Crystal Retinal: the vitamin A that renews your skin without irritation
Crystal Retinal, by Medik8, is formulated with retinaldehyde and is one of the vitamin A ranges best known for its efficacy, stability and excellent skin tolerance. It improves texture, corrects fine lines and wrinkles, evens out skin tone and helps control excess oil and the bacteria involved in acne. Much more than an anti-ageing product, it's a complete treatment to transform your skin.
Why retinal, not retinol
Both are vitamin A. The difference lies in how many steps each one needs to convert into retinoic acid, the form the skin actually uses.
One less step
Retinol needs two conversions within the skin, while retinal only needs one. That shortcut is what speeds up results.
Careful tolerance
It's not just about having many concentrations to gradually build up. Crystal Retinal's encapsulation and delivery system make this range a genuinely stable, safe form of vitamin A with very good skin tolerance.
Reverses and transforms
It works on cell renewal and collagen production. It improves texture, corrects fine lines and wrinkles, evens out tone and helps control oil and the bacteria linked to acne. Much more than an anti-ageing product.
Always at night
It's applied at night. In the morning, pair it with sun protection and, if you want to boost results, an antioxidant like vitamin C, which works very well alongside retinal.
The scale, from lowest to highest
Crystal Retinal 1 is designed for very sensitive or reactive skin. Healthy skin with no sensitivities can perfectly well start at 6; if it's your first time treating your skin with active ingredients, 3 is a good starting point. The right starting concentration depends on your skin, not on a single rule for everyone.
Before increasing your concentration, check with our team. You can safely go up to 10 or 20, always with the right guidance.
Crystal Retinal 1
First contactFor very sensitive or reactive skin. The most careful way to start.
Crystal Retinal 3
Usual starting pointThe usual entry point if you've never used retinoids but your skin isn't especially sensitive.
Crystal Retinal 6
Mid concentrationThe best seller in the range. Healthy skin can start directly here and get very good results.
Crystal Retinal 10
High strengthMore noticeable results on wrinkles and texture, for skin with previous experience of vitamin A.
Crystal Retinal 20
IntensiveDesigned for deep wrinkles and uneven texture, for skin already used to high concentrations.
Crystal Retinal 24
The highest concentrationThe highest concentration in the range. Only makes sense as a final step, never as a starting point.
And for the eye contour
Skin around the eyes is much thinner than the rest of the face. The Ceramide Eye line adapts the same formula with ceramides that reinforce the barrier in that area.
Ceramide Eye 3
Eye contour · starting pointThe entry point to retinal for the eye area, with the lowest concentration in the line.
Ceramide Eye 6
Eye contour · midFor pronounced expression lines, once the area already tolerates the previous concentration well.
Ceramide Eye 10
Eye contour · highThe highest concentration for the eye contour, for skin with previous experience in that area.
How to adapt your skin to Crystal Retinal
Allowing a good adaptation period is key so your skin tolerates vitamin A well from the start and you enjoy its results.
Weeks 1 and 2
Apply two nights a week, for example Tuesday and Friday, on clean, dry skin.
Next 15 days
Move to alternate nights, keeping your skin well hydrated.
From week 4 onwards
You can now apply it every night. Before increasing your concentration, check with the Om team to take the next step.
Sun protection, always
Retinaldehyde is one of the most stable and best-tolerated forms of vitamin A. Irritation doesn't come from vitamin A itself, but from an unstable formula or incorrect use of the product. Even so, when using retinal we always recommend applying sun protection in the morning. If you want to boost results, also add an antioxidant like vitamin C, which works very well alongside retinal.
Which concentration should I use?
Tell us about your skin and what you've used before, and we'll tell you which one to start with and how fast to progress. No obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Which one should I start with if I've never used retinol?
Crystal Retinal 1 if your skin is sensitive or reactive, and Crystal Retinal 3 for everyone else. If your skin is healthy with no sensitivities, you can start directly at 6. Starting with a concentration that's too low for your skin type just means it takes longer to see results.
When can I increase my concentration?
When you're using your current one every night with no tightness, redness or flaking, and have been for several weeks. Check with the Om team before increasing. Many people stay on 6 indefinitely and get very good results, while others can progress to 10 or 20 with the right guidance.
Is it normal for skin to flake at the start?
Mild dryness or flaking in the first few weeks is common. If you notice stinging, persistent redness or marked tightness, space out applications and boost hydration before continuing.
Can I use it with vitamin C or acids?
The usual combination is vitamin C in the morning and retinal at night, which works very well together. Layering exfoliating acids on the same night as retinal is usually too much for most skin.
Can it be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Retinoids aren't recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Check with your doctor — in the meantime there are alternatives such as niacinamide or peptides.
Can I use it in summer?
Yes, keeping up your usual sun protection and avoiding intense sun exposure. If you're going to spend days at the beach or in the mountains, it's sensible to pause it and pick it back up afterwards.
Medik8® and Crystal Retinal® are registered trademarks of Medik8. Cosmetic products are not medicines, and this page does not constitute medical advice or replace the assessment of a healthcare professional. Retinoids are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Results vary depending on skin type, consistency of use and sun protection.