Medik8 Crystal Retinal review: Why I chose retinaldehyde over retinol and tretinoin

Рет қаралды 30,542

Күн бұрын

Journalist Clare Johnston shares her experience with Medik8's Crystal Retinal 6 as she explains the difference between retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid (tretinoin).
You'll find links to Medik8 retinals 6 & 10 here shopmy.us/collections/64719 plus a lower-cost option (Geek & Gorgeous).
My other skincare favourites:
Cerave foaming cleanser Amazon UK amzn.to/3kljb8m US amzn.to/3rhGqBr
NuFace primer gel UK amzn.to/3xOL9NM US amzn.to/3hK0ZDN
NuFace Trinity UK amzn.to/3igyXyA US amzn.to/3esjfiS
La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 serum UK amzn.to/3z3KUON US amzn.to/3BeOmbc
Cerave moisturising cream UK amzn.to/3klljgm US amzn.to/3wLAZvN
Paula’s Choice Youth Extending spf 50 UK amzn.to/2UPJsRB US amzn.to/3BcBkLt
La Roche Posay Anthelios Age Correct spf 50 at lookfantastic.com tidd.ly/3in9Pq9
I've written two fictional novels, From the Outside - a psychological suspense with a supernatural twist - and Polls Apart - a thrilling love story with a political backdrop - which are available here amzn.to/32WcK2X
I use affiliate links on this channel which means I earn a small amount of commission on any sales resulting from clicks to the site. My product reviews are NEVER paid for and are always independent. You can read my affiliate and commercial policy here / thehonestchannel
Follow me on / clares_j / honestclare / writer.clarejohnston
Produced by David at www.redfacilities.com

Пікірлер: 126

@deborahs2593 2 жыл бұрын

The "lift" you're speaking of takes longer than other results! For me it took a year! I love medik8- the retinal and peptide products have changed this 68 yr old woman's skin. Truly changed it. Thanks for your video!

@thehonestchannel 2 жыл бұрын

So glad to hear Medik8 is working for you! I’m still using it on my skin.

@ttttttttttttttoms Жыл бұрын

Best explanation of the retinoids. Short and clear.

@thehonestchannel Жыл бұрын

So glad you found it helpful!

@MummyforLife 3 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad I found your channel. Very honest and informative. Thank you 💕☘

@thehonestchannel 3 жыл бұрын

So pleased you found it helpful! : )

@MummyforLife 3 жыл бұрын

@@thehonestchannel you are a breath of fresh air. ☘

@thehonestchannel 3 жыл бұрын

@@MummyforLife 😊

@ZoeClarkTattooer 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve just bought this but the 3, because I have small little white bumps around my chin/mouth/cheek/jaw and nothing seems to be helping! That before and after photo is AMAZING! Your face looks so much more plumper, glowy and healthier, I’m amazed!

@angie9430 3 жыл бұрын

Another great video very informative thank you ! X 💋

@thehonestchannel 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Angie! x

@hayleystark9712 2 жыл бұрын

I have been using medik8 crystal retinal 3 since last year and my skin has improved dramatically, no lumps or bumps, clearer and brighter. Just purchased the 6 so can’t wait to try it!

@thehonestchannel 2 жыл бұрын

That's great to hear. I've just moved up to the 10 and so far, so good!

@lindamg3215 3 жыл бұрын

I tried tretinoin and got terrible flaking and couldn't put it anywhere near my eyes, which is where I probably need it most. Am now using Medik8 r-retinoate intense in the black bottle. Is eye-wateringly expensive so buy when I have discounts on cult beauty. Have used it for about a year, 3 or 4 times a week and a bottle lasts about 6 months, putting it on my neck, and chest too. I can tolerate it around my eyes, so for me, it's worth the expense. I can see a big difference and never had any flakes or bad reaction! Just found your channel and love your videos and your accent!

@thehonestchannel 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Linda! It’s really interesting to hear about your tretinoin experience and that the intense serum is working out so well for you. I’m finding the retinaldehyde is making a difference, but I’m tempted to upgrade!

@Maccablondie 2 жыл бұрын

I can't wait to hear how you are going with the 10 strength. Great channel!

