With so many skincare brands on the market, it can be tough to decide which one is best for you. Do you go with the brand with the best reviews? The brand with the lowest cost? The one your friend recommends for the best results? Here on the Face Dr blog we like to compare brands so you can find out which one comes out on top. If you have been curious to try either ZO Skin Health or Medik8, you’re in the right place.
Our team of skincare experts have decades of experience working with clients in the UK and Australia, to help them clear up everything from acne to rosacea, and wrinkles to hyperpigmentation. During our time in the skincare world, we’ve worked with plenty of brands and have learned a thing or two about which ones work best for certain skin types.
Let’s dive into some of the most popular skincare brands; in this article, we’ll look at ZO Skin Health and Medik8…
Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:
- What is ZO Skin Health?
- What is Medik8?
- What skin issues does ZO Skin Health tackle?
- What skin issues does Medik8 tackle?
- What skin type is ZO Skin Health for, and what kind of products do they have?
- What skin type is Medik8 for, and what kind of products do they have?
- Where can I buy ZO Skin Health products?
- Where can I buy Medik8 products?
- How much are ZO Skin Health products?
- How much are Medik8 products?
- Summary: Should I choose ZO Skin Health or Medik8?
What is ZO Skin Health?
ZO Skin Health was founded by dermatologist Dr Zein Obagi. Their formulations use cutting-edge science and a high percentage of active ingredients to tackle some of the most difficult skincare concerns.
Their “Get Skin Ready” philosophy promotes a simple three-step routine — cleanse, exfoliate, tone — that treats skin concerns and keeps your complexion clear and healthy. With plenty of targeted treatments to tackle specific problems, they’re a popular brand, and one that our Skin Experts regularly recommend.
What is Medik8?
Medik8 is a science-led skincare brand celebrated for its innovative anti-ageing formulas and expertise in vitamin A. Their products are 100% vegan, eco-conscious, and designed to address a wide range of skin concerns beyond ageing.
Founded by Elliot Isaacs, Medik8 combines clinical research with effective, easy-to-use formulations. Their CSA philosophy—Vitamin C and sunscreen in the morning, Vitamin A in the evening—ensures a simple yet highly effective routine to maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin.
Medik8 has rapidly become a trusted name globally, and now we’re proud to offer their full range at Face Dr.
What skincare problems do they tackle?
ZO Skin Health
ZO Skin Health’s medical-grade products work to tackle a range of skincare concerns. Some of the main issues you may be able to address with products in the ZO range include:
- Acne
- Lines, wrinkles and advanced signs of skin ageing
- Hyperpigmentation
- Inflammation
- Rosacea
- Sun damage
Medik8
Medik8 also has a number of products that target a range of skincare concerns, such as:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Blemishes
- Hyperpigmentation
- Visible pores
- Redness
- Dry and dehydrated skin
What skin type is ZO Skin Health for, and what kind of products do they have?
The products we use on the face of our skin are important because everyone has a different skin type. ZO Skin Health has products for every type of skin, even the most sensitive, so it’s a great brand with plenty of options. They have specific products formulated to boost hydration in dry skin, control shininess in oily skin, and balance combination skin — something for everyone!
ZO Skin Health stocks everyday essentials like cleansers and sunscreens, as well as a range of targeted serums, exfoliating products, masks, night creams and eye creams. There are even some dedicated products for the body. Some of our customers ' favourites include:
Daily Power Defense: This lightweight, best-selling serum works to support the skin's health and function, and provides hydration, strength and protection from damage. It also works to boost collagen and cell renewal, and tackle fine lines and wrinkles. You can read more about Daily Power Defense on our blog here.
Price: £125
Complexion Renewal Pads: These pre-soaked pads help to minimise surface oil on skin and exfoliate away the dead skin cells and dirt that tends to clog pores. They contain glycolic and salicylic acid to help exfoliate, and we often recommend this for all skin types except those with acne. If you have acne, ZO’s Oil Control Pads may be the better option.
Price: £50
What skin type is Medik8 for, and what kind of products do they have?
Medik8 also has a range of everyday products that tackle all skin types, so whether your skin is dry, combination, oily or sensitive, they likely have a formulation for you. They offer lots of products for mature skin like retinol creams, vitamin C serums and, of course, sunscreens. Some of their most popular products include:
Medik8 Intelligent Retinol 6TR: They offer multiple retinol products of different strengths, and their lightweight squalane-based serum contains climbazole which helps to boost the effects of the retinol and help it work for longer.
Price: £45
Medik8 Crystal Retinal: This best-selling collection features retinaldehyde (retinal with an ‘A’), a next-generation form of vitamin A proven to deliver results up to 11 times faster than standard retinol. Available in a progressive range of strengths (from Crystal Retinal 1 to 20), it allows you to gradually build tolerance and achieve visibly smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin.
Medik8 Radiance Vitamin C: This popular product delivers an all-in-one formulation which helps to moisturise, protect from sun damage, and introduce vitamin C to the skin to prevent the signs of ageing. The result is a more youthful-looking, hydrated complexion.
Price: £60
Medik8 Advanced Night Restore: This product is proven to visibly smooth, firm and brighten skin overnight by restoring the skin barrier, and works well with other retinol and retinal products within their range.
Price: £60
If you are curious to learn more about retinol products, you can read more here; What is retinol and how does it work?
Where can I buy ZO Skin Health products?
Since the products in the ZO Skin Health range have a high percentage of active ingredients, you cannot buy these products online without first having a consultation with a professional, nor will you find them in high street shops. If you do happen to find any of these products online, they are most likely counterfeit or out-of-date products, and will not give you the results you are looking for.
To purchase real ZO Skin Health products, you will need to speak with an approved stockist such as a medispa, dermatologist, doctor’s office, aesthetic practitioner or an online skincare clinic like Face Dr.
Where can I buy Medik8 products?
Medik8 products are more widely available as they do not contain medical-grade ingredients, and therefore do not require a consultation to purchase. You will find them on the Medik8 website and on other online skincare stores such as Look Fantastic and Cult Beauty.
How much are ZO Skin Health products?
ZO Skin Health products differ in price depending on what products you are looking to buy. Their product range starts from around £40 for their toner, to around £160 for their incredibly effective anti-ageing serums.
Medik8 products begin at around £20 for their daily cleansers, and go up to around £200 for their most powerful anti-ageing serum. Many factors determine which skincare products are right for you — from your main skin concerns and goals, to how much you’d like to invest, and how you prefer to build your routine. Both ZO Skin Health and Medik8 offer targeted solutions backed by science, but they cater to slightly different skincare preferences. ZO Skin Health is known for its medical-grade formulations with high concentrations of active ingredients, ideal for those looking for intensive, transformative results. Medik8, on the other hand, offers a more progressive approach to clinical skincare, focusing on gentle yet powerful actives and sustainable, vegan formulations that deliver visible results without irritation. If you have specific concerns, it’s worth exploring both ranges. For example, ZO Skin Health has dedicated products to calm redness and support rosacea-prone skin, while Medik8 offers an impressive selection of pore-refining, brightening, and anti-ageing products — including their renowned Crystal Retinal range. If you’re unsure which brand or routine will work best for your skin, our Skin Experts are here to help. Book a free online video consultation to discuss your skin type, concerns, and goals. We’ll guide you towards the products that suit you best — whether that’s ZO, Medik8, or a combination of both — with no pressure to buy. Want to read more from our blog? Here are some articles that may interest you: How much are Medik8 products?
Summary: Should I choose ZO Skin Health or Medik8?
