Retinoid · $99
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6
An encapsulated retinaldehyde serum-cream at 0.06%. Retinaldehyde sits one conversion step from retinoic acid rather than two, so it acts faster than retinol at comparable irritation, and the encapsulation slows release further.
Key ingredients
- Retinaldehyde 0.06%
- One enzymatic step from active retinoic acid. Published comparisons put retinaldehyde well ahead of equivalent retinol concentrations for speed of effect.
- Encapsulation system
- Time-releases the retinal, which is the main reason this tolerates better than an unencapsulated equivalent.
- Glycerin and hyaluronic acid
- Hydrating base that offsets typical retinoid dryness.
- Vitamin E
- Antioxidant support and formula stability.
Texture and finish
A pale yellow fluid cream — retinal is naturally yellow, so a faint tint on the skin immediately after application is expected and fades. Lightweight, absorbs cleanly, no residue.
It suits you if
- You have used a lower-strength retinoid and want to step up
- Your concerns are fine lines, texture, or post-acne marks
- You want faster results than retinol without a prescription
Skip it if
- You are new to retinoids — start at Crystal Retinal 1 or 3
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (avoid all retinoids)
- Your barrier is currently compromised
Pros
- Retinaldehyde is genuinely faster-acting than retinol at similar tolerance
- Encapsulation and a hydrating base reduce flaking
- Airless pump protects a light-sensitive active
- Available in a laddered strength range so you can step up gradually
Cons
- Expensive relative to retinol alternatives
- Yellow tint can transfer to light pillowcases
- Still causes a purge and an adjustment period
How to use it
- 1At night, on completely dry skin, a pea-sized amount for the whole face.
- 2Start two nights a week; increase by one night every two weeks.
- 3Sandwich between moisturizer if you flake, and always wear SPF 30+ the next day.
Where it fits in a routine
Treatment step at night after cleansing, before moisturizer. Do not combine with acids on the same night.
See the anti-aging routineMore breakdowns
This breakdown is based on publicly available ingredient lists and manufacturer information. It is general skincare information, not medical advice, and it is not a substitute for a dermatologist's assessment of your skin.