@thehonestchannel 2 жыл бұрын

Going well so far. I’ll aim to do a video update next month. I’m comparing the Medik8 10 against the same strength retinal from a cheaper brand

@anshikakhandelwal_ 2 жыл бұрын

@@thehonestchannel waiting for that video eagerly

@thehonestchannel 2 жыл бұрын

@@anshikakhandelwal_ Hi Anshika. I’ll film and publish this one next month : )

@JR3218f 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much 😊

@caterinaiona6397 2 жыл бұрын

I have used the Drunk Elephant retinol and it cleared a few sun spots I had then I went for Medik8 6, then 10 and now 20. I have been using the Crystal retinal 20 for four months now but every other day as every day is irritating for my skin. I am now finishing this tube and I think I will be able to use the next one every day at least I am going to give it a try. I am 55 and I have good skin. No sun damage anymore, no deep wrinkles, little sagging probably and in that Medik8 helped a lot I think. I cannot use it around my eyes though as it dries not only the skin under the eyes but the glands inside the eyes which could cause the Dry Eye Syndrome so I was advised by my ophthalmologist not to use it near the eye area. I am happy with the results although they are not tremendous but the two little wrinkles on my forehead seem better. I will keep on using it although the cost is great but I think it is worth it.

@thehonestchannel 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience Caterina. I wondered how much more powerful the 20 strength retinal would be so it’s interesting to hear your perspective. It certainly is expensive.

@phoenixchi64 2 жыл бұрын

Oooh... I've just bought this & I'm hoping this works for me... I've super sensitive, menopausal skin & on lots of prescription meds... so my poor skin is suffering... Thanks for your review... 😁

@thehonestchannel 2 жыл бұрын

I hope it works for you, too. Just moved up to strength 10 and so far so good

@phoenixchi64 2 жыл бұрын

@@thehonestchannel Looking forward to a full review of the product... 😁

@jakobrognlien8412 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video. Have you checked out geek and gorgeous A-game 10? :)

@thehonestchannel 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Jakob. A few people have mentioned it so it’s on my list of things to try out next. I’ll maybe use it on one side of my face and Medik8 10 on the other side to compare.

@johnmichaelarnaud 2 жыл бұрын

Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 10. 18.50 Euros (~ USD 21). No fragrance. Bright yellow color. Fantastic product.

@angelinebiswas7611 2 жыл бұрын

I use tret 3x a week 0.025% for years and medik8 retinal 3 the other 4 days. I love it

@thehonestchannel 2 жыл бұрын

That sounds like a powerful yet gentle combination. Good thinking!

@nicolerolug 6 ай бұрын

Is it okay to use both forms of vitamin A on different days? I have a 0.025% biotherm retinol and the medik8 retinal 3 on my skincare shelf...

@michelles2299 3 жыл бұрын

I did have a lot of dryness and flaky skin when I started using tretinoin I pushed through and now a few years on I still use my tretinoin 0.01% at night...... I found that putting on eucerin night cream after my tretinoin has dried off stops my skin from getting to dry around my mouth and sides of nose my tretinoin is from dermatica, I find I only need it every 50 days so at around £23 a time it's not that bad over the year I actually stopped buying a lot of other expensive creams, and serums since I started tretinoin, so it has worked for me 🙏

@thehonestchannel 3 жыл бұрын

It’s Dermatica that I’ve been considering trying out. Will try Crystal 10 first, but the price is off-putting. Do you see a visible difference with Dermatica? How is it around the eyes?

