Retinaldehyde (Retinal) Products

Retinal is the most powerful form of vitamin A available over the counter, being just one conversion step away from retinoic acid. It’s 11x faster-acting than traditional retinol*, delivering brighter, firmer, and smoother skin without any irritation. Medik8’s retinal skincare range, including our award-winning retinaldehyde serum, offers clinically proven solutions in strengths varying from 0.01% to 0.24%. Discover our range of retinal products, from eye creams to serums, designed to deliver visible youth-renewing results for even, radiant skin.

[1] G. Siegenthaler et al., Retinol and retinal metabolism, Biochemical Journal, 1990, 268, pp 371-378

 

2 Products
Crystal Retinal 1

Crystal Retinal 1

0.01% Retinal serum for very sensitive skins - 11x faster than retinol

Sensitive / £45

Crystal Retinal 3

Crystal Retinal 3

0.03% Retinal serum for vitamin A beginners - 11x faster than retinol

Beginner / £49

Crystal Retinal 6

Crystal Retinal 6

0.06% Retinal serum for regular vitamin A users - 11x faster than retinol

Regular / £69

Crystal Retinal 10

Crystal Retinal 10

0.1% Retinal serum for advanced vitamin A users - 11x faster than retinol

Advanced / £89

Crystal Retinal 20

Crystal Retinal 20

0.2% Retinal serum for highly experienced vitamin A users - 11x faster than retinol

Experienced / £99

Crystal Retinal 24

Crystal Retinal 24

0.24% Retinal serum for highly experienced vitamin A users - 11x faster than retinol

Expert / £109

Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3

Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3

0.03% Retinal all-in-one ceramide night cream for vitamin A beginners - 11x faster than retinol

15ml / £42

Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 6

Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 6

0.06% Retinal all-in-one ceramide night cream for vitamin A beginners - 11x faster than retinol

15ml / £55

Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 10

Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 10

0.1% Retinal all-in-one ceramide night cream for vitamin A beginners - 11x faster than retinol

15ml / £70

Frequently Asked Questions

What is retinaldehyde, and how does it differ from retinol?

Retinaldehyde is a powerful derivative of vitamin A, known for its fast-acting age-defying benefits. Unlike retinol, retinaldehyde requires just one conversion step to become active in the skin, making it work 11x times faster than standard retinol* to target fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture.

*G. Siegenthaler et al., Retinol and retinal metabolism, Biochemical Journal, 1990, 268, pp 371-378

How do I incorporate retinaldehyde products into my skincare routine?

We recommend starting with lower concentrations of retinaldehyde if you’re new to the ingredient, such as 0.01% or 0.03%, to allow your skin to adjust. Gradually, you can work your way up to stronger formulas like 0.2% or 0.24%, applying them in the evening after cleansing and before moisturising. Learn more about retinal in our guide. 

Can I use retinaldehyde products if I have sensitive skin?

Yes, retinaldehyde is our favourite form of vitamin A as it is gentle enough for sensitive skin and less irritating than traditional retinol. Medik8's retinal serums are specially formulated to minimise irritation while providing visible youth-renewing benefits.

How often should I use retinaldehyde serum?

Start by using retinaldehyde serum 2-3 times a week if you’re just beginning your vitamin A journey, then gradually increase to nightly use as your skin builds tolerance. Always follow with a moisturiser and use sunscreen during the day as part of your skincare routine. If you're already using vitamin A and switching to Medik8, you can use your serum every night, provided you choose a similar strength.

What are the benefits of using retinaldehyde in my skincare routine?

Retinaldehyde is known for its ability to accelerate cell turnover, boost collagen production, and visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and dark spots. It works faster than retinol, delivering smoother, youthful-looking skin with fewer signs of irritation.

Can I use retinaldehyde products with other skincare ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide?

Yes, retinaldehyde pairs well with other ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide. For best results, use vitamin C in the morning alongside sunscreen and retinaldehyde in your nighttime routine, the foundation of our CSA philosophy.

What is the difference between Medik8's 0.1% and 0.2% retinaldehyde products?

Medik8 offers a unique ladder of strengths in our retinaldehyde products, including both 0.1% and 0.2% retinal serums to cater to different skin tolerances and needs. The CR 10 0.1% concentration is ideal for advanced users, while CR 20 0.2% delivers more advanced results for those who are highly experienced vitamin A users looking for more intense results.

Which Medik8 product contains the best retinaldehyde for beginners?

For beginners, we recommend starting with Crystal Retinal 1, which contains 0.01% retinaldehyde. It's perfect for introducing vitamin A to your routine with minimal irritation while still offering visible age-defying results.