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Medik8

Crystal Retinal 10.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10
Retinoids

About this product

A high-potency encapsulated retinal serum formulated with hydrating ingredients to deliver strong anti-aging results while minimizing irritation.

Guru Score

70%

Mixed

3 experts · Moderate agreement
3Gurus
2Yay
0Mixed
1Nay

What they liked

  • More hydrating than comparable strength retinoids
  • Range of strengths lets you build tolerance gradually
  • Well-formulated retinols

What they flagged

  • Very high potency, highest on market

What the gurus are saying

This encapsulated retinal ranks among the market's highest potencies yet delivers noticeably less irritation than you'd expect at that strength, thanks to the encapsulation and generous hydrators packed throughout. Most gurus praise it as superbly formulated with excellent results, though one dermatologist advises against it. The brand's range of graduated strengths means you can ease in at a lower level and build tolerance over time.
Synthesized from 3 expert reviews · most recent take May 2025

What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

All takes Yay takes Nay takes Mixed takes Hide sponsored
~Yay
"For my neck, I'm going to use the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10. This comes in different potencies. 10 is sort of like their mid-range. They also now have a 20 and a 24. One little pumpy. Smells quite nice."
~Nay
"You can smell it and this is not good. You do not want fragrance in with any form of vitamin A on the skin. It's just asking for trouble. It's bad for Caucasian skin but it's very bad for skin of color."
~Yay
"This is the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10, the same strength as the Geek and Gorgeous one I referenced earlier but way more hydrating, super nourishing. It's encapsulated so you're going to get a lot less irritation, perfect for sensitive skin or dryness-prone skin types. I love this one. Yes, slightly more money than the Geek and Gorgeous, but I think the technology that they employ in this really justifies that."
All 6 takes from Mad About Skin
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"This is the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10, the same strength as the Geek and Gorgeous one I referenced earlier but way more hydrating, super nourishing. It's encapsulated so you're going to get a lot less irritation, perfect for sensitive skin or dryness-prone skin types. I love this one. Yes, slightly more money than the Geek and Gorgeous, but I think the technology that they employ in this really justifies that."
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"This is beautiful. The one drawback I'm going to give this nine out of ten because it does have fragrance in it, which I'm not anti-fragrance at all, I actually personally quite like scent in my skincare, but I think with a retinoid, which could be a little on the sensitizing side, I probably wouldn't have formulated it with fragrance personally. But you know, you do you when it comes to that choice. It's very personal. Yeah, I love this. Nine out of ten. Small amount knocked off for the fragrance."
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"I love, love, love Medik8, one of my favorite brands, and I love this range of products. They have different strengths so you can start on the lower strength and work your way up building your tolerance, and there's some of the best formulated retinols I've ever found. The best thing about this is whilst it comes with a high price point, so this is the Crystal Retinal 10, it's around a hundred dollars in the US, don't worry because actually there's a discount code going at the moment for Medik8 where you can get 25% off."
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"This is the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10. This is a super high potency retinol, now one of the highest you'll find on the market. It's also encapsulated so you get a lot less irritation than you would normally expect from this strength of product. Great results, packed full of hydrators which is just going to lock in all that moisture, prevent dehydration, and it's a great all-rounder. It comes in a convenient pump dispenser. I really do love this, but for the hundred pounds they're charging for me it was just a little out of the price point that I normally would reach for when it comes to my own skincare routine. If you are happy to reach for that price point for the great technology they're getting here, be my guest. You definitely are getting more by paying more. It's the least sensitizing you'll find on the planet because of the technology they use. It's high potency. It's just a really nice product, one of my favorite brands, and yeah it is worth the price point, but also not everyone's going to be able to afford it."
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"Their retinals, I really like. With Medik8, their Crystal Retinals are quite expensive. The one that I use, the Crystal Retinal 10, is £89 here in the UK. With a saving, now's the chance to buy. I think this is the true hidden gem."
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"For encapsulated retinal, this is the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10, great encapsulated super hydrated formula. This is a 0.1% strength, great allrounder for almost all skin types, and one I would recommend if you're transitioning from retinol to retinal. This is encapsulated so it's got a slow release, meaning you're going to get less side effects and irritation, which I personally love love love to see. It comes with a slightly higher price point, which I think is worth it for the technology, but isn't going to be for everyone."

Frequently asked.

What is Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10?

A high-potency encapsulated retinal serum formulated with hydrating ingredients to deliver strong anti-aging results while minimizing irritation.

Is Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 worth it?

The gurus mostly approve it, but with enough reservations to keep it in the middle at a Guru Score of 70%.

What is Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10's Guru Score?

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 holds a Guru Score of 70%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 3 expert reviewers we have collected.

Who is Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 best for?

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 is generally suited to sensitive skin and mature skin.

Cheaper alternatives the gurus rate.

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