Medik8

Medik8 Hand & Nail Cream

Name: Medik8 - Hand & Nail Cream
Brand: Medik8

SPF 25Efficacy66/100IrritancyHigh·3 UV filters

See all ingredients

Works for

Sun protection

SPF 25 · 3 UV filters · Broad spectrum

Weak protectionSPF under 30

SPF 25Broad spectrumChemical filtersNo white cast

This product offers broad spectrum sun protection, but it is weak. We recommend to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

This product can be considered "reef safe" because it does not contain the UV filters (oxybenzone and octinoxate) that can be harmful to coral reefs when present in the water in high concentrations.

UV spectrum

UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm

Uvinul T

Tinosorb S

Uvinul A Plus

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

Uvinul TEthylhexyl TriazoneUVB Photo-stable Uvinul T. A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays. It is photostable. Can increase water resistance properties of the sunscreen. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA (US) yet~3.2–3.9%

Tinosorb SBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineUVBUVA Photo-stable Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Approved by the US FDA in 2026 (listed as bemotrizinol on US labels).~0.5–0.7%

Uvinul A PlusDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateUVA1 Photo-stable Uvinul A Plus. A new generation broad spectrum sunscreen that offers an effective protection especially in the UVA range. It is stable in formulations. Unfortunately, is not approved by the FDA (US) yet~3.5–4.3%

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Reef-safe

No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.

Moisturizing

Panthenol, Glycerin + 12 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Protect and nourish your hands with the Medik8 Hand & Nail Cream.”

Source: Lookfantastic

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. 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. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, hydroxyethyl urea.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, c12-15 alkyl benzoate.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.45–0.65%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4.7–5.7%

C12-15 alkyl benzoateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumEnhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth~1.5–1.8%

Hydroxyethyl ureaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA derivative of urea, a compound that is naturally present in skin. Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients~0.95–1.2%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.7–1%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.4–0.65%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~0.4–0.6%

Calcium pantothenateKey activeEffect: HighHelps support skin barrier function improving skin hydration and reducing sensitivity~0.25–0.45%

Moringa oleifera seed extractKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant effect~0.2–0.35%

Dibutyl adipate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency~4.2–5.1%

Behenyl alcohol· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowNon-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient~2–2.4%

Dicaprylyl carbonate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin~1.2–1.5%

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally 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~0.2–0.4%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.45–0.7%

Anti-aging

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Lactic acid

Not delivered

What the product description says

“Working to strengthen the nails and cuticles as it conditions the hands, this nurturing hand cream softens the appearance of wrinkles and leaves the skin smooth and plump.”

Source: Lookfantastic

This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.

The biggest anti-aging effect in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing early signs of skin aging. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).

Exfoliation

Not advertised by the brand · Hydroxyethyl urea, Lactic acid

Works well

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: hydroxyethyl urea.

Hydroxyethyl ureaKey activeEffect: HighA derivative of urea, a compound that is naturally present in skin. Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients~0.95–1.2%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

6 strong irritants: Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Pelargonium graveolens flower oil + 4 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 19 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilAn essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

Pelargonium graveolens flower oilAn essential oil. Can be irritating. Can become an allergen with oxidationHigh~0.25–0.5%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.2–0.35%est.

CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.15%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.15%est.

Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoateUvinul A Plus. A new generation broad spectrum sunscreen that offers an effective protection especially in the UVA range. It is stable in formulations. Unfortunately, is not approved by the FDA (US) yetMedium~3.5–4.3%est.

Ethylhexyl triazoneUvinul T. A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays. It is photostable. Can increase water resistance properties of the sunscreen. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA (US) yetMedium~3.2–3.9%est.

Potassium cetyl phosphateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.7–1.05%est.

Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.45–0.7%est.

Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazineTinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.Medium~0.5–0.7%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Dehydroacetic acidA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally 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 skinMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Moringa oleifera seed extractHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant effectMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.1%est.

