Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 retinaldehyde face serum — 0.01% gentle night serum with hyaluronic acid, 1 oz

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 is a gentle nighttime face serum with 0.01% retinaldehyde that helps accelerate skin renewal while hydrating with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.

This advanced night serum combines a stabilized form of vitamin A (retinaldehyde) with moisture-binding ingredients to support smoother, more refined skin texture. Designed as the mildest strength in the Crystal Retinal range, this 1 oz bottle is ideal for those starting a retinal program or with sensitive skin who want progressive improvement without heavy irritation. The formula also includes glycerin and hyaluronic acid for immediate hydration and vitamin E to support skin comfort.

How does Crystal Retinal 1 work for skin renewal?

Crystal Retinal 1 uses retinaldehyde, a direct precursor to retinoic acid, to speed cellular turnover and encourage a renewed skin surface. Because retinaldehyde converts to active retinoic acid within the skin, it can deliver visible improvement faster than retinol while remaining more tolerable for sensitive types.

• Contains 0.01% retinaldehyde for gentle renewal.
• Supports cell turnover to smooth texture and refine pores.
• Formulated to minimize irritation compared with stronger retinoids.

What hydration and soothing benefits does the serum provide?

Beyond retinaldehyde, the serum layers in humectants and antioxidants to reduce dryness and support comfort during treatment. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin attract and lock in moisture, while vitamin E helps maintain skin barrier balance.

• Hyaluronic acid supplies immediate plumping hydration.
• Glycerin draws moisture into the outer skin layers.
• Vitamin E helps soothe and protect against dryness-related sensitivity.

How should I introduce Crystal Retinal 1 into my routine?

Start slowly: apply a pea-sized amount to dry skin in the evening, two to three times a week, then increase frequency as tolerance builds. Always follow with a daytime sunscreen; retinaldehyde can increase sun sensitivity even at low concentrations.

• Use nights only, on clean, dry skin.
• Begin with every other night, then escalate frequency as tolerated.
• Pair with broad-spectrum SPF each morning to protect renewed skin.

Who should choose Crystal Retinal 1 over other strengths?

Choose Crystal Retinal 1 if you are new to vitamin A treatments, have sensitive or easily reactive skin, or prefer a gradual approach to antiaging serums. It offers a lower retinal dose to build tolerance while still delivering measurable resurfacing benefits.

• Recommended for retinal beginners and sensitive skin types.
• Suitable as a maintenance step for those easing back into retinoid use.
• Part of Medik8's progressive strength system for safe escalation.

Who is this for: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 is for anyone seeking a gentle but effective introduction to retinal-based skincare—particularly those with sensitive skin, first-time retinal users, or people who prefer incremental results with supportive hydration. It’s packaged as a 1 oz night serum that integrates easily into most evening routines and pairs well with calming moisturizers and daytime sunscreens.

Ingredients

Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Isododecane, Cetearyl Olivate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Squalane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Cyclodextrin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Polyaspartate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Retinal, Alumina, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Stearic Acid, Citric Acid, BHT, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, Polysorbate 60, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Pentylene Glycol, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract, Coumarin, Red 4, Titanium Dioxide/CI 77891.