Medik8 Retinol & Retinal
Medik8 built its reputation on vitamin A, and this page is the whole of it: the Crystal Retinal ladder from 1 to 20, the Intelligent Retinol 3TR, 6TR and 10TR serums, the original Retinol 3TR, both eye retinoids, the overnight Night Ritual Vitamin A, and Bakuchiol Peptides for the nights and months a retinoid is off the table. Retinoids are the one ingredient class with decades of evidence for lines, texture, pigmentation and breakouts, and the difference between Medik8's options is mostly about speed and comfort. Below is how we tell them apart in clinic, and which one suits a first-timer, a returner and a veteran.
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Retinal or retinol: which Medik8 vitamin A is right for you
Both end up as retinoic acid in the skin. Retinol converts twice to get there; retinaldehyde, retinal, converts once, which makes it faster-acting and more potent at the same percentage. Medik8's Crystal Retinal is encapsulated retinal in five strengths; Intelligent Retinol is time-released retinol in three. If results in weeks matter and your skin is healthy, start with Crystal Retinal 3. If you want the gentlest possible entry, or have a known fragrance allergy, Intelligent Retinol 3TR is fragrance-free and slower by design. The full strength-by-strength guide is on our Medik8 Crystal Retinal page and in the Crystal Retinal ladder guide.
The Medik8 vitamin A range, by job
- Night serum, retinal: Crystal Retinal 1, 3, 6, 10 and 20. The ladder.
- Night serum, retinol: Intelligent Retinol 3TR, 6TR and 10TR, plus the classic Retinol 3TR.
- Eye area: Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3 and 6, or Intelligent Retinol Eye TR.
- Retinoid in a moisturiser: Night Ritual Vitamin A, for skin that prefers one step at night.
- Retinoid-free alternative: Bakuchiol Peptides, the pregnancy-safe, daytime-safe option.
- Starter sets: Crystal Retinal 3 with Advanced Pro-Collagen + Peptide Cream and The ABC Kit.
How to introduce a Medik8 retinoid
Evenings only, pea-sized, on dry skin, two to three nights a week for a fortnight, then nightly. Follow with a moisturiser; Advanced Pro-Collagen + Peptide Cream or Total Moisture both cushion the adjustment. Keep leave-on acids such as Press & Glow to the other nights, use your vitamin C in the morning, and wear SPF every day. Dryness or flaking in week two or three is the formula working, not failing; drop back a night rather than stopping.
Medik8 retinoid questions
Can I use Medik8 retinol or retinal while pregnant?
No. All retinoids are off the table during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Bakuchiol Peptides is the swap Medik8 designed for exactly that period.
Which is stronger, Intelligent Retinol 10TR or Crystal Retinal 6?
Crystal Retinal 6, comfortably. As a rule of thumb, each Crystal Retinal rung does the work of a retinol several times its percentage, which is why we move retinol users to Crystal Retinal 6 rather than 10 when they switch.
Should I use a retinoid every night?
Eventually, yes. Nightly, consistent use over months is what produces the results in the studies. Build up to it, and keep it there.
Is Epios Skin an authorised Medik8 stockist?
Yes. Every Medik8 product we sell comes through the authorised Australian supply chain, so it is genuine, in date and stored correctly. Epios Skin is run by a doctor-led skin clinic in Sydney, and Medik8 is the range our clinical team reaches for most.
Brand quick facts
Founded
2009
Origin
London, United Kingdom
Key technology
CSA Philosophy · Crystal Retinal