Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 - 30ml

Is your skin losing firmness, are the first fine lines appearing around the eyes and mouth, or does your texture stay uneven and congested? Then Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 – a night serum with 0.03% retinaldehyde – is the logical next step. This strength is designed for newcomers to vitamin A and for anyone who has only used mild retinol so far and wants to build tolerance gradually. Suitable for all skin types, including mature and blemish-prone skin.

How it works

Retinaldehyde (retinal) is the form of vitamin A that sits just one conversion step away from retinoic acid. That is why, according to Medik8, Crystal Retinal works up to 11x faster than traditional retinol, with a lower risk of irritation. It speeds up cellular renewal, visibly reducing fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation marks while refining skin texture. Retinal is also the only form of vitamin A with direct antibacterial benefits, making it a smart choice for blemish-prone skin. The formula also contains Sodium Hyaluronate for hydration, plus Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid as stable vitamin C derivatives, supported by Squalane and vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate).

Texture and place in your routine

A light, creamy emulsion that absorbs quickly without feeling greasy, with a soft warm note of vanilla and tonka. Use Crystal Retinal 3 in the evening only, as your final active step after cleansing and before your night cream – Advanced Night Restore, for example. Mornings call for vitamin C, such as C-Tetra, plus a high SPF: that is Medik8's CSA philosophy. Avoid layering with exfoliating acids in the same routine, and pause briefly after a peel or when your barrier feels compromised.

Frequently asked questions

Which Crystal Retinal strength suits me?

Crystal Retinal 3 (0.03%) is the starting point for beginners or those who have only used mild retinol. Once your skin tolerates it well, you can progress to Crystal Retinal 6.

Can I combine it with vitamin C?

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

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Build up slowly: twice a week for weeks 1-2, then every other evening. If your skin reacts easily, choose Crystal Retinal 1 or the Intelligent Retinol Smoothing Night Cream.

Crystal Retinal 3 contains 0.03% retinaldehyde, a form of vitamin A that according to Medik8 works up to 11x faster than traditional retinol while remaining gentle. It accelerates cellular renewal, so fine lines and wrinkles appear reduced, pigmentation marks look softer and skin texture becomes more even and smooth. Retinal is also the only form of vitamin A with direct antibacterial benefits, which helps blemish-prone skin. Sodium Hyaluronate holds on to moisture, while Squalane and vitamin E support comfort during the build-up phase.

In the evening, apply a thin layer to cleansed, dry skin before your night cream; one to two pumps is enough for face and neck. Start with 2-3 times a week and slowly build towards nightly use if your skin tolerates it well. Avoid the eyelid itself. Always use vitamin C and a high SPF during the day, as retinaldehyde makes skin more sensitive to UV.

After a few weeks skin feels smoother and softer, and the complexion looks fresher and more even. With consistent use over two to three months fine lines appear less visible, texture looks refined and skin feels firmer. A short adjustment period with mild dryness can occur.

• 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, 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.

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