Head to head · 5 comparisons
Side-by-side comparisons of products people weigh against each other: the specifications, the UK prices and a plain verdict on which to choose, and when.
All comparisons
Each comparison opens with the verdict, then a specification table, “choose this if” lists and sources.
Skin prep · Head to head
Choose Medik8 Crystal Retinal if you are new to retinoids or want a graduated route: six strengths from 0.01%. Choose The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% if you already tolerate retinoids and want high-strength retinal cheaply — £15.20 for 15ml, against £104 for 30ml of Medik8’s equivalent 0.2% strength. Both are evening-only.
Skin prep · Head to head
Choose SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic if you want the most-studied form of vitamin C — 15% L-ascorbic acid with vitamin E and ferulic acid, fragrance-free — and accept £169. Choose Medik8 C-Tetra at £45 for a stable, water-free oil with 7% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. Both go on in the morning, under sunscreen.
SPF · Head to head
Both list the same four UV filters and SPF50+ PA++++, so choose by texture and ingredients. Pick Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun for a dewy, fragrance-free cream at about £15. Pick Round Lab Birch Juice for a more moisturising cream on dry skin, at £21, accepting chamomile and pine-leaf botanicals.
Lips · Head to head
Choose Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil if you want shine with a choice of colour — 19 UK shades from sheer Juicy to saturated Glaze — at £34 for 6ml; it contains fragrance and menthol. Choose Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment for untinted, glossy conditioning with peptides and plant butters at £20 for 10ml, fragrance-free in its unscented version.
Complexion · Head to head
Choose Estée Lauder Double Wear if you want oil-free, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free long wear and the widest shade match: 60 shades, natural matte, £39.50. Choose Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless for full coverage with a blurred soft-matte finish in 44 shades at £40, accepting menthol and no SPF. Re-match either: both changed formula recently.
Our method
This comparison is desk research. We lined up the two products’ published formulas, ingredient lists, sizes, directions and UK prices from official pages or named UK retailers on 25 September 2026. Neither product was tested in a laboratory or worn by our editors for this page.
There is no overall score. Two well-made products can suit different skin, budgets and routines, so the verdict is framed as “choose this if”. Brand claims are reported as brand claims, and no brand paid to be compared.
Questions
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