Clinique Acne Solutions™ Cleansing Gel vs Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse™

Clinique

Medik8

A face cleanser built around Hyaluronic acid, for hydration and pollution defence.

A face cleanser built around AHA and Mandelic acid, for smoothing and exfoliation.

Face cleanser

20 ingredients

25 ingredients

Brand price

USD 29.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

GBP 25.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

At a Glance

They come out differently on Fragrance-free, EU-allergen-free, Sulfate-free and Cruelty-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Hyaluronic acid1
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate

AHA3
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid
BHA1
Beta hydroxy acid — oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore.
Salicylic Acid
Lactic acid1
An AHA that also acts as a humectant.
Lactic Acid
Mandelic acid1
A large-molecule AHA — slower, and gentler.
Mandelic Acid

Hydrating5
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Acetyl Glucosamine, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sucrose
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Glycerin, Laminaria Saccharina Extract
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Sucrose
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Sucrose

Hydrating2
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Glycerin, Lactic Acid
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Glycerin
Smoothing5
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Salicylic Acid
Brightening1
Restores radiance to dull, tired skin.
Lactic Acid

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis4
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Acetyl Glucosamine, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris1
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
May Worsen Eczema1
May worsen itching or irritation for eczema-prone skin.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
May Worsen Dryness1
Can strip moisture and worsen dryness.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Show highlights for:

Aqua (in both products)
Solvent
0 / —
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- Sulfate surfactants (SLS/SLES)
- May Worsen Dryness
- May Worsen Eczema
- May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Sodium Chloride
Fragrance
0-1 / —
Lauramidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1 / 0
- Hydrating
Sucrose
Humectant
0-1 / —
Gentiana Lutea Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin Protecting
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
- Under-Eye Care

Aqua (in both products)
Solvent
0 / —
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
Cleansing
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Cleansing
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
0 / —
- AHA
- Mandelic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Dark Spots
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
Salicylic Acid
Preservative
- BHA
- Salicylic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Exfoliating
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Skin Conditioning
- EU labelled fragrance allergen
- Fragrance
- Fragrant essential oil (sensitizer)
- Phototoxic citrus oil (furocoumarin)
- May Worsen Eczema
- May Worsen Irritation
- May Worsen Rosacea
Citric Acid
Buffering
0 / —
- AHA
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Aqua
Solvent
Water
Learn more about Aqua →
Glycerin
Denaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Oral Care, Perfuming, Humectant, Skin Protecting, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Glycerin may be plant, synthetic or animal depending on the supplier.
Learn more about Glycerin →
Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering, Denaturant
Sodium hydroxide
Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide →
Disodium EDTA
Chelating, Viscosity Controlling
Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate
Learn more about Disodium EDTA →
Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →