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Crystal Retinal

Renew
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Firm
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Smooth

Award-winning Age-Defying Vitamin A Night Serum

Reveal younger-looking skin with just 1 tube of Crystal Retinal. Our iconic vitamin A night serum is clinically proven to visibly smooth stubborn wrinkles, brighten dark spots, decongest and firm your skin - without irritation.^[1]

Crystal Retinal contains retinAL; a next-generation vitamin A which is clinically proven to act 11x faster than standard retinOL to visibly smooth, brighten and firm skin.^[2] Unlike others, our patented retinal stability system ensures unmatched retinal potency and effectiveness until the very last drop.

It’s no wonder Crystal Retinal is the closest thing to a prescription without needing a prescription^[3] and the No.1 Retinal Serum Worldwide.^[4]

Select a 1 TUBE (1.0 FL. OZ.)

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Crystal Retinal® Ceramide Eye

Smooth
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Brighten
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Lift

Smooth & Lift Eye Cream Gentle-Release Retinal

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Key Benefits

Fast Wrinkle Reducing Power

Clinically proven wrinkle reduction with just 1 tube^[1]

Radiant, Youthful Skin

Delivers remarkable visible improvement in texture, brightness, firmness & clarity

Effective Results Until the Last Drop

Thanks to our patented stability complex

Professional-Grade Results

Retinaldehyde is proven to work up to 11 times faster than standard retinol^[2]

Customize Your Regimen With 3 Progressive Strengths

A retinal strength for every skin type – for sensitive skin (0.01%) to regular retinal users (0.05%)

Proven Results

91% agreed their skin looks smoother^[1]

28% reduction in the appearance of wrinkles^[1]

91% agreed their skin looks smoother in 7 days^[1]

87% agree this is the most powerful anti-aging product they have ever used^[3]

100% felt Crystal Retinal was gentle on their skin^[4]

[1]Proven via independent clinical study on Crystal Retinal 5. Tested on 34 participants over 12 weeks. [2]G. Siegenthaler et al., Retinol and retinal metabolism, Biochemical Journal, 1990, 268, pp 371-378 [3]Proven via independent clinical study on Crystal Retinal 5. Tested on 31 participants over 12 weeks. [4]Proven via independent clinical study on Crystal Retinal 5. Tested on 33 participants over 12 weeks.

How to Use

First-Time Use

If you're new to Crystal Retinal we recommend a patch test at least 24 hours before first use. Learn how to patch test here.

Phase application in gradually. Use twice a week for the first 2 weeks, every other night for the next 2 weeks, then every night.

Step 1

After cleansing in the evening, apply 2 pumps of Crystal Retinal to the face and neck. Allow to absorb.

Step 2

Follow with a moisturizer. We recommend Advanced Night Ceramide which is specifically designed to be used after vitamin A (retinoids).

Step 3

You should always use a sunscreen the next morning after using vitamin A.

NOTE

We recommend using at least 1 tube of your current Crystal Retinal strength before moving up the ladder to the next strength.

Uses per tube

100

Available Strengths

Only at Medik8, you can ladder up your visible age-defying results over time with Crystal Retinal's 3 progressive strengths.

Offering 0.01% - 0.05% retinaldehyde, there’s a strength for everyone, from very sensitive skin to expert users.

Take our easy Retinal Strength Finder Quiz to find your strength.

Guide to Layering

Step 1: Cleanse

Morning

Evening

Surface Radiance Cleansing Gel

Full Size (5.0 FL. OZ. (150 mL))

Step 2: Target

Morning

Evening

Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Face Serum

(1.0 FL. OZ. (30 mL))

Step 3: Renew

Evening

Crystal Retinal

Select a 1 TUBE (1.0 FL. OZ.)

Step 4: Moisturize

Evening

Advanced Night Ceramide

Select a Size

Key Ingredients

Retinaldehyde

Proven to work up to 11x faster than standard retinol*, retinaldehyde (retinal for short) is a revolutionary retinoid that effectively targets the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, uneven skin texture and loss of firmness - without irritation.

Hyaluronic Acid

With a unique ability to attract and retain more than 1,000 times its own weight in water, hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin. This leaves the complexion visibly nourished and supple.

Vitamin E

A powerful antioxidant that's naturally present in the skin, Vitamin E works to nourish the complexion.

Glycerin

A natural humectant which traps moisture within the skin to leave it hydrated and comfortable.

Vitamin E

A powerful antioxidant that's naturally present in the skin, Vitamin E works to nourish the complexion.

Glycerin

A natural humectant which traps moisture within the skin to leave it hydrated and comfortable.

