Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF50 on a warm cream background

Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF 50+

SPF

Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF 50+

A moisturising SPF 50+ with a creamy, dewy finish that can replace a separate morning moisturiser.

Best suited to: You want high daily protection and prefer a richer, hydrating sunscreen finish.
Another option may be better if: Your skin is very oily or you prefer an ultralight, matte sunscreen.

£59.00

Guidance continues after purchase

Doctor-led product guidance

Why this product — and when another may suit you better.

Advanced Day Ultimate Protect is Medik8’s solution to a combination moisturiser and very high factor UV protection. This is a smooth, creamy, medium-weight formulation that is richly hydrating, highly protective and suitable for all skin tones. As well as protecting against UV, Medik8’s filters also protect against other collagen damaging solar radiation including blue light and infrared. The finish is dewy and glowy without being sticky or greasy.

Why it made The Curatory

The big challenge with UV protection is making it nice to wear. Medik8 has overcome that barrier and made this an absolute pleasure to wear in the morning.

As well as cutting out a whole step in your morning routine (moisturising separately is redundant), it also looks and feels nice on the skin. As a medium-weight product it is hydrating but not sticky and dewey without looking greasy.

Built into the formulation is additional protection with plant-derived antioxidants and photolyase.

It may suit you if…

A stronger fit if you want high daily protection and prefer a richer, hydrating sunscreen finish.

Another option may be better if…

Another option may be more appropriate if your skin is very oily or you prefer an ultralight, matte sunscreen.

What to expect

Expect a hydrated, dewy finish and high everyday UV protection when enough product is applied. Reapplication still matters during prolonged exposure.

Product overview

As well as protecting against UV, Medik8’s filters also protect against other collagen damaging solar radiation including blue light and infrared.

The finish is dewy and glowy without being sticky or greasy.

Routine placement Where this fits MorningSpf

A broad guide to where this sits, without assuming how many steps your routine has.

Morning

Cleanse Explore this step

FoundationalAntioxidant Explore this step

OptionalTargeted Explore this step

This product SPF

How to introduce it

You’ll want to pump out two finger lengths of product onto your hand to apply to your face (all the way into your hairline), neck, ears and eye lids and massage gently.

It’s normal for it to look a bit shiny for a couple of minutes but it’ll settle shortly with no white cast.

Even if you have quite dry skin, this will suffice as your moisturiser so no need to apply any other moisturisers with this.

As with all SPF, the advice is to reapply every two hours - I know that this sounds overwhelming but do try to apply as often as possible particularly if you are outdoors, have been sweating, have been in water or have towelled your face

Guidance continues after purchase. We can help you introduce, simplify or adjust this product.

Inside the formula

The ingredients that make this special

A closer look at the ingredients doing the most meaningful work in this formula—and what the evidence can reasonably tell us.

Photolyase

An enzyme that helps support the skin after sun exposure.

Read the clinical context

Photolyase is an enzyme that helps repair certain types of DNA damage caused by UV light. Because our skin does not naturally use this repair pathway, photolyase is added to skincare in stabilised formulas and activated by light. Some small clinical studies suggest that when used alongside sunscreen, products containing photolyase may help reduce visible signs of sun damage over time. However, most of the research is manufacturer-led, and it should always be used in addition to, not instead of, a broad-spectrum SPF. It is typically included in advanced sun protection formulas designed to support long-term skin health.

Vaccinium Myrtillus (Blueberry) Seed Oil

An antioxidant-rich plant oil that helps support the skin barrier and protect against environmental stress.

Read the clinical context

Vaccinium Myrtillus (Blueberry) Seed Oil is rich in essential fatty acids and naturally occurring antioxidants, including vitamin E and polyphenols. Oils with this fatty acid profile are well recognised for helping reduce moisture loss and support the skin barrier. Its antioxidant activity is well demonstrated in laboratory studies, although strong clinical evidence for specific anti-ageing or pigmentation benefits in finished skincare products is more limited. It is generally included to help nourish the skin and support overall resilience, particularly in dry or environmentally stressed skin.

Hyaluronic Acid

A potent hydrating ingredient that draws water towards it.

Read the clinical context

Hyaluronic Acid is a moisturising ingredient that helps boost hydration in the skin when combined with other moisturising agents. It falls into the category of humectant moisturisers that draw water into the upper layers of the skin. Works best when combined with emollient and occlusive moisturisers.

View the complete ingredients list

Aqua (Water), Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Dibutyl Adipate, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diisopropyl Adipate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Isododecane, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Blueberry) Seed Oil, Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Silica, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Squalane, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Arginine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Carnosine, Disodium EDTA, Coco-Glucoside, Citric Acid, Benzoic Acid, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Plankton Extract, Dehydroacetic Acid, Parfum, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Limonene, Linalool, Citral.

The thinking behind the formula

More about Medik8

Medik8 develops and manufactures virtually all of its products at its ISO-certified innovation centre near London. Its in-house scientists focus on formulation, stability and ingredient delivery rather than following a trend simply because it is popular.

Crystal Retinal is a good example. Retinal is an effective but fragile molecule, so Medik8 uses encapsulation, a patented stabilising complex and protective packaging, alongside a ladder of strengths designed for measured progression.