Award Winner

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 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.^[3]

Note: we can no longer ship Crystal Retinal 6 and higher to Canada as a result of new regulations set by Health Canada. Crystal Retinal 1 and 3 are still available to shop.

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.

PROVEN RESULTS

BEFORE AFTER 10 DAYS

97% felt their skin had a more youthful appearance*
20% reduction in the appearance of wrinkles*
20% reduction in visible dark spots*
11% increase in skin firmness*
100% felt Crystal Retinal was gentle on their skin*

*Proven via independent clinical study on 1 tube of Crystal Retinal 6. Tested on 33 participants over 12 weeks. **G. Siegenthaler et al., Retinol and retinal metabolism, Biochemical Journal, 1990, 268, pp 371-378

KEY BENEFITS

Fast Wrinkle Reducing Power

See clinically proven wrinkle reduction with just 1 tube*
*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* - so you can see results sooner
*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 Medik8's patented stability complex
Customize Your Regimen With 5 Progressive Strengths

A retinal strength for beginners to expert users - even sensitive skin
[1] Proven via independent clinical study on 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
[3] Source: Circana (UK) Ltd, Prestige Beauty Retail tracking / Feb 2023 to Jan 2024 / prestige face serum / Dermatologist Brand attribute / Dermatologist Brand is defined as a brand that has identified itself as (i) founded or developed by a dermatologist and/or (ii) is dermatologist recommended / franchise line / value & unit sales. To verify visit: https://us.medik8.com/pages/circana-group-claim-letters

HOW TO USE

Step 1

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

GOOD TO KNOW

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

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.
Why are Crystal Retinal 20 and Crystal Retinal 24 peach-colored?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.
What percentage of retinal is in Crystal Retinal 24?

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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?

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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?

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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

Crystal Retinal

Retinal Age Defying Night Serum Full Details

1 TUBE (1.0 FL. OZ.) Retinal Strength Quiz

Crystal Retinal 1 SENSITIVE Crystal Retinal 3 BEGINNER Crystal Retinal 6 REGULAR Crystal Retinal 10 ADVANCED Crystal Retinal 20 EXPERIENCED Crystal Retinal 24 EXPERT

Product variants

Quantity:

Crystal Retinal

Dermatologist Recommended

Clinical Results

Age-Defying Experts

Made in the UK

B Corp Certified

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AVAILABLE STRENGTHS

PROVEN RESULTS

KEY BENEFITS

Fast Wrinkle Reducing Power

Professional-Grade Results

Radiant, Youthful Skin

Effective Results Until the Last Drop

Customize Your Regimen With 5 Progressive Strengths

HOW TO USE

Step 1

Step 2

KEY INGREDIENTS

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE FORMULA

GOOD TO KNOW

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?

Why are Crystal Retinal 20 and Crystal Retinal 24 peach-colored?

Will Crystal Retinal 20 / Crystal Retinal 24 make my skin yellow or orange?

Will Crystal Retinal 20 / Crystal Retinal 24 stain my bedding, pillows, or pajamas?

When can I move up to Crystal Retinal 24?

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

What percentage of retinal is in Crystal Retinal 24?

What is the difference between Crystal Retinal 20 and 24?

Which Medik8 Crystal Retinal should I start with?

Crystal Retinal

Retinal Age Defying Night Serum Full Details

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