Medik8 Liquid Peptides

Medik8 Liquid Peptides
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does Medik8 Liquid Peptides work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Medik8 Liquid Peptides:

  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Lightweight moisturizer ideal for oily skin and a humectant boost for any skincare routine

According to CreamScan analysis, Medik8 Liquid Peptides is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%), Butylene Glycol (est. ≈4.0%) and Inulin (est. ≈3.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Medik8 Liquid Peptides has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Tetrapeptide-21, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that Medik8 Liquid Peptides is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Sodium Hyaluronate (est. ≈2.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Inulin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
Function:
Origin:
Carnosine
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Dunaliella Salina Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Function:
Origin:
Tetrapeptide-21
Function:
Origin:
Pentapeptide-18
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Function:
Origin:
Pantolactone
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Polyvinyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Phenylpropanol
Function:
Origin:
Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14
Function:
Origin:
Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
18.0
6
4
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 18.0 10
10.0
6
4
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 18.0 10
10
All humectants
18.0
6
4
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Tetrapeptide-21
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2
1
0.3
All antioxidants 3.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
2
Carnosine
1
Dunaliella Salina Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.5
All soothing 1.5 5 No
All soothing
1.5
1.5
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Butylene Glycol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Inulin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
InulinA naturally occurring polysaccharide that works as a humectant moisturizing ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Panthenol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Alpha-Glucan OligosaccharideA sugar-derived ingredient thought to provide protective benefits to the skin's microbiome which keeps skin feeling and looking healthy.
Carnosine
Est. %1
Function
Origin
CarnosineA skin-identical dipeptide that acts as a powerful antioxidant. It protects our skin from harmful glycation and can enhance the activity of other active ingredients in the skincare product.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxypropyl CyclodextrinA white crystalline powder that can reduce odors coming from other ingredients in a product.
Dunaliella Salina Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dunaliella Salina ExtractDerived from a species of bright red algae, this extract contains the potent antioxidant beta-carotene, as well as a humectant moisturizing glycerol.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

A small synthetic peptide that signals the skin to produce more collagen. It has been clinically tested and proven to reduce skin roughness and the appearance of wrinkles.

Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

A small synthetic peptide that is thought to act similarly to Botox by calming contractions of the facial muscles and reducing expression wrinkles. The effect is only temporary and it does not improve the skin structure in any way.

Tetrapeptide-21
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrapeptide-21

A synthetically made peptide (similar to skin proteins) designed to increase the synthesis of collagen, HA, and fibronectin. It has been clinically proven to improve skin quality and elasticity, as well as the appearance of wrinkles.

Pentapeptide-18
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentapeptide-18

Description is coming soon

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

A small peptide consisting of three amino acids with anti-wrinkle effects. Together with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, it is a part of the popular anti-wrinkle complex called Matrixyl™ 3000.

Pantolactone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PantolactoneA vitamin B5 derivative. Similar to panthenol, it has several benefits as an antioxidant and humectant. However, it is less reactive and therefore products can stay stable longer.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38

A small synthetic peptide that increases the production of collagen, fibronectin, and hyaluronic acid in the skin. It has also been shown to reduce wrinkles in combination with other anti-aging ingredients.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

A synthetic peptide that mimics the activity of immunoglobulin G and signals to the skin to stop the inflammation. It has been shown in studies to reduce wrinkles and enhance collagen content.

Glyceryl Caprylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl CaprylateA waxy solid derived from vegetable oils that has emollient and emulsifying properties. It is also known to boost the efficacy of organic acid preservatives by destabilizing the microbe's cell membrane.
Lactic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Polyvinyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyvinyl AlcoholA synthetic polymer that thickens water to form a gel and prevents other ingredients from separating.
Phenylpropanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenylpropanolPhenylpropanol is a naturally occurring component of many essential oils. It is a colourless, oily liquid with a sweet, floral, balsamic scent. It is used in skincare as a solvent for oil-soluble ingredients and as a fragrance component.
Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14
Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.