Crystal Retinal
Crystal Retinal
Crystal Retinal
Crystal Retinal
Crystal Retinal
Crystal Retinal
Crystal Retinal
Crystal Retinal
Crystal Retinal
Crystal Retinal
Crystal Retinal
Crystal Retinal
Crystal Retinal
Crystal Retinal
Crystal Retinal
Crystal Retinal
Crystal Retinal
Crystal Retinal
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Crystal Retinal

  • Renew
  • |
  • Firm
  • |
  • Smooth
Retinal Age Defying Night Serum

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.

Exclusive to Medik8, our Crystal Retinal ladder lets you gradually build skin tolerance and scale results as your skin adjusts.
Select a 1 TUBE (1.0 FL. OZ.)
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Crystal Retinal® Ceramide Eye
Crystal Retinal® Ceramide Eye
  • Smooth
  • |
  • Brighten
  • |
  • Lift
 Smooth & Lift Eye Cream Gentle-Release Retinal
Select a Size
Key Benefits
Fast Wrinkle Reducing Power

Clinically proven wrinkle reduction in just 1 tube[1]

Radiant, Youthful Skin

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

Effective Results Until the Last Drop

Thanks to Medik8's patented stability complex

Professional-Grade Results

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

Customize Your Regimen With 6 Progressive Strengths

A retinal strength for beginners to expert users - from beginners (0.01%) to expert (0.24%) users

Proven Results
BEFORE
AFTER 10 DAYS
BEFORE
AFTER 10 DAYS
97% felt their skin had a more youthful appearance[1]
20% reduction in the appearance of wrinkles[1]
20% reduction in visible dark spots[1]
11% increase in skin firmness[1]
100% felt Crystal Retinal was gentle on their skin[1]
[1]Proven via independent clinical study on 1 tube of Crystal Retinal 6. Tested on 33 participants over 12 weeks. [2] G. Siegenthaler et al., Retinol and retinal metabolism, Biochemical Journal, 1990, 268, pp 371-378
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.

Uses per tube

100
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% - 0.24% retinaldehyde, there’s a strength for everyone; from very sensitive skins to expert users. 

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

Guide to Layering
Step 1: Cleanse
Micellar Mousse
Morning
Evening
Micellar Mousse
Full Size (0)
Step 2: Target
Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Face Serum
Morning
Evening
Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Face Serum
(1.0 FL. OZ. (30 mL))
Step 3: Renew
Crystal Retinal
Evening
Crystal Retinal
Select a 1 TUBE (1.0 FL. OZ.)
Step 4: Moisturize
Advanced Night Ceramide
Evening
Advanced Night Ceramide
Full Size (0)
Key Ingredients
Retinaldehyde

Proven to work up to 11x faster than standard retinol,[1] 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.

Full List of Ingredients
Crystal Retinal
Retinal Age Defying Night Serum

Crystal Retinal 1:

Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Isododecane, Cetearyl Olivate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Squalane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Cyclodextrin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Polyaspartate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Retinal, Alumina, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Stearic Acid, Citric Acid, BHT, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, Polysorbate 60, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Pentylene Glycol, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract, Coumarin, Red 4, Titanium Dioxide/CI 77891.

Crystal Retinal 3:

Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Isododecane, Cetearyl Olivate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cyclodextrin, Squalane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Retinal, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, Alumina, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Stearic Acid, Sodium Polyaspartate, Pentylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 60, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, BHT, Sorbitan Isostearate, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract, Coumarin, Red 4, Titanium Dioxide/CI 77891.

Crystal Retinal 6:

Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Isododecane, Cetearyl Olivate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cyclodextrin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Squalane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Retinal, Alumina, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Sodium Polyaspartate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Stearic Acid, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, BHT, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract, Coumarin, Red 4, Titanium Dioxide/CI 77891.

Crystal Retinal 10:

Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Isododecane, Cyclodextrin, Cetearyl Olivate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Squalane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Pentylene Glycol, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Retinal, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Alumina, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, BHT, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Sodium Polyaspartate, Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract, Coumarin, Red 4, Titanium Dioxide/CI 77891.


