Works for
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Glycerin + 7 moreWorks well
“A nourishing blend of aloe vera and allantoin soothes the feeling of skin with intense hydration, as well as supporting the skin’s natural moisture barrier.”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": allantoin, glycerin.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Evens skin toneNiacinamideWorks well
“Niacinamide leaves behind a brighter-looking finish with an even-toned appearance.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
Anti-agingSide benefit · Niacinamide, Beta-glucan + 1 moreWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Anti-blemishSide benefit the brand mentions · Niacinamide, Inulin + 3 moreWorks well
“minimise the look of enlarged and congested pores”
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Hamamelis virginiana leaf extractMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Niacinamide~5.2–7.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideGlycerin~3.3–4.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinInulin~2.6–3.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed to support the growth of "good" bacteria in skin (as a "prebiotic"), but the research is lacking
More about InulinAlpha-glucan oligosaccharide~2.2–3.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Alpha-glucan oligosaccharideAllantoin~1.5–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinButylene glycol~1.3–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolAloe barbadensis leaf juice~1.1–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juicePhenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolAnthemis nobilis flower water~0.5–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Rosmarinus officinalis water~0.4–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating
More about Hamamelis virginiana leaf extractPotassium sorbate~0.15–0.55%
Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.4%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.3%
1,2-hexanediol~0.05–0.15%
Beta-glucan~0.01–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Beta-glucanCaprylyl glycol~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolIngredient list view
Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Inulin, Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, Allantoin, Butylene glycol, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Phenoxyethanol, Anthemis nobilis flower water, Rosmarinus officinalis water, Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, Beta-glucan, Caprylyl glycol
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| Medik8Daily Refresh Balancing TonerYOUR PRODUCT | Skincare by Dr VSuper Hydrating Toner | SKIN&LABEctoin Milky Cream Toner | Make BeautyMicro Ferment Rice Essence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 93% | 91% | 89% |
| Price | — | $28.00 | $21.06 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 6 | 3 of 6 | 3 of 6 |
| Key difference | — | Lactic Acid | Adenosine | Panthenol |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Refresh Toner with NiacinamideGood Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner
Product summary
"Medik8 - Daily Refresh Balancing Toner" is effective for: Anti-inflammatory, Moisturizing, Anti-blemish, Evens skin tone and Anti-aging
Ingredient callouts
- A good concentration of Niacinamide (5.20% - 7.80%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- In addition, this product contains Allantoin (1.50% - 2.20%). Allantoin is helpful in wound-healing and can help restore the skin barrier faster. It might also be able to improve scars, but the evidence is not very strong for this.
- Humectants (glycerin 3.30% - 4.90% and allantoin 1.50% - 2.20%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Medik8" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails from 32.00A$ up to 39.00A$ in Australia and from 12.80£ up to 25.00£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.
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