Medik8 Intelligent Retinol Serum 6Tr Review

Medik8 Intelligent Retinol Serum 6Tr
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Medik8 Intelligent Retinol Serum 6Tr Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Medik8 Intelligent Retinol Serum 6Tr has to offer:
 
  • Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10, impaired by the lack of humectants.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Medik8 Intelligent Retinol Serum 6Tr has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Medik8 Intelligent Retinol Serum 6Tr

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Medik8 Intelligent Retinol Serum 6Tr:
 

Very Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Medik8 Intelligent Retinol Serum 6Tr is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a low Humectancy of 0.3 out of 10 and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, due to the high content of Squalane (est. ≈50.0%), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈22.0%) and Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil (est. ≈11.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin. The occlusive profile of Medik8 Intelligent Retinol Serum 6Tr suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

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

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Medik8 Intelligent Retinol Serum 6Tr has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Retinol (est. ≈0.1%), 
 the most effective non-prescription anti-wrinkle ingredient. Numerous clinical studies have shown its positive effects at concentrations as low as 0.1%. A study with 36 participants (Kafi et al.) confirmed that a lotion containing 0.4% retinol reduced wrinkle severity by 21% after 24 weeks of use, compared to the same formulation without retinol (vehicle).
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

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

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Medik8 Intelligent Retinol Serum 6Tr is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil (est. ≈11.0%) and Tocopheryl Acetate (est. ≈3.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Medik8 Intelligent Retinol Serum 6Tr

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Medik8 Intelligent Retinol Serum 6Tr to your skincare routine:
 

May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Retinol

This product contains retinol, which offers powerful anti-wrinkle benefits. The mechanism behind retinol’s action is boosting cell turnover. This process exposes new, more delicate skin, making it more vulnerable to sun damage.

As a result, using products with retinol may increase the skin's sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To protect the skin, dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 throughout the duration of retinol treatment, along with avoiding direct sun exposure. Retinol should be used at night, as it is sensitive to sunlight and can lose its potency when exposed to UV rays.

Please always check the manufacturer's instructions for using the retinol-containing products, either on their website or product label.

Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Medik8 Intelligent Retinol Serum 6Tr contains a low level of humectants.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of Medik8 Intelligent Retinol Serum 6Tr

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Medik8 Intelligent Retinol Serum 6Tr to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry to very dry skin
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage

Cons: 

  • May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol
  • May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
  • Ideally needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
50
22
11
6
4
3
0.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Climbazole
Function:
Origin:
Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Decylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
89.0
50.0
22.0
11.0
6.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.3 10
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 89.0 20
10.0
50.0
22.0
11.0
6.0
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
All humectants 0.3 10
0.3
All humectants
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
50
22
11
6
All occlusives 89.0 20
10.0
All occlusives
89.0
50.0
22.0
11.0
6.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
Total
2.5
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
11
3
0.3
All antioxidants 14.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
14.3
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
11
Tocopheryl Acetate
3
BHT
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Squalane
Est. %50
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.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %22
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.
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed OilA fatty oil pressed from safflower seeds that is used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. It contains unusually high amounts of linoleic acid (up to 70%), as well as antioxidant compounds such as vitamin E, phytosterols, and phenolics.
Dimethicone
Est. %6
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Est. %4
Function
Origin
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %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.

Retinol
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Retinol

One of the most famous and well-researched anti-aging ingredients with a maximum anti-wrinkle power of 10 out of 10. It is proven to decrease wrinkles and help the skin regain its thickness, firmness, and texture. Retinol is also effective in treating pigmentation issues such as dark spots and acne.

Climbazole
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Climbazole
Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
Decylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Decylene Glycol
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.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
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.
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.