@michelles2299 3 жыл бұрын

@@thehonestchannel I like Dermatica they also do a tretinoin with an added ingredient to help with irritation and you can get other things from them like hydroquinone and I think the eyelash growth serum, the good thing about the prescription is you can change the frequency and even skip them on your online profile, I starred with 0.25 then went to 0.05 and now on 0.01 %. As time went by I found using one pump as opposed to two, was enough for me, so I get 50 days out of a tube. Their customer service is really good, they review your treatment regularly, its all online by email, you don't have to send your photo of your skin when you sign up, i didn't, but you can if you wish, I really like it, it works for me 🙏it's well worth a try

@thehonestchannel 3 жыл бұрын

Very interesting indeed! Thank you x

@michelles2299 3 жыл бұрын

@@thehonestchannel.... Oh and yes absolutely a big difference in my skin now of course slap on the spf in the day...... Around my eyes at first I couldn't, but I slowly began mixing a little tretinoin with moisturiser and adding it under my eyes until I got used to it but you have to be really careful not to get it in your eyes and I only just touch slightly under my eyebrow never put it on my mobile lid apparently it travels once on your skin so need to be careful near the eyes 🙏

@helenalovelock1030 2 жыл бұрын

I use Dermatica too it’s got niacinamide and other actives too in it. Also Azelic acid. It’s very reasonably priced

@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for covering this. I'm using Verso and their literature is not clear on how their patented 'Retinol8' compares to clinical retinol in terms of percentage equivalent. When it comes to 'encapsulated retinol', which is the 'standard retinol' equivalent to Verso's patented key ingredient when it comes to strength? There's not a peep online from the brand about this so it's hard to understand if I'm REALLY using retinol as such. I'd like to know what strength I'm currently using so I'll know where to go when I move to another product. As it stands, I have no idea if I'm using trace amounts or something that could link nicely to Medik8's mid-tier serum strength. The Verso eye serum is wonderful for my sensitive eyes and I'm happy with it but I do wonder if there's another comparable retinol cream that is powerful yet suitable for sensitive skin in general. I'm on the market for both a face serum and a gentler eye serum. It's why I clicked on your video-- Murad and Medik8 are the two I'm toying with trying when I run out of Verso. I like the idea of starting with a lower strength and moving up when skin becomes used to it. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and views.

@thehonestchannel 2 жыл бұрын

You're most welcome. I have to say retinol of any strength has always irritated my skin, especially around the eyes but I haven't experienced that at all with retinal. Little bit tingly in the first couple of uses but no big deal. If you're using retinol I would be tempted to start on a mid-strength retinal product.

@honeybear365 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for a very good and informative video 🥰 I have this product as well, all tho in the lowest strength because I recently started using it. But mine is light pink when I press the product out. Wonder why yours is orange

@thehonestchannel 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I notice retinals are usually brightly coloured. I’d also be interested to know why!

@vasilitsia Жыл бұрын

I am 63 and have been using Dermatica 0.05% Tretinoin for almost 2 years. Yesterday I ordered Medic 8 strength 6 because having tried all the advice the skin around my mouth and chin is still dry and flaky. I'm hoping that Retynaldehide is going to be my saviour.

@thehonestchannel Жыл бұрын

I had a similar experience and have moved back to retinal. If you’re using that alongside sunscreen you should be able to maintain a lot of the benefits in terms of reduced fine lines

@vasilitsia Жыл бұрын

@@thehonestchannel wow! Thank you for your prompt response. I'm hoping this will be the case. I'm in the UK, as I believe are you. Could you give an estimation as to their delivery timescale please?

@adalineproulx9773 7 ай бұрын

I stopped using treninoin bc it made my melasma on my neck really bad from the sun despite using sunscreen. I just ordered meik8 lvl 20.

@schari30 3 жыл бұрын

Retinal is not only complicated to formulate, it's quite expensive. The price reflects that in almost all cases. Side note: Alot of people cannot use Retin A around their eyes and mouth, or even on their necks; so you may still need to use retinal around the eyes, especially on the lids, if you fall in that category.

@cristinarisso8668 3 жыл бұрын

Check out Geek And Gorgeous AGame. They use the same reseller of Medik8 (for bulk retinaldeyde), same delivery method (Cyclodextrins) and it is a wonderful product :)

@schari30 3 жыл бұрын

@@cristinarisso8668 Thx for the tip.

