Medik8

Medik8 Intelligent Retinol 3TR.

Retinoids

About this product

A lightweight retinol serum containing 0.3% retinol with time-release technology, designed to deliver vitamin A gradually while minimizing irritation.

Full ingredients

Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Dimethicone, PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer, Climbazole, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinol, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Leaf Oil, Decylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Lecithin, BHT

Guru Score

67%

Mixed

Early verdict · Few reviews so far

What they liked

Low-strength retinol, gentle for beginners

What they flagged

Overpriced compared to similar alternatives
Contains fragrance from patchouli oil

What the gurus are saying

This serum's time-release technology slowly delivers retinol rather than flooding the skin all at once, which dermatologists say reduces irritation risk and makes it a solid entry point for those new to retinoids. The lightweight serum format appeals to people with oily or combination skin who want to layer retinol without a heavy moisturizer, though one reviewer flagged the $50 price tag and fragrance (from patchouli oil) as reasons to consider cheaper alternatives like The Ordinary's retinol oil instead.

Synthesized from 2 expert reviews · most recent take August 2026

Best for

Dry skin Sensitive skin

Type

RetinoidsDrops & dropper

Key actives

RetinoidVitamin ESqualane

Formula notes

Fragrance-freeNo drying alcohol

Where to buy

Sephora → Amazon → Google →

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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

No BS Beauty

89k subs

~Nay

"Their intelligent retinol is a supercharged one percent vitamin A night serum for $50. It contains fragrance from patchouli oil. [...] It's basically just a retinol squalane serum with a short amount of ingredients, and it's overpriced. You could use The Ordinary's squalane retinol oil, or a lot of other brands' squalane and retinol serums, so you really don't need to spend $50 on it, especially with the fragrance in it. That was a clear pass for me."

Dr. Sam Ellis

897k subs

~Yay

"First up is the Medicaid Intelligent Retinol 3TR. As a brand, Medicaid just crushes it when it comes to incorporating retinoids or other actives into a skincare routine. I chose this specific retinol product from them for a few different reasons. One, it's 0.3% retinol."

What the evidence says.

Independent of what the gurus think, this is what the published research supports about the main active ingredients here.

Retinoids

Retinoids are among the best studied ingredients in dermatology, with solid evidence for acne and for the fine lines and rough texture that come from sun exposure. Dryness and flaking in the first few weeks are common and usually settle.

Source: DermNet

Humectants and emollients

Ingredients like these draw water into the surface layers and slow how fast it leaves. The evidence is for comfort, softness and hydration rather than for changing the structure of the skin.

Source: DermNet

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant, and it is often in a formula to keep the other ingredients stable rather than as the active itself. It pairs well with vitamin C, though on its own the evidence for visible change is limited.

Source: NIH, National Library of Medicine

Frequently asked.

What is Medik8 Intelligent Retinol 3TR?

A lightweight retinol serum containing 0.3% retinol with time-release technology, designed to deliver vitamin A gradually while minimizing irritation.

Is Medik8 Intelligent Retinol 3TR worth it?

The gurus mostly approve it, but with enough reservations to keep it in the middle at a Guru Score of 67%.

What is Medik8 Intelligent Retinol 3TR's Guru Score?

Medik8 Intelligent Retinol 3TR holds a Guru Score of 67%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 2 expert reviewers we have collected.