PRODUCT REVIEW
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3
Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Anti-blemish
- Anti-aging
- Evens skin tone
- Moisturizing
Show more
Can it cause trouble?
Add to Compare
Cheaper alternatives
Product summary
What can the product work for?
Anti-blemish
What does the product description say?
As well as addressing signs of ageing, Crystal Retinal helps to reduce blemish-causing bacteria, visibly improving the clarity of the complexion .
retinal
0.2% -
0.4%
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
0.4% -
0.6%
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?
Key Benefits Helps to minimise the look of fine lines and wrinkles Works to soften, firm and plump the complexion Enriched with 0.03% encapsulated retinaldehyde Hyaluronic acid and glycerine promote hydration Suitable for all skin types Vegan friendly and cruelty-free Free from parabens, phthalates, sulphates and alcohol UK200030049
retinal
0.2% -
0.4%
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% -
0.55%
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
0.2% -
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?
Key benefits , A youthful-looking complexion , Results up to 11x faster than retinol , Visibly improves lines and wrinkles, sun damage and uneven skin tone , Reduces the appearance of blemishes , Stable formulation retains potency over time Medik 8 Crystal Retinal 1 Technologies , 0.01% Retinaldehyde , Crystal Encapsulation , Carrot Seed Stability Complex , Hyaluronic Acid , Glycerin Medik 8 recommend a simple, highly effective anti-ageing strategy of using vitamin C and sunscreen in the morning and vitamin A at night. This strategy is called CSA.
retinal
0.2% -
0.4%
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% -
0.55%
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
0.2% -
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?
Contributing towards a firmer, softer and plumper complexion, it works to promote clearer skin while boosting moisture retention.This serum helps to soothe, smooth and resurface the skin's texture for a rejuvenated appearance.
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
squalane
0.55% -
0.8%
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.
sodium hyaluronate
0.3% -
0.55%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
Show more
Exfoliation
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.
Buy now
We receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost for you. Thank you for your support! Learn more
US Retailers
AU Retailers
UK Retailers
Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 1
Potential irritants
eclipta prostrata extract
0.55% -
0.85%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-inflammatory
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. It can be irritating
melia azadirachta leaf extract
0.4% -
0.6%
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 (3)
Recommend
3 reviews
0%
|
100%
How well does it work for anti-aging?
1 review
Poor
Excellent
How well does it work against blemishes?
1 review
Poor
Excellent
How well does it work for evening out skin tone?
1 review
Poor
Excellent
How well does it work for moisturization?
1 review
Poor
Excellent
How would you describe the texture?
3 reviews
heavy
Light
How much does it pill under makeup?
2 reviews
A lot
Not at all
How much does this product clog
pores?
3 reviews
Definitely clogs pores
Doesn't clog pores
How would you describe the smell?
3 reviews
No smell
Light fragrance
Strong fragrance
Loading...
Similar products & dupes
| Medik8 - Crystal Retinal 3 |  K-SECRET - SEOUL 1988 Serum : Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng Sponsored | Cyrène Skincare - Diamond Retinal 1 |  PEACH & LILY - Buy Peach Lily Retinal For All Renewing Serum in Australia - Korean Skincare and Beauty |  skinmade - Tranexamic acid + Retinal serum | Ursa Major - Lunar Bloom Retinal Serum |  Geek & Gorgeous 101 - A-Game 10 | Dermaquest - Stem Cell 3D Active Retinol Repair Serum - 1% |  ARCONA - Advanced A Serum | Raaie - Yellow Moonbeam Retinal Elixir |  Biossance - Squalane + Retinol Night Serum |  Plaisir - Renewing Retinol Booster Serum | |
| Price | ||||||||||||
| WIMJ similarity score |
74%
|
91%
|
79%
|
77%
|
77%
|
76%
|
75%
|
75%
|
74%
|
74%
|
74%
| |
| Key ingredients |
| Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other: | Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other: |
| Irritancy | IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
|
| Potential Irritants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| All ingredients |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
retinal
0.2% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Anti-aging,
Anti-blemish
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
3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid
0.2% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Anti-oxidation,
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
Show more
Potential irritants
eclipta prostrata extract
0.55% -
0.85%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-inflammatory
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. It can be irritating
melia azadirachta leaf extract
0.4% -
0.6%
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, 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
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
- Melia azedarach
- Preliminary and Pharmacological Profile of Melia azedarach L.: An Overview
- 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
- Safety Assessment of Alumina and Aluminum Hydroxide as Used in Cosmetics
- Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety
- Moringa oleifera seed oil: Composition, nutritional aspects and health attributes
- Moringa oleifera Seeds and Oil: Characteristics and Uses for Human Health
- Application of sodium polyaspartate in skin care products
- 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
- New Claims for Wild Carrot (Daucus carota subsp. carota) Essential Oil
- Antioxidant Ability and Stability Studies of 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a Cosmetic Tyrosinase Inhibitor