The short version
The short version of this review
Medik8 Crystal Retinal is a retinaldehyde night serum sold in six strengths, from Crystal Retinal 1 (0.01%) to Crystal Retinal 24 (0.24%), each 30ml and priced £45–£114 on Medik8 UK on 25 September 2026. Medik8 directs evening use, a gradual build-up and next-morning sunscreen, and advises avoiding vitamin A in pregnancy.
Product information reviewed 2026-09-25.
01 / The basics
What is Crystal Retinal?
Medik8 sells Crystal Retinal in six strengths from 0.01% to 0.24% retinaldehyde (Crystal Retinal 1 to 24), each 30ml, with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E; the brand directs evening use, a gradual build-up, sunscreen the next morning and avoiding vitamin A in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Best for
- A graduated retinal routine, from first use to expert strength
02 / Review
What is in Crystal Retinal?
Crystal Retinal uses retinaldehyde (retinal), a retinoid one step closer to retinoic acid than retinol, in six numbered strengths from 0.01% to 0.24%. Medik8 pairs it with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E; squalane and two vitamin C derivatives also appear in the ingredient list.
The numbered system is the point: it lets a first-time user start low and move up only after finishing a tube. Crystal Retinal 24, added in 2024, is intended only for users who have completed Crystal Retinal 20.
03 / Review
Who is Crystal Retinal best for?
Someone new to retinoids who wants a clear route from a low starting strength to an advanced one, and experienced users who prefer retinal to retinol.
04 / Review
What should you check before buying?
Start with the lowest strength if you are new to vitamin A, and follow the brand’s build-up schedule. It is not fragrance-free in the strict sense: coumarin, tonka bean and vanilla extracts appear in the ingredient list. Medik8 advises avoiding vitamin A during pregnancy and breastfeeding; speak to a GP or midwife.
05 / How to use it
How should you use Crystal Retinal?
- 01Apply two pumps to face and neck in the evening, after cleansing
- 02Start twice a week for two weeks, then every other night for two weeks, then nightly, as Medik8 directs
- 03Finish a tube before moving up a strength
- 04Wear sunscreen the next morning
06 / Quick facts
What should you know before choosing Crystal Retinal?
- —Six strengths, each 30ml: Crystal Retinal 1 (0.01%), 3 (0.03%), 6 (0.06%), 10 (0.1%), 20 (0.2%) and 24 (0.24%) retinaldehyde
- —From £45 (Crystal Retinal 1) to £114 (Crystal Retinal 24) on Medik8 UK, 25 September 2026
- —Night serum with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and glycerin; Vegan Society certified
- —“No artificial fragrance”, but coumarin, tonka bean and vanilla extracts are on the ingredient list
- —Build-up: twice a week for two weeks, every other night for two weeks, then nightly; one tube before moving up a strength
- —Sunscreen the next morning; Medik8 advises avoiding vitamin A in pregnancy and breastfeeding