Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Retinaldehyde Night Serum 0.01% — Gentle Hydrating Formula with Hyaluronic Acid, 1 oz

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 is a gentle night serum that uses 0.01% retinaldehyde plus hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to support smoother, more refined-looking skin.

Designed as the entry-level strength in Medik8's Crystal Retinal range, Crystal Retinal 1 delivers the benefits of retinaldehyde with a formulation built for sensitivity and gradual introduction. This 1 oz nighttime serum pairs a low concentration of retinaldehyde with humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, plus antioxidant vitamin E, to hydrate and help improve surface texture while you sleep. The formula is free from gluten and created by Medik8's in-house scientists to balance effectiveness with tolerability.

How does Crystal Retinal 1 fit into a nightly routine?

Use Crystal Retinal 1 in the evening after cleansing and toning, before oils or richer creams. Start slowly—apply 1–2 nights per week and increase frequency as your skin builds tolerance. Always follow with a moisturizing product and apply sunscreen daily while using retinaldhyde products.

• Apply a pea-sized amount to dry skin, avoiding eyes and lips
• Begin with 1–2 times weekly, then gradual increment
• Layer moisturizer on top; use daytime SPF every morning

What results can I expect from low-strength retinaldehyde?

At 0.01% retinaldehyde, Crystal Retinal 1 targets fine texture and early signs of skin aging with a gentle approach. Improvements in smoothness and radiance can appear over weeks as skin cell turnover is supported. Results are subtler and designed for long-term skin health rather than immediate, aggressive resurfacing.

• Helps refine skin texture and surface irregularities
• Supports a more even, radiant appearance over time
• Suitable for first-time retinal users or very sensitive skin

Why are hyaluronic acid and vitamin E included?

Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are humectants that draw and hold moisture, which helps counterbalance the potential dryness from vitamin A derivatives. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant to help protect the skin barrier and support overall skin comfort during use. Together these ingredients improve skin hydration while retinaldehyde works at the surface level.

• Hyaluronic acid provides multi-depth hydration
• Glycerin enhances moisture retention and skin softness
• Vitamin E supports barrier resilience and antioxidant support

Is Crystal Retinal 1 suitable for sensitive or reactive skin?

Yes—Crystal Retinal 1 is formulated specifically for those who are new to retinal or have very sensitive skin. Its 0.01% concentration allows a gentle introduction to retinaldehyde while the supportive humectants and vitamin E reduce irritation risk. Patch testing and gradual build-up remain recommended to ensure comfort.

• Low-strength retinaldehyde for minimal initial irritation
• Contains hydrating and soothing support ingredients
• Progressive strength lineup allows easy upgrading later

Who is this for? Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 is aimed at people who want to try a vitamin A derivative with minimal disruption—first-time retinal or retinoid users, those with very sensitive skin, or anyone seeking a gentle nightly serum to improve texture and hydration. If you later need stronger results, Medik8 offers higher Crystal Retinal strengths to step up gradually as your skin adapts.

Ingredients

Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Isododecane, Cetearyl Olivate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Squalane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Cyclodextrin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Polyaspartate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Retinal, Alumina, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Stearic Acid, Citric Acid, BHT, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, Polysorbate 60, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Pentylene Glycol, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract, Coumarin, Red 4, Titanium Dioxide/CI 77891.