No 1 Bestseller

Reveal younger-looking skin with just 1 tube of Crystal Retinal. Our iconic vitamin A night serum is clinically proven to visibly smooth stubborn wrinkles, brighten dark spots, decongest and firm your skin - without irritation.^[1]

Crystal Retinal contains retinAL; a next-generation vitamin A which acts 11x faster than standard retinOL.^[2] And, unlike others, our patented retinal stability system ensures unmatched retinal potency and effectiveness until the very last drop.

It’s no wonder Crystal Retinal is the UK’s No.1 dermatological face serum.^[3]

[1] Proven via independent clinical study on Crystal Retinal 6. Tested on 33 participants over 12 weeks.
[2] G. Siegenthaler et al., Retinol and retinal metabolism, Biochemical Journal, 1990, 268, pp 371-378
[3] Source: Circana (UK) Ltd, Prestige Beauty Retail tracking / Feb 2023 to Jan 2024 / prestige face serum / Dermatologist Brand attribute / Dermatologist Brand is defined as a brand that has identified itself as (i) founded or developed by a dermatologist and/or (ii) is dermatologist recommended / franchise line / value & unit sales. To verify visit: https://eu.medik8.com/pages/circana-group-claim-letters

KEY BENEFITS

Fast Wrinkle Reducing Power

See clinically proven wrinkle reduction with just 1 tube*
*Proven via independent clinical study on Crystal Retinal 6. Tested on 33 participants over 12 weeks.
Professional-Grade Results

Retinaldehyde is proven to work up to 11 times faster than classic retinol* - so you can see results sooner
*G. Siegenthaler et al., Retinol and retinal metabolism, Biochemical Journal, 1990, 268, pp 371-378
Radiant, Youthful Skin

Delivers remarkable visible improvement in texture, brightness, firmness & clarity
Effective Results Until the Last Drop

Thanks to Medik8's patented stability complex
Customise Your Routine With 5 Progressive Strengths

A retinal strength for beginners to expert users - even sensitive skin

PROVEN RESULTS

BEFORE AFTER 10 DAYS

97% felt their skin had a more youthful appearance*
20% reduction in the appearance of wrinkles*
20% reduction in visible hyperpigmentation*
11% increase in skin firmness*
100% felt Crystal Retinal was gentle on their skin*

*Proven via independent clinical study on 1 tube of Crystal Retinal 6. Tested on 33 participants over 12 weeks.

AVAILABLE STRENGTHS

Only at Medik8, you can ladder up your visible age-defying results over time with Crystal Retinal's 6 progressive strengths.

Offering 0.01% - 0.24% retinaldehyde, there’s a strength for everyone; from very sensitive skins to expert users.

Take our easy quiz to find your strength.

HOW TO USE

Step 1

After cleansing in the evening, apply 2 pumps of Crystal Retinal to the face and neck. Allow to absorb then follow with a moisturiser. We recommend Advanced Night Restore which is specifically designed to be used after vitamin A.

Step 2

For new users of Crystal Retinal, phase application in gradually. Use twice a week for the first 2 weeks, every other night for the next 2 weeks, then every night. You should always use a sunscreen the next morning after using vitamin A.

We recommend using at least 1 tube of your current Crystal Retinal strength before moving up the ladder to the next strength.

LOVED & RECOMMENDED

A true breakthrough in vitamin A skincare

DANIEL ISAACS

Chief Product Officer
I swear by Medik8's Crystal Retinal Range - especially for nighttime use

DR. JUSTINE KLUK

Consultant Dermatologist
Skincare Expert

Really helps keep skin smooth, while tackling fine lines.

NADINE BAGGOTT

Skincare Expert & Beauty Journalist

KEY INGREDIENTS

Retinaldehyde

Proven to work up to 11 times faster than standard retinol,* retinaldehyde (retinal for short) is a revolutionary form of vitamin A that effectively targets the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin texture and loss of firmness - without irritation.
*G. Siegenthaler et al., Retinol and retinal metabolism, Biochemical Journal, 1990, 268, pp 371-378
Hyaluronic Acid

With the ability to attract and retain more than 1,000 times its own weight in water, hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the upper layers of the skin; leaving the complexion hydrated and visibly supple.
Vitamin E

A powerful antioxidant, vitamin E works to protect against the ageing effects of free radical damage while stabilising retinal for optimal power.
Glycerin

A natural humectant which traps moisture within the skin to leave it hydrated and comfortable.
Full Ingredients & Precautions

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE FORMULA

When it comes to vitamin A; the more stable the molecule, the more effective it can be on the skin. Crystal Retinal offers a level of retinal stability that can only be found at Medik8. Our innovative stability system features our renowned crystal encapsulation technology, a patented carrot seed oil complex, and airless packaging. All this comes together to protect the retinal molecule for unmatched potency, long-lasting effectiveness and proven skin comfort. Unlike many retinals, which can cause flaking and irritation, Crystal Retinal has been expertly formulated in our in-house laboratory with a unique combination of the highest quality ingredients and patented technologies so it's gentle yet very powerful.US: When it comes to retinoids; the more stable the molecule, the more effective it can be on the skin. Crystal Retinal offers a level of retinal stability that can only be found at Medik8. Our innovative stability system features our renowned crystal encapsulation technology, a patented carrot seed oil complex, and airless packaging. All this comes together to protect the retinal molecule for unmatched potency, long-lasting effectiveness and proven skin comfort. Unlike many retinals, which can cause flaking and irritation, Crystal Retinal has been expertly formulated in our in-house laboratory with a unique combination of the highest quality ingredients and patented technologies so it's gentle yet very powerful.

