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Medik8 Ultimate Recovery Intense is designed specifically for compromised and post-treatment skin, this ultra-rich cream works to provide all-day moisture and comfort. Perfect for those with very dry skin and for use after aesthetic procedures such as chemical peels, skin needling, lasers and microdermabrasion. Its intelligent formulation creates a protective barrier on the skin’s surface to keep hydration locked in tight while shielding against everyday irritants so that skin can repair and regenerate quickly. The gentle formula leaves skin looking nourished and healthy-looking.
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Directions
How To Use Medik8 Ultimate Recovery
After cleansing in the morning and evening, apply a small amount of Ultimate Recovery Intense where necessary. Leave to absorb before applying sunscreen. Use more often if required.
The water base that carries and dissolves the other ingredients in most products.
May suit
All hair and skin types.
Worth knowing
Almost always the first ingredient listed in water-based products.
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateConditioning agents
Lightweight emollient and conditioner
Provides light conditioning and a smooth, non-greasy feel to hair products.
May suit
Those wanting softness and slip without heavy buildup, including fine or easily weighed-down hair types.
Worth knowing
It is a versatile ester used to enhance spreadability and reduce greasiness in formulations. It can also help improve the feel of other conditioning agents and oils.
Jojoba Seed OilOils and butters
Emollient oil
A lightweight plant oil that helps condition and soften the hair.
May suit
Those seeking smoother, more manageable hair or added moisture without heaviness.
Worth knowing
Jojoba oil is structurally similar to natural scalp oils, which makes it versatile in many haircare formulas. It is commonly used to enhance softness and shine.
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideOils and butters
Lightweight emollient
A lightweight emollient that helps soften and smooth the hair without heaviness.
May suit
Those wanting conditioning benefits that do not weigh hair down, including fine or easily-greasy hair types.
Worth knowing
It is commonly derived from coconut oil and glycerin and is valued for its silky, non-greasy feel. It is widely used in both skincare and haircare for its gentle, versatile performance.
GlycerinHumectants
Humectant
Attracts and holds water to help hair feel hydrated and soft.
May suit
Dry or dehydrated hair, and many curl and moisture routines.
Worth knowing
A very common, well-tolerated humectant used across countless products.
Microcrystalline WaxThickeners and stabilisers
Structuring and thickening agent
Microcrystalline Wax helps thicken and structure haircare products, giving them a firm yet flexible texture.
May suit
Those using styling products such as pomades, waxes or balms that rely on a stable, mouldable consistency.
Worth knowing
It is commonly used in styling formulas because it offers a smooth, pliable hold without feeling brittle. Its melting behaviour also helps products maintain stability in varying temperatures.
SqualaneOils and butters
Lightweight emollient
Squalane is a lightweight emollient that helps smooth and soften the hair.
May suit
Those seeking added softness, shine and frizz control without a heavy or greasy feel.
Worth knowing
It is often derived from plant sources such as sugarcane and is valued for its stability and non-greasy texture. It is suitable for most hair types, including fine hair, due to its lightness.
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeSilicones
Silicone conditioning agent
A silicone-based conditioning and emulsifying ingredient that smooths hair, improves slip and manageability, and helps disperse oils in formulas.
May suit
People seeking improved detangling, reduced frizz and enhanced shine; formulators needing a water-dispersible silicone for leave‑on or rinse‑off products.
Worth knowing
This is a modified dimethicone with PEG/PPG side chains that makes it more water-dispersible than straight silicones, so it can rinse more easily and mix into a wider range of formulations. Like many conditioning silicones, repeated heavy use without periodic cleansing may lead to mild build-up on very fine hair.
Good to know
Chemically it is a dimethicone backbone functionalised with cetyl and PEG/PPG polyether groups, which provide emulsifying, dispersing and wetting properties in addition to typical silicone benefits (slip, film formation, anti-static). It is commonly used at low levels in conditioners, leave‑in treatments, serums and styling products to improve combability, reduce friction and impart smoothness and shine.
Jojoba EstersConditioning agents
Emollient conditioner
Jojoba Esters help soften and smooth the hair by providing lightweight conditioning and a silky feel.
May suit
Those seeking lightweight conditioning that does not weigh down fine to medium hair.
Worth knowing
They are derived from jojoba oil but are more stable and have a less oily finish. Commonly used to add slip and reduce frizz in haircare formulas.
Crambe Abyssinica Seed OilOils and butters
Nourishing plant oil
A lightweight plant oil that helps smooth, condition and add shine to the hair.
