Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 - Firming, Advanced Skin Retinaldehyde Face Serum - Night Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E - Gluten Free - 1 oz

I’m 52 with post-menopausal mature skin, and while I’ve used prescription Retin-A in the past, it always ended up being too irritating for me. I eventually switched to Arazlo (which is amazing), but my insurance stopped covering it — and paying hundreds of dollars out of pocket just isn’t realistic. So I decided to try Medik8 Crystal Retinal, and I went straight for the strongest version (20), since it’s considered just one step below prescription-strength retinoic acid. I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised. First, the tolerance: Even at level 20, I’m experiencing no irritation — no peeling, no redness, no dryness. The formula feels creamy and elegant, not harsh or stripping, which makes it worlds easier to incorporate consistently. Second, the results: After consistent nightly use, my skin looks noticeably smoother and more refined. Fine lines look softer, the overall texture looks more even, and everything just feels firmer and more resilient. It truly performs like a high-strength retinoid without the usual misery. The only downside: The color is VERY yellow — almost startling at first. The higher the concentration, the deeper the color, so level 20 is intense. But since it’s a nighttime product, it really doesn’t matter, and it hasn’t transferred to my pillow. If you’ve struggled with irritation from Retin-A or can’t justify the cost of prescription options like Arazlo, this is an excellent alternative. Strong, effective, and surprisingly gentle on sensitive, mature, post-menopausal skin. I’m genuinely impressed.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 is hands down one of the best skincare products I’ve ever used. As someone with sensitive skin, I was hesitant to try a retinal product, but this serum exceeded my expectations. It’s gentle enough for beginners while still delivering powerful results. After just a few weeks of use, my skin looks noticeably brighter and more radiant. Fine lines are less visible, and my complexion feels firmer and smoother. It’s almost like I’ve discovered a real-life filter for my face! The texture of the serum is luxurious, and it absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residue. Plus, the soothing ingredients prevent any irritation—a huge win for my reactive skin. I also love how Medik8 incorporates retinaldehyde, a more advanced form of vitamin A, making it more effective than traditional retinols but still easy to use. My skin feels rejuvenated and refreshed every morning, and it pairs beautifully with my moisturizer. If you’re looking for a high-performance serum to elevate your skincare routine, Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 is worth every penny. It’s perfect for anyone starting out with retinal or wanting serious results without compromising skin comfort. Highly recommend!

tret 0.05% was too harsh on my skin (even altreno, which people said was gentler). turned to this instead. it made my skin soooo nice - clear, even, smooth. i'm using this mostly preventatively (early 30s, light wrinkles) so can't say much about anti-wrinkle effect, but it helps with the random blemishes i still get. i can go make-up free thanks to this

I have rosacea but have wanted to try retinol/retinal. I tried retinol and bakuchiol in the past and my skin didn't like it. Thankfully, no issues at all with this one, and it helped even out my skin a little bit. It was very subtle but that is to be expected with a percentage this low. I have since moved up to Level 3 and when my rosacea is doing really well I can even tolerate Level 6 (but use it on top of a hyaluronic acid serum to reduce irritation). I recommend Level 1 to anyone who is hesitant but curious about retinal.

Very honest review of a 48 yo with combo skin. Today is exactly 8 weeks since I started using this product, Crystal Retinal 6. I used other retinoid for several months prior, if you have not, you may want to start at a lower concentration. When I started using it I used it every night, again, because I already had a good tolerance to retinoids. I liked it right away, but didn’t review until today. This was the first Medik8 product I bought after research. This is a very good brand and company imo. Here are my impressions of Crystal Ratinol 6: zero irritation (my skin is not super sensitive or dry). Within a week my skin felt firmer. At 8 weeks today the difference in firmness and elasticity is phenomenal. This product is okay to use around the eyes which is rare for retinoids. I have genetic eye begs and puffiness and this product has been more effective than any other I have tried. The eye area is most definitely firmer and more lifted. Major win there. This applies very easily, absorbs very quickly and though it is scented that doesn’t bother me. I have seen many reviews saying that it is sticky or greasy, not in my experience. A little bit goes a long way here (2-3 pumps) as the instructions say. Using too much will make it sticky or even greasy because of the texture of it. Also saw a lot of reviews complaining about the pump, again not in my experience, it actually works perfectly, you get to squeeze out every single drop. I am almost at the end of a second tube and no issues. Also saw a lot of reviews about the tube being small, idk. At 2-3 pumps a night the first tube lasted me 36 days. I think that’s pretty standard for this type of product that you apply to the face AND neck. Some reviewers saw no difference and I am not doubting that but as someone who does a lot of research including speaking to dermatologists, retanal works, Medik8 especially seems to have scientific evidence for its product BUT it takes time and consistency is key. For some people it will take less time and for some more. I saw a difference in firmness very quickly but the softening is wrinkles is taking more time. I truly believe this product is effective but it takes time. I highly recommend Crystal Retinal and am planning to continue using it and go up to strength 10 in a few months. I am also using several other Medik8 products and they are all great. I will however say that it’s better to purchase directly from Medik8 (sorry Amazon) because the brand offers generous points membership, deluxe samples, free gifts and very decent discounts very often.

I have no not used this once but I was extremely disappointed with the volume, or lack thereof, in the tube. Instructions say to squeeze the tube while pumping to be sure you get every drop. When I tried this, I had to keep squeezing to get anything. After one small pump, the tube is almost completely flat. I understand this sells by the ounce, but I think it was very misleading. Way too much money for a small amount of product.

I’ve tried many retinols, retinals and had a brief stint on tretinoin, but this is hands down my favorite, and has been the only one I’ve stuck with. I have sensitive & aging skin, but had zero irritation or break outs from this. I have used most of the level 3, and am now using the level 6 (whilst using the rest of the level 3 under my eyes). I put it on clean dry skin, and then follow up with a thick moisturizer at night… During the day I use moisturizer and spf (do not use this if you’re not going to use spf. Also, don’t combine with other actives at the same exact time. I will use a light AHA exfoliant once a week and will not use this on the same day… I did not add in the AHA until about a month in, to ensure no barrier damage/irritation) And for people saying the package doesn’t work, it DOES work. Push the product toward the pump (as you would with toothpaste) and then use the pump. Sometimes you just have to push it toward it to get it to dispense. I actually really like the product as it’s airtight and keeps it stable, if you cut it open you are ruining the product. And as for the scent, it has a very light scent that is actually cozy. It kind of smells like light vanilla cookies. I’m not usually a fan of scents, but actually enjoy this one. If they made it in a hand/body lotion, I’d buy it lol. I’ve been consistent, seen good results so far and will continue to use this product; happy I’ve finally found a form of vitamin A that agrees with my skin.

Very strong unpleasant fragrance. This may be a great product, but I'll never know because I can't apply it near my nose!

Vale totalmente la pena. Sí ves el cambio en la piel. (

return requested, false advertising.

Excelente producto, grandes resultados.

Producto perfecto que cumple sus expectativas

Nicht grade das günstigste Retinal, dafür 100% wirksam. Nutze schon seit 15 Monate und mittlerweile jeden Abend. Meine Haut liebt die Textur, Wirksamkeit und das Gefühl am nächsten Morgen:)