SUSTAINABILITY CLAIMS

Provenance provides confidence for sustainability claims; helping to prevent ‘green-washing’ and empowering conscious consumers to purchase in line with their values. Provenance ‘Proof Points’ are all third party verified and evidenced through supply chains.

GOOD TO KNOW

CLINICALLY-PROVEN FORMULA
DERMATOLOGIST RECOMMENDED
NO ARTIFICIAL FRAGRANCE
NO SYNTHETIC COLOURS
PARABEN FREE
ALCOHOL FREE

FAQS

When should I apply Crystal Retinal?

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You should apply Crystal Retinal as part of your evening skincare routine - after cleanser, toner and serums, but before your moisturiser.
Can I use Crystal Retinal every night?

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As long as you build your use up gradually and start with the appropriate strength to begin with, you can use Crystal Retinal every night. For new users of Crystal Retinal, we strongly recommend that you phase-in application to enable your skin to build up a tolerance while avoiding any potential irritation. Use twice a week for the first two weeks, every other night for the following two weeks, then every night.
Can I use Crystal Retinal while pregnant or breastfeeding?

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As a cosmetics company, we are unable to provide product advice in relation to medical conditions such as pregnancy or breastfeeding. We strongly recommend discussing the ingredients with your GP or midwife before use. We do, however, generally recommend avoiding vitamin A use while pregnant or breastfeeding, which is why we offer a plant-based vitamin A alternative - Bakuchiol Peptides.
Do I need to follow Crystal Retinal with a moisturiser?

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We do recommend applying a moisturiser after vitamin A. Our bestselling night cream, Advanced Night Restore, is specifically designed to be used following vitamin A use. It helps to boost the visible age-defying benefits of vitamin A while maintaining optimal comfort.
Can I use Crystal Retinal around my eye area?

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We don't recommend using Crystal Retinal directly around the eye area due to its very delicate nature. However, that's exactly why we've created Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye. It boasts all of the renowned age-defying power of our original Crystal Retinal, but is expertly optimised for specific use on the delicate eye area.

Crystal Retinal®

Award-winning Age-Defying Vitamin A Night Serum Full Details

Size Strength-finder

Crystal Retinal 1 Sensitive Crystal Retinal 3 Beginner Crystal Retinal 6 Regular Crystal Retinal 10 Advanced Crystal Retinal 20 Experienced Crystal Retinal 24 Expert

Product variants

Quantity:

Crystal Retinal®

DERMATOLOGIST RECOMMENDED

CLINICAL RESULTS

AGE-DEFYING EXPERTS

MADE IN THE UK

B CORP CERTIFIED

Complete Your Regime

Addressing 90% of age-defying skincare needs*, we especially recommend using this product alongside our industry-leading vitamin C and sunscreen formulas - as per our pioneering CSA Philosophy.

*Based on average change in key indicators of skin ageing, tested on 50 participants using a CSA skincare regime for 6 months

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Resurfacing AHA/BHA Mangosteen Cleansing Gel - 150ml / 40ml
Evening Advanced Night Restore™
Rejuvenating Multi-Ceramide Night Cream - 50ml / 12.5ml

New Liquid Peptides Advanced MP

Crystal Retinal

Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye

Liquid Peptides Advanced

Advanced Night Restore

C-Tetra Luxe

Hydr8 B5 Intense

CSA Regimes

Cleansing Regimes

CSA Philosophy

Why You Should Apply Sunscreen Everyday

User & Clincal Trials

Discover Retinal

Me&Medik8

Meet Our Experts

CSA Philosophy

Proudly B Corp

Retinal vs Retinol: Which Is Better For Your Skin

The Benefits of Retinaldehyde

KEY BENEFITS

Fast Wrinkle Reducing Power

Professional-Grade Results

Radiant, Youthful Skin

Effective Results Until the Last Drop

Customise Your Routine With 5 Progressive Strengths

PROVEN RESULTS

AVAILABLE STRENGTHS

HOW TO USE

Step 1

Step 2

We recommend using at least 1 tube of your current Crystal Retinal strength before moving up the ladder to the next strength.

LOVED & RECOMMENDED

KEY INGREDIENTS

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE FORMULA

SUSTAINABILITY CLAIMS

GOOD TO KNOW

FAQS

When should I apply Crystal Retinal?

Can I use Crystal Retinal every night?

Can I use Crystal Retinal while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Do I need to follow Crystal Retinal with a moisturiser?

Can I use Crystal Retinal around my eye area?

Crystal Retinal®

Award-winning Age-Defying Vitamin A Night Serum Full Details

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Complete Your Regime