Versus

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Versus Menarini Tretinoin Gel 0.05%

Serum
Prescription
British Brand United Kingdom
Italian Brand Italy

Updated on April 16, 2025

Overview

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants and retinoid

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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 needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 39 ingredients

Menarini Tretinoin Gel 0.05% 11 ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 39 ingredients

Menarini Tretinoin Gel 0.05% 11 ingredients

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Crystal Retinal 3

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Masking, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.

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 Triglyceride

When to use

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 39 ingredients

Menarini Tretinoin Gel 0.05% 11 ingredients

199 Routines
2% use in am
98% use in pm
60% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
241 Routines
1% use in am
99% use in pm
69% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 39 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 3 ratings
Alexa0910's avatar

Alexa0910

4 months ago
Review

It’s amazing, not greasy, absorbs really well and smells of cinnamon.

Menarini Tretinoin Gel 0.05% 11 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 3 ratings
Drying (1) Great Value (1) Works Well (1)
SailorMoon_954's avatar

SailorMoon_954

1 year ago
Review

help with my acne but drying

m51's avatar

m

17 days ago
Review

It is amazing for acne. I had forehead acne where it was cysts, comedies, fungal acne. It went all away using this. I had deep rooted scarring and hyperpigmentation marks and scars and this helped heal it all. Problem is you can burn yourself if you don’t use it sparingly, in a consistent routine. It also is very very drying so you need to moisture a lot. It also causes ur skin to flake as this Show more

#great value
#drying
#works well