Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 is a potent yet gentle vitamin A night serum specifically designed for individuals with very sensitive skin or those new to retinoids. Its key win is delivering visibly firmer, brighter-looking skin and significantly reducing the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots, acting up to 11 times faster than traditional retinol with minimal irritation. The main caveat is that it's part of a progressive system, meaning users will typically start with this lower strength and gradually advance to higher concentrations as their skin adapts for continued results.
Next-Generation Retinaldehyde (Retinal): Clinically proven to act 11 times faster than traditional retinol, effectively targeting fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture, loss of firmness, and hyperpigmentation with reduced irritation.
Patented Stability System: Ensures the active retinaldehyde remains potent and effective from the first pump to the last drop, maximizing product performance.
Industry-Leading Encapsulation Technology: Delivers powerful results gently, making it suitable even for very sensitive skin by minimizing potential irritation.
Progressive Strength System: Crystal Retinal 1 (0.01%) is the entry point for very sensitive skin, part of a ladder of five strengths (up to 0.2%) allowing for a customized and gradual skin adaptation.
Hydrating & Nourishing Blend: Infused with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, and Glycerin to attract and retain moisture, protect against free radicals, and keep skin feeling comfortable and hydrated.
Clinically Proven Results: Demonstrated to reduce wrinkles and dark spots by 20% and increase skin firmness by 11% (based on Crystal Retinal 6 studies), contributing to a more youthful and radiant complexion.
Rapid Efficacy: Retinaldehyde works significantly faster than retinol for visible results.
Gentle on Sensitive Skin: Formulated with encapsulation technology to minimize irritation, even for very sensitive skin types.
Customizable Progression: Part of a strength ladder, allowing users to gradually increase potency as skin adapts.
Hydrating Formula: Contains Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin to maintain skin hydration and comfort.
Stable & Potent: Patented stability complex ensures the active ingredient remains effective over time.
Dermatologist Recommended: Backed by clinical studies and dermatological recommendations.
Night-Time Use Only: Designed as a night serum, requiring consistent evening application.
Gradual Adaptation Required: Users are advised to start with lower strengths (like Crystal Retinal 1) and slowly progress, which requires patience.
Sun Protection is Crucial: As with all Vitamin A products, daily broad-spectrum SPF is essential during the day.
Rapid Efficacy: Retinaldehyde works significantly faster than retinol for visible results.
Gentle on Sensitive Skin: Formulated with encapsulation technology to minimize irritation, even for very sensitive skin types.
Customizable Progression: Part of a strength ladder, allowing users to gradually increase potency as skin adapts.
Hydrating Formula: Contains Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin to maintain skin hydration and comfort.
Stable & Potent: Patented stability complex ensures the active ingredient remains effective over time.
Dermatologist Recommended: Backed by clinical studies and dermatological recommendations.
Night-Time Use Only: Designed as a night serum, requiring consistent evening application.
Gradual Adaptation Required: Users are advised to start with lower strengths (like Crystal Retinal 1) and slowly progress, which requires patience.
Sun Protection is Crucial: As with all Vitamin A products, daily broad-spectrum SPF is essential during the day.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 is engineered to deliver remarkable skin transformation, particularly for those with very sensitive skin or who are new to vitamin A. Its core strength lies in retinaldehyde, a next-generation form of vitamin A that is clinically proven to act 11 times faster than traditional retinol. This means users can anticipate seeing improvements in skin texture, firmness, and overall radiance more quickly than with conventional retinol products.
In real-world use, this serum works overnight to reduce the appearance of stubborn fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. For instance, clinical studies (based on Crystal Retinal 6) showed a 20% reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and visible hyperpigmentation, along with an 11% increase in skin firmness. Users also reported a significant improvement in the youthful appearance of their skin (97% agreement).
The encapsulation technology ensures that this powerful ingredient is delivered gently, making it highly effective without the common irritation associated with some retinoids. This is particularly beneficial for Crystal Retinal 1 users, as it allows even those with very sensitive skin to comfortably integrate vitamin A into their routine. The presence of Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin further enhances user experience by ensuring the skin remains hydrated and comfortable throughout the treatment.
To use, apply a small amount (usually a pea-sized amount) to cleansed skin in the evening, after any lighter serums and before moisturizer. It's crucial to start with Crystal Retinal 1 and allow your skin to fully adapt before considering progression to higher strengths in the Crystal Retinal ladder.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 is designed for easy integration into your evening skincare routine.
Cleanse Your Skin: Begin by thoroughly cleansing your face and neck.
Apply Serum: In the evening, apply a small pea-sized amount of Crystal Retinal 1 to your face, neck, and décolletage.
Layer Other Products: Allow the serum to absorb fully before applying your favorite moisturizer or other night treatments.
Frequency: Start by using it two times a week for the first two weeks, then every other night for the next two weeks, before moving to nightly application as your skin tolerates.
For Beginners & Sensitive Skin: Crystal Retinal 1 (0.01%) is specifically formulated as the introductory strength for very sensitive skin types or those new to vitamin A.
Progression System: This product is part of a 5-tier strength ladder. Once your skin has fully adapted to Crystal Retinal 1, you can consider progressing to Crystal Retinal 3, then 6, 10, and finally 20 for enhanced results. Always ensure comfort before moving up.
Other Skincare: It is generally advisable to avoid using other strong active ingredients (like AHAs, BHAs, or other retinoids) in the same routine, especially when first introducing Crystal Retinal. Consult a skincare professional if unsure.
Sun Protection: Daily application of a high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen is absolutely crucial when using any vitamin A product, as they can increase skin sensitivity to the sun.
Storage: Store the product in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to maintain its potency.
Shelf Life: Thanks to Medik8's patented stability complex, the product maintains its effectiveness until the last drop, ensuring consistent performance throughout its use. Check the packaging for specific expiry dates.