Crystal Retinal 10

The advanced strength

0.1% retinaldehyde, a strength once considered clinic-territory for a molecule one conversion step from retinoic acid, made nightly-wearable by the crystal encapsulation: cyclodextrin cages, here high in the formula, meting the retinal out through the night instead of dumping it at once.

Same cushion, more needed

Squalane, glycerin and hyaluronic acid earn their places hardest at this strength; two vitamin C esters stabilise; carrot seed and cloudberry oils support. Vanilla-tonka scent with declared coumarin, noted below.

The ladder logic

For skin that has genuinely plateaued at level 6, not skin in a hurry. The step-up rules matter more here than anywhere below: alternate nights, generous moisturiser, patience with the adjustment fortnight.

Seasoned Crystal Retinal 6 users whose skin has stopped responding with anything but results, the committed end of the over-the-counter range.

Worth knowing

Not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Expect a real adjustment period even for experienced skin: dryness and light flaking in the first fortnight are the strength being honest. Contains vanilla and tonka extracts with coumarin declared; patch test with a fragrance allergy. If level 10 feels like a ceiling rather than a step, prescription vitamin A is our clinicians’ conversation.

Evenings on clean, dry skin: a pea-sized amount over face, avoiding eyes and lips. Alternate nights for at least a fortnight when stepping up, then nightly as tolerated, moisturiser over it is wise, not weak.

High SPF every morning, without exception.

Use alongside

The strongest night anchor on the Medik8 shelf below 20: any C-Tetra by day, all acids resting on retinal nights, Total Moisture or a rich cream as the closing cushion. One night retinoid, one ladder, this rung sits above Crystal Retinal 6 and alongside Retinal LGS+ in the store’s strength hierarchy, with level 20 above it for the final step.