★★★★★
Wow, what a product! My skin feels plumper and looks more youthful. I notice a reduction in lines around my mouth and forehead and an improvement in my skin tone, especially brown spots and redness. I love the results. Thanks, Medik8.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 – 0,03% retinal voor een gladdere huid, egalere teint & meer glow
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 is een geavanceerd nachtserum met 0,03% retinaldehyde (retinal): ideaal als je met vitamine A wilt starten en tóch zichtbaar resultaat wilt. Deze volgende generatie vitamine A ondersteunt huidvernieuwing, waardoor je huid er stap voor stap gladder uitziet, je teint egalere wordt en fijne lijntjes minder opvallen—zonder onnodig “retinol-gedoe”.
- Gladdere textuur: helpt huidstructuur verfijnen en poriën minder zichtbaar maken
- Egalere uitstraling: ondersteunt een gelijkmatigere teint en meer helderheid
- Meer glow: geeft een frissere, “net uitgerust” look bij consistent gebruik
€70.35
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Results
97%
felt their skin looked more youthful*
20%
less visible wrinkles and lines*
20%
less visible hyperpigmentation*
11%
increase skin firmness*
100%
found Crystal Retinal to be gentle on their skin*
*Proven via an independent clinical study with 1 tube or Crystal Retinal 6. Tested on 33 participants for 12 weeks.
Ingredients
Key Ingredients & Effect – Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3
1. Retinaldehyde (Vitamin A)
What it is: a direct precursor to retinoic acid — the active form or vitamin A in the skin.
Operation: accelerates cell renewal, stimulates collagen production and evens the complexion.
Advantage: works up to 11x faster than retinol but with less irritation.
Result: smoother skin, finer pores, fewer lines and a youthful appearance.
(The core or the “Crystal Retinal” line — the difference in strength is in the % retinaldehyde.)
2. Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate)
What it is: a skin's own moisture binder.
Operation: attracts and retains moisture in the upper layers or the skin.
Advantage: instantly gives the skin a fuller, more supple look — prevents dryness with vitamin A use.
3. Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate)
What it is: a powerful antioxidant.
Operation: protects skin cells against free radicals (UV, stress, pollution) and stabilizes the formula.
Advantage: works in synergy with retinaldehyde to prevent premature skin aging.
4. Glycerin
What it is: a natural humectant (moisture magnet).
Operation: hydrates and helps keep the skin barrier healthy.
Advantage: makes the serum comfortable to use, even for novice vitamin A users.
Optional supporting ingredients
(present in Crystal Retinal 3, according to the official INCI)
Squalane: nourishing lipid that keeps the skin supple.
Cyclodextrin: protects retinal against oxidation and ensures that it is released slowly (time-release).
Climbazole: prolongs the action or vitamin A in the skin and strengthens the anti-aging effect.
For whom?
Crystal Retinal 3 has been developed for people who want to integrate vitamin A into their skin care routine for the first time.
- It is perfect for sensitive skin types or anyone who wants to tackle skin aging in a mild but effective way.
- It is also ideal for younger skins that want to prevent collagen breakdown and premature aging. In addition, the serum is a excellent choice for a dull complexion, irregular texture, pigment spots or enlarged pores.
- Thanks to its mild formula, Crystal Retinal 3 is a safe and effective stepping stone to more powerful formulas such as Crystal Retinal 6 or 10, allowing the skin to gradually get used to it and build long-lasting results.
Usage
- Step 1🌙 Evening
Clean and dry the skin
Start with clean skin. Use one mild cleanser such as the Surface Radiance Cleanse from Medik8 to remove sebum, make-up and impurities. Then pat the face dry — do not rub, so that your skin barrier remains intact.
- Step 2
Apply a pea-sized amount or the serum
Use one pump or Crystal Retinal 3 for the entire face (that's about a pea size). Distribute the serum evenly over the face and neck, avoiding the eye contour. The texture feels soft and creamy, without that typical “tight” feeling that some retinol products give.
- Step 3
Build up slowly
Start with 2 to 3 evenings per week and gradually increase use to every evening once your skin is used to it. This way you prevent irritation and your skin can adapt quietly — compare it with exercising: you don't immediately train seven days a week. Tube empty without irritation, then switch on Crystal Retinal 6
Expert advice from Jiska Payet – Skin specialist & owner
“BNever apply this Crystal Retinal serum around the eyes. The skin there is much thinner and more sensitive than the rest or your face.