@mitchell9169 Жыл бұрын

Review starts at 3:20

@saragh9453 2 жыл бұрын

Hello thanks for the information I just bought but not sure how to use it. Should I apply serum before or last step

@thehonestchannel 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Sara. I would apply it before moisturising for best results : )

@cristinarisso8668 3 жыл бұрын

I adore retinaldeyde (but I prefer the Geek and Gorgeous Agame to the Crystal Retinal) ; the only problem is that a very famous dermatologist in the States claims that it is much less well absorbed than retinol :/

@cristinarisso8668 3 жыл бұрын

(PS: Geek and Gorgeous sells 0.05% and 0.1% and it is much cheaper by the way ) (I could not use tretinoin; too harsh, but I use the 0.1% without troubles)

@thehonestchannel 3 жыл бұрын

That’s really helpful, thank you. I’m definitely going to give Geek and Gorgeous a go. Still finding the Crystal retinal effective, but not thrilled with the price!

@helenalovelock1030 2 жыл бұрын

@@thehonestchannel have you tried The Geek and Gorgeous yet? I’m using the Skin and me Tretinoin lowest dose with niacinamide and Azealic acid. It’s only £20 per month.

@thehonestchannel 2 жыл бұрын

@@helenalovelock1030 How’s the tretinoin working out? I did try G&G and I filmed a wee review on it if you have time to watch x kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oLiFir2WnJ2yh5s.html

@_qwerty5358 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Any thoughts about the Geek & Gorgeous 0.1 Retinal?

@thehonestchannel 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve not heard of it before but I’ll take a look now, thanks. I’d love to put a cheaper alternative to the test.

@_qwerty5358 3 жыл бұрын

@@thehonestchannel thanks for your response! Another reputable brand would be Avene. I actually think they are the pioneer! Have good day.

@nesbednica 2 жыл бұрын

Geek&Georgeous is perfect brand. I highly recommend it. I tried retinal, C serum, niacinamide. Everything is effective and well done without parfumations and it don't irritate the skin. Very good brand from Hungary and prices for retinal (12.50€) and other serums (around 10€) are exceptional. 😉

@anetazawadzka8882 Жыл бұрын

Hi! I've just bought medik8 recently, would you be so kind and tell me what kind of moisturiser you are using after? Thank you😊

@thehonestchannel Жыл бұрын

I change up my moisturisers a lot because of the amount of testing I'm doing, but I go for something simple in the mornings generally like an Olay fragrance-free moisturiser, and then I tend to go for a treatment-based cream at night

@embracedchimera5886 2 жыл бұрын

ive heard cerave is like the best moisturizer but ive yet to try it yet...

@thehonestchannel 2 жыл бұрын

I use it daily and it’s definitely up there as one of the best.

@dorakouri8562 2 жыл бұрын

Are you sure it’s safe to use retinoids around the eyes? i ve heard about dry eye syndrome etc

@thehonestchannel 2 жыл бұрын

It’s not a good idea to get it in your eyes but it’s safe to use on the skin around your eyes. It’s a good idea to avoid the lower eyelids to avoid it going in your eyes - which I am often guilty of being careless about!

@olga_b344 Ай бұрын

Amazing - so do u find you can still put it around ur eyes without any added wrinkles? They have a separate one for the eyes so I wonder if it’s better to use that around the eyes? ❤

@thehonestchannel Ай бұрын

Personally, I don't believe you need to use eye creams and it just adds to the cost of your skincare routine. But you do need to be careful using retinoids around the eyes and even more so the stronger they get. Most experts say to avoid getting any in your eye so I use a small amount around the brown and higher up on my upper lid. It's fine to use on the under eye area so long as the thinner skin there tolerates it well.

@olga_b344 Ай бұрын

@@thehonestchannel thanks so much. Love your channel!

@littlesthepitbull 26 күн бұрын

My question is specifically about MediK8’s Crystal Retinal EYE serum. I’m not clear if you’re using just the face product or the eye one, but if you have tried the eye one, have you have any skin irritation from it? My skin has no irritation to Tretinoin which I’ve been on for five months but most people recommend not putting it above the orbital bone. This company uses essential oils in this product, and I’ve already been cautioned against using products with fragrance/essential oils as they can cause, irritation, and especially with skin using tretinojn. My eyes are also very sensitive to eye products (serums and creams) since going through menopause, so I’m concerned about the essential oils in this eye serum (only product of theirs I would be using) which are known to cause contact dermatitis in people prone to it but I loved the option of using a. RetinAl under my eyes as opposed to using my Tretinoin there. Thanks for letting me know if it caused you any irritation.

