Medik8 Clarity Peptides Review: 10% Niacinamide Peptide Serum
The Verdict
A well-rounded niacinamide serum that pairs a meaningful 10% concentration with peptide, zinc and hyaluronic acid support — a sensible daily step for blemish-prone, dull or redness-prone skin that wants to sit comfortably alongside vitamin C and vitamin A rather than compete with them. It isn't a targeted spot treatment or an exfoliant, so pair it with the right complementary step if congestion is the main concern — and as always, get in touch with our team first if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
Medik8 Clarity Peptides | Peptide Serum | 30ml
£45.00
Medik8 Clarity Peptides is a 10% niacinamide serum built around Crystalide Peptide (Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-10), Zinc PCA and Hyaluronic Acid. It's formulated for all skin types, including sensitive and blemish-prone skin, to help calm the look of redness, balance the appearance of oiliness and help improve the appearance of dullness and uneven tone — in a fragrance-free, alcohol-free, vegan formula.
Quick facts
| Detail | What it is |
|---|---|
| Product type | Niacinamide and peptide serum |
| Format | 30ml pump bottle |
| Key active | Niacinamide, 10% |
| Also contains | Crystalide Peptide (Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-10), Zinc PCA, Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate), N-Acetyl Glucosamine, Carnosine, Vitamin E |
| Texture | Lightweight, milky, emulsion-based |
| Suits | All skin types, including sensitive and blemish-prone skin |
| Free from | Fragrance, alcohol, parabens, synthetic colours; vegan formula |
| When to use | Morning and evening, after cleansing |
| Price band | Mid-range — see the product page for current pricing and pack options |
What's actually in the formula
The headline active is niacinamide at 10%, a well-established form of vitamin B3 used here to help calm the look of blemish-related redness, support skin's own barrier function, and help regulate the appearance of excess shine. It's one of the more forgiving actives in skincare, which is why Medik8 positions it for all skin types rather than a narrower blemish-only audience.
Alongside it sits a peptide Medik8 calls Crystalide — INCI name Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-10 — included to support the look of surface uniformity and light reflectance, which is where the "glass skin" positioning comes from. Zinc PCA is a common pairing with niacinamide in blemish-focused formulas, included for its role in helping regulate the appearance of oiliness.
The rest of the formula keeps skin comfortable while those actives work: Hyaluronic Acid (as Sodium Hyaluronate) draws and holds moisture at the surface, N-Acetyl Glucosamine helps improve the appearance of uneven tone, and Vitamin E rounds it out as an antioxidant and conditioning ingredient.
Who it's formulated for
- All skin types, including sensitive skin and skin that reacts easily to stronger actives
- Blemish-prone or congested complexions wanting a daily step alongside — not instead of — a targeted treatment
- Skin showing visible redness, blotchiness, or an uneven, dull-looking tone
- Anyone already using vitamin C and vitamin A products who wants a niacinamide step that layers in cleanly
It isn't a direct exfoliant or a spot treatment for active breakouts — it's a calming, barrier-supporting daily step rather than a BHA or targeted blemish gel. If your skin is currently compromised or you're unsure whether niacinamide is the right starting point, get in touch and our team will talk it through.
How to use it in a routine
Apply morning and evening after cleansing, massaging across face, neck and décolletage, and leave it to absorb before anything heavier. Because Clarity Peptides is an emulsion rather than a pure water-based serum, sequencing matters: thinner water-based serums first — Medik8's own Liquid Peptides is a natural pairing — then Clarity Peptides, then any oil-based step such as a vitamin C serum, before moisturiser and, in the morning, sunscreen. Medik8 positions it as a cornerstone within its wider CSA philosophy, designed to sit alongside vitamin C and vitamin A rather than compete with them. A patch test before first use is worth doing, as with any new active.
Clarity Peptides vs Press & Clear
Both sit in Medik8's blemish-focused range but do different jobs. Clarity Peptides is a leave-on niacinamide and peptide serum for calming the look of redness day to day. Press & Clear is a salicylic acid (BHA) toner, formulated to exfoliate and help clear visible congestion. Used together — Press & Clear at toner stage, Clarity Peptides as the following serum step — they're designed to complement rather than duplicate each other.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Clarity Peptides with vitamin C?
Yes — it's formulated to sit within Medik8's CSA philosophy alongside vitamin C serums. As a general layering rule, apply an oil-based vitamin C serum first, then Clarity Peptides, since it's an emulsion rather than a pure water-based formula. Introduce new actives one at a time and watch how your skin responds.
Will 10% niacinamide help with blemishes?
Niacinamide at this concentration is included to help calm the look of blemish-related redness and support a more balanced-looking complexion over consistent daily use, working alongside Zinc PCA. It isn't a substitute for a targeted exfoliating or spot treatment step if active congestion is the main concern — a BHA toner such as Press & Clear is the better fit alongside it.
Can I use Medik8 Clarity Peptides if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, please contact our team for advice before use.
The Skintique Academy view
Clarity Peptides is a considered, easy-to-live-with niacinamide serum — the 10% concentration is a genuine, meaningful dose, and the peptide, zinc and hyaluronic acid supporting cast gives it a fair claim to suiting blemish-prone, redness-prone and dull-looking skin alike. It's best understood as a daily maintenance step within a wider routine rather than a stand-alone fix for active congestion. As always, if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or unsure how it fits your routine, our team is here to help — just get in touch.