Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 Retinaldehyde Night Serum 0.10% — Firming, Hyaluronic Hydration 1 oz

Crystal Retinal 10 is Medik8’s potent night serum that uses 0.10% retinaldehyde plus hydrating actives to visibly firm and smooth skin overnight.

Formulated for experienced retinoid users, this nighttime treatment combines retinaldehyde — a fast-acting vitamin A derivative — with hyaluronic acid, glycerin and vitamin E to support skin texture and hydration. The lightweight serum targets signs of aging while maintaining moisture balance, and is presented in Medik8’s clinical packaging designed to protect ingredient potency.

How will Crystal Retinal 10 change my nightly routine?

Introduce this serum into your evening skincare step after cleansing and before heavier oils or creams. Because it is a higher-strength retinal product, apply a small amount and allow it to absorb fully; pair with sunscreen during daytime to protect renewed skin.

• Use 3–5 drops for full-face coverage, smoothing evenly across dry skin.
• Apply after water-based serums and before thicker moisturizers.
• Start gradually if transitioning from lower strengths to reduce irritation.

What active ingredients are in the formula and what do they do?

This serum centers on retinaldehyde at 0.10% to support cellular turnover more rapidly than retinol. Complementary humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin draw and trap moisture, while vitamin E helps support skin’s barrier.

• 0.10% retinaldehyde: accelerates skin resurfacing compared with retinol.
• Hyaluronic acid: provides multi-layer hydration and plumping effect.
• Glycerin and vitamin E: maintain comfort and skin barrier resilience.

Will Crystal Retinal 10 cause dryness or sensitivity?

Higher-strength retinal products can cause temporary dryness or irritation for some users, especially when first introduced. To minimize reaction, build tolerance slowly, use supportive moisturizers, and reduce frequency if redness or flaking occurs.

• Begin with alternate-night use if you have sensitive skin.
• Layer a soothing moisturizer over the serum to lock in hydration.
• Pause use if persistent irritation develops and consult a professional as needed.

How is this different from other retinoids or retinols?

Retinaldehyde is one metabolic step closer to the active form of vitamin A than retinol, which can translate to faster visible results while still being well-formulated for nightly use. Medik8’s Crystal Retinal line also offers progressive strengths to help users step up potency as tolerance builds.

• Faster-acting than standard retinol due to its chemical conversion pathway.
• Packaged to protect potency from light and air exposure.
• Available in strength increments to support gradual increases in activity.

Who is this for: Crystal Retinal 10 is intended for experienced retinoid users who have acclimated to lower strengths or prescription retinoids and want a clinically minded over-the-counter option to improve texture, firmness and hydration. If you are new to vitamin A treatments, consider starting with a lower-strength Crystal Retinal formula and progressing up to this concentration to reduce the chance of irritation.

Ingredients

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