Medik8 Crystal Retinal 20 - 30ml

Are fine lines deepening, is your skin texture uneven, or do pigmentation spots and breakouts keep coming back while your skin already tolerates lower retinal strengths without issue? Then Medik8 Crystal Retinal 20 (the highest concentrated vitamin A serum on the Crystal Retinal ladder) is the logical next step. With 0.20% retinaldehyde this is clinical strength: made for very experienced users who handle step 10 comfortably and want to keep building on their results. Suitable for mature skin and all skin types, provided your skin is used to vitamin A.

How it works

Retinaldehyde is the form of vitamin A that, according to Medik8, works up to 11 times faster than traditional retinol because it needs one conversion step less. The Crystal Retinal technology stimulates cell renewal and collagen production, visibly reducing fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation spots while refining skin texture. Supporting ingredients include sodium hyaluronate to bind moisture and keep skin comfortable, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) as an antioxidant and squalane to keep the skin barrier supple. The formula also contains vitamin C derivatives (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid) that help brighten the complexion.

Texture and use in your routine

The texture is a light, creamy emulsion that absorbs quickly without tackiness. Crystal Retinal 20 belongs in your evening routine as the vitamin A step of the CSA philosophy: vitamin C and SPF in the morning, vitamin A at night. Cleanse first with something like Surface Radiance Cleanse, apply a thin layer and finish with a moisturiser such as Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream or Advanced Night Restore. Daytime SPF is essential, for example Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF 50+. Skip a night during intense sun exposure or after a peel.

Frequently asked questions

Can I start straight away with Crystal Retinal 20?

No. Medik8 advises starting low and building up slowly: Crystal Retinal 3 to 6, then 10, and only then 20 once step 10 is well tolerated.

Can I combine it with vitamin C?

Yes, but at separate times: vitamin C and SPF in the morning, Crystal Retinal 20 in the evening.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

This strength is not. If your skin reacts easily, choose a lower step or the Intelligent Retinol Smoothing Night Cream as a gentler entry point.

Crystal Retinal 20 contains 0.20% retinaldehyde, a powerful form of vitamin A that according to Medik8 works up to 11 times faster than traditional retinol. The Crystal Retinal technology stimulates cell renewal and collagen production, visibly reducing fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation spots and refining skin texture. Sodium hyaluronate binds moisture, tocopheryl acetate acts as an antioxidant and squalane keeps the skin barrier supple. The result is a more even complexion without the irritation often seen with classic retinol products.

Use Crystal Retinal 20 in the evening on cleansed skin. Apply a thin layer (about a pea-sized amount for the whole face) and let it absorb fully before your moisturiser. Start with 2-3 times per week and build up slowly to daily use. Always wear SPF during the day, as retinaldehyde increases skin sensitivity to UV. Avoid contact with the eyes and corners of the mouth.

After a few weeks of consistent use skin feels smoother and the complexion looks more even and radiant. With longer use, fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation spots are visibly reduced. During the first weeks your skin may need time to adjust, so build up gradually and stay at a frequency your skin tolerates comfortably.

• Hyaluronic acid – Can hold up to 1000 times its weight in moisture and provides intensive hydration
• Glycerin – Intensely hydrates and has a soothing effect
• Vitamin A/Retinol – Increases collagen levels in the skin and stimulates skin regeneration for a youthful and smooth complexion
• Vitamin E – A powerful antioxidant that protects against free radicals and premature skin aging.

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, 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 (Carrot) Seed Oil, Sodium Polyaspartate, Climbazole, Retinal, Dipteryx Odorata (Tonka) Bean Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower (Honeysuckle) Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Rubus Chamaemorus (Cloudberry) Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Pentylene Glycol, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Fruit Extract, Decylene Glycol, Bht, 2-Hexanediol, Coumarin

The manufacturer is responsible for the composition of the product. As the composition may change, we recommend always checking the ingredients on the packaging.