Head to head
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs Medik8 Liquid Peptides
Same comparison whichever way you searched it: Medik8 Liquid Peptides vs CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum does more across the board (it leads on barrier repair, brightening / tone, oil-control & blemishes), while Medik8 Liquid Peptides is the simpler, more pared-back pick.
Reach for CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum if you want the actives; Medik8 Liquid Peptides if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.
Medik8 Liquid Peptides keeps clear of pregnancy-flagged actives, while CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum carries one that is best paused in pregnancy.
Which should you pick?
Pick Resurfacing Retinol Serum if
- you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness
- dark spots, dullness or an uneven tone are your focus
- you want the more affordable option
Pick Liquid Peptides if
- plump, lasting hydration is what you want
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
What each delivers
Side by side
| Resurfacing Retinol Serum | Liquid Peptides | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Serum | Serum |
| Key actives | Niacinamide, Ceramide 3, Retinol | Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid, Pro-vitamin B5 |
| Texture | A light, fast-absorbing texture that layers cleanly under the rest of your routine, with no greasy film. | A light, fast-absorbing texture that layers cleanly under the rest of your routine, with no greasy film. |
| Fragrance | None detected | None detected |
| Fungal-acne safe | Not likely | Not likely |
| Pregnancy | One caution | No flagged actives |
| Ingredients | 33 listed | 35 listed |
| Price | ~€16 | ~€52 |
What's in one but not the other
Only in Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Both share
Only in Liquid Peptides
The molecule doing the work
Better for…
- Dark spots & uneven toneResurfacing Retinol Serum
- Fine lines & firmnessResurfacing Retinol Serum
- Breakouts & congestionResurfacing Retinol Serum
- Dryness & dehydrationLiquid Peptides
- Sensitive, reactive skinLiquid Peptides
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the cheaper of the two (~€16 vs ~€52).
Ready to pick one?
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Common questions
Is CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum or Medik8 Liquid Peptides better for dark spots & uneven tone?
For dark spots & uneven tone, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum does more across the board (it leads on barrier repair, brightening / tone, oil-control & blemishes), while Medik8 Liquid Peptides is the simpler, more pared-back pick. Reach for CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum if you want the actives; Medik8 Liquid Peptides if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently. Medik8 Liquid Peptides keeps clear of pregnancy-flagged actives, while CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum carries one that is best paused in pregnancy.
Which is cheaper, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum or Medik8 Liquid Peptides?
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the cheaper of the two (~€16 vs ~€52).
Can I use CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum and Medik8 Liquid Peptides together?
They are both serums, so you would normally pick one rather than layer both in the same step. You can keep both and alternate them (morning and night, or on different days) if you like variety, but you do not need two.
Compare it with…
All 26 comparisons
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 10
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs Celimax The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
- Liquid Peptides vs The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Liquid Peptides vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)
- Liquid Peptides vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
- Liquid Peptides vs The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- Liquid Peptides vs La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum
- Liquid Peptides vs Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum
- Liquid Peptides vs The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
- Liquid Peptides vs The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
- Liquid Peptides vs Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6
- Liquid Peptides vs Celimax The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster