Product Image
Product Name
Crystal Retinal®10
Product URL
https://int.medik8.com/products/crystal-retinal?variant=36943735455907
Date of Assessment
July 10, 2025
INCI Screenshot
Harmful Flags
Misleading Buzzword Claim
Useless Flags
Marketing Claims with No Efficacy Pathway
No 3rd-Party Data (for serious claims like “anti-aging”)
Fluffy Marketing Buzzword
Bonus Flags
Synergistic Combo Present
Clinically Proven Actives Used
Key % of Actives Disclosed
No Fragrance + No Irritants + No Alcohol
Formula Supports Its Claims
Claims
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Time-release retinal delivery
Boosts collagen production
Score
100
Verdict
🧫 Holy Grail
False/Misleading Claim Details
Key Strengths
Contains 0.10% Retinal — a clinically supported, high-efficacy form of Vitamin A proven to reduce fine lines and improve skin texture Includes Climbazole and Cyclodextrin for improved retinal stability and time-release delivery Dual antioxidant support with Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid Hydration combo of Glycerin, Squalane, and Sodium Hyaluronate supports comfort during retinal use Formulation effectively aligns with anti-aging claims; retinal % is clearly disclosed on packaging Certified vegan, alcohol-free, and paraben-free
Red Flags
Contains fragrance allergens (Coumarin, Tonka Bean Extract, Vanilla Fruit Extract) despite “no artificial fragrance” claim Includes sensitizers with no safety warning for sensitive skin users No third-party or clinical testing published for the product, despite strong anti-aging claims Uses poetic language such as “youth-renewing” and “crystal” with no scientific basis “Clinically-proven formula” is not substantiated by publicly shared data
Suitable For
combination, normal, dry, aging
Ingredients
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Harmful Score
7.800000000000001
Useless Score
4.4
Bonus Score
24
Product Type
Serum
Short Description
A high-strength retinal night serum designed to target visible signs of aging, featuring 0.10% retinaldehyde with a hydrating base and time-release delivery. Best suited for experienced retinoid users with normal to mature skin.
Notes
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 is an advanced nighttime serum formulated with 0.10% retinaldehyde — a clinically supported, high-strength vitamin A derivative proven to reduce fine lines, improve skin texture, and stimulate collagen production. The formula uses Cyclodextrin encapsulation and Climbazole to stabilize and gradually deliver the active, enhancing tolerability and effectiveness. Supporting ingredients like Glycerin, Squalane, and Sodium Hyaluronate provide hydration, while dual vitamin C derivatives offer antioxidant protection. Although the product is marketed as “gentle,” its potency and inclusion of natural fragrance allergens (such as Coumarin, Tonka Bean Extract, and Vanilla) make it unsuitable for sensitive or reactive skin types. Crystal Retinal 10 is ideal for retinoid-tolerant individuals seeking visible anti-aging results. However, it is not recommended for beginners or those with compromised skin barriers without prior adaptation.
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