Crystal Retinal — Reddit Reviews
by Medik8
Updated September 24, 2026
Retinal serum for stepping up from retinol; studies back acne gains.
What the community says
A retinal serum with a graduated strength ladder and a thicker, moisturizing feel. Redditors use it to ease into retinoids for acne, texture, and anti-aging, and studies also show acne benefits. Pricier, and some sensitive skin still stings.
What this means for you
Backed by 30 threads from r/AsianBeauty, r/SkincareAddiction and 5 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
Watch out for
Product details
Use caution
Skin Type
Product Traits
Where to buy
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
Hyperpigmentation
Some evidence
Retinol: 5 studies tested it on its own. See all 14 studies
What the studies found
- All of these studies found retinol helped fade dark spots or patches
- Most studies found retinol made facial dark patches lighter
- Some studies found retinol worked about as well as other common dark-spot treatments
- A large review found retinol worked better than some other treatments for dark spots
Acne
Not proven yet
Few or mixed studies. This claim isn't established.
Retinol: 1 study tested it on its own. See all 4 studies
On Reddit: Retinal at 0.06% concentration aids texture and congestion, especially for hormonal issues on the chin. 3 mentions
What the studies found
- It helped acne in the available study
- Retinol 0.2% reduced acne when used on its own
- The study was in people with red, sore spots
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Which strength Reddit talks about
Five strengths of Medik8 Crystal Retinal come up on Reddit. Here’s where the 68 discussions actually land.
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Real Reddit threads — 143 mentions across 30 threads
Medik8 Crystal Retinal on Reddit, in one place — 30 threads from r/AsianBeauty, r/SkincareAddiction and 5 more, summarized.
“I need a back up for Medik8 retinal”
Mentioned
“What is the formula strength?”
Mentioned
“recently acquired by L’Oréal”
Mentioned
“I am going to try slowly introducing the Medik8 Crystal Retinal eye cream into my routine.”
Mentioned
“Once we’re past the winter I am going to try slowly introducing the Medik8 Crystal Retinal eye cream into my routine.”
Mentioned
“But yeah, pharmacy brands are your best bet I’d say.”
Mentioned
“What has worked for me is Medik8 Crystal retinol, is so plumping for face and neck, with everything i'm doing its finally turning around after 6 months effort.”
Positive
“Medik8 has different levels, so its great as doesnt go in to the big purge thing other rets do.”
Positive
“You start at No 1 and move up the ranks”
Positive
“I have a friend who used Medik8 and liked it.”
Mentioned
“But if you're looking for retinal”
Mentioned
“used Medik8 and liked it”
Mentioned
“I keep with the MediK8 crystal retinal”
Mentioned
“I’m sure I could google it, but what is the Coleman Compound.”
Mentioned
“Thanks for your replies!”
Mentioned
“Medik8 - I've reached crystal retinal 10 in terms of intensity;”
Mentioned
“...I've reached crystal retinal 10 in terms of intensity;”
Mentioned
“What other retinols hve u tried and how would you compare those to the seoul one”
Mentioned
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