Medik8 Balance Moisturiser & Glycolic Acid Activator - 50ml

• Hydrates
• Balances the microbiome
• Exfoliates
• Vegan
• Cruelty-free
• Reduces blemishes.

Does your skin shine by midday, do pores look enlarged and blemishes keep appearing? Then this duo from the Medik8 Acne range is a logical choice. The Balance Moisturiser is a lightweight, mattifying moisturiser that keeps skin balanced day after day and supports a healthy skin microbiome. The Glycolic Acid Activator, also known as the AHA Surface Perfector, gently exfoliates the skin's surface 2-3 times per week. Together they reveal a visibly smooth, healthy-looking complexion.

How it works

Glycolic acid in the Activator loosens dead cells on the skin's surface, refining texture and improving absorption of the moisturiser that follows. The Balance Moisturiser contains niacinamide and alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, which supports the skin microbiome, plus saccharide isomerate and glycerin for hydration. Nylon-12 contributes to the long-lasting matte finish, so skin stays hydrated without feeling heavy or greasy.

Texture and where it fits in your routine

The Activator is a water-light fluid; the moisturiser is a light cream with a matte finish, ideal as a makeup base. Use the Activator in the evening on cleansed skin, for example after Clarifying Foam, then follow with Crystal Retinal once your skin is used to vitamin A. Finish morning and evening with the Balance Moisturiser. During the day pair it with a vitamin C serum such as C-Tetra and always with SPF, as AHAs make skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Frequently asked questions

Where does this duo fit in the CSA routine?

Apply the Balance Moisturiser in the morning after vitamin C and before your SPF, and in the evening as the final step after vitamin A. Use the Glycolic Acid Activator in the evening only, straight after cleansing.

Can I combine it with Crystal Retinal?

Yes. Apply the Activator to cleansed skin, let it absorb and follow with Crystal Retinal, then the Balance Moisturiser. Start with a lower retinal strength and build gradually; use the Activator once or twice a week at first.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

The duo is developed for oily and blemish-prone skin and suits all skin types. If your skin reacts easily, build up the frequency of the glycolic acid slowly while using the moisturiser daily.

The Balance Moisturiser delivers lightweight hydration and keeps skin looking matte for hours. Niacinamide and alpha-glucan oligosaccharide support a healthy skin microbiome and help rebalance the skin, while saccharide isomerate and glycerin hold on to moisture. Nylon-12 creates the matte finish, ideal under makeup. The Glycolic Acid Activator contains glycolic acid that gently exfoliates the skin's surface: dead cells release more easily, texture is refined and the moisturiser absorbs better. Together the two products work towards a smoother, more balanced complexion.

Use the Glycolic Acid Activator 2-3 times per week in the evening on cleansed skin; start once a week and build up gradually. Allow it to absorb, then apply Crystal Retinal if you use it. Finish with the Balance Moisturiser as your last step. Also apply the moisturiser in the morning, after vitamin C and before SPF. Always wear sun protection during the day.

Immediately skin looks matte and comfortable, without shiny zones, giving a smooth base for makeup. With regular use of the glycolic acid, skin feels softer, texture appears refined and pores look less noticeable. Overall the complexion looks balanced, hydrated and healthy.

• Niacinamide/Vitamin B3 – Strengthens the skin barrier, reduces redness and irritation, and has a mild exfoliating effect
• Glycolic acid – An AHA that removes dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth and soft
• Prebiotics – Stimulates the growth of beneficial skin bacteria and fights harmful bacteria for a balanced microbiome and strong skin barrier
• Probiotics – Affects skin pH to promote the growth of good bacteria, helping fight bacteria that cause blemishes.

Balance Moisturiser: Aqua (Water), Saccharide Isomerate, Polyacrylamide, Glycerin, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Cocoglycerides, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Nylon-12, Capryloyl Glycine, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Ethyl Linoleate, Lauric Acid, Laureth-7, Sarcosine, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propylene Glycol, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Lactobacillus Extract Filtrate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Beta-Glucan, Caprylyl Glycol, Limonene, Linalool, Citral. Glycolic Acid Activator: Aqua (Water), Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Disodium EDTA.

The manufacturer is responsible for the composition of the product. As the composition may change, we recommend always checking the ingredients on the packaging.