Crystal Retinal 20:

Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclodextrin, Glycerin, Isododecane, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Cetearyl Olivate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Squalane, Rubus Chamaemorus (Cloudberry) Seed Oil, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Pentylene Glycol, Retinal, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Titanium Dioxide,Sodium Polyaspartate, Climbazole, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Alumina, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Disodium EDTA, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Dipteryx Odorata (Tonka) Bean Extract, BHT, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Fruit Extract, Decylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Coumarin.

Crystal Retinal 24:

Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclodextrin, Glycerin, Isododecane, Cetearyl Olivate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Squalane, Rubus Chamaemorus (Cloudberry) Seed Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Retinal, Dipteryx Odorata (Tonka) Bean Extract, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Lecithin, Coumarin, BHT, Alumina, Isostearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Stearic Acid, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Fruit Extract, Daucus Carota (Carrot) Sativa Seed Oil, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Polyaspartate, Climbazole, Decylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Titanium Dioxide/CI 77891, Red 4.

*Although we try our best to ensure this list of ingredients is accurate there may be product upgrades from time to time, or slight variants between different regions based on local laws, meaning the only definitive ingredient list is that which is printed on the product packaging.
  • Clinically-proven formula
  • Dermatologist recommended
  • No artificial fragrance
  • Paraben free
  • Alcohol free
  • Certified by the vegan society
  • Beauty inc's 100 greatest skincare products of all time
Experts Recommended

A true breakthrough in vitamin A skincare

DANIEL ISAACS
Chief Product Officer

Complete Your Regime

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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.
Will Crystal Retinal 20 / Crystal Retinal 24 stain my bedding, pillows, or pajamas?
Crystal Retinal’s peachy tone gets more intense as you go up the ladder and may create a peachy tone on the face or potentially transfer onto bed sheets. Color left on bedsheets can be mitigated by allowing Crystal Retinal to absorb fully and dry before making contact with light-colored fabrics (such as pajamas, bedding, or pillows). We would also recommend applying a moisturizer over the top of Crystal Retinal 20 / Crystal Retinal 24 to seal it in. If sheets are left with color on them, wash at 30 degrees and leave to dry in the sunlight - retinal degrades in the sun which helps the color to quickly fade away.
When can I move up to Crystal Retinal 24?
You can move up to Crystal Retinal 24 once you have used at least 1 tube of Crystal Retinal 20. Crystal Retinal 24 is a high-strength retinal serum, so we advise closely monitoring your skin during the first 2 weeks of use. If you feel any sensitivity during this time, we would suggest reducing the amount of product you apply or applying every other night to begin with.
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.
What percentage of retinal is in Crystal Retinal 24?
Crystal Retinal 24 contains 0.24% retinaldehyde - our highest concentration to date and the very top of our unique Crystal Retinal ladder. We therefore recommend Crystal Retinal 24 for expert vitamin A users only - those who have used at least 1 tube of Crystal Retinal 20.
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.
Why are Crystal Retinal 20 and Crystal Retinal 24 peach-colored?
The bright peachy tone of Crystal Retinal 20 and Crystal Retinal 24 is a combination of the natural yellow color of the retinal, and some natural extracts which shift the color from yellow to a more peachy tone. Crystal Retinal 20 and Crystal Retinal 24 are brighter than the lower strengths of Crystal Retinal due to their higher concentration of retinal.
Will Crystal Retinal 20 / Crystal Retinal 24 make my skin yellow or orange?
Crystal Retinal is designed for nighttime use, followed by a nighttime moisturizer (such as Advanced Night Ceramide). The higher strengths may leave skin with a slightly peachy tint. However, when blended under a night cream, this is less visible.
What is the difference between Crystal Retinal 20 and 24?
Crystal Retinal 20 contains 0.2% retinaldehyde, while Crystal Retinal 24 contains 0.24%. Crystal Retinal 20 is recommended for experienced vitamin A users (those who have used at least 1 tube of Crystal Retinal 10). Crystal Retinal 24 is recommended for expert vitamin A users only (those who have used at least 1 tube of Crystal Retinal 20).
Which Medik8 Crystal Retinal should I start with?
Which strength of Crystal Retinal you should start with depends entirely on your skin type and experience level using vitamin A. 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 6 (0.06% retinaldehyde): For regular vitamin A users Crystal Retinal 10 (0.1% retinaldehyde): For advanced vitamin A users Crystal Retinal 20 (0.2% retinaldehyde): For experienced vitamin A users Crystal Retinal 24 (0.24% retinaldehyde): For expert vitamin A users only
Why has my Crystal Retinal Packaging changed?