@bonniehaigh8579 Жыл бұрын

Hi Clare, I have been using Skin Medica retinol at 1.0% three times a week in the evening. Helped somewhat but I think retinal would work faster. I am in my 70's, should I start off with the '6' level?

@thehonestchannel Жыл бұрын

Hi Bonnie. Yes, I think you’ll be fine on 6. Hope it works well for you.

@bonniehaigh8579 Жыл бұрын

@@thehonestchannel Thank you, I will update one I have been using for a while. Due to my age, I am not expecting miracles but it has to be better than the SkinMedica I was using. LI am also going to try a couple of their other products! Love from Toronto, Ontario CA

@ezgierturk6350 Жыл бұрын

I’ve never used retinol or retin-a before. Can I start with medik8 crystal retinal 1? Thank you so much❤ hope you’ll see this comment.

@thehonestchannel Жыл бұрын

Hi! Yes, a lower strength retinal would be a great place to start. I did a video comparing Medik8 retinal with Geek and Gorgeous’s much cheaper version if you want to look at lower cost but effective options

@magnacary 9 ай бұрын

i got strength 1

@helenalovelock1030 2 жыл бұрын

Can you use the Medik8 on the neck and décolletage?

@thehonestchannel 2 жыл бұрын

Yes you can 😊

@NourNour-dw2vy 2 жыл бұрын

Sorry can you tell me how long take to improve and start see result thank you.

@thehonestchannel 2 жыл бұрын

Hi. So you’ll see on the review that I started to see results within weeks of using this product but the idea is you increase the strength of the serum to build betters results over time. I’ll be filming an update shortly, having moved to the 10 strength serum 2 months ago.

@bvrlylava 2 жыл бұрын

Hi any update on strength 10?

@thehonestchannel 2 жыл бұрын

Hi.I haven’t actually finished the strength 6 yet - it’s quite long-lasting. Strength 10 is ready and waiting though and I’ve bought a cheaper retinal of the same strength from another brand to compare them. Should be able to post an update in about 6 weeks.

@bvrlylava 2 жыл бұрын

@@thehonestchannel thank you!

@allthingsheaven 3 күн бұрын

Just curious to know if you were using the Medik8 retinal product for the face on your eye area, or did you get the Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye instead.

@thehonestchannel 2 күн бұрын

I just used the regular retinal.

@marcogarcia8837 Ай бұрын

Please, I am 52 years old and I have developed wrinkles under my eyes and crow's feet and some dark circles. I don't know what you would recommend I use if this product would work for me. Thank you for your attention.

@thehonestchannel Ай бұрын

I can only share my experience. I found using retinal was helpful for my own skin. Longer term I now only use it a couple of times a week for maintenance.

@mojo3262 2 жыл бұрын

I use Medik8 CR20 and Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 10. My plan was to use up Medik8 and just use G&G. However, been using the stronger Medik8 as a booster once or twice in a 7-day period and G&G the other days. Medik8 is lasting forever. If I went the Tretinoin route, I would only go with Altreno because it's in a lotion base and everything I've read about it, including reviews, reports it's much gentler than other types of Tretinoin.

@thehonestchannel 2 жыл бұрын

This is really helpful, thanks!

@Jaquelinne50 2 жыл бұрын

Can I use the crystal retinal around my eyes ?

@thehonestchannel 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I do without any problems.

@anakindonissa 2 жыл бұрын

Im becoming 30, is it too early to use retinol? What kind of Retinol of Medik8 should i try. I have tried products from them before.

@thehonestchannel 2 жыл бұрын

I started using retinol from my mid-40s but, provided you're wearing sunscreen every day, it's not a bad idea to begin in your 30s. This is a review of Medik8's retinal - slightly different to retinol but doing a very similar job. I talk in the video about why I chose this one and the different strengths available.

@anakindonissa 2 жыл бұрын

@@thehonestchannel i started to use sunscreen everyday since i was 25. That is also a bit late. But i have very sensitive dry skin. Is better to start with a 1 or 3 ?

