Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6
4.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.5 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle

Review

Results you may expect from using Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.6 out of 10.
  • Considerable anti-wrinkle efficacy: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 has an anti-wrinkle rating of 5.0 out of 10, indicating a moderate ability to reduce wrinkles.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 has a moisturizing rating of 4.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of humectancy and occlusivity: a moderate humectancy of 5.5 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.6 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈6.0%).

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 has a moderate anti-wrinkle rating of 5.0 out of 10. It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Retinal (est. ≈0.05%),
 also known as retinaldehyde, a potent ingredient of the retinoid group, with confirmed anti-wrinkle capabilities.
 
Among others, Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 also contains contains 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, two ingredients marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, could deliver additional anti-wrinkle efficacy through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
Water
6
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
4
Glycerin
3
Isododecane
2
Cetearyl Olivate
1.5
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
1.3
Cyclodextrin
1
Cetearyl Alcohol
0.3
Sorbitan Olivate
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Squalane
0.3
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
0.3
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
0.3
Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil
0.3
Pentylene Glycol
0.3
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil
0.05
Retinal
0.3
Alumina
0.3
Isostearic Acid
0.3
Lecithin
0.3
Sodium Polyaspartate
0.3
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
0.3
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
0.3
Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
0.3
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
0.3
Disodium EDTA
0.3
Ethylhexylglycerin
0.3
Stearic Acid
0.3
Polysorbate 60
0.3
Sorbitan Isostearate
0.3
BHT
0.3
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
0.3
Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract
0.3
Coumarin
0.3
Red 4 (CI 14700)
0.3
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Isododecane
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Cyclodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Retinal
Function:
Origin:
Alumina
Function:
Origin:
Isostearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyaspartate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Function:
Origin:
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract
Function:
Origin:
Coumarin
Function:
Origin:
Red 4 (CI 14700)
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.5
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
7.2
6.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.5 10
5.5
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 7.2 20
3.6
6.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 5.5 10
5.5
All humectants
5.5
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 7.2 20
3.6
All occlusives
7.2
6.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
5 /10 0.05 0.05 5
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
5
Retinal
5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
5 /10
when present at, %
0.05
in this formula, est. %
0.05
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.4 3 No
All antioxidants
2.4
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
0.3
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
0.3
BHT
0.3
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Isododecane
Est. %3
Function
Origin
IsododecaneAn emollient derived from petroleum with high spreadability. It is often used as a replacement for oils and silicones because it leaves no residue behind on the skin. When a product is labeled as “oil-free” it may contain isododecane instead of heavier oils.
Cetearyl Olivate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Cetearyl Olivate

A multifunctional ingredient derived from plants that primarily serves as an emulsifier. Supplied as a waxy ivory-colored flake, it can also be used as an emollient and slip modifier that gives a product an overall light, silky finish.

Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerA multi-functional ingredient that forms a polymeric network, thereby thickening the formula and preventing other ingredients from shifting around.
Cyclodextrin
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
CyclodextrinA naturally derived ingredient with the ability to absorb other compounds and remove harmful metal ions from water.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Sorbitan Olivate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan OlivateAn ester of sorbitol (a type of sugar alcohol) and olive oil fatty acids. It is used as an emulsifying agent to stabilize oil droplets in water (or vice versa).
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Hydroxyacetophenone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyacetophenoneAn antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidA derivative of vitamin C. Its stability in skincare formulations is better than ascorbic acid’s, although clinical studies are yet to indicate whether it has the same collagen-boosting benefits.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxypropyl MethylcelluloseA natural viscosity controlling agent that is commonly used in skin cleansing products to thicken the consistency. It also functions as an emulsion stabilizing agent and binding agent.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateA lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. According to a recent clinical study, THDA has all the capabilities of regular vitamin C, including anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment activity.
Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed OilThis name can imply two different ingredients: a fatty emollient and occlusive carrot seed oil, or a fragrant and antimicrobial essential carrot seed oil.
Retinal
Est. %0.05
Function
Origin
Retinal

A potent ingredient of the retinoid group with confirmed anti-wrinkle capabilities.

Alumina
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AluminaA mineral derived from the metal ore known as aluminum. It is commonly used as an abrasive and also acts as a thickening viscosity controlling agent (and thus as a bulking agent). Alumina is also a great opacifier.
Isostearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isostearic AcidA saturated fatty acid used to mix oil and water and to remove dirt from the skin's surface. Isostearic acid is listed among common comedogenic ingredients by acne.org.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Sodium Polyaspartate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyaspartateAlso known as polymerized aspartic acid, this protein-like polymer is an excellent moisturizer and forms a smooth film on the skin’s surface. It can also prevent clumping and settling in a liquid product.
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower ExtractAn extract from the white flowers of the Japanese honeysuckle. Apart from an essential oil responsible for its jasmine-like scent, the extract also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory iridoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.
Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower ExtractA fragrant extract derived from the flowers of the Italian honeysuckle. It has a pleasant, sweet, floral scent. Not much is known about its compounds and their functions.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyhydroxystearic AcidA soft and malleable amber wax naturally derived from vegetable sources. It allows minerals to be very finely dispersed, which can improve SPF, decrease the white cast in sunscreens, and increase the color expression in pigmented products.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Stearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearic AcidA saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BHTAn antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit ExtractA fragrant and flavoring extract derived from vanilla pods. Vanillin is the main compound responsible for its scent and taste. Other compounds present in the vanilla pod are antioxidant and soothin tannins, polyphenols, and free amino acids.
Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract
Coumarin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CoumarinA plant-based fragrant compound that occurs in sweet-smelling grass, sweet woodruff, and sweet clover. It has a sweet and vanilla-like scent in high concentrations and a similar scent to freshly mowed grass in low concentrations.
Red 4 (CI 14700)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 4 (CI 14700)A synthetic dye that is also known as FD&C Red No. 4. This colorant produces a warm red hue that has an orange or yellow undertone.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.