Crystal Retinal 6

The established-user strength

Double the retinaldehyde of level 3, in the same crystal-encapsulated architecture, cyclodextrin cages shielding the notoriously unstable molecule and releasing it gradually through the night. One conversion step from retinoic acid, retinal delivers retinol-class results on a faster clock.

Same cushion, same guard

Squalane, glycerin and hyaluronic acid keep the base kind at a strength where kindness matters more; two vitamin C esters stabilise; carrot seed and cloudberry oils support. Vanilla-tonka scent with declared coumarin, noted below.

The ladder logic

Level 6 is where committed users settle for the long term, meaningful nightly vitamin A with civilised tolerance. Levels 10 and 20 exist above it for skin that eventually shrugs even at this; many never need them.

Graduates of Crystal Retinal 3, experienced retinol users switching to retinal, and skin that wants its long-term nightly strength rather than another stepping stone.

Worth knowing

Not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Stepping up can briefly reintroduce dryness or flaking, alternate nights for the first fortnight smooths the transition. Contains vanilla and tonka extracts with coumarin declared; patch test with a fragrance allergy. Beyond level 20 lies prescription territory, our clinicians’ conversation, not the shelf’s.

Evenings on clean, dry skin: a pea-sized amount over face, avoiding eyes and lips. Alternate nights for a fortnight when stepping up, then nightly.

High SPF every morning, without exception.

Use alongside

The night anchor of the CSA routine, any C-Tetra by day, acids resting on retinal nights, a bland moisturiser (Total Moisture or Humidify) over it if skin runs dry. One night retinoid at a time: this rung sits above Crystal Retinal 3, below 10 and 20, and in the same strength neighbourhood as Serum 16 and Exfol A Plus on the other shelves, choose one ladder and climb it.