviews, but the few negative ones mention that this cleanser is too harsh for their skin, so those with sensitive skin should keep this in mind. Getting professional advice can help you avoid purchasing products that don’t work for your skin, and ultimately leave you out of pocket. Our Skin Experts offer free advice that can help with this.
Where can I buy both ranges?
Obagi Medical products are prescription-only, so a consultation with one of our Skin Experts is required to order. After your free video consultation, we can recommend the most suitable products for your skin and post them directly to you anywhere in the UK. All Obagi Medical products are available at Face Dr.
Medik8 products are available through salons, clinics, and online stores worldwide. They are also available at Face Dr, making it easy to access the brand directly from us. While Medik8 can be purchased without a prescription, we recommend booking a free skincare consultation with our experts to help you select the right products for your skin and get the most out of your routine.
How much does Obagi and Medik8 cost?
Obagi Medical products are prescription-only and require a consultation with a Skin Expert. Once you have an active Face Dr account, you can view and purchase these products. Prices range from approximately £50, depending on the product. For example, Obagi Hydrate Luxe® is priced at £80.
Medik8 products are available for purchase directly from our website. Prices typically range from £20 to £200. For example, Medik8 Liquid Peptides is priced at £59 and Medik8 Retinol 3TR is available for £34.
You can conveniently shop for Medik8 and Obagi products on our website. For a full list of products and prices, visit Face Dr's Obagi Medical and Medik8 collections.
Summary: Should I choose Obagi or Medik8?
It’s clear that both Obagi and Medik8 offer highly effective, science-backed formulations that deliver real results for our clients. If you’re unsure which brand is right for your skin, don’t worry—our Skin Experts are here to guide you every step of the way, providing honest, unbiased advice so you can make a fully informed decision.
While we only offer prescription Obagi Medical products due to their clinical strength, also stock Medik8, which is available to purchase directly from our website. This means you can explore both ranges with confidence and choose the products best suited to your skin’s needs—without any pressure.
Whether you’re interested in Obagi, Medik8, or a combination of both, we encourage you to book a free video consultation. Our Skin Experts can discuss your skin goals, recommend personalised solutions, and help you access any prescription-only Obagi products.
Ready to find the perfect range for your skin?