Comedogenic

2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

2 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Myristyl lactate—3/5~1.6–2%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.7–1%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycerin~4.7–5.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 Glycerin

Dibutyl adipate~4.2–5.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency

More about Dibutyl adipate

Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~3.5–4.3%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

Uvinul A Plus. A new generation broad spectrum sunscreen that offers an effective protection especially in the UVA range. It is stable in formulations. Unfortunately, is not approved by the FDA (US) yet

More about Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate

Ethylhexyl triazone~3.2–3.9%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

Uvinul T. A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays. It is photostable. Can increase water resistance properties of the sunscreen. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA (US) yet

More about Ethylhexyl triazone

Behenyl alcohol~2–2.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient

More about Behenyl alcohol

Myristyl lactate~1.6–2%

Comedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

More about Myristyl lactate

C12-15 alkyl benzoate~1.5–1.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth

More about C12-15 alkyl benzoate

Dicaprylyl carbonate~1.2–1.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin

More about Dicaprylyl carbonate

Hydroxyethyl urea~0.95–1.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingExfoliation

A derivative of urea, a compound that is naturally present in skin. Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients

More about Hydroxyethyl urea

Potassium cetyl phosphate~0.7–1.05%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Potassium cetyl phosphate

Cetearyl alcohol~0.7–1%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Propanediol~0.55–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

Lactic acid~0.45–0.7%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid

Panthenol~0.45–0.65%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Sodium polyacrylate~0.5–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions

More about Sodium polyacrylate

Sodium hyaluronate~0.4–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture

More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer

Polyurethane-35~0.35–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Polyurethane-35

Dimethicone~0.4–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone

Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~0.5–0.7%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.

More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine

Sodium hydroxide~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Disodium edta~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Benzoic acid~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid

Silica~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil

Pelargonium graveolens flower oil~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

An essential oil. Can be irritating. Can become an allergen with oxidation

More about Pelargonium graveolens flower oil

Potassium sorbate~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Dehydroacetic acid~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Dehydroacetic acid

Calcium pantothenate~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces irritationMoisturizing

Helps support skin barrier function improving skin hydration and reducing sensitivity

More about Calcium pantothenate

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingReduces irritationReduces rednessAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishAnti-aging

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 juice

Limonene~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene

Citric acid~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Moringa oleifera seed extract~0.2–0.35%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant effect

More about Moringa oleifera seed extract

Citronellol~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol

Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Geraniol~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol

Linalool~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Dibutyl adipate, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Ethylhexyl triazone, Behenyl alcohol, Myristyl lactate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Hydroxyethyl urea, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Cetearyl alcohol, Propanediol, Lactic acid, Panthenol, Sodium polyacrylate, Sodium hyaluronate, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Polyurethane-35, Dimethicone, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Sodium hydroxide, Disodium edta, Benzoic acid, Silica, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Pelargonium graveolens flower oil, Potassium sorbate, Dehydroacetic acid, Calcium pantothenate, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Limonene, Citric acid, Moringa oleifera seed extract, Citronellol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium benzoate, Geraniol, Linalool, Ethylhexylglycerin

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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	Medik8Hand & Nail CreamYOUR PRODUCT	UltrasunHand Anti-Ageing and Anti-Pigmentation SPF 25	La Roche-PosayCicaplast Repairing Baume B5+ SPF50 For Irritated Skin	the Torriden StoreDive in Moisture Sun Cream Protection Solaire SPF50 PA++++
Match	—	47%	46%	44%
Price	—	$26.74	—	$26.00
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 11	6 of 11	7 of 11
Key difference	—	Niacinamide	Madecassoside	Niacinamide
Irritancy	High	High	Low	Medium
SPF	SPF 25	SPF 25	SPF 50	SPF 50
Drying alcohol	—	Contains drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

More alternatives: Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF50+ With Hydrosella™Hello Sunday The One For Your Hands - Hand Cream SPF 30

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Product summary

"Medik8 - Hand & Nail Cream" offers broad spectrum protection. It means that it protects from both UVA and UVB rays (you can remember UVB as "burning" sunlight - they cause sunburn. You can remember UVA rays as "aging" - they do not lead to sunburn, but they cause photodamage and contribute to early signs of skin aging and hyperpigmentation). On the negative side, the SPF of this moisturizer is not high enough. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.

It contains good moisturizing ingredients and can double as a hydrating day cream.

Sunscreen filters

This is a so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. These are the sun protection ingredients in this sunscreen: tinosorb s 0.50% - 0.70%, uvinul a plus 3.50% - 4.30% and uvinul t 3.20% - 3.90%.

Irritation risk

There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.