What can you compare reliably?

DetailThe Ordinary retinalMedik8 Crystal Retinal
Retinal concentrationExact product concentration unconfirmedSix strengths spanning 0.01% to 0.24%
Supporting formulaExact ingredient list unconfirmedIncludes glycerin, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E
TextureUnconfirmedSold as a serum; a comparative texture verdict is unsettled
DirectionsExact product directions unconfirmedTwo pumps in the evening, followed by moisturiser; introduce gradually
Price comparisonPrice and size unconfirmedUS Crystal Retinal 20 is listed at $123; a relative value verdict is unsettled
Product resultsComparative results unconfirmedCrystal Retinal 6 was tested on 33 participants over 12 weeks
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Medik8 sells Crystal Retinal as a range rather than a single serum, which gives the product menu the administrative ambition of a filing cabinet. UK and US listings include six strengths, but regional ingredient lists differ, so check the packaging of the version you buy.6

Which Crystal Retinal strength should you choose?

  • For very sensitive skin, Medik8 directs users towards Crystal Retinal 1, containing 0.01% retinal.
  • For most vitamin A beginners, Medik8 suggests Crystal Retinal 3, containing 0.03%.
  • For experienced vitamin A users, Medik8 suggests starting with Crystal Retinal 6, containing 0.06%, before progressing to 10 at 0.1% and 20 at 0.2%.
  • Crystal Retinal 24 contains 0.24% and is positioned for expert users who have finished a tube of Crystal Retinal 20.
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Medik8 offers a strength finder quiz, so choosing a serum now comes with optional homework.7

How do you use Crystal Retinal?

  1. 1Patch test first. Apply a small amount to the inside of your wrist and wait 24 hours to check for irritation before a full application.
  2. 2Cleanse in the evening and apply to clean, dry skin. Medik8 directs you to use two pumps across the face and neck, then allow the serum to absorb.
  3. 3Follow with moisturiser. This helps offset dryness as skin adjusts.
  4. 4Use sunscreen the following morning.
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Start twice a week for two weeks, then use every other night for the next two weeks before moving to nightly application. Medik8 advises finishing at least one tube of your current strength before moving up. These are Crystal Retinal directions, not interchangeable instructions for The Ordinary.1

What results should you expect?

Visible vitamin A benefits can take 4 to 12 weeks to appear. Crystal Retinal 6's 12 week testing reported a 20% reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and an 11% increase in visible firmness. Keep those figures attached to Crystal Retinal 6 rather than treating every strength as the same tested product.46

Who should be careful?

Sensitive skin needs a suitable starting strength and gradual introduction; dryness and irritation are possible while skin adjusts. Medik8 generally advises avoiding vitamin A during pregnancy or breastfeeding and discussing the ingredients with your GP or midwife before use.3

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Crystal Retinal® 1/3/6/10/20/24 | Vitamin A Serum 0.01-0.24%medik8.com
  2. 2Crystal Retinal | Anti-Aging Retinal Serum | Medik8 US – Medik8-USus.medik8.com
  3. 3Crystal Retinal® 1/3/6/10/20/24 | Vitamin A Serum 0.01-0.24% – Medik8-INTint.medik8.com
  4. 4Clinically proven to provide incredible age-defying results with just 1 tube*try.medik8.com
  5. 5Crystal Retinal® 1/3/6/10/20/24 | Vitamin A Serum 0.01-0.24% – Medik8-INTint.medik8.com
  6. 6Crystal Retinal® 1/3/6/10/20/24 | Vitamin A Serum 0.01-0.24%medik8.com
  7. 7Crystal Retinal – Medik8-USus.medik8.com