Crystal Retinal — Reddit Reviews
by Medik8
Updated August 18, 2026
Encapsulated retinaldehyde retinoid with multiple strengths; gentle but pricier.
What the community says
This is a range of retinaldehyde serums offered in graduated strengths to ease retinoid acclimation. It suits people wanting an effective OTC retinal option gentler than tretinoin but involves some dryness and redness risk early on. Patience needed to build tolerance before increasing strength.
What this means for you
Backed by 30 threads from r/30PlusSkinCare, r/koreanskincare and 4 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
- Multiple strength options for easy ramp-up
- Gentler than tretinoin with effective retinaldehyde
- Encapsulated formula reduces irritation
Watch out for
- Can cause redness and irritation especially early
- Not ideal for very dry or sensitive skin types
- Pricey compared to other retinoids
Product details
Skin Type
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
Which strength Reddit talks about
Four strengths of Medik8 Crystal Retinal come up on Reddit. Here’s where the 82 discussions actually land.
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Real Reddit threads — 106 mentions across 30 threads
Medik8 Crystal Retinal on Reddit, in one place — 30 threads from r/30PlusSkinCare, r/koreanskincare and 4 more, summarized.
“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 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
“I want to try out the Medik8 crystal retinal serum”
Mentioned
“I'm not sure how to use it to its full potential.”
Mentioned
“I have sensitive but non active eczema prone skin.”
Mentioned
Dupes & Alternatives
Skin1004
Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule
Better for Redness / Irritation
6 shared traits
428 mentions
