Crystal Retinal

Award-winning Age-Defying Vitamin A Night Serum Full Details

Benefits
Renew
Firm
Smooth

Award Winner

Crystal Retinal

Award-winning Age-Defying Vitamin A Night Serum Full Details

Benefits
Renew
Firm
Smooth

Crystal Retinal 1 SENSITIVE

Crystal Retinal 3 BEGINNER

Crystal Retinal 5 REGULAR

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Reveal younger-looking skin with just 1 tube of Crystal Retinal, the retinal facial serum that transforms your nightly skincare routine. Our iconic age-defying vitamin A night serum is clinically proven to visibly smooth stubborn facial wrinkles, brighten dark spots, decongest and firm your skin - without irritation. ^[1] Crystal Retinal contains retinAL; a next-generation vitamin A which acts 11x faster than standard retinOL. ^[2] And, 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 UK’s No.1 dermatological face serum and a favorite retinal/retinaldehyde product among skincare experts. ^[3]

Crystal Retinal

KEY BENEFITS

Fast Wrinkle Reducing Power

See clinically proven wrinkle reduction with just 1 tube^[1]
[1]Proven via independent clinical study on Crystal Retinal 6. Tested on 33 participants over 12 weeks.
Professional-Grade Results

Retinaldehyde is proven to work up to 11 times faster than standard retinol^[2] - so you can see results sooner
[2]G. Siegenthaler et al., Retinol and retinal metabolism, Biochemical Journal, 1990, 268, pp 371-378
Radiant, Youthful Skin

Delivers remarkable visible improvement in texture, brightness, firmness & clarity
Effective Results Until the Last Drop

Thanks to our patented stability complex
Customize Your Regimen With 3 Progressive Strengths

A retinal strength for beginners to experienced users - even sensitive skin

PROVEN RESULTS

BEFORE AFTER 10 DAYS

94% agree this is the best anti-ageng serum they have ever used^[5]
91% agreed their skin looks smoother in 7 days^[6]
28% reduction in the appearance of wrinkles^[6]
100% felt Crystal Retinal was gentle on their skin^[1]

[1]Proven via independent clinical study on Crystal Retinal 5. Tested on 34 participants over 12 weeks. [5]Proven via independent clinical study on the Crystal Retinal ladder tested on 30 participants over 24 weeks. [6]Proven via independent clinical study on Crystal Retinal 5. Tested on 34 participants over 12 weeks.

AVAILABLE STRENGTHS

Only at Medik8, you can ladder up your visible age-defying results over time with Crystal Retinal's 6 progressive strengths.

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

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

HOW TO 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.

Step 1

After cleansing in the evening, apply 2 pumps of the Crystal Retinal serum to the face and neck area. Allow to absorb then follow with a moisturizer. We recommend Advanced Night Ceramide which is specifically designed to be used after vitamin A (retinoids).

Step 2

For new users of Crystal Retinal, phase application in gradually. Use twice a week for the first 2 weeks, every other night for the next 2 weeks, then every night. You should always use a sunscreen the next morning after using vitamin A.

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

KEY INGREDIENTS

Retinaldehyde

Proven to work up to 11 times faster than standard retinol serums,* retinaldehyde (retinal for short) is a revolutionary retinoid that effectively targets the appearance of fine lines and facial wrinkles, dark spots, uneven skin texture and loss of firmness - while remaining gentle.
*G. Siegenthaler et al., Retinol and retinal metabolism, Biochemical Journal, 1990, 268, pp 371-378
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, glycerin attracts water to the skin to leave it hydrated, comfortable and visibly supple.
Full Ingredients

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE FORMULA

A true breakthrough in vitamin A skincare.

DANIEL ISAACS Chief Product Officer

When it comes to retinoids; the more stable the molecule, the more effective it can be on the skin. Crystal Retinal serum offers a level of retinal stability that can only be found at Medik8.

Our innovative stability system features our renowned crystal encapsulation technology, a patented carrot seed oil complex, and airless packaging. All this comes together to protect the retinal molecule for unmatched potency, long-lasting effectiveness and proven skin comfort.

Unlike many retinals, which can cause flaking and irritation, Crystal Retinal has been expertly formulated in our in-house laboratory with a unique combination of the highest quality ingredients and patented technologies so it's gentle yet very powerful.

SUSTAINABILITY CLAIMS

Provenance provides confidence for sustainability claims; helping to prevent ‘green-washing’ and empowering conscious consumers to purchase in line with their values. Provenance ‘Proof Points’ are all third party verified and evidenced through supply chains.

GOOD TO KNOW

CLINICALLY-PROVEN FORMULA
NO ARTIFICIAL FRAGRANCE
DERMATOLOGIST RECOMMENDED
PARABEN FREE
ALCOHOL FREE
CERTIFIED BY THE VEGAN SOCIETY

GUIDE TO LAYERING

Not sure where to start? Create your customized skincare routine in 8 clicks.

FAQS

When should I apply Crystal Retinal?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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 around my eye area?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.
Can I use Crystal Retinal if I have sensitive skin?

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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?

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

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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?

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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.

Crystal Retinal

Strengths Comparison

Crystal Retinal 1

$77

Crystal Retinal 3

$91

Crystal Retinal 5

$119

	Crystal Retinal 1	Crystal Retinal 3	Crystal Retinal 5

Strengths

0.01% Retinaldehyde

0.03% Retinaldehyde

0.05% Retinaldehyde

Experience With Retinal

For sensitive skin users

For new to Vitamin A users

For regular Vitamin A users

Benefits

Reduces wrinkles
Smooths & evens complexion
Reduces dark spots

Reduces wrinkles
Smooths & evens complexion
Reduces dark spots

Reduces wrinkles
Smooths & evens complexion
Reduces dark spots

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Crystal Retinal

Award-winning Age-Defying Vitamin A Night Serum Full Details

Crystal Retinal

Award-winning Age-Defying Vitamin A Night Serum Full Details

KEY BENEFITS

Fast Wrinkle Reducing Power

Professional-Grade Results

Radiant, Youthful Skin

Effective Results Until the Last Drop

Customize Your Regimen With 3 Progressive Strengths

PROVEN RESULTS

AVAILABLE STRENGTHS

HOW TO USE

Step 1

Step 2

KEY INGREDIENTS

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE FORMULA

SUSTAINABILITY CLAIMS

GOOD TO KNOW

GUIDE TO LAYERING

FAQS

When should I apply Crystal Retinal?

Can I use Crystal Retinal every night?

Can I use Crystal Retinal while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Do I need to follow Crystal Retinal with a moisturizer?

Can I use Crystal Retinal around my eye area?

How do I use Crystal Retinal alongside Vitamin C?

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

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

Can I use Crystal Retinal if I have sensitive skin?

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

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

How long does Crystal Retinal take to work?

Strengths Comparison

Complete Your Regime