Medik8
Retinal Crystal
face treatments
Medik8
face treatments
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
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Take the skin testReveal 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
Retinal Crystal is a lightweight treatments from Medik8, a brand based in UK. Its job is UV protection, with the rest of the formula working on hydration. The ingredient list runs to 47 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. The oils in it point to a dewy, emollient finish rather than a matte one. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate and Ethylhexylglycerin, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
It is a mineral sunscreen, filtering with Titanium Dioxide. Between them those filters cover UVB and UVA II. They stop short of UVA I (340–400 nm), the deepest ageing wavelengths, so this is not a broad-spectrum filter system by the strictest reading. Every filter in the formula is photostable, so its protection does not fall away over the first hour in the sun — reapplication is still about sweat, water and rubbing rather than degradation.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin and Caprylic/capric Triglyceride.
On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
The formula contributes little or nothing on cell renewal and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free, microplastic-free, sulfate-free and dye-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain fragrance and essential oils, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after toner, before moisturiser. Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer. Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working. It carries UV filters, so it belongs in your morning routine.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time
Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
Mineral filter system · does not reach UVA I
Strong UVB and short-UVA protection, but it stops before UVA I — a mineral formula leaning on titanium dioxide alone needs zinc oxide beside it for deep UVA.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Cetearyl Olivate is the ester of Cetearyl Alcohol and the fatty acids derived from olive oil
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Alcohols, C16-18
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Poly(oxy-1,2-propanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, polymer with 1,1'-methylenebis[4-isocyanatocyclohexane] (12 mol PO avergae molar ratio)
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-yl acetate
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Titanium dioxide (CI 77891)
14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyltetracosane
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the Neem Tree, Melia azadirachta L., Meliaceae
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Tetrakis(2-hexyldecyl) ascorbate
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Aluminium oxide
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
Every filter in this formula is photostable
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Coumarin
Coumarin
Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
This product is the "Treat" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 47 ingredients on the label.
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Forms a film that slows water loss
Dissolves and carries everything else
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Changes how the product smells or looks
Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells
Absorbs or scatters ultraviolet light
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
2,2,4,6,6-Pentamethylheptane; Hydrocarbons, C4, 1,3-butadiene-free, polymd., triisobutylene fraction, hydrogenated
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Cetearyl Olivate is the ester of Cetearyl Alcohol and the fatty acids derived from olive oil
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a copolymer of sodium acrylate and sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate monomers
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Alcohols, C16-18
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Poly(oxy-1,2-propanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, polymer with 1,1'-methylenebis[4-isocyanatocyclohexane] (12 mol PO avergae molar ratio)
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
D-Glucitol, 1,4-Anhydro-, 6-monoester with olive oil fatty acids
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-yl acetate
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Titanium dioxide (CI 77891)
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Eclipta Prostrata Extract is an extract of the herb, Eclipta prostrata L., Compositae
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Cycloheptapentylose
14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyltetracosane
15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a copolymer of sodium hydroxyethyl acrylate and acryloyldimethyl taurate monomers
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Phenoxyethanol
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the Neem Tree, Melia azadirachta L., Meliaceae
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Cellulose, 2-hydroxypropyl methyl ether
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Tetrakis(2-hexyldecyl) ascorbate
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil is the fixed oil expressed from the seeds of Rubus chamaemorus L., Rosaceae
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Aluminium oxide
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Isooctadecanoic acid
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lecithins. The complex combination of diglycerides of fatty acids linked to the choline ester of phosphoric acid
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
9-(Z)-Octadecanoic acid, 12-hydroxy- (9Z, 12R)-, homopolymer, ester with triglycerol
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
12-Hydroxyoctadecanoic acid, homopolymer
27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Stearic acid
28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2,4,6,8-Nonatetraenal, 3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-, (all-E)-
30th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of Moringa oleifera, Moringaceae
31st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Aspartic acid, homopolymer, sodium salt
32nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Butanone, 1-(4-chlorophenoxy)-1-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-3,3-dimethyl-
33rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate
34th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract is an extract of the flowers of the Japanese Caprofilia (honeysuckle), Lonicera japonica, Caprifoliaceae
35th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract is an extract of the flowers of the Honeysuckle, Lonicera caprifolium L., Caprifoliaceae
36th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil is the oil obtained from the seed of the carrot, Daucus carota L. var. sativa, Umbelliferae
37th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)
38th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is the organic compound.