You may notice an update to your Crystal Retinal packaging. While it may look different, the formula has not changed and contains the same age-defying results you already know and love. There have been no changes to the ingredients, performance or visible results.

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.
Why are Crystal Retinal 20 and Crystal Retinal 24 peach-colored?
The bright peachy tone of Crystal Retinal 20 and Crystal Retinal 24 is a combination of the natural yellow color of the retinal, and some natural extracts which shift the color from yellow to a more peachy tone. Crystal Retinal 20 and Crystal Retinal 24 are brighter than the lower strengths of Crystal Retinal due to their higher concentration of retinal.
Will Crystal Retinal 20 / Crystal Retinal 24 make my skin yellow or orange?
Crystal Retinal is designed for nighttime use, followed by a nighttime moisturizer (such as Advanced Night Ceramide). The higher strengths may leave skin with a slightly peachy tint. However, when blended under a night cream, this is less visible.
Will Crystal Retinal 20 / Crystal Retinal 24 stain my bedding, pillows, or pajamas?
Crystal Retinal’s peachy tone gets more intense as you go up the ladder and may create a peachy tone on the face or potentially transfer onto bed sheets. Color left on bedsheets can be mitigated by allowing Crystal Retinal to absorb fully and dry before making contact with light-colored fabrics (such as pajamas, bedding, or pillows). We would also recommend applying a moisturizer over the top of Crystal Retinal 20 / Crystal Retinal 24 to seal it in. If sheets are left with color on them, wash at 30 degrees and leave to dry in the sunlight - retinal degrades in the sun which helps the color to quickly fade away.
When can I move up to Crystal Retinal 24?
You can move up to Crystal Retinal 24 once you have used at least 1 tube of Crystal Retinal 20. Crystal Retinal 24 is a high-strength retinal serum, so we advise closely monitoring your skin during the first 2 weeks of use. If you feel any sensitivity during this time, we would suggest reducing the amount of product you apply or applying every other night to begin with.
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.
What percentage of retinal is in Crystal Retinal 24?
Crystal Retinal 24 contains 0.24% retinaldehyde - our highest concentration to date and the very top of our unique Crystal Retinal ladder. We therefore recommend Crystal Retinal 24 for expert vitamin A users only - those who have used at least 1 tube of Crystal Retinal 20.
What is the difference between Crystal Retinal 20 and 24?
Crystal Retinal 20 contains 0.2% retinaldehyde, while Crystal Retinal 24 contains 0.24%. Crystal Retinal 20 is recommended for experienced vitamin A users (those who have used at least 1 tube of Crystal Retinal 10). Crystal Retinal 24 is recommended for expert vitamin A users only (those who have used at least 1 tube of Crystal Retinal 20).
Which Medik8 Crystal Retinal should I start with?
Which strength of Crystal Retinal you should start with depends entirely on your skin type and experience level using vitamin A. 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 6 (0.06% retinaldehyde): For regular vitamin A users Crystal Retinal 10 (0.1% retinaldehyde): For advanced vitamin A users Crystal Retinal 20 (0.2% retinaldehyde): For experienced vitamin A users Crystal Retinal 24 (0.24% retinaldehyde): For expert vitamin A users only
Why has my Crystal Retinal Packaging changed?

You may notice an update to your Crystal Retinal packaging. While it may look different, the formula has not changed and contains the same age-defying results you already know and love. There have been no changes to the ingredients, performance or visible results.

Crystal Retinal
Crystal Retinal 1
Select a 1 TUBE (1.0 FL. OZ.)