Crystal Retinal 3

The step up

Three times the retinaldehyde of Crystal Retinal 1, in the same crystal-encapsulated architecture: each molecule caged in cyclodextrin, shielded from light and air, released gradually through the night. Retinal needs only one conversion step to become active retinoic acid, the reason it outpaces retinol at comparable comfort.

Same cushion, same guard

Squalane, glycerin and hyaluronic acid keep the base kind; two vitamin C esters stabilise and complement; carrot seed and cloudberry oils support. The vanilla-tonka scent carries declared coumarin, noted below.

The ladder logic

This is the natural second bottle: most skins graduate here after one or two bottles of level 1, or start here directly if they already tolerate an entry retinoid. When nightly use at 3 produces no flaking or tightness, level 6 is the next conversation.

Graduates of Crystal Retinal 1, and confident starters whose skin already tolerates a retinol without complaint, the working middle of the beginner range.

Worth knowing

Not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. A step up can briefly reintroduce mild dryness, normal, and it settles. Contains vanilla and tonka extracts with coumarin declared; patch test with a fragrance allergy. Prescription-strength conversations belong with our clinicians.

Evenings on clean, dry skin: a pea-sized amount over face, avoiding eyes and lips. If stepping up from level 1, begin alternate nights for a fortnight, then nightly as tolerated.

High SPF every morning, without exception.

Use alongside

The night half of the CSA routine, any C-Tetra by day, this by night, acids (Press & Glow or Press & Clear) resting on retinal nights. One night retinoid at a time: this rung sits between Crystal Retinal 1 and 6, alongside Retinol Brulee's chair on the entry shelf and below Serum 16 and Retinal LGS+ in strength.