Crystal Retinal — Reddit Reviews
by Medik8
Updated September 8, 2026
Retinal-based retinoid clears acne, eases anti-aging; some irritation reported.
What the community says
Studies found retinal improves acne comparably to benzoyl peroxide with milder side effects. Reddit users say it’s effective for anti-aging and acne but warn about irritation and purging, especially early on. It’s gentler than tretinoin but may not suit very sensitive skin.
What this means for you
Backed by 30 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 4 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
- Graduated retinal strengths for easy build-up and tolerance
- Gentler than tretinoin—good for retinoid-sensitive skin
- Works well on acne and texture for many users
Watch out for
- Irritation and redness common during initial weeks of use
- Expensive compared to other OTC retinoids
- Can worsen texture and discomfort for some skin types
Product details
Concerns
Use caution
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
What the science says
Retinol
Some evidence for acne- Some studies found retinol improved acne, especially red, sore spots
- It worked about as well as benzoyl peroxide in one clinical trial
- A retinol-based combination cleared acne about as well as adapalene 0.1%
- 5 studies back this, but one did not clearly show acne improvement
- Side effects were generally milder early on than adapalene in one study
What Reddit says
The why
Retinal concentration builds from 1 to 3 as users target texture and congestion.
“I like medik8 crystal retinal- started at 1 and used 3”
3 mentions for acne
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 81 discussions actually land.
Buy links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission.
Real Reddit threads — 123 mentions across 30 threads
Medik8 Crystal Retinal on Reddit, in one place — 30 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 4 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”
Mentioned
“I also get eczema flares around my eyes”
Mentioned
“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
“Medik8 - 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
“Medik8 - I've reached crystal retinal 10”
Mentioned
“i used Medik8 retinal for the last 3 years getting up to strength 24.”
Positive
“The retinal use for 3 years must’ve helped prime me.”
Positive
“I took the jump and started tret a couple months ago with very little to no issue.”
Positive
“I have oily skin and large pores as well and I have started getting a ton of compliments on my skin when I started using medik8’s retinal.”
Positive
“I have started getting a ton of compliments on my skin”
Positive
“when I started using medik8’s retinal”
Positive
“I like medik8 crystal retinal- started at 1 and used 3”
Positive
“it really helped with texture and congestion”
Positive
“I’m currently pregnant so can’t use it anymore”
Positive
Dupes & Alternatives
Skin1004
Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule
Better for Redness / Irritation
7 shared traits
454 mentions
