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Azelaic Acid Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum vs Medik8 Crystal Retinal: which is better?

One targets redness and breakouts with a lighter feel, while the other is about a stronger retinoid step-up with broader anti-aging appeal.

The quick answer

Depends what you need

  • Rated higher: Crystal Retinal — 93 vs 81 nextscore
  • Better for redness/irritation: Azelaic Acid Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
  • More reviewed: Azelaic Acid Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum — 366 vs 81 verdicts

Anua suits redness, breakouts, and a lighter feel; Medik8 suits retinoid users who want acne, texture, and tone support.

Choose Azelaic Acid Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum if

  • you want azelaic acid for redness and breakouts
  • you prefer a lighter, watery serum

Choose Medik8 Crystal Retinal if

  • you want a retinoid step-up
  • you want acne, texture, and tone support

At a glance

Azelaic Acid Hyaluron Redness Soothing SerumMedik8 Crystal Retinal
$0.52/ml$2.94/ml
81 · 366 verdicts93 · 81 verdicts
Redness/Irritation—
Azelaic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid—

What Reddit says

Azelaic Acid Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum

What Reddit likes

  • 10% azelaic acid for redness and breakouts
  • Lightweight, watery texture that layers easily
  • Often gentler than stronger azelaic acid options

Watch out for

  • Can sting or burn on a compromised barrier
  • Some people get dryness or peeling
  • Results can be slow or underwhelming
See the Reddit threads on Azelaic Acid Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum

Medik8 Crystal Retinal

What Reddit likes

  • Graduated strengths make retinoid ramp-up less chaotic
  • Usually gentler than tretinoin and many retinols
  • Can help acne, texture, and tone; studies back acne gains

Watch out for

  • Pricey, and the stronger levels get especially painful on the wallet
  • Sensitive skin can still sting, itch, or flare
  • The thicker cream texture feels heavy or too much for some
See the Reddit threads on Medik8 Crystal Retinal
Compare full ingredient lists · 6 in common

In both · 6

  1. Water
  2. Glycerin
  3. Ethylhexylglycerin
  4. Sodium Hyaluronate
  5. Squalane
  6. Pentylene Glycol

Only in Azelaic Acid Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum · 29

  1. Azelaic Acid
  2. Propylene Glycol
  3. Sodium Hydroxide
  4. Dipropylene Glycol
  5. 1,2-Hexanediol
  6. Panthenol
  7. Hydroxyethylcellulose
  8. Betaine Salicylate
  9. Biosaccharide Gum-1
  10. Allantoin
  11. Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
  12. Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
  13. Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water
  14. Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
  15. Niacinamide
  16. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
  17. Beta-Glucan
  18. Centella Asiatica Extract
  19. Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
  20. Centella Asiatica Root Extract
  21. Madecassoside
  22. Asiaticoside
  23. Asiatic Acid
  24. Madecassic Acid
  25. Zinc PCA
  26. Butylene Glycol
  27. Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
  28. Hydrogenated Lecithin
  29. Ceramide NP

Only in Medik8 Crystal Retinal · 35

  1. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
  2. Isododecane
  3. Cetearyl Olivate
  4. Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
  5. Cyclodextrin
  6. Cetearyl Alcohol
  7. Sorbitan Olivate
  8. Tocopheryl Acetate
  9. Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
  10. Hydroxyacetophenone
  11. 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
  12. Phenoxyethanol
  13. Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
  14. Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
  15. Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil
  16. Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil
  17. Retinal
  18. Alumina
  19. Isostearic Acid
  20. Lecithin
  21. Sodium Polyaspartate
  22. Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
  23. Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
  24. Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
  25. Polyhydroxystearic Acid
  26. Disodium EDTA
  27. Stearic Acid
  28. Polysorbate 60
  29. Sorbitan Isostearate
  30. BHT
  31. Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
  32. Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract
  33. Coumarin
  34. Red 4
  35. Titanium Dioxide/CI 77891

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