If you want to tackle those fine lines and fatigue, it is better to choose a formula that has been specially developed for that area: Medik8 Crystal Retinal Eye 3 with extra ceramides that protect the skin around the eyes. It contains the same powerful form or vitamin A (retinaldehyde), but in a much gentler concentration and combined with ceramides.
Our experience shows that customers who start with this will get a fresher, smoother look after just a few weeks — without redness or irritation. Think or it as a training for your skin: first start slowly with 'level 3', and only later, when the skin is used to it, can you switch to Eye 6 for more intensive results
Instructions prepared by Beauty Unlimited Amsterdam. Consult product label and SPF advice for safe use.
Crystal Retinal varianten vergelijken
| Variant | Sterkte | Voor wie |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal Retinal 1 | 0,01% retinaldehyde | zeer gevoelige huid / extra rustige start |
| Crystal Retinal 3 | 0,03% retinaldehyde | beginners met vitamine A / zichtbare glow + verfijning |
| Crystal Retinal 6 | 0,06% retinaldehyde | als je huid gewend is en je wilt intensiveren |
| Crystal Retinal 10 | 0,1% retinaldehyde | voor ervaren gebruikers met stevige routine |
| Crystal Retinal 20 | 0,2% retinaldehyde | alleen voor zeer ervaren gebruikers (opbouwen is key) |
| Crystal Retinal 24 | 0,24% retinaldehyde | Professionele sterkte, alleen gebruken als Retinal 20 zonder irritatie is toegepast |
FAQ
What is the difference between Crystal Retinal 1, 3 and 6
rystal Retinal 1 – for super sensitive or novice skin
Contains the lowest concentration retinaldehyde (0.01%). Ideal if your skin has never had vitamin A, or if you react quickly to active ingredients. A soft, safe start without the risk or flaking.
Crystal Retinal 3 – for most starters
The most popular entry strength (0.03%). Provides visible results within a few weeks, but remains mild. Perfect if your skin is already used to basic care and you want to start anti-aging in an effective but comfortable way.
Crystal Retinal 6 – for experienced users
Contains 0.06% retinaldehyde — twice as strong as No. 3. Only choose this once your skin is used to Crystal Retinal 3 and shows no signs or irritation. Ideal for those who want faster results with lines, pigment or large pores.
What exactly is Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3?
Crystal Retinal 3 is a night serum with retinaldehyde — an advanced, scientifically proven form or vitamin A. It stimulates cell renewal, reduces fine lines and evens skin tone. It is ideal for those who start with vitamin A products and want a visible, but mild anti-aging boost.
What is the difference between Crystal Retinal 3 and regular retinol?
Retinaldehyde (in Crystal Retinal 3) works up to 11x faster than classic retinol, because it is one step closer to the active form retinoic acid. That means faster results with less chance or irritation — like getting the benefits or retinol, but with a softer landing for your skin.
Can I also use Crystal Retinal 3 around my eyes?
No — use it not around the eyes. The skin there is too thin and sensitive. Choose instead Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3, specially developed for the delicate area around the eyes. This way you get the same results, but without redness or stinging.
When will I see results from Crystal Retinal 3?
Most people notice indoors 4 to 6 weeks difference: the skin feels smoother, softer and more radiant. With consistent use, pores become finer and pigment spots lighten. Retinal works overnight — think or it as a “sleep trainer” for your skin that gets a little stronger every night.
Can I combine Crystal Retinal 3 with other products?
Yes, but with policy. Always apply to clean, dry skin and avoid direct layering with acids or exfoliants. You use it during the day an SPF 30 or higher, because vitamin A makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight. In the salon we always say: “Without sun protection, your evening routine is only half done.
Experiences & reviews
★★★★★
I absolutely love this Retinal! It did not irritate my extremely sensitive skin and has a very light but pleasant scent. I haven't been using it long enough to know the long term effects, but I love my skin since using it!
★★★★★
I love it. . . I tried the Crystal Retinal 3, 6 and 10. I'm working my way up.
