Medik8 - Crystal Retinal 3

The Crystal Retinal 3 from Medik8 is an evening serum with retinal, for anyone using vitamin A for the first time. Retinal, also known as retinaldehyde, is a form of vitamin A the skin uses to renew skin cells. This Medik8 retinal serum contains 0.03% encapsulated retinaldehyde, an encapsulated form that releases the ingredient gradually. It suits normal to dry skin, especially if you're using a vitamin A product for the first time. You'll find other evening treatment products in our serums collection.

Who is Crystal Retinal 3 for?

Crystal Retinal 3 suits normal, combination and dry skin that isn't used to vitamin A yet. You'd choose this strength when a basic serum no longer does enough against a dull complexion or fine lines. Have you used this strength for months without any issues? Then you can move up to the stronger Crystal Retinal 6.

How do you use Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3?

Only use Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 in the evening, on clean, dry skin. A build-up schedule means you gradually increase how often you use a strong active ingredient, so your skin has time to adjust. You can read more about that in our article on how often you can use retinol.

Apply the serum twice a week for the first two weeks, then every other evening for the next two weeks. From that point, use it every evening, as long as your skin tolerates it without issues. Massage a small amount into your face, neck and décolleté and let it absorb before applying a cream. Always wear a sunscreen the next morning, and for a week after you stop using it too.

Which Crystal Retinal strength suits me?

Medik8 releases Crystal Retinal in increasing strengths, with more encapsulated retinaldehyde in the formula each time. At Olivida, the 3 is the starting strength; the higher numbers are for skin that's already used to vitamin A.

• Crystal Retinal 3: Starting point for a first introduction to vitamin A.
• Crystal Retinal 6: For after several months of trouble-free use of the 3.
• Crystal Retinal 10: For skin with extensive experience of vitamin A.
• Crystal Retinal 20: The highest strength in the range, for full tolerance only.

Active ingredients

Retinal (Retinaldehyde), 0.03%. Retinol is the best-known form of vitamin A in skincare products. Retinal needs one fewer conversion step in the skin than retinol. The encapsulation releases the ingredient gradually, which lowers the chance of irritation while you build up.

Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid). Draws in moisture and holds it in the upper skin layers, so skin feels more supple.

Glycerin. A moisture-attracting ingredient that, together with hyaluronic acid, keeps the skin barrier comfortable, the protective outer layer of the skin.

Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E). An antioxidant: an ingredient that helps protect the skin against cell damage from free radicals, particles that form partly due to sunlight.

Full ingredient list (INCI)

Aqua (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 (Cloudberry) 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 (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Dipteryx Odorata (Tonka) Bean Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Fruit Extract, Decylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, BHT, Coumarin.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between Crystal Retinal 3 and retinol?

Crystal Retinal 3 from Medik8 contains retinal, or retinaldehyde in full, and no retinol. Retinal and retinol are both forms of vitamin A, but retinal needs one fewer conversion step in the skin.

Can you combine Crystal Retinal 3 with vitamin C?

Yes, you can combine Crystal Retinal 3 with a vitamin C product, but not in the same routine. Use vitamin C in the morning and the serum in the evening.

My skin is flaking in the first weeks of Crystal Retinal 3, is that normal?

Mild flaking or dryness in the first weeks with Crystal Retinal 3 is common while your skin adjusts to vitamin A. Go back to two evenings a week and only build up further once your skin stays calm. If the irritation continues, stop and consult a skin therapist. Our article on retinol and vitamin A explains what to expect in those first weeks.

Can you use Crystal Retinal 3 during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Vitamin A derivatives such as retinal are not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If in doubt, talk to your midwife or doctor.

What's the difference between Crystal Retinal 3 and Crystal Retinal 6?

Crystal Retinal 3 and Crystal Retinal 6 from Medik8 contain the same form of vitamin A, at an increasing concentration of encapsulated retinaldehyde. The 3 is the starting strength; the 6 is for anyone who has already used vitamin A for several months without issues.

See the full range in Olivida's Medik8 Crystal Retinal collection.