Medik8

Crystal Retinal 3

Serum
This was my first product with a retinoid and I've been using it for roughly 2.5 months now.
Crystal Retinal 3

43 of 43 ingredients identified

Informational only — check the packaging and a professional for advice.

Actives combined with exfoliation
This formula pairs active ingredients with exfoliation. Introduce gradually and watch for sensitivity.
Contains fragrance
Fragrance is a common trigger for sensitivity and irritation in reactive skin.

Category breakdown

Emollient · 10Other · 10Antioxidant · 4Solvent / vehicle · 3Humectant · 3Active · 3Surfactant · 3Preservative · 2Fragrance · 2Soothing · 1Exfoliant · 1UV filter · 1

Relationships

works withCetearyl OlivateSorbitan Olivateworks withSodium HyaluronateGlycerin

Full ingredient breakdown

3
A gold-standard humectant that draws water into the skin.
Humectant
10
The stable ester form of vitamin E that converts to active tocopherol in skin; a common, shelf-stable antioxidant.
Antioxidant
14
A multifunctional antioxidant that calms skin and enhances the performance of preservative systems.
Antioxidant
15
An ether derivative of L-ascorbic acid in which the 3-OH position is protected by an ethyl group, making it stable in water-based formulas. Converts to Vitamin C inside skin cells. Used widely in Japanese brightening products (Shiseido, Elixir) as a quasi-drug-adjacent brightening active.
Active
17
The salt form of hyaluronic acid; penetrates more readily.
Humectant
19
A stable, oil-soluble vitamin C derivative.
Active
21
A more potent retinoid one step closer to retinoic acid than retinol.
Active
27
A honeysuckle flower extract that soothes skin and offers antimicrobial activity.
Soothing
31
A biodegradable polyamino acid polymer (poly-aspartic acid sodium salt) used as a high-performance humectant and film-former that provides sustained surface hydration.
Humectant
33
An AHA most often used in small amounts to adjust pH.
Exfoliant
37
A synthetic phenolic antioxidant that prevents oxidation of oils and fats in cosmetic formulas, used at very low concentrations.
Antioxidant
39
An extract from vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) fruit pods rich in vanillin and phenolic antioxidants, used for antioxidant protection and skin conditioning.
Antioxidant
43
A mineral UV filter effective against UVB and short UVA.
UV filter