May suit
Those looking for softening, frizz‑taming or shine‑enhancing benefits without a heavy or greasy feel.
Worth knowing
It is rich in long‑chain fatty acids, which can support softness and manageability in haircare formulas.
PetrolatumOils and butters
Occlusive moisturiser
Petrolatum forms a protective barrier that helps lock in moisture and smooth the hair and scalp.
May suit
Those with very dry, fragile or textured hair that benefits from strong moisture retention.
Worth knowing
It is highly refined for cosmetic use and is valued for its ability to reduce moisture loss. Because it is heavy, it is usually used in small amounts or in targeted treatments.
Propylene GlycolHumectants
Humectant
Helps hold moisture and carry other ingredients through the formula.
May suit
Most hair types as part of a moisturising formula.
Worth knowing
A widely used humectant and carrier ingredient.
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed OilOils and butters
Nourishing plant oil
A rich plant oil used to condition and soften the hair and scalp.
May suit
Those seeking extra nourishment, softness or scalp comfort.
Worth knowing
It is naturally high in ricinoleic acid, which gives it a thick texture and strong conditioning feel. It is often blended with lighter oils for easier spreading and a less heavy finish.
Hydrogenated Vegetable OilOils and butters
Emollient oil
Provides softness and smoothness by coating and conditioning the hair.
May suit
Those wanting added moisture, smoothness or frizz control.
Worth knowing
It is created by hydrogenating plant-derived oils to give them a more stable, solid texture. This stability makes it useful in balms, creams and rich conditioning formulas.
Saccharide IsomerateHumectants
Hydrating humectant
A plant-derived humectant that helps attract and hold moisture in the hair and scalp.
May suit
Those seeking longer-lasting hydration or improved hair softness and manageability.
Worth knowing
It binds to the hair and scalp surface, helping maintain moisture levels even after rinsing. Commonly used in leave-in and rinse-off hydrating formulas.
Zinc OxideUV filters
UV filter and protectant
Zinc Oxide helps protect hair and scalp from UV exposure and can also provide opacity in formulations.
May suit
Those looking for added UV protection in outdoor or colour-care hair products.
Worth knowing
It is a mineral UV filter that sits on the surface to reflect and scatter UV rays. In haircare it is used at lower levels than in sunscreens and may also contribute to a product’s creamy appearance.
DimethiconeSilicones
Slip and shine agent
Smooths the hair surface, adds slip and shine and helps reduce frizz.
May suit
Frizz-prone, coarse or dry hair wanting a smooth, glossy finish.
Worth knowing
Some people prefer silicone-free formulas, especially for certain curl routines. It is widely used and helpful in many smoothing products.
PEG-12 DimethiconeSilicones
Silicone-based conditioning agent
A water-dispersible silicone that helps soften hair, add slip and reduce frizz.
May suit
People looking for smoother, easier-to-detangle hair without a heavy silicone feel.
Worth knowing
Because it is water-dispersible, it tends to rinse out more easily than many traditional silicones. It is commonly used in both rinse-off and leave-in formulas for added manageability.
Tocopheryl AcetateConditioning agents
Antioxidant and conditioning support
A stable form of vitamin E used to help condition hair and support product stability.
May suit
Those looking for added conditioning support or antioxidant benefits in their haircare.
Worth knowing
It is commonly used because it is more stable than pure vitamin E while still offering similar benefits. It appears in many leave-in and rinse-off formulations.
Butylene GlycolHumectants
Humectant and solvent
Butylene Glycol helps attract and hold moisture while improving the spreadability of hair products.
May suit
Those looking for hydrated, smoother-feeling hair or lighter-feeling formulations.
Worth knowing
It is commonly used to help ingredients dissolve and to give formulas a soft, glide-on texture. It appears in many leave-in and rinse-off products due to its versatility.
Hydrolyzed Vegetable ProteinProteins and amino acids
Strengthening protein
Helps reinforce the hair by depositing small protein fragments that can support softness and resilience.
May suit
People looking to improve the feel of weakened, damaged or chemically treated hair.
Worth knowing
Vegetable-derived proteins are commonly used because they are lightweight and can help reduce the appearance of breakage. They can be included in both rinse-off and leave-in formulas.
Arnica Montana Flower ExtractBotanical extracts
Botanical extract
A plant-derived extract used to help soothe and condition the scalp and hair.
May suit
Those looking for calming or conditioning botanicals in their scalp or haircare routine.
