What is it?
Cleanser / make-up remover
Who is it for?
Make-up wearers. All skin types, including sensitive skin
Medik8 is one of the few cosmeceuticals to offer a cleansing oil, so I was immediately curious. When it launched in 2009, it recognised a gap in the market: luxury customers were looking for high-quality active ingredients without compromising on cosmetic elegance.
AM: Vitamin C + sunscreen
PM: Vitamin A.
Perhaps this no-nonsense approach is because their founder studied physiology alongside pharmacology.
Product Claims
“Ultra-gentle oil cleanser gently dissolves impurities and waterproof make-up.
Optimised ratio of essential lipids to replenish the skin’s natural barrier.
Leaves skin soft and supple. “
Fragrance?
That annoying fragrance! There are plenty of non-fragrant plant oils to choose from.
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PH?
Emulsifies into a gentle cleanser of approximately pH 6. (Annoyingly, Medik8 won’t reveal the pH as if it were some state secret, so I had to use a pH strip).
Key Ingredients:
Rich in nourishing fatty acids and vitamin E
| Safflower Oil | A cold-pressed oil which is made up of more than 70% omega 6Rich in linoleic acid, a fatty acid, which can’t be synthesised by the skin. Helps moisturise the skin. Reduces irritation. An emollient non-fragrant oil. |
| Vitamin E | An oil-soluble antioxidant that can protect the lipid parts of the cell from free radicals. Found naturally in the skin but levels become depleted by pollution and sun exposure. |
| Omega 6: (Linolenic Acid) | Anti-inflammatoryEFA (essential fatty acid) which can’t be synthesised by the body. Rebalances the skin’s lipid levels. Antioxidant, skin-soothing, emollient |
| Moringa seed oil extract | Helps remove the build-up of daily pollutants. A natural cleanser: binds to dirt and pollution. Non-fragrant plant oilGood source of oleic acid which strengthens barrier. Mono fatty acid with has a light texture. Antioxidant. Calming |
Irritants?
Fragrant plant oil: Geranium oil. Fortunately, it is low down the ingredients list.
No parabens, no sulphates, no perfume, 100% soap-free.
How does it feel? Absorption Rate?
Much richer than Clinique Take the Day off Cleansing oil, which ironically doesn’t contain any oil.
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Where does it fit into your routine?
AM: Use alone
PM: Use alone or as part of a double cleansing routine. Even though it emulsifies, I like to double cleanse with a water-based cleanser afterwards. For many people, this would be overkill, but I use so much sunscreen and live in a polluted area.
- First of all, massage straight onto dry skin to dissolve your make-up
- Add water to emulsify and continue to massage in
- Finally, rinse off thoroughly
Pros
Dissolves makeup (including mascara) and sunscreen easily without drying out the skin.
An excellent blend of ingredients to restore the skin’s barrier and protect against pollution.
Cons
Unfortunately, Geranium oil is a fragrant oil and potentially a skin irritant. What a shame – there are so many other fabulous oils to choose from. I hope you are listening Medik8.
Would I repurchase?
I still recommend this product in my salon, despite the geranium oil. I guess no product is perfect.