39th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract is an extract obtained from the Tonka Beans, Dipteryx odorata, Leguminosae
40th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ethanone, 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-,p-Hydroxyacetophenone
41st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sorbitan, monooctadecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.
42nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sorbitan, isooctadecanoate
43rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Vanilla, Vanilla planifolia, Orchidaceae
44th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Decanediol
45th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
46th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2,6-Di-tert-butyl-p-cresol
47th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Coumarin; 2H-1-Benzopyran-2-one
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
LANEIGE
Shares 5 key ingredients with Retinal Crystal: Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetearyl Alcohol, 3-o-ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate
Daeng Gi Meo Ri
Shares 5 key ingredients with Retinal Crystal: Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate
SKIN1004
Shares 4 key ingredients with Retinal Crystal: Glycerin, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Olivate, Sodium Hyaluronate
Dr. Different
Shares 4 key ingredients with Retinal Crystal: Glycerin, Squalane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Retinal
Kundal
Shares 3 key ingredients with Retinal Crystal: Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Kundal
Shares 3 key ingredients with Retinal Crystal: Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
AQUA, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, GLYCERIN, ISODODECANE, CETEARYL OLIVATE, SODIUM ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, PPG-12/SMDI COPOLYMER, SORBITAN OLIVATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, ECLIPTA PROSTRATA EXTRACT, CYCLODEXTRIN, SQUALANE, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, PHENOXYETHANOL, MELIA AZADIRACHTA LEAF EXTRACT, HYDROXYPROPYL METHYLCELLULOSE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, TETRAHEXYLDECYL ASCORBATE, RUBUS CHAMAEMORUS SEED OIL, ALUMINA, ISOSTEARIC ACID, LECITHIN, POLYGLYCERYL-3 POLYRICINOLEATE, POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID, STEARIC ACID, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, RETINAL, MORINGA OLEIFERA SEED OIL, SODIUM POLYASPARTATE, CLIMBAZOLE, DISODIUM EDTA, LONICERA JAPONICA FLOWER EXTRACT, LONICERA CAPRIFOLIUM FLOWER EXTRACT, DAUCUS CAROTA SATIVA SEED OIL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, 3-O-ETHYL ASCORBIC ACID, DIPTERYX ODORATA BEAN EXTRACT, HYDROXYACETOPHENONE, POLYSORBATE 60, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, VANILLA PLANIFOLIA FRUIT EXTRACT, DECYLENE GLYCOL, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, BHT, COUMARIN.
SODIUM HYALURONATE, TETRAHEXYLDECYL ASCORBATE, RETINAL, 3-O-ETHYL ASCORBIC ACID.
Step 1 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. After cleansing in the evening, apply 2 pumps of Crystal Retinal to the face and neck. Allow to absorb then follow with a moisturiser. We recommend Advanced Night Restore which is specifically designed to be used after vitamin A. 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.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
8 ingredients could feed malassezia: Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.
It contains Retinal, which are usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before using it.
No — it contains Coumarin.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
Yes — it contains Coumarin.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide, Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Azelaic acid — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.
Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.
It lists 47 ingredients, of which 5 are recorded as actives.
Medik8, a brand based in UK.
It filters UV with Titanium Dioxide (titanium dioxide).
Not in the strictest sense. Its filters stop short of UVA I (340–400 nm), the deepest ageing wavelengths.
Possibly. It filters with mineral UV filters, which sit on the surface and can leave a visible cast on deeper skin tones, especially at high SPF.
It contains none of the filters named in the Hawaii and Key West reef legislation (oxybenzone and octinoxate). "Reef safe" is not a regulated term, so treat that as a fact about the filter list rather than a certification.
Yes. Let it set for a couple of minutes before foundation so it does not pill, and reapply over makeup with a stick or powder rather than rubbing more in.
Every two hours of sun exposure, and immediately after swimming, sweating heavily or towelling off.
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