Medik8 Crystal Retinal - 3 Versus Dermalogica Smart Response Serum
Updated on June 18, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive 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 common allergens, fragrances and oils
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 43 ingredients
Dermalogica Smart Response Serum 48 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 43 ingredients
Dermalogica Smart Response Serum 48 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Isododecane
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Cyclodextrin
AbsorbentSqualane
Emollient
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
Emollient
Retinal
Skin Conditioning
Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Alumina
Abrasive
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Lecithin
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract
Perfuming
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Sodium Polyaspartate
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBHT
Antioxidant
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract
Masking
Coumarin
Perfuming
CI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Isododecane, Cetearyl Olivate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cyclodextrin, Squalane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Retinal, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, Alumina, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Stearic Acid, Sodium Polyaspartate, Pentylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 60, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, BHT, Sorbitan Isostearate, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract, Coumarin, CI 14700, CI 77891
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
PPG-24-Glycereth-24
EmulsifyingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2
AbsorbentC18-36 Acid Triglyceride
EmollientSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Olive Oil Decyl Esters
Phytosterols
Skin Conditioning
Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Wheat Flour
Skin ConditioningSodium Mannose Phosphate
HumectantPhytosteryl Macadamiate
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Beta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningMimosa Tenuiflora Bark Extract
Skin ProtectingIlex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Sea Salt
Abrasive
Ferula Galbaniflua Resin Oil
Antimicrobial
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Juniperus Virginiana Oil
Masking
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Masking
Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil
Masking
Prunus Amygdalus Amara Kernel Oil
Masking
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Dipteryx Odorata Seed Extract
MaskingLactic Acid
Buffering
Bentonite
Absorbent
C12-18 Acid Triglyceride
EmollientSqualene
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Mannose
HumectantCitric Acid
Buffering
Hydrated Silica
Abrasive
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Citronellol
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Coumarin
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, PPG-24-Glycereth-24, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Jojoba Esters, Olive Oil Decyl Esters, Phytosterols, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Flour, Sodium Mannose Phosphate, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Hydrolyzed Beta-Glucan, Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark Extract, Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract, Sea Salt, Ferula Galbaniflua Resin Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Amara Kernel Oil, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Dipteryx Odorata Seed Extract, Lactic Acid, Bentonite, C12-18 Acid Triglyceride, Squalene, Tocopherol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Mannose, Citric Acid, Hydrated Silica, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citronellol, Geraniol, Coumarin, Linalool, Limonene
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidCoumarins are a group of substances found naturally in plants. There are over 1300 types of coumarins identified. It has a natural vanilla scent.
Coumarin is an identified EU known allergy, meaning it may cause an allergic reaction when applied to the skin.
In many countries, coumarin is banned as a food additive. However, it can be found in soaps, tobacco products, and some alcohol drinks.
Plants use coumarins as a chemical defense. Some plants that have coumarins include lavender, tonka beans, and yellow clovers.
Learn more about CoumarinGlycerin 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 GlycerinHydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 43 ingredients
Dermalogica Smart Response Serum 48 ingredients
Reviews
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