PRODUCT REVIEW
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum
Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Evens skin tone
- Anti-aging
- Anti-blemish
- Moisturizing
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Can it cause trouble?
Buy from Amazon US $89.50
More options from: $53.00
Price as of 6/30/2025 17:1 GMT.
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What can the product work for?
Anti-blemish
What does the product description say?
Dont forget the antibacterial properties of retinal too, that directly and powerfully attack acne-causing bacteria for a healthy, clear complexion.
retinal
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
One step removed from the biologically active in skin form of vitamin A. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinal is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. Concentrations of 0.05% and 0.1% are shown to be effective. It can, however, be irritating
melia azadirachta leaf extract
0.3% -
0.5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
A plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritating
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Providing the same results as retinol but up to 11 times faster, retinal works to boost the production of collagen and elastin for resurfaced and renewed skin.
retinal
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
One step removed from the biologically active in skin form of vitamin A. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinal is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. Concentrations of 0.05% and 0.1% are shown to be effective. It can, however, be irritating
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
0.3% -
0.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.
3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid
0.25% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
Featuring hyaluronic acid, glycerin and vitamin E, it hydrates skin at every level to deliver a supple, even-toned, more youthful-looking complexion.
retinal
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
One step removed from the biologically active in skin form of vitamin A. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinal is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. Concentrations of 0.05% and 0.1% are shown to be effective. It can, however, be irritating
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
0.3% -
0.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.
3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid
0.25% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
Combine this with the hydrating and soothing properties of cult ingredients hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, and youve got a serum that feels just as good as it makes you look.
glycerin
4.1% -
5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
sodium hyaluronate
0.35% -
0.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
squalane
0.65% -
0.95%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
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Exfoliation
What does the product description say?
The ground-breaking overnight serum visibly minimises fine lines and wrinkles; firming and plumping the complexion to resurface skin texture and soften the face.
Honesty check
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Evens skin tone | |
| Anti-blemish | |
| Moisturizing | |
| Exfoliation |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
75/100.
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Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 1
Potential irritants
eclipta prostrata extract
0.5% -
0.75%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-inflammatory,
Anti-oxidation
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. It can be irritating
melia azadirachta leaf extract
0.3% -
0.5%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Antibacterial,
Anti-blemish
A plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritating
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
cetearyl alcohol
1.7% -
2.1%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: Medium
Works for:
Cleansing,
Moisturizing
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
User reviews (0)
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| WIMJ similarity score |
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| Irritancy | IRRITANCY
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MEDIUM
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Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid
0.25% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-aging
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
retinal
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-blemish,
Anti-aging,
Evens skin tone
One step removed from the biologically active in skin form of vitamin A. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinal is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. Concentrations of 0.05% and 0.1% are shown to be effective. It can, however, be irritating
Show more
Potential irritants
eclipta prostrata extract
0.5% -
0.75%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-inflammatory,
Anti-oxidation
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. It can be irritating
melia azadirachta leaf extract
0.3% -
0.5%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Antibacterial,
Anti-blemish
A plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritating
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
cetearyl alcohol
1.7% -
2.1%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: Medium
Works for:
Cleansing,
Moisturizing
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
All ingredients
caprylic/capric triglyceride
5.9% -
7.2%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
glycerin
4.1% -
5%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
Show more
Ingredient list view
Water, 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, Squalane, Eclipta prostrata extract, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Cyclodextrin, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Sodium hyaluronate, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Melia azadirachta leaf extract, Alumina, Isostearic acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate, Disodium edta, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Stearic acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Daucus carota sativa seed oil, Sodium polyaspartate, Climbazole, Retinal, Dipteryx odorata bean extract, Lonicera japonica flower extract, Lonicera caprifolium flower extract, Rubus chamaemorus seed oil, Moringa oleifera seed oil, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan isostearate, Pentylene glycol, Vanilla planifolia fruit extract, Decylene glycol, Bht, 1,2-hexanediol, Coumarin
Sources
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Potent Antioxidative and UVB Protective Effect of Water Extract of Eclipta prostrata L.
- Cyclodextrins: new drug delivery systems in dermatology
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin care
- Double-blind, half-face study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamage
- Application of tetra-isopalmitoyl ascorbic acid in cosmetic formulations: Stability studies and in vivo efficacy
- Melia azedarach
- Preliminary and Pharmacological Profile of Melia azedarach L.: An Overview
- Safety Assessment of Alumina and Aluminum Hydroxide as Used in Cosmetics
- Antioxidant Ability and Stability Studies of 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a Cosmetic Tyrosinase Inhibitor
- New Claims for Wild Carrot (Daucus carota subsp. carota) Essential Oil
- Application of sodium polyaspartate in skin care products
- Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety
- VOLATILE CONSTITUENTS FROM THE FLOWERS OF TWO SPECIES OF HONEYSUCKLE ( LONICERA JAPONICA AND LONICERA CAPRIFOLIUM )
- Chemical composition of the essential oils from the flower, leaf and stem of Lonicera japonica
- Moringa oleifera seed oil: Composition, nutritional aspects and health attributes
- Moringa oleifera Seeds and Oil: Characteristics and Uses for Human Health