Crystal Retinal — Reddit Reviews
by Medik8
Updated November 10, 2026
Redditors love retinal; studies support retinoid creams for acne, with peeling reported.
What the community says
This 0.06% retinal cream gives retinoid beginners a structured on-ramp, with glycerin, squalane, and sodium hyaluronate in the formula. Redditors report smoother texture and easier acclimation; studies found retinoid creams help acne, though peeling remains the catch.
What this means for you
What people love
- 0.06% retinal; a bridge toward stronger retinoids
- Silky, non-greasy cream texture
- Strength ladder supports gradual ramping
Watch out for
- Pricey when cheaper retinal alternatives perform similarly
- Reactive skin can develop stinging, flushing, or texture flares
- Results feel underwhelming for some after months of consistent use
Product details
Use caution
Skin Type
Product Traits
What TikTok says
From 13 TikTok videos7 sponsored, marked with outlined numbers
Several sponsored creators say the six-strength ladder lets beginners start low and build up 123. Unsponsored creators say it works faster than retinol and is worth its price, and one has used it for 222 days and plans to go stronger 45. Sponsored creators say it suits fine lines and is clinically proven to smooth wrinkles 678. One user reported breakouts, which a Medik8 founder's reply attributed more likely to lactic acid than the retinal 9.
Sponsored means the creator disclosed a brand partnership or the video ran as a paid ad.
Videos open on TikTok in a new tab.
Where to buy
What the science says
Retinol has strong evidence for signs of aging, with most studies finding it softened wrinkles and evened uneven tone 1. For dark spots, retinol has some evidence of fading them, as all five studies that tested it directly saw improvement 2. In acne, retinol has some evidence of reducing pimples and blackheads, though one study found another acne ingredient worked better 3. For texture and pores, the evidence is not proven yet and rests on just three studies showing smoother skin 4.
- Retinol for anti-aging Strong evidence · 23 studies
- Retinol for hyperpigmentation Some evidence · 12 studies
- Retinol for acne Some evidence · 5 studies
- Retinol for texture/pores Not proven yet · 3 studies
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
How we grade researchFull ingredient list · 41
Medik8 Crystal Retinal ingredients
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Isododecane, Cetearyl Olivate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cyclodextrin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Squalane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Retinal, Alumina, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Sodium Polyaspartate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Stearic Acid, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, BHT, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract, Coumarin, Red 4, Titanium Dioxide/CI 77891
Listed in label order, highest concentration first. Linked ingredients have their own page.
Which strength Reddit talks about
Five strengths of Medik8 Crystal Retinal come up on Reddit. Here’s where the 69 discussions actually land.
Buy links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission.
Real Reddit threads — 185 mentions across 30 threads
Medik8 Crystal Retinal on Reddit, in one place — 30 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/tretinoin and 5 more, summarized.
“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
“I used Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 and then 6 before starting tret to get my skin used to retinal, which made the transition to tret much easier ☺️”
Positive
“I was using Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 and then 6 before eventually moving on to tret.”
Positive
“I didn’t really experience any irritation”
Positive
“What has worked for me is Medik8 Crystal retinol, is so plumping for face and neck”
Positive
“Hi, honestly that's not sun damage, i'm sorry to say perimenopause would be the cause.”
Positive
“when your skin is this dehydrated”
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. I keep waiting to start test but there is always something within the next few weeks that I can’t miss so I keep with the MediK8 crystal retinal”
Mentioned
“Medik8 - I've reached crystal retinal 10 in terms of intensity;”
Mentioned
“What other retinols hve u tried...”
Mentioned
“...I'm literally looking at the creams and serums that I've stopped using.”
Mentioned
Dupes & Alternatives
Skin1004
Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule
Better for Redness / Irritation
12 shared traits
590 mentions
Anua
Azelaic Acid Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
Better for Redness / Irritation
10 shared traits
781 mentions
