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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 versus SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 .

Last updated on February 16, 2024. Published on May 17, 2022

Overview

Cool Features

They both contain retinoid

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Serum British Brand United Kingdom
Facial Treatment American Brand United States

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Facial Treatment

Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.

Price

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Buy Crystal Retinal 3

Shop

Buy Retinol 0.3

Starts at $78.00

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 39 ingredients

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 22 ingredients

alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 39 ingredients

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 22 ingredients

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid
Vitamin C (2)
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (2)
Skin Texture (3)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (3)
Dark Spots (3)
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating
Rosacea

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid

Benefits

Good For Oily Skin
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 39 ingredients

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 22 ingredients

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 contains this as ingredient number 1.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 contains this as ingredient number 30.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 10.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 39 ingredients

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 22 ingredients

31% are loved or liked
15% have mixed ratings
36% are disliked or very disliked
18% have no rating yet
36% are loved or liked
5% have mixed ratings
50% are disliked or very disliked
9% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 39 ingredients

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 22 ingredients

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 39 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 2 reviews

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 22 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 review

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 6 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3.

See 6 alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 3 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3.

See 3 alternatives
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