Medik8 Crystal Retinal (Various strengths)

Medik8 Crystal Retinal is a gentle, multi-strength retinaldehyde serum that boosts skin glow and texture while minimizing irritation, ideal for sensitive and retinol-new users.

Sentiment86 mentions

54 positive11 neutral21 negative

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Reddit Rank

Score

0.61

Total Upvotes

757

Editorial Summary: Medik8 Crystal Retinal is a gentle but effective retinaldehyde serum with lots of strength options so you can build up slowly. It improves skin texture and glow for many, but watch out for irritation or purging especially if you jump to high strengths too fast. Pricey but well formulated, some folks love it, others don’t see much change.

Pros

✓Gentle on sensitive skin compared to prescription tretinoin
✓Available in multiple strengths for gradual adaptation
✓Improves skin texture and glow without excessive irritation
✓Can be used under eyes with proper hydration
✓Well-formulated with positive user experiences

Cons

✗High price compared to similar retinal products
✗Can cause purging, breakouts, or irritation for some users
✗Some users see no significant improvement or results plateau
✗Reports of unpleasant smell from product
✗Not effective for everyone, with mixed reviews on efficacy

Methodology: Analysis based on 86 Reddit user quotes collected from skincare and beauty subreddits up to June 2024, focusing on personal experiences, efficacy, tolerability, and value of Medik8 Crystal Retinal.

This analysis contributed to one of our key compilations:
Reddit Backed Starter Routine (PDF)

Asked by Redditors

What skin types is Medik8 Crystal Retinal suitable for?

It is suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin but users should start with lower strengths and build up gradually.

How should I start using Medik8 Crystal Retinal?

Begin with the lowest concentration (level 1 or 3), applying 1-2 times per week, then slowly increase frequency and strength as tolerated.

Is Medik8 Crystal Retinal better than prescription tretinoin?

It is generally gentler and less irritating than tretinoin but may be less potent; it is a good alternative for sensitive skin.

Are there cheaper alternatives to Medik8 Crystal Retinal?

Yes, brands like Geek & Gorgeous and Naturium offer retinal serums at lower prices with similar strengths.

Can Medik8 Crystal Retinal cause breakouts or irritation?

Some users experience purging or irritation especially if they increase strength too quickly or have sensitive skin.

Reddit Reviews:

Calculated by the the number of posts or comments that have an opinion on this product

I’ve invested in Medik8s Crystal Retinal and Vitamin C Luxe Serum, this has helped my skin to look clear as well as glow.

u/[deleted]Sentiment: likely positive Upvotes: 466

Please help! I’ve been using the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 for about 6 weeks and it has completely ruined my skin and self confidence! I started on one to two times a week and worked up to every other day, but then brought it back down to one or two days a week when the acne was really bad. I have oily acne prone skin but no where near as bad as this. Do I continue with it, with the purge clear, or do I stop all together. I’ve included a photo of my skin before I started on it. Help me please, desperate here !

u/[deleted]Sentiment: likely negative Upvotes: 290

Medik8 Retinal I might repurchase but a stronger one

u/[deleted]Sentiment: likely neutral Upvotes: 162

Medik8 crystal retinal!!! 🗣️ My skin is too sensitive for prescription tret, I've tried so many times and the irritation just isn't worth it to me. Before medik8 I was using the ordinary granactive retinoid 2% emulsion, still really like that but medik8 is more effective and still not at all irritating.

u/assfleaSentiment: likely positive Upvotes: 44

I’ve been using the Crystal Retinals for almost a year — started with the 3 and now using the 6! My skin has honestly never looked better!

u/unknownSentiment: likely positive Upvotes: 24

For retinol, I switched from Avene (retrinal 0.1 to medik8 crystal 6 this February, and I don’t feel like I see any difference, in fact my face feels duller but there could be many other factors for that too.. would love to get some suggestions here 🙏🏽

u/OPSentiment: likely negative Upvotes: 21

My entire routine is AB the only on AB I’m using is the Medik8 Crystal Retinal (level 3) and I’m enjoying it and seeing good results on my combination skin so far but I was wondering how others feel about it?

u/OPSentiment: likely positive Upvotes: 19

My entire routine is AB the only on AB I’m using is the Medik8 Crystal Retinal (level 3) and I’m enjoying it and seeing good results so far but I was wondering how others feel about it?

u/le_nicoSentiment: likely positive Upvotes: 16

Medik8 Crystal Retinal. I'm on 0.06% retinaldehyde and when black friday rolls i'm upgrading to 0.10%. Its great for texture of my skin. I feel this gave me the best "glass" but not oily skin. There was no breakouts, and can even use it under eyes. The only thing i see is that my skin needs more hydration when using it regularly.

u/wicked_nikySentiment: likely positive Upvotes: 15

Been using retinol for years. Never anything prescription-strength, mind, just Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10. I’m sure it’s been doing me some good, of course, but it’s never given me the results I got from Calecim Multi Action Cream in just a few weeks—I honestly feel like it’s taken a few years off! That stuff visibly works.

u/OPSentiment: likely neutral Upvotes: 13

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