Medik8: clinical skincare built on the CSA philosophy

Hero products

• Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 - 30ml: the popular middle step with 0.06% retinaldehyde, for regular vitamin A users or those moving up from step 3.
• Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 - 30ml: 0.10% retinaldehyde for advanced users who tolerate step 6 well.
• Medik8 Crystal Retinal 20 - 30ml: 0.20% retinaldehyde, the clinical strength for very experienced users.
• Medik8 C-Tetra - 30ml: a light vitamin C serum for the morning, ideal if you are starting with vitamin C and want more radiance.
• Medik8 Daily Radiance Vitamin C - 50ml: vitamin C in a day moisturiser, handy if you want serum and cream in one step.
• Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP - 30ml: a gentle peptide serum for firmness that pairs easily with retinal.
• Medik8 Advanced Night Restore - 50ml: a rich night cream that nourishes skin overnight, lovely as the final step after your retinal.
• Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect - 50ml: day cream with SPF 50+, the S of the CSA routine and the foundation for everything else you build.

What makes Medik8 different

Medik8 was born from Elliot Isaacs' passion for pursuing better skin health and better results. Isaacs studied physiology, pharmacology and biochemistry at the University of Leeds and built the brand from a small laboratory at the back of his father's pharmacy. His first product, Calmwise Serum (formerly Red Alert Serum), was developed for his sister who struggled with redness and flushing – and it is still one of the bestsellers. Years of research led to the antioxidant serum Copper PCA Peptides (formerly Firewall), and in 2009 the complete range launched together with the distinctive CSA Philosophy. Isaacs is now named on several patents for his work with retinoids, growth factors, brightening ingredients and new antioxidants.

The difference lies in simplicity: not endless layers of products, but three steps you strengthen over time. Because both vitamin C and vitamin A come in different concentrations, you can tailor your routine to your age, your experience and your goal without adding other products. Medik8 combines potent ingredients with a pleasant texture; according to Isaacs you should never have to compromise between experience and results.

Sustainability is part of the story. All paper materials are FSC certified, recycled or recyclable and printed with soy ink. Glass packaging contains 40% recycled glass and is recyclable again. Medik8 does not test on animals and does not ask others to test on its behalf, neither for products in development nor for finished products. Everything has been 100% vegan since July 2019 and since 2017 no product contains pure palm oil.

Which Crystal Retinal suits you

Crystal Retinal is the vitamin A of the CSA routine and comes in several strengths. Medik8 strongly advises: start low and build up slowly.

• Crystal Retinal 1: the gentlest entry point if you have never used vitamin A.
• Crystal Retinal 3 (0.03%): for beginners, or anyone who only used mild retinol.
• Crystal Retinal 6 (0.06%): for regular users or those progressing from step 3.
• Crystal Retinal 10 (0.10%): for advanced users who tolerate step 6 well.
• Crystal Retinal 20 (0.20%): clinical strength for very experienced users.
• Crystal Retinal 24: the highest rung of the ladder, only once step 20 feels completely comfortable.

Does your skin react easily? Then Intelligent Retinol Smoothing Night Cream is the gentler start: retinol in a cream base instead of a pure serum. You will find every strength under Retinal & Vitamin A.

The lines explained

CSA Routine: all three steps in one place so you can build a complete morning and evening routine. Introduce the steps one after another, so you know what caused any irritation.

Retinal & Vitamin A: the evening step with the full Crystal Retinal ladder plus gentler retinol options. Build from twice a week to nightly if your skin tolerates it well.

Vitamin C: the morning step that protects against environmental influences and adds radiance. From lightweight C-Tetra to richer textures for drier skin.

Peptides: focused on firmer-looking skin, with Liquid Peptides Advanced MP as the best-known serum. Gentle enough to use alongside your retinal.

Hydration: hydrating serums such as Hydr8 B5 for tight, dehydrated skin. Also a useful buffer while you build up your retinal.

Acne: targeted care for blemishes, congested pores and oilier skin.

By product type and skin concern

Shopping by routine step? Browse the serums, day creams, night creams, cleansing, exfoliation & toner, sun protection, eye care and masks. Working on a specific concern? Start with acne or with the line that matches your goal.

Frequently asked questions

Which Crystal Retinal strength should I choose?

It depends on how much experience your skin has with vitamin A. Crystal Retinal 1 and 3 (0.03%) are for beginners, 6 (0.06%) for regular users, 10 (0.10%) for advanced users and 20 (0.20%) and 24 for very experienced users. Start low and build up slowly.

What exactly is the CSA routine?

CSA stands for vitamin C and Sunscreen in the morning and vitamin A at night. According to Medik8 this combination gives skin that looks up to 10 years younger. Start with SPF, then add vitamin C and finally vitamin A.

C-Tetra or Daily Radiance Vitamin C?

C-Tetra is a light vitamin C serum you apply under your day cream, ideal if you want a classic serum step. Daily Radiance Vitamin C combines vitamin C with a day moisturiser and is practical if you prefer a short routine.

Can I use retinal on sensitive skin?

Usually yes, as long as you start very low: weeks 1-2 twice a week, weeks 3-4 every other evening, then nightly if your skin tolerates it well. If your skin reacts quickly, choose Intelligent Retinol Smoothing Night Cream and support it with a hydrating serum such as Hydr8 B5.

Can I use retinal during pregnancy?

Vitamin A products are generally not advised during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Please check with your doctor or midwife and in the meantime choose vitamin C, peptides, hydration and sun protection.

Is Medik8 vegan and cruelty free?

Yes. All products have been 100% vegan since July 2019. Medik8 does not test on animals and does not ask other parties to do so, neither for products in development nor for finished products. Since 2017 no product contains pure palm oil.

Is Beautyfashionshop an authorised Medik8 stockist?

Yes, we are an official point of sale and carry all 48 products. We ship from our own warehouse in the Netherlands and shipping is free over €50.

How do I combine peptides with retinal?

Peptides are gentle and combine well. Use Liquid Peptides Advanced MP in the evening before your Crystal Retinal, or keep peptides in the morning next to your vitamin C. Always introduce one new product at a time.