Worth knowing
Arnica extracts have a long history of use in topical formulations for their comforting feel and are included in haircare mainly for supportive, surface-level benefits.
Beta-GlucanHumectants
Moisturising humectant
Helps attract and retain moisture while supporting a smoother, conditioned feel.
May suit
People with dry, damaged or sensitised hair and scalp may appreciate its soothing, hydrating benefits.
Worth knowing
Beta-glucan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide often derived from oats or fungi and is valued for its calming and hydrating properties. It can also contribute light film-forming benefits that support softness.
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed OilOils and butters
Nourishing plant oil
A moisturising plant oil that helps soften and condition the hair.
May suit
Those seeking added smoothness, shine or scalp comfort.
Worth knowing
Sesame seed oil is rich in fatty acids that support softness and manageability in many hair types. It is often used in treatments, masks and leave-ins for its lightweight conditioning feel.
AllantoinConditioning agents
Scalp‑soothing conditioner
Allantoin helps soothe the scalp and condition the hair and skin.
May suit
Those with a sensitive or easily irritated scalp may appreciate its calming effect.
Worth knowing
It is widely used in personal care for its comforting feel and compatibility with many formulas. In haircare, it supports a smoother, more comfortable scalp experience.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractBotanical extracts
Botanical antioxidant extract
A plant extract rich in antioxidants that can help support scalp and hair comfort.
May suit
Those interested in soothing or antioxidant-rich botanical ingredients.
Worth knowing
It is commonly used in haircare for its calming and conditioning properties. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for a wide range of formulations.
Helps blend oil- and water-based ingredients for a smooth, stable formula.
May suit
Those who prefer products with gentle, plant‑derived emulsifiers.
Worth knowing
It is commonly used to improve texture and consistency in creams, conditioners and styling products. It also supports spreadability without adding heaviness.
Polyglycerin-3Humectants
Humectant
Helps attract and hold moisture in the hair and scalp.
May suit
Those looking to improve hydration in dry or dehydrated hair.
Worth knowing
It is a lightweight moisturising ingredient often used to enhance smoothness and reduce dryness without heaviness.
Alcohol Denat.Solvents
Solvent
A fast-evaporating solvent that helps dissolve ingredients and improve product dry time.
May suit
People who use styling products that benefit from quick drying or a lightweight feel.
Worth knowing
Its quick evaporation can help reduce residue and support a clean finish in styling formulas. Some may notice it can feel slightly drying in leave-in products depending on hair type.
PhenoxyethanolPreservatives
Preservative
Helps keep the product stable and pleasant to use after opening.
May suit
All products that need protecting from spoilage.
Worth knowing
A very common, well-studied preservative used at low levels.
Benzoic AcidPreservatives
Preservative
Helps protect haircare products by supporting the preservation system and maintaining formula stability.
May suit
Those who want products that remain fresh and effective throughout their shelf life.
Worth knowing
Benzoic Acid is often used alongside other preservatives to create a broad-spectrum system. It also plays a minor role in helping maintain a product’s pH balance.
Dehydroacetic AcidPreservatives
Preservative
Helps keep haircare formulas stable by preventing product spoilage.
May suit
Those who want products to stay fresh for longer, including people who use products slowly or store them in humid bathrooms.
Worth knowing
It is often used at low levels and works well alongside other preservative systems to support formula longevity. It is commonly included in both rinse-off and leave-in products.
Sodium BenzoatePreservatives
Preservative
Helps protect water-based products from spoilage so they stay usable.
May suit
All products that need a preservative system.
Worth knowing
Often paired with other preservatives for broad protection.
Potassium SorbatePreservatives
Preservative
Helps keep haircare formulas stable by preventing the growth of microbes.
May suit
Anyone who uses water-based products that benefit from reliable preservation.
Worth knowing
It is commonly used alongside other preservation systems to maintain product freshness and extend shelf life. It is generally well tolerated in rinse-off and leave-in products.
Sodium ChlorideThickeners and stabilisers
Viscosity adjuster
Sodium Chloride is used to adjust the thickness of shampoos and other cleansing formulas.
May suit
Those interested in how a product’s texture and lather are achieved.
Worth knowing
It is a simple mineral salt that helps create a familiar shampoo feel and can influence how a cleanser spreads through the hair.
Citric AcidpH adjusters
pH adjuster
Fine-tunes the product pH, which can help the hair surface feel smooth.
May suit
Most hair types as part of a balanced formula.
Worth knowing
Usually present in small amounts to balance the formula.