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Medik8 Crystal Retinal vs Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: which is better?

One leans into retinoid-powered acne and texture gains, while the other centers on oil control and pore care.

The quick answer

Depends what you need

  • Rated higher: Crystal Retinal — 93 vs 62 nextscore
  • Better for texture/pores: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Medik8 Crystal Retinal is better for retinoid-style acne and texture support; The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is better for oil control and pore concerns.

Choose Medik8 Crystal Retinal if

  • you want a gentler retinoid ramp-up
  • you are targeting acne and texture

Choose Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% if

  • you want oil control and smaller-looking pores
  • you prefer a simple, cheap two-ingredient formula

At a glance

Medik8 Crystal RetinalNiacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
$2.94/ml$0.20/ml
93 · 81 verdicts62 · 242 verdicts
—Texture/Pores
—Niacinamide, Zinc

What Reddit says

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

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

What Reddit likes

  • Oil control and pore shrinkage
  • Fades acne marks for some
  • Cheap, simple two-ingredient formula

Watch out for

  • 10% is where the irritation starts for a lot of people
  • Breakouts and cystic flare-ups get reported a lot
  • Pilling, stickiness, and that weird dry-tight feel
See the Reddit threads on Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Compare full ingredient lists · 3 in common

In both · 3

  1. Water
  2. Phenoxyethanol
  3. Pentylene Glycol

Only in Medik8 Crystal Retinal · 38

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

Only in Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% · 8

  1. Niacinamide
  2. Zinc PCA
  3. Dimethyl Isosorbide
  4. Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum
  5. Xanthan Gum
  6. Isoceteth-20
  7. Ethoxydiglycol
  8. Chlorphenesin

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