Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides: A Skin Brightening MVP

If you’ve scoured the interwebs for brightening skincare products, you know there’s no shortage of options. You’ve probably seen products containing vitamin C and niacinamide (or viamin B3), both antioxidants that have long been praised for their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to tackle hyperpigmentation. But what do you know about oxyresveratrol? TBH, I didn’t know squat until I started using the Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides Serum.

This new serum from Medik8 aims to reduce the appearance of dark spots and promote a brighter, more even skin tone, using oxyresveratrol, two types of peptides and other proven skincare ingredients. Read on for everything you need to know before introducing it to your daily skincare routine, plus my first-hand experience after using it for just a week.

What is oxyresveratrol?

The headliner of this particular show, oxyresveratrol¹ (or Oxy-R), is a substance that occurs naturally in peanuts, grapes and some tree barks. Medik8’s Oxy-R comes from the bark of the artocarpus lakoocha tree, which belongs to the mulberry family (and sounds a bit like a spell Harry Potter would cast). Fun fact: oxyresveratrol is a stilbene, a type of compound. The term ‘stilbene’ is derived from the Greek word ‘stilbos’, which means ‘shining’.

What exactly does it do? Research suggests Oxy-R is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and brightening properties. It works by blocking tyrosinase, a natural enzyme that produces melanin and other pigments in the skin. “Oxy-R has been used for centuries for natural skin rejuvenation,” explains Daniel Isaacs, Chief Product Officer and Founder of Medik8. “It works to effortlessly transform the appearance of uneven skin tone by helping prevent the formation of dark spots caused by UV exposure, free radicals and skin damage (e.g. pimples).”

It’s worth noting that Oxy-R is actually quite volatile in skin care products, especially at higher potencies, as is the case with this one percent formula. “Oxyresveratrol is a very unstable ingredient, especially when used at high strengths. It is sensitive to things like light, heat and air. Therefore, it must be carefully stabilized to release its full, powerful potential,” explains Isaacs. The solution? Medik8 divides the product into two separate, click-activated bottles. Once you finish one bottle, simply click on the top of the second bottle to activate the Oxy-R and move the dropper. “Formula stabilizers keep the Oxy-R fresh for six weeks and ensure it remains potent until you finish each bottle,” says Isaacs.

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Other ingredients in Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides Serum

Peptides

As a board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, previously told W+G: “Peptides are messengers that stimulate the activity of your skin cells and have different functions depending on the specific peptide. Most have skin-brightening effects.” These little amino acids stimulate collagen growth, which makes skin look and feel younger (yes, please).

The Oxy-R Peptides formula contains two types of peptides. The first is tetrapeptide-30, which Isaacs says helps minimize tyrosinase production. It also contains acetylglycyl beta-alanine, a tongue-twister of a peptide that prevents melanin from reaching the skin cell and becoming visible on the skin’s surface. “Oxy-R Peptides has a triple threat of discoloration,” says Isaacs.

Lactic acid

This gentle chemical exfoliant is a form of alpha hydroxy acid (or AHA) and helps by stimulating cell turnover. As a result, lactic acid helps soften and smooth the skin, improve texture and reduce dark spots.

Hyaluronic acid

If you’re not already using a product with hyaluronic acid, this is a bandwagon we highly recommend jumping on. This powerful molecule absorbs and retains more than 1,000 times its weight in water. And while hydrating isn’t necessarily the main purpose of this serum, it’s a great bonus.

Glycerin

Like hyaluronic acid, glycerin is another humectant that helps draw moisture into the skin. Again, this isn’t a replacement for your daily moisturizer, but glycerin is a little helper you’ll be happy with.

What’s not included?

Medik8 puts some serious love into their products, so it should come as no surprise that this vegan formula is free from artificial fragrances and dyes, as well as phthalates, parabens and alcohols. It is also worth noting that the brand is making significant efforts in terms of sustainability. You can learn more about their carbon emissions and waste reduction efforts by reading their 2023 Sustainability Report.

Do Oxy-R Peptides Work?

I only started using this serum last week, so I expect it will take a while before you see significant results. Still – and it may be a placebo effect – I feel like my skin already looks brighter, even after a week of use.

It turns out I’m not alone in my optimism. Medik8 conducted a small, independent clinical study on 35 participants, each with their own unique dark spot problems. After eight weeks, participants reported a more even skin tone. The brand also conducted a slightly larger independent consumer survey (this time with 50 participants). These people supported my theory of brightening after seven days and said they saw dark spots fade in just one month.

Who is Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides intended for?

Medik8 says this serum is safe to use for all skin types looking to brighten their complexion. According to Isaacs, Oxy-R Peptides is suitable for:

• Anyone with sensitive skin
• Those who want to target the appearance of stubborn dark spots, uneven skin tone and post-imperfection spots
• Deeper Fitzpatrick skin types² (FP5-6), including brown and black skin, where visible dark spots are more common
• Strengthening an existing vitamin C and A regimen for brightening results

And I can testify: I have combination skin and I sometimes experience breakouts when I introduce new products into my routine. I haven’t experienced any adverse effects – and I’ve used it both morning and night after washing my face and before applying my moisturizer and SPF.

Of course everyone’s skin is different. Especially if you have a specific skin condition, it never hurts to talk to your dermatologist before starting a new skin care product.