Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum versus Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 .
Published on August 18, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and cruelty-free . They have a total of 13 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Facial Treatment
Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.
Serum
Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Ingredient Info
Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum 19 ingredients
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 47 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum 19 ingredients
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 47 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Build your routine, track which ingredients work for you, and much more with your free account.
Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum 19 ingredients
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 47 ingredients
Water • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Oleyl Erucate • Glycerin • Triheptanoin • Cetearyl Olivate • Sorbitan Olivate • Cyclodextrin • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Biosaccharide Gum-1 • Allantoin • Retinal • Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil • Panthenol • Citric Acid • Tocopheryl Acetate • Disodium EDTA • Ethylhexylglycerin • Phenoxyethanol
Water • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Glycerin • Isododecane • Cetearyl Olivate • Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Cetearyl Alcohol • Ppg-12/Smdi Copolymer • Sorbitan Olivate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Titanium Dioxide • Squalane • Eclipta Prostrata Extract • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Phenoxyethanol • Cyclodextrin • Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose • Sodium Hyaluronate • Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate • Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract • Alumina • Isostearic Acid • Lecithin • Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate • Disodium EDTA • Hydroxyacetophenone • Polyhydroxystearic Acid • Stearic Acid • Ethylhexylglycerin • 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid • Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil • Sodium Polyaspartate • Climbazole • Retinal • Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract • Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract • Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract • Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil • Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil • Polysorbate 60 • Sorbitan Isostearate • Pentylene Glycol • Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract • Decylene Glycol • BHA • 1,2-Hexanediol • Coumarin
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterGeek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 1.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideGeek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 2.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinGeek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 3.
Cetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
Manufacturers use the name Olivem 1000. This ingredient has been found to preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria. This ingredient is grouped with Sorbitan Olivate under the name Olivem 1000.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateGeek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum contains this as ingredient number 6.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 5.
Sorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
Sorbitan Olivate is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
Manufacturers sell sorbitan olivate under the name OliveM 1000. OliveM 1000 a multifunctional ingredient. It is self-emulsifying. According to a manufacturer, OliveM 1000 does not disrupt natural skin biome.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateGeek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 9.
We don't have a description for Cyclodextrin.
Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 16.
This is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.
It is also an emulsifer, meaning it prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It also helps evenly disperse other ingredients.
Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 14.
Retinal is a form of retinoid. Retinoids are a group of vitamin A compounds with anti-aging and acne fighting benefits.
Retinal has many benefits as other retinoids: improve skin texture, reduce large pores, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, heal scars, and fight acne.
Studies show retinal may work at a faster rate than retinol due to its structure. Retinoids have to be converted into retinoic acid before starting to work. Some retinoids take several steps of conversion before binding. Retinal is only one step away, making it more potent.
Like other retinoids, retinal may be irritating. It is best to ease into using this ingredient daily. It is best to avoid mixing other active ingredients if you have sensitive skin.
Learn more about RetinalGeek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 34.
Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.
Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum contains this as ingredient number 13.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 38.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateGeek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum contains this as ingredient number 16.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 10.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGeek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 25.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 29.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 contains this as ingredient number 15.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum 19 ingredients
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 47 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum 19 ingredients
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 47 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum 19 ingredients
sword
Changed My Skin Completely
This retinal is genuinely amazing. It's one of the only noncomedogenic retinoids that I've found, and it has such a...
Changed My Skin Completely
This retinal is genuinely amazing. It's one of the only noncomedogenic retinoids that I've found, and it has such a small percentage of retinal that it's very well suited for beginners, especially those with sensitive skin. It has a very light lotion texture that absorbs very easily. I had a very short and light purge - it lasted about a week and a half and I only had some whiteheads, nothing intense. I started using it every third night, but now I'm using it every other night because it's gentle enough that my skin can take it that frequently. But the changes to my skin are VERY noticeable. My skin is almost completely clear, it's less oily, my acne scars are fading very quickly, and my pores have shrunk SO much I didn't think it was even possible for my skin to look like this. This product is absolutely incredible.
elinstrandh
Yes baby, this is the good stuff! When I switched from retinol to this my skincare journey changed completely. In my opinion it’s more effective...
Yes baby, this is the good stuff! When I switched from retinol to this my skincare journey changed completely. In my opinion it’s more effective and a lot less harsh on my skin (coming for someone who has sensitive skin). This is unscented which is also great. Affordable compared to other A-vitamin products out there. Definitely recommend!
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 8 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum.
See 8 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 6 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10.
See 6 alternatives