Clinically-proven formula
No artificial fragrance
Dermatologist recommended
Paraben free
Alcohol free
Certified by the vegan society

Complete Your Regime

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I apply Crystal Retinal?

You should apply Crystal Retinal as part of your evening skincare regimen - after cleanser, toner and serums, but before your moisturizer.

Can I use Crystal Retinal every night?

As long as you build your use up gradually and start with the appropriate strength to begin with, you can use Crystal Retinal every night. For new users of Crystal Retinal, we strongly recommend that you phase-in application to enable your skin to build up a tolerance while avoiding any potential irritation. Use twice a week for the first two weeks, every other night for the following two weeks, then every night.

Can I use Crystal Retinal while pregnant or breastfeeding?

As a cosmetics company, we are unable to provide product advice in relation to medical conditions such as pregnancy or breastfeeding. We strongly recommend discussing the ingredients with your physician or obstetrician before use. We do, however, generally recommend avoiding vitamin A use while pregnant or breastfeeding, which is why we offer a plant-based vitamin A alternative - Bakuchiol Peptides.

Do I need to follow Crystal Retinal with a moisturizer?

We do recommend applying a moisturizer after vitamin A. Our bestselling night cream, Advanced Night Ceramide, is specifically designed to be used following retinoid use. It helps to boost the visible age-defying benefits of retinoids while maintaining optimal comfort.

Can I use Crystal Retinal if I have sensitive skin?

Absolutely, with our unique ladder of progressive strengths which serves all skin types. Crystal Retinal 1 (0.01% retinaldehyde) is specifically formulated as the appropriate strength for those with sensitive skin who still want visible age-defying results.

What is a good percentage of retinaldehyde and which Crystal Retinal should I start with?

Proven to act 11x faster than standard retinol[1], retinaldehyde is a very effective age-defying ingredient. What is a ‘good’ percentage for you depends entirely on your skin type and experience using vitamin A.

Our unique ladder of progressive Crystal Retinal strengths offers 3 different percentages of retinaldehyde. We recommend use of our progressive strengths as follows:

Crystal Retinal 1 (0.01% retinaldehyde): For those with sensitive skin

Crystal Retinal 3 (0.03% retinaldehyde): For new vitamin A users

Crystal Retinal 5 (0.05% retinaldehyde): For experienced vitamin A users

Can I use Crystal Retinal around my eye area?

We don't recommend using Crystal Retinal directly around the eye area due to its very delicate nature. However, that's exactly why we've created Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye. It boasts all of the renowned age-defying power of our original Crystal Retinal, but is expertly optimized for specific use on the delicate eye area.

How do I use Crystal Retinal alongside Vitamin C?

We recommend using vitamin C alongside Crystal Retinal (vitamin A) as per our Vitamin C + A strategy. This simple yet clinically proven skincare approach champions vitamin C by day, vitamin A (retinoids) by night as the secret to youthful, glowing skin. After cleansing in the morning, apply your vitamin C serum (such as C-Tetra Luxe). After cleansing in the evening, apply Crystal Retinal.

When can I move up the ladder from my current Crystal Retinal strength?

We recommend using at least 1 tube of your current Crystal Retinal strength before moving up the ladder to the next strength.

Why can't I use Crystal Retinal during the day and is it safe when I'm going out in the sun?

Crystal Retinal is completely safe to use if you're going to be exposed to sunlight, as long as you are applying a high protection sunscreen daily. Vitamin A is actually great for use during the summer months as it helps to counteract the visible effects of sun damage but, like all vitamin A formulas, it can make your skin more sensitive. It is also not a photostable ingredient which means it can lose its power and degrade when exposed to direct sunlight. This is why we strongly do not recommend using Crystal Retinal at night, and then applying a liberal amount of high protection sunscreen the following day. If you are in direct sunlight, we always recommend reapplying your sunscreen every 2 hours.

If you are looking for a vitamin A formula that can be used both morning and evening, try r-Retinoate Day & Night. Formulated with retinyl retinoate, it remains stable when exposed to UV light, meaning it can be used in both your daytime and nighttime regimens.

Which is stronger: retinol or retinal, and how does Crystal Retinal compare?

Crystal Retinal is formulated with retinAL, which is one conversion step closer to the active form of vitamin A (retinoic acid) than retinOL is. It therefore acts 11x faster than standard retinol[1] to deliver visible age-defying results. Crystal Retinal's unique formulation also means that the retinal remains gentle on skin while delivering powerful age-defying benefits.

How long does Crystal Retinal take to work?

Crystal Retinal is clinically proven to deliver visible improvement on wrinkles as well as skin smoothness and brightness in as little as 7 days*. Proven via independent clinical study on the Crystal Retinal ladder tested on 30 participants over 24 weeks.