@thehonestchannel 2 жыл бұрын

@@anakindonissa If your skin is very sensitive you could go with the 1 to begin with and then move straight on to the 3 from there

@shofnaakthar3651 8 ай бұрын

Can you start with medik8 3 if you are new to retinol/retinal etc, thank you

@thehonestchannel 8 ай бұрын

It's a lower strength but I can't guarantee it won't cause sensitivity so I would patch test and just ease in use.

@shofnaakthar3651 6 ай бұрын

@@thehonestchannelthank you

@v.k.3077 2 жыл бұрын

There is no need to pay that much for a 0.1 Retinal. There is one from Geek and Gorgeous that is quite affordable :)

@thehonestchannel 2 жыл бұрын

That’s true! Thanks for flagging. I did love the Medik8 retinal but G&G is good too. I compared them in this video kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oLiFir2WnJ2yh5s.html

@gemmapenney6108 3 жыл бұрын

Is the 10 retinal 1% ? And is that the same as 0.1% ?

@thehonestchannel 3 жыл бұрын

Its difficult to compare concentrations with retinol or retinoid acid as they are formulated differently. Medik8’s starter Retinal 1 would be 0.01% and it’s Retinal 10 .1% The 20 that you get in clinics is .2% Confusing, I know!

@gemmapenney6108 3 жыл бұрын

@@thehonestchannel thankyou for the reply. It's confusing because some say 1% and others say 0.1% and maths isn't my strong suit so I don't really know what the difference is. 😊

@elell6048 Жыл бұрын

My Tretinoin prescription is £20 a month and it works great and has lots of data to backup it’s claims. Why would anyone spend £40-80 a month for that medik8 stuff?

@thehonestchannel Жыл бұрын

I have since moved to tretinoin and am also seeing great results - but it’s not for everyone. I know people who have stopped using it due to peeling and irritation.

@frombullsheaven 10 ай бұрын

Because in the Netherlands you can not get a prescription… unfortunately..

@lilibekeer3538 7 ай бұрын

@@frombullsheaven😢😢😢

@johncheffy4775 2 жыл бұрын

I recommend Geek&Gorgeous A5 or A10 Retinal serum . A lot better and cheaper .

@thehonestchannel 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks John. I did a review comparing the two recently. G&G is a good lower-cost alternative

@johncheffy4775 2 жыл бұрын

@@thehonestchannel cool , I'm a new sub so will check it out . Have a great weekend .

@johncheffy4775 2 жыл бұрын

@@thehonestchannel I don't use Vit C serums but heard great things about it .

@embracedchimera5886 2 жыл бұрын

umm i mix them! retin-a and retinol products.... i use at same time... together I mean at once/same night..

@christopheranderson1786 10 ай бұрын

When you look at other Retinol skincare brands, say The Ordinary, you'll notice that no matter the strength, you're paying the same amount for the same product. Recently I've discovered that Medik8 charges more for the power for the same amount of only 30ml. Crystal Retinal 3 30ml £49. Crystal Retinal 6 30ml £66. Crystal Retinal 10 30ml £89. Crystal Retinal 20 30ml £99. I'm happy to pay good money for a good product, not just for a brand, and I enjoy using many of Medik8's skin care products, but this is just downright unethical and lacking in the integrity of any company if you're charging an incrementally higher price based on strength for the same amount of product.

@thehonestchannel 10 ай бұрын

I did a comparison video not long after this one with the much cheaper Geek & Gorgeous retinal which is just as effective.

@angelt4901 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve been using it for 2 years, on 20 now and it’s rubbish, total waste of money. I’ve developed sun spots since using it. The 20 is so orange I look like I’ve had a spray tan gone wrong.

@thehonestchannel 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience of the 20 strength. It will no doubt have been very expensive too so I’m sorry it’s been a waste of money for you

@angelinebiswas7611 2 жыл бұрын

Do you use sunscreen? I had sunspots but they were almost gone after tret and retinal 3 as long as I used sunscreen and reapplied

@angelt4901 2 жыл бұрын

@@angelinebiswas7611 of course spf 50. I’ve reduced it to every other night now.