Medik8 Crystal Retinal vs The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion: Retinaldehyde Serums Compared
Medik8 Crystal Retinal and The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion both use retinaldehyde. How their strengths, supporting ingredients, who they're for and how to use them differ.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal and The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion are both retinaldehyde (retinal) serums, a form of vitamin A one step closer to retinoic acid than retinol. The short answer: Medik8 offers a range of strengths from 0.01% to 0.24% so you can step up gradually; The Ordinary offers a single 0.2% strength recommended for experienced retinoid users. Choose based on your experience with retinoids and your skin's tolerance.
Side by side
| Feature | Medik8 Crystal Retinal | The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion |
|---|---|---|
| Retinoid | Retinaldehyde | Retinaldehyde |
| Strengths | Six steps, 0.01% to 0.24% | 0.2% |
| Brand guidance | Start low, move up after finishing each tube | For experienced retinoid users; beginners start with gentler products |
| Supporting ingredients | Sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, vitamin E, squalane, vitamin C derivatives | Synthetic oat analogue (avenanthramide-like), bisabolol, ergothioneine, hydroxyapatite |
| Fragrance | Brand says no artificial fragrance; list includes plant extracts and coumarin | Not listed |
| pH | Not listed | 6.0 to 7.0 |
Details come from each brand's product page (Medik8; The Ordinary). Formulas change, so check the packaging.
What's in Medik8 Crystal Retinal
A night serum with retinal in a stabilized system, plus hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E and squalane. Medik8 advises using at least one tube of a strength before moving up.
May suit: retinoid beginners who want a gradual ladder, and people who like adjusting strength over time.
What's in The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
A serum-emulsion with 0.2% retinal and soothing ingredients the brand describes as targeting the discomfort and dryness common with retinoids. The brand recommends it for experienced users and suggests gentler retinoids for beginners.
May suit: people already using retinol or other retinoids comfortably.
What the evidence says about retinal
Retinoids are well studied for photoaging (Mukherjee et al., Clin Interv Aging, 2006). Retinal converts to retinoic acid in one step, whereas retinol needs two, but head-to-head clinical comparisons of specific retinal products are limited.
How to use either one
- Start two or three nights a week with a small amount on dry skin.
- Moisturize afterward.
- Increase frequency as tolerated.
- Don't combine with other retinoids.
- Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning (AAD: sunscreen FAQs).
- Avoid retinoids if pregnant or trying to conceive unless your doctor approves.
What the research says about retinal
Retinal (retinaldehyde) is one conversion step closer to retinoic acid than retinol. In a randomized study of 55 women with photoaging, a 0.1% retinaldehyde cream used daily for 8 weeks reduced crow's feet wrinkle depth as much as three glycolic acid peels, improved texture more, and caused far fewer side effects (Rouvrais et al., J Cosmet Dermatol, 2018). That cream was a different brand's formula, so results don't transfer directly to either product here.
Storage matters for any retinoid
A lab analysis of 12 commercial retinoid products found most lost potency over 6 months, especially when exposed to light, and some contained less than labeled (Temova Rakuša et al., J Cosmet Dermatol, 2021). Opaque, airless packaging and cool, dark storage help whichever product you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Is retinal stronger than retinol? Retinal is closer to the active form, so it's often considered more potent at the same percentage.
Which is better for beginners? Medik8's lowest strengths are designed for beginners; The Ordinary recommends its retinal for experienced users.
Can I switch between them? Yes, but adjust frequency if irritation occurs.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. We have no commercial relationship with either brand, and this comparison is not sponsored. Talk to your dermatologist about your situation.
Sources
- Medik8. Crystal Retinal product page
- The Ordinary. Retinal 0.2% Emulsion product page
- Mukherjee S et al. Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging. Clin Interv Aging. 2006. PubMed
- American Academy of Dermatology. Sunscreen FAQs
